Guided tours of the Elbphilharmonie will soon be a reality
After a lot of bad blood, the Elbphilharmonie can finally be enjoyed next year. The plaza, hotel and restaurants (as well as a souvenir store with various souvenirs of the Elphi and music literature) are currently in operation and more than 20,000 people have already made use of the free viewing platform. In my experience, you don’t have to pay two euros for a reservation on weekdays, but can simply pick up your free ticket next to the escalator (The Tube) and then “check in” at the scanner. Up to 1,200 people can walk around the plaza at the same time. In bad weather, the number is reduced to 600.
Taking the escalator up to the plaza takes what feels like an eternity. Probably because of the anticipation. Even in hazy weather, the view is fantastic. It is perhaps the only point in the city center from which you can see all five main churches at once. Overall, the building impresses with its attention to detail, even if not everything is perfect (I found sticky notes with “cracks”, was horrified to discover that the café on the plaza drinks out of cardboard and plastic cups, and immediately noticed at the tube that the fluorescent tubes on the sides could have been installed more beautifully). Nevertheless, Hamburg now has another attraction and we will be starting guided tours next year at the latest. Until then, the plaza will be open to Hamburg residents and individual tourists.
So, let’s go and have a look around (but beware: the concert halls are usually not yet open to the public)! In summer, as a tour guide, I can well imagine enjoying a sunset or two in the outdoor area of the Plaza. Seating is already provided directly in the walls. The area around the Elbphilharmonie will also be open to the public in the future. However, when you arrive, bear in mind that parking is not that easy. It is better to use public transport. The subway line U3 stops very close by at “Baumwall” station. Have fun! And if you would like to find out more about the exciting HafenCity district and the Elbphilharmonie, please contact me via my contact form for an individual guided tour.
