Vienna: Cheap tickets to the Vienna opera
We’re always keen to dispel the myth that you must be rolling in it (money, that is) to enjoy world-class entertainment on your trip to Europe. While many cultural excursions in the US might be out of reach, the other side of the pond has many affordable artistic opportunities.
Take the Vienna State Opera. This gem in Austria is actually well within the range of Cheapos. It is a must-see for any music fan going to Vienna.
Here are our three best bets for landing a night at the Opera on the cheap:
Try standing room only
If you are willing to stand for the duration of the performance, then you can get some of the cheapest tickets in town. The cost of a “standing room only” ticket is between €2 and €3.50 per opera. These tickets are only available at the evening box office, which opens 80 minutes prior to show time.
Snag seats in the balcony for a song
In the nosebleed section of the opera house, you’ll pay anywhere from €7 to €18 for a seat in the rafters (but what rafters they are!). Considering a spot in the front orchestra could cost you €200, we consider this is a huge score. Just bring some good opera glasses.
Take a tour and skip the show
If The Marriage of Figaro isn’t your idea of fun, opt for one of many daily guided tours of the ornate and scope-worthy opera house. For €5, you can get up-close and personal with the opera house, touring even the stage and the tea salon. For another euro and a half, visit the Opera’s museum, too. A recent exhibit showcased the original compositions (on-page edits and all) of Wagner’s “Ring of the Nibelung”.
And, one last note on all of this: If you’re a student, you’ll almost always benefit from additional discounts. Bravissimo!
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