Hello, fellow travelers!
My husband and I are cycling the mighty Danube from Munich to Budapest in June and would like to attend an opera at the grand opera house in Vienna. We will be bikepacking, so we won't have access to super-nice clothes. What is there to be done? Is there an "opera" thrift store we could stop in and pick up something that resembles class for a night? Can one rent an outfit for cheap? Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Daniela
Maybe this is for you:
http://www.lamberthofer.at/en/
There are some websites devoted to bike or commute to work bike clothing. Some of these look like they might be able to be dressed up with a little jacket to scarf idea.
Another idea would be to take a packable lightweight dress from a thrift store and leave it behind after your one dress up night. We had to take some wedding clothes along on a one month trip (21" suitcase each) for a wedding 2 years ago and did a combination of things just to be presentable for one gala event.
Don't worry about it. I'm guessing that you won't be sitting in the most expensive seats on the opening night of the opera you see.
Wear long pants and your most presentable top. Maybe add a scarf for you. People are there to see amazing opera - not to check you out. And, it will be dark most of the time.
Behave appropriately and no one will care what you wear.
Thanks for the great ideas. It's not that we care about being "checked out" as it's more about wanting to be respectful while in someone else's country. Americans already have a reputation for being abrasive and I don't want to add to that. We will be traveling very light and won't really have room on our bikes for slacks or a dress. That's why I was wondering if there was a thrift store or Goodwill like the ones we have here to purchase acceptable attire for cheap and then leave behind. The opera visit will be toward the end of our trip.
Daniela, I just googled "thrift stores vienna austria" and "consignment stores vienna austria". Look at the clothing options. I also found this: https://www.wien.info/en/lifestyle-scene/trendy/vintage-vienna-second-hand-fashion
Hope this helps.
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I went to the opera in Vienna. We got standing room tickets that can be purchased by waiting in line on the back side of the Opera House. People were extremely causally dressed. Perhaps if you have seats on the main floor you might be concerned about appearance.
Thanks for all the great advice, everyone. I went to the Goodwill store in a nearby town and found a gorgeous pink chiffon-type dress that weighs nothing and is floor-length so I can wear flip flops with it! It cost- wait for it- $10.00! I'm so glad I found something and excited that I get to go to the Vienna Opera for my birthday and look like I didn't just schlep through fifty miles of mud and dust on a bicycle. See you there! :)
We did get pretty good seats as it's my birthday and a once-in-a-lifetime event for us. I just can't wait! :)
I think you will be the best dressed, by far.
