Dress for Concerts in the Mozart House, Vienna

"No one but teenagers wear shorts in Europe." That statement just isn't true in 2012, and it's similar to that time-honored opinion that Europeans don't wear running shoes. Maybe that's the way things were 40 years ago, but it's not that way now. Anyway, I've been to these concerts in Salzburg and Vienna...they're fun but exist purely for tourists. As such, nearly everyone there will be dressed in casual attire. And in a big venue, such as the Hofburg, there might be 1000 concert-goers arriving mostly on tour buses, and all are casual, wearing basically what you've described. Laura is right about your khakis and a short-sleeved button-up shirt being appropriate. Nobody will be wearing anything even slightly resembling a suit. You'll enjoy the concert. I'm not a musician, so I think the musicians at these concerts sound good (although my musician traveling partners thought they were only so-so and definitely not top notch...whatever...musicians have big egos...I thought they were fine). What's not to like about enjoying all of the popular pieces in a great venue in Austria? Happy travels.

Whenever someone makes a blanket clothing statement such as "No one but teenagers wear shorts in Europe. " I have to chime in because European men do wear shorts. They are sold in stores in Europe and I've seen many, many European men wearing shorts in Europe, including my French husband and all the men in our extended family. Some social classes may invent their own rules of dress that are stricter than what we go by in the States, but most people will be comfortable going by the same norms that they follow here.

No one but teenagers wear shorts in Europe.
No shorts in the church or opera. What you suggesting is great and can be worn again and again on your trip. That is what we are wearing for our concert(s) in vienna and budapest in june.

Thank you! This is very helpful. What would be appropriate for a woman to wear? And does anyone wear jeans?

Black pants with a nice top will take a woman many places.

Hi Chris, I always take a pair of jeans to Europe. Two pairs in cooler weather. Off the subject, but since you are in Sacramento I wanted to let you know that a we have a monthly travel meeting for people from this helpline. Actually, sometimes we have people who come who never use the helpline. We meet the 3rd Saturday of the month. I post a reminder 7-10 days before the meeting under the General Europe heading. We are well traveled in Europe and are happy to answer any questions, help with itinerary, transportation, etc. We would love to have you join us. You can send me a Private Message if you have any questions.

We attended a concert at Mozart House in early December. Obviously, too cold for shorts but very, very few people were what we would call "dressed up." I just looked over my photo's and men wore pants but there were many in jeans. Long sleeve shirts and sweaters were the norm. Bets is right on about women wearing black pants and top....

No one in Europe except teenagers wear shorts?
We have been to Vienna 5 times and all ages were wearing shorts, except when we were there in December. I have purchased shorts from sports shops there as they have some very unique varities. Good jeans are fine for the venue you are attending, it is very casual.

I attended a concert there in fall of 2010. People dressed in every way. I enjoyed the concert, but the place is a smallish room with only one entrance/exit. The seating is cheap, uncomfortable wooden chairs; the atmosphere, dark and stuffy--it's a dump! I much preferred my two concerts at the Mirabell Palace in Salzburg...even there people dressed as they pleased.

Thank you, everyone! This has been very helpful.