Vienna and Salzburg Concerts/Operas

Posted by OliverQ on 04/30/19 02:40 AM

Going to be in Vienna and Salzburg later this week, and we were hoping to try and get to see a classical concert or an opera. I imagine it's very difficult to get tickets this late, but I have heard about last minute standing room tickets. Is that the best option to see a show?

I'm also worried about dress code. We're packing light and not doing any other formal events so we're not bringing dressy clothes. Will we be turned away with black jeans and dark sneakers/casual dress shoes, and no jacket at places like the State opera or Musikverein?

Any suggestions on other places to see a classical concert or opera that isn't super touristy (I heard the concerts where people dress like Mozart are kind of cheesy?)

Posted by Emily

Vienna, Austria

04/30/19 05:09 AM

5382 posts

Will we be turned away with black jeans and dark sneakers/casual dress
shoes, and no jacket at places like the State opera or Musikverein?

No, you’ll be fine. Neither location has a dress code. Fancy dress is definitely NOT required.

What are your exact dates?

Posted by kb1942

04/30/19 07:08 AM

613 posts

Somewhere on the www, you can find a list of many concerts in Vienna for your dates. Google it. Odds are few will be sold out, only the most famous ones. OR for something really unique, go to Grinzing for diner & Shrammelmusik (may not be speed right).

Posted by wmt1

04/30/19 07:54 AM

1902 posts

You may consult Austria's most comprehensive event directory: https://www.events.at/
It is in German only, but you can easily filter by location (e.g. Wien), date and type (e.g. Musik).

If you want to book tickets online, best is to use the website of the respective venue. Booking via a ticket office means a surcharge of about 25%. Do not buy tickets from scalpers on the street.

Whether you consider buying standing room tickets or not depends on your physical condition and your devotion to music. It differs from place to place how and when standing room tickets are sold. E.g. at the Vienna State Opera there is a special ticket counter for standing room tickets which are then sold 80 minutes prior commencement of the performance.

On certain dates you may watch outdoors a Vienna State Opera performance for free on a big video wall:
http://www.wiener-staatsoper.at/en/your-visit/service/opera-live-outdoors/refDate/2019-05-01/

Posted by OliverQ OP

04/30/19 11:24 AM

38 posts

Emily, I'll be in Vienna May 2, 3, and 4. I'll be in Salzburg the 5th and 6th.

Posted by Emily

Vienna, Austria

05/01/19 10:56 AM

5382 posts

Not exactly what you are seeking, but the Craft Beer Festival takes place May 3 & 4 at Marx Halle - https://www.craftbierfest.at/

Also notable this weekend is the Neubaugasse Flea Market. It’s a great event.

Here’s an article in English with further details on both events:

https://www.viennawurstelstand.com/collection/everything-you-need-to-do-this-weekend-in-vienna-event-tips/

With regards to music, I’d suggest lining up for standing tickets at the Opera. As an alternative, maybe consider seeing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Karlskirche on May 2.