Going to the Opera in Vienna - Attractions
Vienna is synonymous with opera and the Austrian capital boasts some of the most sublime concert halls in Europe. Tickets are surprisingly affordable and there’s no better way to explore Vienna’s more romantic side.
The jewel in Austria’s operatic crown is undoubtedly the Vienna State Opera House. This monumental building’s doors first opened in 1869 with a performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni and later went on to employ the likes of Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss. Today the State Opera House can seat 1,642 and has standing room for a further 567 visitors (by far the cheapest option). Advanced tickets can be bought at though the Tourist Information Booth in Albertinaplatz or with the help of your hotel concierge. Programs change throughout the year, with an average of 50 operas and 20 ballets to choose from.
The capital’s two other leading operatic venues are the Vienna Musikverein and the Vienna Konzerthaus. The Vienna Musikverein’s imposing renaissance design comes straight form the Acropolis and the building is worth a visit in itself. The Magnificent Golden Hall is the setting for the Viennese’s Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual televised New Year’s Eve concert.
Meanwhile the Vienna Konzerthaus is a symphony of art nouveau architecture and one of the city’s best loved landmarks. The Konzerthaus boasts four different concert halls which welcome more than half a million music-lovers each year. Besides classical performances the Konzerthaus’ repertoire covers everything from folk music to jazz.
Once the imperial home of the Hapsburg dynasty; Vienna’s Hofburg is a recent addition to the capital’s impeccable collection of concert venues. Besides hosting classical performances the Hofburg also organises fabulous balls where you can test out your waltzing skills.
Built in 1898, the Vienna Volksoper is the capital’s largest music venue. The Volksoper caters to more populist tastes by offering a program of contemporary musicals along with operas and operettas.
If you’re visiting Vienna with a certain concert in mind then you’ll need to book in advance. However, if you simply want to sample Vienna’s classical heritage (and you aren’t particularly fussy about which performance you attend) you should have little difficulty picking up a ticket on arrival.
Vienna City Break
