Inaugurated in 1880, the Italian Renaissance-style Alte Oper (alteoper.de) anchors the western end of the Zeil-Fressgass pedestrian zone. Burnt out in 1944, it narrowly avoided being razed and replaced with 1960s cubes. It was finally reconstructed between 1976 and 1981 to resemble the original, with statues of Goethe and Mozart gracing its ornate facade. Other than the mosaics in the lobby, the interior – closed except during concerts – is modern.
Guided tours are available, but it is worth seeing a performance inside the opera house itself. Tickets can be purchased online months in advance – book early, as many performances sell out quickly. The on-site restaurant and cocktail bar has a wonderfully luxurious atmosphere. The restaurant has a balcony with a charming view – a great place to have a cocktail before or after your show. If visiting during the day time, or if you don't plan to see a performance, the opera house is also a beautiful place to simply meet someone for a coffee.