A neo-baroque opera house from 1891 on the lakeside Sechseläutenplatz, home to the Zürich Opera and Ballet.
The Opernhaus Zürich, built in 1891 by the Viennese firm Fellner and Helmer, is one of Europe's major opera houses. Its horseshoe auditorium seats about 1,100 and presents an opera and ballet repertoire from baroque to contemporary. Performances run through most of the year with a summer break. Seats range widely in price, and standing places and last-minute tickets reduce the cost. The foyer and exterior can be visited on the way to Sechseläutenplatz and the lake. Dress codes are relaxed, though many attendees dress smartly. Guided backstage tours are offered on certain dates. The house stands within the Quaianlagen walk, two minutes from Bellevue.
| Admission | Adult Approx. CHF 20-300 (approx $25-375); standing and last-minute tickets cheaper · Child Reduced youth prices; check at the box office |
|---|---|
| Hours | Box office approx. Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM; performances mostly evenings; check opernhaus.ch |
| Typical visit | 2-4 hours |
| Best time | Evening performance |
| Getting there | Tram 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11 or 13 to Bellevue, 2 minutes' walk |
| Address | Falkenstrasse 1, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland |
Good to know
- Best for
- music lovers, couples, culture seekers
Location
Falkenstrasse 1, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland
47.3651, 8.5465 View on map
Highlights
- Neo-baroque auditorium from 1891
- Opera and ballet productions year-round
- Lakeside location by Sechseläutenplatz
- Occasional free lunchtime concerts and tours
Tips for visiting
- Last-minute and standing tickets are often the cheapest way to go
- Free lunchtime concerts are sometimes held in the foyer
- The neo-baroque theatre building itself is worth seeing from outside on Sechseläutenplatz
When to visit
Evening performance.
Accessibility
Accessible seating and lifts are available; contact the box office in advance to book wheelchair places.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How can visitors get cheaper tickets?
Standing places, last-minute offers and student discounts are usually available through the box office or website.
Is there a dress code?
No strict code, but smart casual is common for evening performances.