The Vienna State Opera is one of the most prestigious and historic opera houses in the world. It is located in the heart of Vienna, on the Ringstrasse, and offers a rich and diverse program of operas, ballets, concerts and recitals. The opera house has a capacity of 2,284 seats and a stage that can accommodate up to 500 performers. The Vienna State Opera is also home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the finest orchestras in the world.
If you want to visit the Vienna State Opera, you need to buy a ticket in advance, either online or at the box office. The ticket prices vary depending on the performance, the seat category and the date. You can also buy standing tickets for a cheaper price, but you need to queue up before the performance and stand for the duration of the show. The opera house is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., except on Sundays and public holidays, when it opens at 11:00 a.m. The performances usually start at 7:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., and last for about three hours, with one or two intermissions.
To get to the Vienna State Opera, you can use public transportation or take a taxi. The nearest subway station is Karlsplatz/Oper, which is served by lines U1, U2 and U4. You can also take tram lines 1, 2, D, J or 62 to Kärntner Ring/Oper. If you prefer to drive, you can park your car at the nearby Operngarage or Kärntner Strasse garage.
Some tips for visiting the Vienna State Opera are:
- Dress appropriately for the occasion. There is no strict dress code, but you should avoid casual or sporty clothes and opt for something elegant and comfortable.
- Arrive early to enjoy the magnificent architecture and decoration of the opera house. You can also visit the Opera Museum, which displays costumes, props and memorabilia from past productions.
- Bring binoculars if you want to see the details of the stage and the performers. You can also rent them at the opera house for a small fee.
- Use headphones to listen to the subtitles in different languages. You can borrow them for free at the cloakroom with a deposit of your ID card or passport.
- Respect the etiquette and rules of the opera house. Do not talk, eat, drink or use your phone during the performance. Do not take photos or videos of the show. Do not clap or cheer until the end of each act or scene.
- Enjoy the experience and immerse yourself in the music and drama of the opera.
The Vienna State Opera also offers guided tours that allow you to explore behind-the-scenes areas and learn more about its history and operation. The tours last for about 40 minutes and cost 9 euros per person. You can book them online or at the ticket office.
Some of the highlights that you can see at the Vienna State Opera are:
- The façade and entrance hall, which feature statues of famous composers and singers, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Strauss.
- The grand staircase and foyer, which are decorated with marble columns, frescoes and chandeliers.
- The auditorium and stage, which are designed in a neo-Renaissance style and have excellent acoustics and lighting.
- The Gustav Mahler Hall, which is used for rehearsals and chamber music concerts.
- The Tea Salon, which is a cozy lounge where you can relax and enjoy a drink or a snack before or after the performance.
The Vienna State Opera is a must-see attraction for any music lover visiting Vienna. It is not only a cultural institution but also a symbol of Austria’s artistic heritage and excellence.
