Even those who prefer shopping and spas to cultural experiences like theater can still agree opera houses, with their plush velvet seats and dramatic drapes, are some of the world’s most beautiful buildings.
Whether you’re a culture vulture on the hunt to explore the next big opera house on your list, or merely want to stop by for a quick pic, follow our guide to the best European opera houses—and enjoy the ride.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Vincenzo Lombardo. Image Location: La Scala, Milan, Italy
Best European opera houses: Italy, France, Austria, and more
La Scala | Milan, Italy
Milan’s neoclassical-style La Scala opera house is one of the largest opera venues in Europe, and possibly the most famous opera house in the world. The 18th-century Italian creation has four tiers of seating where fans have flocked for hundreds of years to watch Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi’s operas.
Fun fact: a concave channel beneath the part where the orchestra sits is credited with giving La Scala its out-of-this-world acoustics.
Palais Garnier | Paris, France
If we go by seating capacity, the Palais Garnier (also known as the Opéra Garnier) in Paris, France, is one of the largest opera houses in Europe, and one of the most ornamental. Built for the Paris Opéra in 1861, it’s now mainly used for ballet.
The ceiling of the main auditorium was painted by Marc Chagall, with scenes from operas by Mozart, Beethoven, Verdi, Ravel, and others. Then there’s the weighty crystal and bronze chandelier that not even the Kardashians can lay claim to.
Fun fact: Palais Garnier is also the setting for The Phantom of the Opera novel.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Jorg Greuel. Image Location: Vienna State Opera House, Vienna
Vienna State Opera | Vienna, Austria
The Neo-Renaissance style Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) in Vienna, Austria is one of the finest opera houses in the world. Vienna's premier opera and ballet venue is an architectural wonder built between 1861 and 1869.
For non-German speakers, an electronic device in front of your seat provides subtitles in English, Italian, French, Russian, and Japanese. And yes, you can tour the Vienna Opera House without buying tickets for a performance. The guided tour includes rooms previously closed to the public, such as the elegant Emperor’s tearoom.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Tatsuo115. Image Location: Teatro di San Carlo, Naples, Italy
Where is the oldest opera house in Europe?
Teatro di San Carlo | Naples, Italy
Aside from pizza, lemons, and meandering roads, Naples in Italy also lays claim to the world’s—not just Europe’s—oldest-working opera theater. The Teatro di San Carlo in Southern Italy was built in 1737 and its interior is decorated in a regal red and gold.
The original was commissioned by the Bourbon King Charles VII of Naples to show off his power and artsy side. However, it burned down only to be rebuilt in the 19th century. Guided tours are available and will only add to your appreciation of this hallowed space.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Tony Baggett. Image Location: Royal Opera House, London
What is the largest opera house in Europe?
The Royal Opera House | London, UK
With a capacity of 2,256, The Royal Opera House in London is the largest opera house in Europe. This hallowed space in Covent Garden is one of the world’s most celebrated theaters and home of The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet, and The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.
With “royal” in its name, it’s sure to grab the attention of American visitors, and it won’t disappoint. Aside from hosting famous operas such as Verdi’s La forza del destino, multiple guest experiences include behind-the-scenes tours, themed festivals, lunchtime recitals in the gilded Crush Room, and walking tours of the Covent Garden area, one of which explores the historical relationship between theater and crime in the district.
Image Credit: Fintan O'Connor. Image Location: Grange Park Opera, Theatre in the Woods, West Horsley, Surrey, UK
Does the UK have an opera house?
The UK has plenty of opera houses beyond the Royal Opera House. If your travels take you through the country, here is one other you shouldn’t miss.
Grange Park Opera | Theatre in the Woods, West Horsley, Surrey, UK
Nearest station: Horsley
Another opera house we recommend is the Grange Park Opera company on the outskirts of London close to the Surrey Hills. It is housed within the five-tier Theatre in the Woods on the 500-year-old West Horsley Place estate.
Here, you can step back in time and stroll the historic walled gardens, old orchard, and grand house. With classics like Gianni Schicchi (with Sir Bryn Terfel), Katya Kabanova, and Daughter of the Regiment on offer in Summer 2024, this is how you truly enjoy opera culture.
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If you download the Trainline app, you can bag yourself a low-priced first-class ticket, and travel in style to some of the best European opera houses. Looking for even more beautiful buildings in Europe? Take a look at our article on the most beautiful train stations in Europe.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Oleg Albinsky. Image Location: Opéra Garnier, Paris, France