Vienna Opera House tours

Unless things have changed since last summer, you can get tickets when the box office opens shortly before the tour begins.

Word of advice: do not try to get tickets for an opera house tour if it's raining/cold outside. Every tourist in Vienna will have the same idea and you won't be able to get near the door! (Been there, done that!)

We got them at the time. The website for the opera lists times. Ours was at 3PM. We arrived at the opera tour door (SW side) at 2:50. There was a line but we got in fine. After buying your ticket you wait in an area for your language (tours are offered in multiple languages). Then guides come to take you on tour. On my day at least 2 English speaking tours departed 5 minutes apart.

I’d say look at the available times and arrive a bit ahead.

Perhaps others can tell you if you can buy tickets earlier same day. It would be nice if you could show up at 10, buy tickets for the 2 PM tour and arrive at 2. Not sure if that’s possible.

Thank you all, for your help.

If there is a performance, standing room only tickets are 3-6 euros. You can arrive early, take your own tour, and then have the pleasure of actually seeing a performance. People arrive early and tie a scarf on the railing to "reserve" their place in the standing room only section. Many people then leave the show after about 15 minutes, so if you don't get a good "space", you can easily move up.