What is the Elbphilharmonie?
It's a concert hall in the HafenCity quarter of Hamburg that opened in 2017.
What's the Elbphilharmonie like?
It's a beautiful building. The top half looks like a sail or waves or a crown made from glass. This sits on a brick building, which was originally a warehouse built in 1966. The concert hall has three parts: the Great Concert Hall, which can hold 2,100 visitors; the Recital Hall, which holds 550 people; and the smaller Kaistudio.
Where is the Elbphilharmonie?
Hamburg, Germany
When did we go?
July 2025
How did we get there?
I flew to Hamburg airport and then got an Uber to the Elbphilharmonie, which took about 30 minutes.
Worth noting:
The building also houses a hotel, some residential apartments, and the Plaza - a viewing deck that is open to the public even if you don't have a ticket for a concert.
Where was the Elbphilharmonie in the 2015 Lonely Planet Ultimate Travelist?
It was a new addition for 2025.
Does the Elbphilharmonie deserve its place in the 2020 Lonely Planet Top 500?
It's a beautiful building but I'm not sure it beats the Sydney Opera House.
