Classical & opera
From La Scala to the Golden Hall: opera nights and concerts in Europe's finest venues – with ticket tips, hotels within walking distance and travel by train.
Classical & opera guides
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Read the guide27 October 2026
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From La Scala to the Elbphilharmonie: Europe’s most beautiful opera houses and concert halls with ticket tips, nearby hotels and the best time to go.
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State Opera, Musikverein, musicals and open-air shows: Vienna’s best concert highlights with hotel tips, ticket advice and getting there by train.
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The great houses
Europe's opera houses and concert halls are worth the trip on their own: La Scala in Milan, the Vienna State Opera, the Palais Garnier in Paris, the Semperoper in Dresden, the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg and the Golden Hall of Vienna's Musikverein. Our guides show you how to get tickets for each, which neighbourhoods suit your stay and how to get there.
When is the season?
The big houses usually perform from September to June. In summer, much moves outdoors and to the festivals, for example in Salzburg, Bayreuth or at the Arena di Verona. Around Christmas and New Year, Christmas oratorios, Advent concerts and New Year's concerts are in high season – the best dates sell out early.
Tickets: early and from trusted sellers
Many houses open sales months in advance. Buy from the venue or established sellers, not from unknown resale sites. If you are flexible, weekdays often offer better seats. The Vienna State Opera also sells low-cost standing places.
Hotels and travel
Opera nights often end after 10 pm, so a hotel within walking distance saves taxis and stress. By train you reach most music cities right in the centre – Vienna, Dresden, Leipzig and Hamburg, for example, without a detour via the airport.