{"id":1660,"date":"2016-02-03T09:09:34","date_gmt":"2016-02-03T08:09:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/?page_id=1660"},"modified":"2026-01-25T17:00:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-25T16:00:37","slug":"opera-in-vienna","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/activities\/opera-in-vienna\/","title":{"rendered":"Opera in Vienna"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/operathumb.jpg\" alt=\"Outside the Staatsoper\" class=\"wp-image-16209\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/operathumb.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/operathumb-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Various popular opera composers called Vienna home, so it&#8217;s no surprise to find one of the world&#8217;s most prestigious opera venues here as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The famous Staatsoper opened in 1869<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#8230;and Vienna has two other opera houses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Egalitarian tradition means opera is priced for everyone<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Book a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/concerts-opera-vienna-tickets-l206741\/?partner=visitingvienna&amp;tq_campaign=LG_Opera\" rel=\"sponsored\">concert experience<\/a>* for your trip<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See also:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/activities\/events-in-vienna\/\">Events in Vienna<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/opera\/when-is-the-opera-season\/\">When is the opera season?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/evening\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"71635\">What to do with your evening<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Jump to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#the-opera-houses\">The main opera houses<\/a>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Staatsoper, Volksoper &amp; Theater an der Wien<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#opera-on-film\">Annual operatic events<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#alternatives\">Alternatives<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#reading\">Further reading<\/a>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What to wear, the opera season<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-opera-houses\">The opera houses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let us begin with the magnificence that is&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-staatsoper\">The Staatsoper<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/staatsopernight.jpg\" alt=\"Staatsoper at night\" class=\"wp-image-41933\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/staatsopernight.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/staatsopernight-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Staatsoper at night)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/opera\/staatsoper\/\">Staatsoper<\/a>&nbsp;(State Opera House) appeared in 1869 and enjoys an outstanding global reputation. Experts speak of it in the same breath as such institutions as the <em>Paris Opera<\/em> or New York&#8217;s <em>The Met<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The house on Vienna&#8217;s Ringstrassen boulevard has the biggest budget and the best-looking building of the city&#8217;s opera venues, and it hosts \u2014 surprise! \u2014 mainly operatic productions with some ballet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Iconic names like&nbsp;Luciano Pavarotti, Maria Callas, Enrico Caruso, and Tom Cruise have all performed here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sorry&#8230;Tom Cruise? Yep&#8230;the Staatsoper served as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/songsfilms\/mission-impossible-5-locations\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4346\">film set<\/a> for a Mission Impossible movie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The downside to this glorious history and reputation is that the Staatsoper often sells out. However, you have an entirely plausible way to get <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/opera\/cheap-tickets\/\">inexpensive tickets<\/a> on the day of a performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Should you simply wish to see inside this historical building, you don&#8217;t actually need an opera ticket: the Staatsoper offers rather lovely <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/opera\/staatsoper-tour\/\">guided tours<\/a> in various languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tip: The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/cafespubsbars\/gerstner-palais-todesco\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"81841\">Gerstner caf\u00e9-bar and restaurant<\/a> opposite makes a rather refined venue for pre-performance nourishment. But make sure you reserve a table. Another close option is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/cafespubsbars\/cafe-mozart\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"23684\">Caf\u00e9 Mozart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Season: September to June or early July<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Address: Opernring 2, 1010 Vienna<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><em>Ad:<\/em><br><\/div><div data-tiqets-widget=\"discovery\" data-cards-layout=\"horizontal\" data-slug-ids=\"exp206741,exp238032\" data-partner=\"visitingvienna\" data-tq-campaign=\"DA_ConcTour\"><\/div><script defer src=\"https:\/\/widgets.tiqets.com\/loader.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Next up in our operatic tour is&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"volksoper\">The Volksoper<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/volksoper2024a.jpg\" alt=\"Entrance to the Volksoper\" class=\"wp-image-69890\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/volksoper2024a.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/volksoper2024a-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The main entrance)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like the Staatsoper, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/opera\/volksoper\/\">Volksoper<\/a>&nbsp;(opened 1898) has its own ensemble, so can also vary its schedule frequently. It hosts opera, operettas, ballet and musicals; you might catch <em>La Traviata<\/em> one day and <em>Carousel<\/em> the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Staatsoper actually moved here temporarily when WWII bombing heavily damaged their building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Volksoper also enjoys its own movie claim to fame, having <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/songsfilms\/jamesbondlivingdaylights\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"207\">featured<\/a> in the Bond film, <em>The Living Daylights<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tip: I recently discovered the nearby <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/cafespubsbars\/cafe-schopenhauer\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"63676\">Caf\u00e9 Schopenhauer<\/a> at Staudgasse 1, which is a strong option for refreshment before and\/or after visiting the opera house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Season: September to June<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Address: W\u00e4hringer Stra\u00dfe 78, 1090 Vienna<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"theater-an-der-wien\">The Theater an der Wien<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/theateranderWien2024.jpg\" alt=\"Front view of a theater\" class=\"wp-image-78173\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/theateranderWien2024.