Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper)

The basics

Attending a concert at the Vienna State Opera is an unforgettable experience—tickets sell out quickly so, it’s imperative to book in advance. Concerts by the Vienna Mozart Orchestra are a popular choice; the performers dress in traditional costumes and most tour packages include a gourmet dinner or Vienna walking tour in addition to the show. Alternatively, you can marvel at the magnificent facade and explore Vienna on a Vienna hop-on hop-off tour, or peek behind the scenes on a guided opera house tour.

Things to know before you go

• The dress code for concerts is smart evening attire; individuals wearing informal clothing such as short pants or leisurewear may be refused admission. Coats, jackets, and larger bags must be checked into the cloakroom.

• The use of cameras and smartphones is prohibited during performances.

• Children under 5 are not permitted at evening performances, but special matinée concerts for kids are held.

• The Vienna State Opera is wheelchair-accessible, but wheelchair seating must be booked in advance.

How to get there

The Vienna State Opera House is located on the Ring Road (Ringstrasse) in the historic center of Vienna, close to Hofburg Imperial Palace (Hofburg Wien) and the Winter Palace of Prince Eugene. The opera house can be reached by public transport—the nearest subway (U-Bahn) station is Karlsplatz and the nearest tram station is Opernring.

When to get there

Concerts are held year-round, but the main opera season starts in April. Most concerts are held in the evening, but there are also a number of matinées featuring choral groups, children’s opera, and chamber music.

The history of the Vienna State Opera

Since opening its doors in 1869 with a gala performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni, the Vienna State Opera has become one of the most famous concert venues in the world, boasting a rich history and extensive repertoire. Past directors have included musical legends such as Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, Herbert von Karajan, Karl Böhm, and Lorin Maazel. Director Dominique Meyer broke new ground by introducing live outdoor events and live-streaming performances.

Can I take a tour of the Vienna Opera House?

Yes, you can take tours of the Vienna Opera House with private companies or on in-house guided tours. The latter are 40 minutes long and cover the building's history, architecture, and the opera business. They also visit the grand staircase, the staterooms, and the auditorium.

Does the Vienna Opera House have a dress code?

Not exactly. While the Vienna Opera House does not have a formal dress code, it's recommended that you wear formal or semi-formal clothing—think business attire—to a performance. Wearing black ties or formal dresses might be excessive except for formal events. Musicals have looser clothing standards. Shorts are never allowed.

Is the Vienna Opera House free to enter?

No, the Vienna Opera House is not free to enter—you can visit by buying a ticket for a performance or booking one of many Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) tours. These tours cost between €7–13 and are free for children. Visitors with a valid Niederösterreich-Card, Vienna Pass, or Flexi-Pass can enjoy one-time, free admission.

Which is the main opera house in Vienna?

While there are three opera houses in Vienna, the Vienna Opera House is considered the main one—it’s among the leading opera houses in the world and hosts hundreds of performances. The other two opera houses in Vienna are the Vienna Opera Theater and Vienna Chamber Opera.

How can I get tickets for the Vienna Opera House?

You can buy your Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) tickets online via its website and third-party vendors, by telephone, or at the ticket box offices at the Vienna Opera House and other locations around Vienna. The standing-room box office sells standing-room tickets starting 80 minutes before performances begin.

How much does it cost to visit the Vienna Opera House?

It depends. You can visit the Vienna Opera House on an in-house guided tour for €7–13, buy standing-room tickets 80 minutes before a show for about €13–20, or buy regular tickets for performances—these typically cost less the earlier they’re purchased, but can cost hundreds of Euros depending on the performance.

Ways to explore

Attending a concert at the Vienna State Opera is an unforgettable experience—tickets sell out quickly, so booking in advance is imperative. Unlike other Viennese concert halls, the opera house focuses on opera and ballet. However, concerts by the Vienna Mozart Orchestra are another popular choice; the performers dress in traditional costumes, and most tour packages include a gourmet dinner. Those mainly curious about the building can take a peek behind the scenes on a guided opera house tour, or simply admire the building’s architecture on a Vienna walking tour or a Vienna hop-on hop-off tour.

Accessibility

Vienna State Opera performances are wheelchair accessible, but wheelchair seating must be booked in advance. Accessibility is limited for tours, which take place across several floors.

Age limits

Children under 5 are not permitted at evening performances, but special matinée concerts for kids are held.

What to pack

Cash for programs

What to wear

There is no strict dress code, but smart-casual clothing is recommended. Avoid flip-flops and shorts, which are not permitted.

Not allowed

Cameras and smartphones are prohibited during performances, as are head coverings that block the view of others.

Amenities

Cloakroom, restrooms, café

Address

The Vienna State Opera is located on the Ring Road (Ringstrasse) in the historic center of Vienna. It is easily accessible by public transportation and has an underground parking garage. Many sightseeing tours stop at or pass by the venue but don’t include visiting inside.

Driving

Parking is available at the venue or several garages in the surrounding streets. The venue’s parking garage is in Kärntner Strasse; you must be in the service lane of Kärntner Ring to turn right or drive straight on Kärntner Strasse to reach the entrance.

Public transportation

Take the U1, U2, or U4 metro to Karlsplatz station and follow the underground passage to the exit right next to the opera house. Alternatively, ride one of the trams or buses along the Ringstrasse to the stop directly outside the building.

Best times to visit

Most concerts are in the evening, but the opera house holds some matinees featuring choral groups, children’s opera, and chamber music. The exterior looks most impressive when illuminated at night.

Best days to visit

Saturdays generally have several performances to choose from, but they often sell out quickest, while most other days of the week host just one.

Best months to visit

The opera season runs from September to June, and the venue is closed in July and August.

Special events

The Vienna Opera Ball is held each February during the city’s ball season. It features performances of ballet and opera, plus a dance by debutantes.