Elbphilharmonie-Plaza introduces entry fees – so far there has been no rush for free tickets

Although the days of free tickets for the visitor platform of the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie are numbered, there has so far been no rush for the last free tickets. “There are no signs of an increased number of visitors before the introduction of the Plaza entrance. The number of visitors is at the same level as last year," said a spokesman for the Elbphilharmonie to the German Press Agency in Hamburg.

Between July 1st and September 27th, around 820,000 guests were welcomed to the Plaza. The numbers are even declining slightly. “In 2025 there were slightly more guests at 823,000 in the same period.”

From Monday, entry to the 360-degree viewing platform at a height of 37 meters will cost five euros per person for adults; the reduced price is three euros. The entrance fees are intended to reduce the burden on the city's cultural budget. The Senate expects gross annual revenue of around 6.4 million euros from ticket sales. According to the Senate, the city has so far paid 3.6 million euros annually to the operating company to enable free access to the plaza.

Opened at the end of 2016, the plaza is one of the city's most visited landmarks. The Plaza lies exactly between the brick and glass facades of the impressive concert hall with the wave-shaped roof. More than 2.2 million people came last year to enjoy the free view over the harbor and city. On peak days there are up to 17,000 visitors. In addition, there are the concert visitors, for whom the visit to the Plaza is included in the ticket.

Cologne Cathedral also requires entry

Recently, Cologne Cathedral also changed its strategy when it came to free admission. Since July, tourists have had to pay an entrance fee of twelve euros to visit the interior.