Plizio Visual Lab
Vienna State Opera
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Vienna State Opera on the Opernring is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world and a central landmark of the Austrian capital. The Neo-Renaissance building was designed by architects August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll and opened on May 25, 1869, with Mozart's 'Don Giovanni' in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I. During World War II, the opera house was almost completely destroyed by a bombing raid in 1945 and was rededicated in 1955 with Beethoven's 'Fidelio' following an arduous reconstruction. The State Opera is famous for its 'repertoire system,' which presents approximately 350 performances of over 60 different opera and ballet works annually. An annual social highlight is the Vienna Opera Ball, during which the auditorium is transformed into a magnificent dance floor. With around 1,700 seats and over 500 standing places, the house provides a first-class acoustic experience and is home to one of the world's finest orchestras, whose members form the Vienna Philharmonic.
- Location: Vienna, Austria
- Nearby: Vösendorf (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 19 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 43 | 38 | 46 | 41 | 85 | 91 | 88 | 87 | 79 | 54 | 45 | 43 |
📋 Practical info
Address
Opernring 2, 1010 Vienna
Hours
Mon-Sun 09:00-18:00 (tours depending on the schedule)
Entry
€13 for guided tours, performances vary greatly
Website
Transit
U1, U2, U4 Karlsplatz or tram 1, 2, D, 71
Parking
Kärntnerring-Garage (Opera Garage), discounted rates for visitors.
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available in almost all categories, prior registration required.
Photos
Strictly forbidden during performances, allowed during guided tours.
Best time
Cheap standing tickets are available approx. 80 minutes before the start.
Audio guide
Information system integrated into the seats (libretti).
Geography
Facts
- The opening took place on May 25, 1869, with Mozart's Don Giovanni.
- The house has a total of 1,709 seats and 567 standing places.
- Approximately 350 performances take place annually.
- The building was heavily damaged during a bombing raid on March 12, 1945.
- The post-war reopening occurred on November 5, 1955.
- The Vienna Opera Ball is traditionally held on the last Thursday of Carnival.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Vienna State Opera (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Are there guided tours of the Vienna State Opera?
Yes, 40-minute backstage tours are offered almost every day.
How can I get cheap tickets?
There are standing room tickets sold cheaply shortly before the performance begins.
Is there a dress code for performances?
There is no official dress code, but elegant attire is recommended for evening performances.
Is photography allowed during the opera?
Photography and filming are strictly prohibited during performances.
When does the famous Opera Ball take place?
The Opera Ball takes place every year on the last Thursday of the carnival season.
Vienna State Opera: where is it located?
Vienna State Opera is located in Vienna, Austria.
Vienna State Opera: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Vienna State Opera: why is it worth visiting?
The Vienna State Opera on the Opernring is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world and a central landmark of the Austrian capital.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Austria →
Nearby cities
Baden bei Wien
Baden bei Wien is a world-famous spa town south of Vienna.
Stockerau
Stockerau is the largest city in the Weinviertel region.
Perchtoldsdorf
Perchtoldsdorf is a market town on the edge of the Vienna Woods.
Schwechat
Schwechat is located southeast of Vienna and is internationally known for Vienna International Airport and the large OMV refinery.
Brunn am Gebirge
Brunn am Gebirge is a market town in Lower Austria.
Gänserndorf
Gänserndorf is a town in Lower Austria, northeast of Vienna.
Bad Vöslau
Bad Vöslau is a town in Lower Austria, south of Vienna.
Mistelbach
Mistelbach is a town in the Weinviertel region of Lower Austria.
History & landmarks
Albertina
The Albertina in the heart of Vienna, located right next to the Hofburg, is one of the most important art museums in the world.
Hofburg Palace
The Hofburg in the heart of Vienna was the main residence and center of power of the mighty Habsburg dynasty for over six centuries.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM - Museum of Art History) in Vienna is one of the most magnificent and important museums in the world, b…
St. Stephen's Cathedral
St.
Belvedere Palace
Belvedere Palace in Vienna is one of the most magnificent Baroque palace complexes in Europe and consists of two buildings – the Upper an…
Hundertwasser House
The Hundertwasser House in Vienna's 3rd district is a colorful and unconventional architectural project that turns the rules of modern bu…
Prater
The Vienna Prater (Wiener Prater) is a fascinating mix of a huge near-natural recreation area and the famous amusement park, the 'Wurstel…
Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna is the largest palace in Austria and one of the country's most important cultural assets.
Nature
Schwarzenberg Wildlife Park
Located on the edge of the Vienna Woods, this wildlife park houses native wild species in spacious enclosures.
Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park
Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park is known for the Wolf Science Center.
Glashütte Wildlife Park
This wildlife park in the Lower Austrian Alpine foothills offers insights into native wildlife.
More places
University of Vienna Botanical Garden
This historical garden serves scientific research and education.
Grub Castle Ruins
These ruins near Sieghartskirchen are a historical testament to noble culture in the surroundings of Vienna.
Tulln Trade Fair
The Tulln trade fair is a significant economic factor for the region and a central venue for agricultural and commercial trade fairs in L…
Scharfeneck Castle Ruins
The ruins near Baden are a relic of the medieval nobility.
Peilstein Castle Ruins
The ruins near Hafnerberg offer a glimpse into the history of the region.
Leiser Berge Nature Park
This nature park in the Weinviertel is characterized by isolated limestone hills.
Staatz Castle Ruins
The ruins sit atop an isolated rock above the town of Staatz.
Hard Castle Ruins
These ruins in the region around Laa an der Thaya bear witness to the strategic importance of the border.