Staatsoper

The Staatsoper is the premiere opera and classical-music venue in Vienna. It was built between 1861 and 1869 by August Siccardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll. Its opening concert was Mozart’s Don Giovanni and it went on to house some of the most iconic directors in history, including Gustav Mahler (who later moved on to New York’s Metropolitan Opera House), Richard Strauss and Herbert van Karajan. Productions are lavish affairs; remember, the Viennese take their opera very seriously and dress up accordingly. In the interval, be sure to wander around the foyer and refreshment rooms to fully appreciate the gold and crystal interior. Opera is not performed here in July and August (tours, however, still take place), but its repertoire still includes more than 70 different productions. Tickets can be purchased up to one month in advance. Standing-room tickets, which go for €3 to €4, can only be purchased 80 minutes before performances begin and any unsold tickets are available for €30 one day before a performance (call [tel] 514 44-2950 for more information). Tour information is available on [tel] 514 44-2606.