Residing along the northern end of sparkling Lake Zurich, the city of Zurich is a picturesque setting filled with lots of old European charm. A highlight of this town’s landscape is the splendid Opernhaus Zurich. Opening its doors in 1891, this wonderfully fanciful opera house is one of the best on the globe and offers over 200 entertaining performances annually. From a varied program featuring classic and modern opera and ballet to popular plays and renowned international singers, Opernhaus Zurich is a place that lives in your memory forever after you’ve visited. To ensure your time here is memorable we’ve assembled a guide to Opernhaus Zurich.
Things to do
Watch a performance
Seating 1,100 theatergoers, this is the biggest opera house in the country. Because the venue is compact, there’s not a bad seat in the house. The acoustics are top of the line and so effective the performers are not even miked: making productions such as Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Beethoven’s Fidelio true gems to hear.
Take a tour
With its eye-catching Neo-classical facade, ornate Rococo-style foyer, and elaborate ceiling paintings it would be a shame not to see this opera house up-close. To get an intimate look, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour. If you’re intent on taking a tour it is advisable to book in advance to secure a spot.
Visit the outdoor balcony
Don’t forget to drink in the sights from the breezy outdoor balcony. Overlooking the city’s largest town square, Sechselaeutenplatz, this spot is great for people watching. If you go one floor up you can also check out two more balconies on the sides of the Opernhaus Zurich structure. The pair are often less crowded and one even offers incredible views of Lake Zurich.
What to eat
Bernhard Bar Cafe
The food at this casual eatery is simple and delectable. Highlights include the city’s famed beef steak tartare along with delicious tarte flambees and cheesy pizzas served hot from the oven. Boasting a festive theater atmosphere, Bernhard Bar Cafe is the ideal spot to unwind during the performance intermission or after the show.
Restaurant Belcanto
Possessing amazing views of the lively Sechseläutenplatz and shimmering Lake Zurich, Restaurant Belcanto offers patrons fine dining in a relaxed and cozy environment. Savor classic Zurich specialty dishes for either lunch or dinner. Try the beef with balsamic rosemary butter served with a hot baked potato and perfectly grilled onions. For dessert order the gingerbread parfait with red wine plum and mascarpone cream!
Travelers tips
Wheelchair accessibility
The entrance to the ticket office offers wheelchair access to the opera house, as well as Restaurant Belcanto. Every floor - except the third floor - can be reached via an elevator. All performances in the main hall include four wheelchair spaces at a reduced price. Restrooms on the ground floor are user-friendly for those with handicaps. Marked disabled parking spaces are provided in the Opernhaus Zurich’s parking garage and from there you can catch an elevator ride to the ticket office.
Beforehand intermission orders
To avoid the long lines, guests are offered the convenience of ordering drinks and snacks before the show to enjoy during the intermission. A reservation can be made at the main entrance but make sure your order is received at least one hour before the event starts.
Attire
Don’t feel pressured to wear formal attire. The dress code is casual. However, it’s not unusual to see elegantly dressed patrons seated alongside someone in jeans and a t-shirt. Many women bring two pairs of shoes to the venue. The comfy pair they stash in the cloakroom and the snazzy pair they wear for the performance. Be aware a cloakroom fee is included in the ticket price so feel free to utilize this space.
Opera glasses
At the cloakroom you can place a deposit to receive a pair of expert opera glasses.
How to get there
Rent a car
If you choose to rent a car and drive the opera house is found along Falkenstrasse 1.
Public transit
Bus numbers 161, 31, 912, and 916 will get you near this attraction. If you love to travel by train catch the S, S12, S16, S3, S5, S6, or S7 for the opera house. The city also offers a light rail system and hopping on the number 2, 4, or 11 will get you to Opernhaus Zurich. If you plan on using public transit a lot while in Zurich, invest in a Zurich Card or Swiss Travel Pass so you can ride for free.
Taxi
Tourists can get to this attraction the easy way by hailing a taxi off the streets or calling for a pick-up.
Uber
The popularity of Uber is growing in this country and the service is available in Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, and Zurich. So if you want a no-hassle ride, simply tap the app.
Parking information
The most convenient public parking is at the venue’s Parkhaus Opera situated at Schillerstrasse 5, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland. There is a handy elevator straight from the parking garage to the box office.
How to get tickets
The fastest and easiest way to obtain tickets is online at the official website. If you want to forgo the online process, tickets can be purchased at the box office or you can arrange tickets by calling +41 44 268 66 66.
Opernhaus Zurich information
Opernhaus Zurich
Address: Falkenstrasse 1, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: Opernhaus Zurich
Department of tourism: Zurich
History
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