Step behind the red velvet curtain of one of the world's most prestigious opera houses. The Vienna State Opera's guided backstage tour reveals the gilded auditorium, imperial staircases, and the legendary stage machinery that has hosted Mozart, Mahler, and Karajan.
What to expect
You'll enter through the grand foyer with its marble staircases and imperial-era frescoes, then move into the 2,000-seat horseshoe auditorium, resplendent in gold leaf and red velvet. Your guide illuminates the opera house's dramatic history — its near-total destruction in WWII and meticulous postwar reconstruction. If schedules align, a peek at rehearsals or the vast stage machinery is an unforgettable bonus. End in the Schwind Foyer, adorned with scenes from Mozart's 'Magic Flute.'
Good to know
Tours run daily and last approximately 40 minutes; book your slot in advance via the webshop. If your ship is overnight in Vienna, consider booking evening performance tickets (from EUR 15 standing; EUR 200+ for premium seats) — a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Opera House is a 5-minute walk from the Ringstraße tram stops.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Vienna — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Vienna
- Schönbrunn Palace — Grand Tour of the Habsburg Summer Residence
- Spanish Riding School — Lipizzaner Stallions Morning Exercise
- Belvedere Palace — Gustav Klimt's 'The Kiss'
- Strauss & Mozart Concert at Schönbrunn Orangery
- Wiener Riesenrad — Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater
- Private Expert Walking Tour: Imperial Vienna & Hidden Courtyards
- St. Stephen's Cathedral — South Tower Climb & Catacombs
- Naschmarkt & Viennese Coffee House: A Culinary Deep-Dive