Guided Tours
Gain detailed insights into the extraordinary architecture and musical programme of the Elbphilharmonie
Book a guided tourPublic Concert Hall Tours
Tours take visitors around the former warehouse upon which the Elbphilharmonie was built, via the Plaza and through the foyers to the heart of the Elbphilharmonie – the Grand Hall. You can choose between a general tour and tours with a special focus on music or architecture. We recommend that persons with mobility issues take the barrier-free tour.
At the moment, there are no entry restrictions for guided tours. There ist no obligation to wear an FFP2 mask any more. To protect yourself and others, we still recommend wearing a mask.
Book tickets for guided concert hall tours on this webpage or in person at the Elbphilharmonie Ticket Shops.
Öffentliche Konzerthausführung
This tour provides information on the history of the Elbphilharmonie, as well as fascinating insights into its concert halls, outstanding acoustics and music programming.
- Duration: approx. 90 minutes
- Language: German or English
- Max. group size: 15 participants / From June: 25 participants
- Not accessible
- €20 per person
- A maximum of six tickets may be purchased at any one time.
Barrier-free guided tour
There are also barrier-free versions of public concert hall tours.
- Duration: approx. 90 minutes
- Language: German
- Max. group size: 15 participants
- €20 per person
- A maximum of six tickets may be purchased at any one time.
Please note: Persons accompanying severely disabled people with the B classification on their ID card can take the barrier-free tour for free, but they will still need a ticket. You can obtain your free ticket for the accompanying person by providing your full address and a telephone number either by emailing barrierefrei@elbphilharmonie.de, by calling +49 40 357 666 66 or by visiting one of our Ticket Shops.
Focus on music
This tour is focused on the musical city of Hamburg, its history – and of course the Elbphilharmonie building and its musical programme.
Focus on the organ
This tour is all about the organ: after a tour of the concert hall, organist Thomas Cornelius presents the majestic instrument itself – with music, of course!
Focus on architecture
This tour is focused on the history of the concert hall building and its architectural features.
- Duration: Music / Architecture approx. 90 minutes, Organ approx. 2 hours
- Language: German
- Max. group size: 15 participants / From June: 25 participants
- Not accessible
- Price: Music / Architecture €20 per person, Organ €30 per person
- A maximum of six tickets may be purchased at any one time.
Concert Hall Tours for Private Groups
Enjoy a birthday treat, a friends’ outing or a company event – book a concert hall tour for a private group.
- Duration: approx. 90 minutes
- Available in a variety of languages
- Private group tours may only be booked by and for private individuals, not by distributors
- Fixed price: €300 for 15 participants / From June: €500 for 25 participants
- Not accessible
- Also available with a focus on architecture or music
Plaza Tours
- Duration: approx. 45 minutes
- Language: German or English
- Max. group size: 10 participants / From June: 15 participants
- Not accessible
- €10 per person
- A maximum of 10 (from June 15) tickets may be purchased at any one time.
Dates and Tickets
- Concert hall tours are planned in accordance with the concert and rehearsal schedule of the Elbphilharmonie. Tickets are generally not available earlier than 6 weeks before the date of the tour.
- Concert hall tours can be booked online or in person at the Elbphilharmonie Ticket Shops.
- View the payment options
- Bookings are final: tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded.
Meeting point and important information
- All guided tours start from the Elbphilharmonie Ticket Shop. The Ticket Shop can be reached via the main entrance, and is located on the ground floor, in the corridor on the right-hand side of the long escalator.
- Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour. Late arrivals (later than start time) may not participate and are not entitled to a replacement tour or a refund of the purchase price.
- Our guided tours are physically demanding. This is above all due to the staircases extending over many floors in the Grand Hall foyer that must be climbed.
- Tours are not recommended for children under the age of eight.
Frequently asked questions
Route
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Where do the concert hall and Plaza tours start?
All guided tours start from the Elbphilharmonie Ticket Shop. The ticket shop can be reached via the Elbphilharmonie’s main entrance, and is located on the ground floor, on the right in the corridor, next to the big escalator.
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Where do the concert hall and Plaza tours end?
Guided tours end on the Plaza, where guests are welcome to remain and enjoy the view over the city and the port. A separate Plaza ticket is not necessary.
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Does the concert hall tour visit the Grand Hall?
A vast majority of guided tours takes visitors into the Elbphilharmonie Grand Hall. In rare cases, the hall cannot be visited owing to its concert and rehearsal schedule.
Plaza tours do not visit the Grand Hall or the Recital Hall.
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Does the Plaza tour visit the Grand Hall?
Plaza tours do not visit the Elbphilharmonie concert halls.
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Do guided tours include the Recital Hall?
The Recital Hall is a multipurpose space and continually hired out. Only in exceptional circumstances is the Recital Hall offered as part of a guided tour.
Plaza tours do not visit the Elbphilharmonie concert halls.
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At what height do the Plaza tours take place?
The Plaza is situated 37 metres above ground level. The Plaza Tour also takes visitors to the outer Plaza.
Safety measures and other guidelines
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Distancing rules & safety measures
The requirements for participation in the guided tours can be found here: entry requirements
To minimise the risk of infection during the coronavirus pandemic, the lifts will not be in use – the guided tours are therefore not accessible at the present time.
Please note that, in accordance with Section 5 Par. 1 No. 3 of the Hamburg SARS-COV-2 Containment Act, people with symptoms of an acute respiratory disease will not be admitted onto the premises.
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At what times do guided tours take place?
Guided tours are planned in accordance with the concert and rehearsal schedule of the concert hall. Tours are offered at different times almost daily. The majority of guided tours take place between 10:00 and 17:00.
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Are there breaks during a guided tour?
Tours do not include a toilet break.
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Is it possible to store suitcases or valuable items?
Yes, lockers are located in the corridor on the right-hand side of the »Tube« in the main entrance area.
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Are lifts used during regular guided tours?
On the concert hall tour, some floors – in particular in the foyers of the Elbphilharmonie – are reached by taking the stairs.
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What kind of clothing is recommended for the Plaza tour?
The outer and inner Plaza both have outdoor temperatures, so we recommend that you dress accordingly.
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Is photography permitted during tours?
Please note that NO audio recording, video recording or photography is permitted during guided tours.
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Why are the guided tours not recommended for children under the age of eight?
The guided tours last at least 45 minutes and are aimed at adult participants. Children are, however, welcome to participate. Children under the age of three do not require a ticket.
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Are discounts available for children, senior citizens or unemployed persons?
No, there are no discounts.
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Can tickets for guided tours be exchanged or refunded?
No, bookings are final. Tickets for guided tours cannot be refunded or exchanged.
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Can persons accompanying severely disabled people take part in tours for free?
Persons accompanying severely disabled people with the B classification on their ID card can take the barrier-free tour for free, but they will still need a ticket. You can obtain your free ticket for the accompanying person by providing your full address and a telephone number either by emailing barrierefrei@elbphilharmonie.de, by calling +49 40 357 666 66 or by visiting one of our Ticket Shops.