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Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper)Photo: infraredhorsebite · BY 2.0

Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper)

Opernring 2, Vienna$$$
Book TicketsDirectionsBooking links · they don’t affect the Locals Score

The Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera), opened in 1869, is Austria's premier opera house and one of the world's most celebrated. It stages opera and ballet on roughly 300 nights per season (Sep–Jun), with seats from €15 and standing-room tickets from €13. Guided tours run daily and are open to all visitors.

Key facts

Hours
Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00
Sat–Sun 10:00–13:00
Price$$$
Phone—
Website—
Nearest transitU1/U2/U4 Karlsplatz (exit 'Oper'); Trams 1, 2, D, 62, 71 at Oper/Karlsplatz stop
Time needed40 min for guided tour; 2.5–5 hrs for a full performance
Best time to goWeekday evenings for performances; mornings for guided tours to avoid crowds
Last verifiedJuly 12, 2026

Locals Score

  • Value8.5
  • Freshness5.9
  • Crowd level6.0
  • Authenticity8.5
  • Accessibility10.0
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Frequently asked questions

What is the Vienna Opera Ball and how do I get tickets?
The Vienna Opera Ball is an annual gala held in February when the stalls are transformed into a ballroom. Demand far exceeds supply: entry tickets are allocated via a lottery draw, and table seats are sold separately in chronological order. Sales are managed exclusively by the Vienna State Opera directly to guests — no third-party resellers.
How do I get to the Vienna State Opera by public transport?
Take the U1, U2, or U4 metro to Karlsplatz and use the 'Oper' exit — the opera house is immediately visible. Trams 1, 2, D, 62, and 71 also stop at Oper/Karlsplatz. The building is also easily walkable from the city centre.
Can I tour the Vienna State Opera without attending a performance?
Yes. The approximately 40-minute standard guided tour takes you through the foyer, grand staircase, state rooms (Tea Salon, Marble Hall, Schwind Foyer, Gustav Mahler Hall), and the auditorium with a view of the stage. Tours are offered in German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site 30 minutes before the tour starts (subject to availability).
Is the Vienna State Opera closed in summer?
Yes — there are no opera or ballet performances in July and August. The opera house also does not perform on 24 December or Good Friday. Guided tours, however, continue to run during the summer months.
Are there discounts for young visitors or students?
Yes. The U27 programme offers tickets for €25 per seat (areas 2–9) for visitors under 27, and U27 standing-room tickets for €10, available one day before the general sale. The free BundestheaterCard unlocks discounted standing-room tickets from €4–€5 per performance for cardholders.
What are standing-room (Stehplatz) tickets and how much do they cost?
Standing-room tickets offer an affordable way to experience world-class opera: Stehparterre (ground floor) costs €18, Galerie €15, and Balkon €13. They go on sale online at 10:00 on the day of the performance, with a maximum of two tickets per account. A second batch is sold at the Stehplatz box office on the Operngasse side of the building 80 minutes before curtain.
How do I get tickets to a Vienna State Opera performance?
Tickets can be purchased online at wiener-staatsoper.at for the current month and the next two months. Seats start from €15; standing-room tickets (€13–€18) go on sale online at 10:00 on the day of each performance. You can also buy by phone daily 10:00–19:00 at +43 1 5131513.
Are there subtitles during performances?
Yes. Every seat and every standing position has a small personal monitor with subtitles available in English, German, Italian, French, Russian, Japanese, and the original language of the opera. You can switch languages or turn the screen off at any time.

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