Vienna Travel Forum

Hello, fellow VT-ers! Me again. I heard that Vienna Staatsoper has two kinds of tickets available - regular seats and standing ones. Having checked their website, I take it the ones that sell at over 185 euros are the first type and the 25 euros ones must the those standing tickets.
I'm considering getting a standing ticket but there's no indication on the opera hall plan as to where exactly you're allowed to stand. Has anyone done it and if yes, how does it work - do you get the best place if you show up earlier than others? Is it actually possible to watch the whole performance standing? I might actually splash out on the expensive tickets since the prospect of standing for over 2 hours is rather daunting but I just wanted to check with you before I decide.
Thanks!

Hi,

nice to welcome you soon here in Vienna!
As to your questions: the standing-room (for about 450 people) is generally situated behind the seats on the operas ground-floor ("Parterre"), called "Steh- (-standing-)parterre", some also at the "Balcony" as well as at the "Gallery".Tickets are sold only 80 minutes in advance at the State-Opera's box-office.
There is a "community" of people, who try to go whenever possible,the more famous the singers, the earlier they line up, sometimes even at the evening before the performance. So "first come, first serve" is a common issue.
If you would savor the performance as a music-lover, it is up to your personal abilities, if you are really able to "stand" the whole evening. On the other hand - opera seats are unfortunately very expensive.
Whatever you decide, have a nice evening at the Vienna Opera and here in Vienna!
Greetings!

It is not as bad as you think. The approx 25 euros category (depends on the performance) is still for seats, you even get seats for 9 euros but they have partially or fully restricted view. If you buy a 9 euros "Loge" ticket you may however be so lucky that the ones who bought the more expensive tickets don't show up and you can take their seats as you wish! Just remember to dress up properly, ie. suit and tie for men, skirt or dress for women!


If you prefer an even cheaper option, go for the standing ticket. They are ridiculously cheap, 2 euros, but are only sold 80 minutes before the start of the performance. Make sure you queue up minimum 2 hours before though (2 hours before the performance) as these tickets are very popular among students and music lovers! You have to go to a special counter called Abendkassa (meaning "evening counter"). The real trick of the standing ticket is that you've got to have really good legs and a healthy back if Wagner is your hero, his operas are ... well, lengthy. The other trick is that you need a scarf or a tie. Yes, it sounds weird, but it works like this that you actually reserve the spot you like within the standing area with your scarf or tie. You may sit down if you like, but then you won't see anything. I doubt you are allowed to bring a camping chair.

Now, a third option is to take a risk and see if there are any unsold tickets left. They start selling those for half the price (e.g. approx 93 euros for the most expensive ones) one hour before the performance begins. Again, "Abendkassa" in the foyer is the place to go.

If you open the seating plan on www.staatsoper.at you only get the German version. Still it is quite informative. The seats with restricted view are marked with a diagonal line, the standing area is marked with Stehplätze. Here you can see how much you would have to pay for which seats. You will also get a pretty good overview if you try to buy tickets online. The reduced tickets and standing tickets can't be bought online though.

Enjoy!

Thanks for your replies! I've checked the site and as I speak a little German, it wasn't too hard for me to understand the seating plan - it was exactly what I was looking for and couldn't find previously. I think I'll get the regular tickets as the opera I'd like to go to is over 5 hours long so I guess standing is out of the question for that one.
I'm off to book the tickets, so wish me luck!
Regarding the dress code - is a skirt or a dress necessary or any smart casual clothes will do? I'll be in Vienna from 27 April to 5 May and I think it may be too cold in the evening for dressing up properly. The weather forecast says +19C but is it really warm already or it's windy/cloudy/not-really-19-degrees weather?

Hi Svetlana !
Thanks for your nice reply;already in Vienna the opera`s dress-code has changed, so any nice (not too sporty) dress will do fine. Evening dress is sometimes seen at first evenings, in the very first rows of the seats. So do not worry, you certainly will be fine!
As to the weather, we expect some scattered showers, but warm temperature around 21°C on the 27/28th. It may be always windy in Vienna, but usually end of April/bginning of May are the most beautiful months in Vienna !
Enjoy it and have a nice time !