How formal or Italian Opera Houses?

I think it's pretty formal. A business suit and tie might work, however. I went to the opera in Verona in Summer of 1970--in the Roman Amphitheatre. In the grandstands sat a big bunch of derelicts, drinking big bottles of red wine. (I was one of them.) Down on the floor, the blue bloods were being escorted to their seats dressed "to the 8's." They were quite a sight to see. Right before the opera was scheduled to start, the skies opened up and you've never seen so much lightening. Every time it thundered, the crowd up in the stands gave great applause to the storm. And, then they cancelled the opera for the night. It was quite an experience.

Not as formal as you might think. A jacket without a tie would be fine (and also very Italian), although there will definitely be men in ties. One popular look you'll find in Italy is men wearing blue jeans with a nice sportcoat, no tie. Here's an example from a photo I took in 2008 to show the outrageous sunglasses that Italian men wear. This was outside Santa Maria in Trastevere after the Pentecost mass presided over by a cardinal, so a pretty formal event.

I have been to several operas and phil concerts in Europe. I do not travel with a suit or sport coat. In phil and opera weather I travel with a zip up, warm, cashmere sweater and wear that over a linen shirt or base layer sweater. I have never felt out of place. Be clean, neat and civilized like you do at home.

I have been to several operas and phil concerts in Europe. I do not travel with a suit or sport coat. In phil and opera weather I travel with a zip up, warm, cashmere sweater and wear that over a linen shirt or base layer sweater. I have never felt out of place. Be clean, neat and civilized like you do at home.