Can you recommend theater or opera performances/venues that would be well worth the time and money in Prague, Vienna, or Budapest? I want to see several performances but don't want to spend a lot of money.
Posted by
Austin TX after living in Boulder CO for 25 years
1166 posts
For Vienna, read Rick's tips in his Eastern Europe book, page 744. We followed his advice last month and bought standing room only tickets for 2 euros for the Vienna Opera! After you enter, walk to the left of the two staircases, go down the hall and on the left by the side doors is the ticket office for these tickets.
In Prague, read page 123. You can see the event schedule on the wall right in the Little Quarter across from St. Nicholas Church by Nerudova street. There is something going on daily! Go to viamusica.cz.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Two ticket offices in Prague that will have most of the information you seek- One, located by the entrance Tyn Cathedral on the Old Town Square; the other sits immediately across from the large domed church below the castle (sorry, I forget the name).
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
435 posts
I second the tip about the standing room at the Veinna opera house. We stood in the "parterre" area for 3.50 euro (yes, under $5 each)! FANTASTIC! Great view, even better music. Highly recommended. Bring a scarf to tie to the rail an mark your place. There is a choice of English subtitles the you can watch right on the rail in front of you.
The Budapest opera was really cheap, even for the good seats. We saw a Janacek opera and it was lovely. Under $20 a ticket, but I can't remember the exact price.
In Prague we sat at the very top balcony of the National Theatre, also cheap and a good performnace. Lots of talking people talking during the show, though. Avoid the people in costumes pushing flyers for venues around town. We went to a Mozart requium and it was godawful and clearly cranked out for tourist who don't know the difference. The National Theatre was the real thing, though.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5507 posts
I went to the opera in Budapest about 10 years ago and it was ridiculously inexpensive ... I think my ticket was less than $5. I'm sure that it is more expensive now, but I suspect Budapest will still offer a great value.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
A friend went to the opera in Budapest last October and really enjoyed it. She was able to purchase her tickets on their website. I believe she said they go on sale either 60 or 90 days before the performance. The national orchestra also performs at the Budapest opera house. I went to an orchestra concert in 2004 and it was not very expensive. I think my friend paid over $100 for 2 opera tickets on the main floor, but seats in the upper tiers would be less - probably much less in the top tier.