The Elbphilharmonie, or Elphi to locals, is the building that changed the face of Hamburg. Designed by Herzog and de Meuron and opened in January 2017, it rises in waves of curved glass from the brick base of an old quayside warehouse at the tip of HafenCity. Between the two sits the Plaza, a public viewing level 37 metres above the ground that wraps right around the building, with views over the harbour cranes, the Elbe, the Speicherstadt and the church spires of the old town. You reach it on the Tube, a gently curving escalator about 82 metres long that takes around two and a half minutes. The Plaza is open to everyone with a ticket, but this one-hour guided tour, run in English or German, adds the stories: how the building was made, why it took so long and what goes on in the halls above your head.
What the tour covers: the guide meets the group at Baumwall U-Bahn station and walks you to the Elbphilharmonie, through the entrance and up the curved escalator to the Plaza. On the way round the viewing level you hear about the warehouse that forms the base, the controversial construction, the acoustics of the Grand Hall and the harbour spread out below. The tour lasts about an hour, groups are limited to 25, and you can cancel or reschedule free of charge up to 24 hours before. It does not go inside the concert halls, which are only visited on separate official tours or with a concert ticket.
If you go on your own: the Plaza is open daily from 10:00 until midnight, with last entry at 23:30, apart from 24 December and shortened hours on 31 December. A small booking fee per ticket applies whether you book online or on site, and booking ahead guarantees entry at your chosen time. More than 25 million people have visited the Plaza since it opened, so evenings and weekends can be busy.
Making the most of it: come for the late afternoon, then walk round to the harbour side to watch the light fade over the cranes. The Speicherstadt and Miniatur Wunderland are a short walk away, and harbour cruises leave from the Landungsbrücken nearby. If you want to hear the famous acoustics, look at the concert programme early, as many evenings sell out.
What to expect
The experience
A one-hour guided walk up the curved escalator and around the Plaza viewing level, in English or German.
Best time
Late afternoon, so you can stay on the Plaza for sunset over the harbour after the tour.
How long
About one hour with the guide, plus as long as you like on the Plaza afterwards.
Tips
Arrive a few minutes early at Baumwall station, bring a windproof layer and keep your phone ticket ready.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want the best view of the harbour and the story of the city’s new landmark.
- Families
- Children love the long escalator and the open views, and an hour is a good length for them.
- Couples
- Book an afternoon slot and stay on the Plaza for the lights coming on across the docks.
- Pair with
- The Speicherstadt, Miniatur Wunderland and a harbour cruise from the Landungsbrücken.
- Time needed
- One to two hours including time on the Plaza.
Good questions
Does the tour go inside the concert halls?+
No, this tour covers the escalator and the Plaza viewing level only. The halls can be seen on separate official tours or by going to a concert.
How high is the Elbphilharmonie Plaza?+
The Plaza is 37 metres above the ground and wraps around the whole building. It looks over the harbour, the Elbe and the old town.
Can I visit the Plaza without a tour?+
Yes, the Plaza is open daily from 10:00 until midnight with a small booking fee per ticket. Booking ahead guarantees your entry time.
Where does the guided tour start?+
The guide meets the group at Baumwall U-Bahn station. From there it is a short walk to the Elbphilharmonie entrance.
Can I cancel the tour?+
Yes, free cancellation and rescheduling are available up to 24 hours before the tour. After that the ticket is not refundable.
