We will be in Vienna for 3 days in Sept (and Budapest and Prague tha other 10 days)and have tickets for the opera...do I really have to pack a dress for that one night?? (Would a skirt and blouce be OK?)
A thread with many comments on this topic from two years ago:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/austria/dress-code-for-vienna-opera-house
Sure, but then the "Little Black Dress" doesn't take up much space. A scarf would complete it.
I attended a ballet at the Vienna Opera House, and it was a special evening! I wore black pants with a black open-weave cardigan, red shell top and a colorful scarf. Everything I brought were items I wore throughout the trip with other items. Don’t bring a dress if it’s just for this event! My husband wore a lightweight wool sweater and nice pants. People were definitely dressed up at that event, but we saw a variety.
Thanks —very helpful...just trying to pack light!
There is no dress code for the Opera, but athletic wear is frowned upon. Wear what you like - you’ll see everything.
As always , I pack dress slacks , a dress shirt and a tie for performances . A number scheduled for Munich and Vienna so far this Autumn .
A few years ago we went to the Vienna opera. I wore black travel pants, but I took a nice wrap to wear with them. I also had comfortable black shoes (not the athletic shoes I wore to the Dresden opera house a year or so before). We saw all manner of attire from jeans to formal dress (which we saw mainly on patrons who sat on the main floor.
When I went to the opera in Vienna (Wiener Stastsoper), I packed a black skirt and black top which is what I typically wear when I go to the opera or ballet in NYC; the outfit worked perfectly along with one of my silk scarves. I find dresses for the opera to be high maintenance so I don’t bring them.
I wore khaki pants and a long sleeve button down shirt. Many people were dressed better than me as were many dressed less than me. Anything from tuxedos to t-shirts and jeans. Everyone was allowed in, no complaints.
I would not go so far as wearing jeans, really would you wear jeans for any special occasion? And this is a special occasion. Wear something nice, slacks are O.K. just dress them up with some elegant top or ... There are numerous write-ups on the net where you can explore dress codes for different occasions in Vienna. Remember ELEGANT is the code word.
What's important is that you are comfortable, and you feel good. After all, isn't that what it's all about? All that should matter is that you hit the basic mark that won't get you thrown out. After all it's your vacation and packing light is essential if you want to enjoy.