The Elbphilharmonie, affectionately known as "Elphi," is a very special concert hall in Hamburg, which has made a name for itself with its unique architecture and excellent acoustics. The building connects to the historic Kaispeicher A with a modern glass facade that resembles a wave - fitting for the Hamburg harbor. Since its opening in January 2017, the Elbphilharmonie has attracted music lovers from around the world.

What makes the Elbphilharmonie special?

The Elbphilharmonie was opened on January 11, 2017, and has since established itself as one of the leading concert halls worldwide. There are a total of three concert halls where a diverse range of classical music to jazz and pop and rock is performed. Additionally, there is a concert gastronomy and a great observation deck.

Inside, the Elbphilharmonie houses three concert halls:

• The Great Hall accommodates 2,100 guests and impresses with its extraordinary acoustics. The so-called "White Skin," a special wall covering made of around 10,000 individually crafted gypsum fiberboards, ensures an unparalleled sound experience. No seat is more than 30 meters from the conductor's podium, creating a special closeness between artists and the audience.
• The Small Hall welcomes 550 spectators and is mainly used for chamber music, jazz concerts, and banquets.
• Kaistrudio 1 with 170 seats mainly serves music education and provides space for workshops and smaller events.

Another highlight is the publicly accessible plaza on the eighth floor, which offers a 360-degree view over Hamburg. Here, visitors can enjoy the impressive architecture of the building and the view of the city and the harbor.

Another highlight is the publicly accessible plaza on the 8th floor. From here, you have a breathtaking 360-degree view over the city and the harbor. The plaza connects the historic brick base of the former Kaispeicher with the modern glass structure and is accessible via a curved escalator.

The Elbphilharmonie caters to a wide audience whose interests could not be more varied:

• Adults: A diverse concert program ranging from classical to jazz to world music offers something for every taste.
• Families and children: Specially designed concerts and workshops enable even the youngest visitors to engage with music in a playful way.
• Tourists: In addition to the musical offerings, the Plaza is a popular attraction for anyone wishing to experience an impressive view over Hamburg.
• School classes: There are also numerous offerings for school classes to explore music.

The cost of a visit to the Elbphilharmonie varies depending on the event and seating category. Tickets for concerts can range from 10 euros to several hundred euros, depending on the artist and seat selection.


Access to the Plaza, the famous viewing platform, is free of charge, but you will need a Plaza ticket. You can get this on site. However, if you want to book at a certain time, the Plaza ticket costs 3 euros. For concert-goers, the Plaza ticket is free on the day of the event.

If you would like to take part in a guided tour of the Elbphi, you will need to budget 20 euros per person. Tickets are available online on the website, at the Elbphi concert box offices and at the Brahms Kontor.

Tip: For many events, there are discounted tickets for schoolchildren, students and senior citizens. It's worth looking for these offers early, as they often sell out quickly.

Note: Opening times may vary depending on the event and day of the week. It is recommended to check the current times on the official website before visiting.

The Elbphilharmonie is more than just a concert hall. It is a symbol of modern Hamburg, merging tradition and innovation. The impressive architecture attracts visitors from all over the world and offers a space where music can be experienced in all its facets. Whether as a concert-goer, architecture enthusiast, or tourist – the Elbphilharmonie has something for everyone. A visit to this unique place enriches not only culturally but also leaves lasting impressions of the beauty and diversity of Hamburg.

Overall, the Elbphilharmonie is a must for every visitor to Hamburg and a place that impressively reflects the cultural diversity and architectural prowess of the Hanseatic city.