Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
These sights are listed roughly from south to north. For a self-guided walk connecting many
of central Vienna's top sights—including some of the ones below—see my “Vienna City
Walk,” earlier.
The Opera House, facing the Ring and near the TI, is a central point for any visitor. Vienna
remains one of the world's great cities for classical music, and this building still belts out
some of the finest opera, both classic and cutting-edge. While the critical reception of the
building 130 years ago led the architect to commit suicide, and though it's been rebuilt since
its destruction by WWII bombs, it's still a sumptuous place. The interior has a chandeliered
lobby and carpeted staircases perfect for making the scene. The theater itself features five
wraparound balconies, gold-and-red decor, and a bracelet-like chandelier.
Depending on your level of tolerance for opera, you can simply admire the Neo-Renais-
sance building fromthe outside, take aguided tourofthe lavish interior,visit the Opera Mu-
seum, or attend a performance of Vienna's opera company.
Tours:
You can only enter the Opera if you're attending a performance or joining a
guided45-minutetourinEnglish(€6.50,ticketcoversmodestOperaMuseum,describedbe-
low; tours run July-Aug generally daily at the top of each hour 10:00-16:00; Sept-June few-
er tours, afternoons only, none on Sun; buy tickets 20 minutes before tour departs—ticket
office is around the left side, as you face the main entrance; tel. 01/514-442-606,
www.wienerstaatsoper.at
). Tour times are often changed or canceled due to rehearsals and