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/theateranderWien2024-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The newly-refurbished premises)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/opera\/theater-wien\/\">Theater an der Wien<\/a> tends to host short-run guest productions and only returned this century to the role of opera house, though it has a long and honourable operatic and musical history that predates even the Staatsoper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beethoven&#8217;s <em>Fidelio<\/em> premiered here, for example, in 1805. As did Johann Strauss II&#8217;s <em>Die Fledermaus<\/em> in 1874. So this venue has History with a capital H.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More recently, the Theater an der Wien underwent a major refurbishment and modernisation that saw it shift to another location for a couple of years during construction work. The house reopened in October 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One or two of Vienna&#8217;s hidden delights surround the building. For example&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go around the side to find the famous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/footsteps\/papagenotor\/\">Papagenotor<\/a>. This gateway with motifs from <em>The Magic Flute<\/em> pays tribute to Emanuel Schikaneder, who wrote the libretto for Mozart&#8217;s opera and actually founded the theatre<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go further up the road to see Otto Wagner&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/footsteps\/majolika-house\/\">Majolikahaus<\/a> building(s) with their absolutely gorgeous facades<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Tip: for pre- and post-visit drinks, snacks and meals, cross over the road to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/shopping\/markets\/naschmarkt\/\">Naschmarkt<\/a>: Vienna&#8217;s largest open-air market, full of international and gourmet delights, bars, and restaurants<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Season: September to June<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Address: Linke Wienzeile 6, 1060 Vienna<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"opera-on-film\">Annual operatic events<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/filmfestivalfacilities.jpg\" alt=\"Film festival facilities\" class=\"wp-image-41576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/filmfestivalfacilities.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/filmfestivalfacilities-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The film festival screen with the Rathaus behind)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summer opera<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.opernsommer.at\/\">Wiener Opernsommer<\/a> is an annual event that puts on an open-air opera across two to three weeks in the summer. In 2024, we had <em>Don Giovanni<\/em> at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/vienna-museums\/belvedere\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3308\">Belvedere<\/a>. In 2025, we had <em>La Traviata<\/em> at the Heumarkt (normally home to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/sport\/ice-skating-eislaufverein\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"902\">open-air ice skating<\/a>). And 2026 sees a return to Heumarkt with <em>Carmen<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opera on film<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A huge annual event in Vienna is the open-air <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/events\/rathaus-film-festival\/\">Rathaus Film Festival<\/a> that runs across most of the summer. The screen and plenty of seating occupy space in front of the neogothic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/rathaus-2\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"267\">city hall<\/a>, while a host of international food booths fill much of the rest of the square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The title &#8220;film festival&#8221; is a touch misleading. No &#8220;movies&#8221; here. Instead, evening showings present a musical performance of one kind or another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though many genres feature, the focus is on classical music. And operas always make up a significant part of the programme. The screenings are free: no ticket required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Opernball<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>One of Vienna&#8217;s more prestigious annual events is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/events\/opernball\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"22621\">Opernball<\/a>: a ball that takes place in the Staatsoper and attracts high society, celebrities, business leaders, and politicians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"alternatives\">Related options<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/eschenbach2.jpg\" alt=\"Front view of Palais Eschenbach\" class=\"wp-image-67361\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/eschenbach2.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/eschenbach2-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The concerts at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/palais-eschenbach\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"70392\">Palais Eschenbach<\/a> commonly feature excerpts from opera and operetta, I believe)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have a whole article of suggestions for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/evening\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"71635\">what to do in the evening<\/a> in Vienna, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/shows-and-musicals\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"84036\">various shows and musicals<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if we stay on the operatic theme, then many of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/classical-concert\/#mozart-strauss-concerts\">light classical concerts<\/a> put on for visitors in historical venues may also include music and\/or arias from famous operas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"reading\">Further reading<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A couple of other useful articles for you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/opera\/what-to-wear\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3882\">What to wear for the opera<\/a>: advice on suitable clothing for Viennese venues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/opera\/when-is-the-opera-season\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"19354\">The opera season<\/a>: dates and highlights for the annual season at the three main venues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/embed?mid=1BrCYLfHiiy85k0jpzDwlKspb31KiYq4Y\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Various popular opera composers called Vienna home, so it&#8217;s no surprise to find one of the world&#8217;s most prestigious opera venues here as well. Jump to: The opera houses Let us begin with the magnificence that is&#8230; The Staatsoper (The Staatsoper at night) The Staatsoper&nbsp;(State Opera House) appeared in 1869 and enjoys an outstanding global [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16209,"parent":1656,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-1660","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1660","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1660"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1660\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":88221,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1660\/revisions\/88221"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1656"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16209"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1660"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}