The Elbphilharmonie rises above Hamburg’s harbour like a glass wave on a red-brick base. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron and opened in 2017, the concert hall incorporates the former Kaispeicher A warehouse, linking the city’s trading past with its modern cultural life. It is home to the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, though you don’t need a concert ticket to experience the building.
The public Plaza, 37 metres above the ground, is one of the best viewpoints in Hamburg. Its outdoor terrace circles the building, offering changing perspectives on the Elbe, the working port, HafenCity and the historic Speicherstadt. Watch container ships move along the river, then look back at the rippling glass façade and the city’s church spires.
Plaza admission is free, but a timed ticket is required. You can collect one on site, subject to availability, or reserve in advance online for a booking fee. Sunset brings beautiful harbour light, while earlier visits can be quieter; whenever you go, bring a layer for the exposed terrace. Baumwall U-Bahn station is around a ten-minute walk away, and a concert offers a separate chance to experience the celebrated main hall.