You could spend hundreds of euros for a ticket to the Vienna State Opera. But with a little patience you can get a ticket for as little as 3 euros.
Standing Room Tickets
About 80 to 90 minutes before each performance the Vienna State Opera makes 600 standing room tickets available to the general public for 3 to 4 euros. Because most operas begin at 7:30 p.m., ticket sales begin about 6 p.m. However, the line for standing room tickets can start as early as 5 p.m. or earlier depending on that evening’s opera.
Those willing to bear the long wait queue by the Stephplatz-Kasse Standing Area sign on the Operngasse side of the building. Depending on the crowd it can be a somber or jovial time as thrifty opera lovers gather together suffering through sometimes extreme weather conditions all in their fervent desire to save cash and enjoy a world class opera for pennies.
The Scoop
Here’s what you need to know to get a Vienna Opera ticket for 3 euros.
The introverts bring reading material while the extroverts tend to partake in easy conversation with those around them. Whether it’s regaling stories about previous operas attended, their latest adventures, or just everyday chit chat, the wait can be as bearable or for some, unbearable as you make it.
Comfortable shoes are a must. You’re standing for at least 90 minutes before the opera and for the entire duration of the opera. So choose your footwear wisely. But Vienna Opera goers tend to dress up for the occasion, even those desiring the cheap tickets.
Only one standing room ticket can be bought per person. This means that each person must be present to buy a ticket. And you have to pay cash for your ticket.
Standing room tickets cost 4 euros for Parterre, and 3 euros for Balcon or Galerie. Parterre tickets are behind the orchestra seats and closest to the stage. These ticket tends to sell out quickly. However, it’s crowded and there are few railings to lean on for support.
Balcon and Galerie cost 3 euro each. Standing room tickets in Balcon are on the side of the stage on the second floor. And many have a partially obstructed view.
Whereas seats in the Galerie are on the top floor and some include a full view of the stage. Each seat in Galeria has its own an individual display screen so you can follow along with the sung lyrics.
Because you won’t have an actual seat, only a spot to stand, be sure to bring a scarf to mark your spot. Marking your spot allows you to freely check your coat or grab a snack drink or light meal at the cafe.
Don’t like your standing room area? If there’s room, you find another place to stand as long as you remain in the same section you’ve purchased a ticket. So you can find another spot in the Balcon section if you hold a Balcon ticket. But you can not stand in the Parterre if you didn’t buy a Parterre ticket.
If you tire of standing you can sit and watch the opera on one of many flat screen TVs located near the coat check and in the cafe. However, there are no display monitors to follow the lyrics. So you may lose a little in translation, but at least your feet will get a rest.
If standing room tickets sell out before you reach the box office, you can watch the performance live on your computer.
Would you be willing to stand for hours for a cheap opera ticket?
