I'm going to the opera while I'm in Budapest, and am wondering how formally people dress for it. Is a skirt and sweater acceptable?

It's just like every other major world capital. The dress code runs the gamut from formal to casual. I wore a summer dress with a blazer and was fine. A skirt and sweater would definitely be acceptable. Have a great time. The opera house is quite lovely. It doesn't get as much press as the one in Vienna but it's really worth the visit.

I wore a skirt and matching top. It certainly wasn't formal but nicer than casual. Something that I would wear to a nice restaurant. I did see a little of everything, but most were dressed as I was. I would say don't let your clothes keep you from going. It was a lovely experience.

People do dress formally--very few men didn't wear jacket and tie, at least for four performances of the Ring Cycle. You will be less formally dressed than most, but not totally out of place.

What about the Bolshoi in Moscow. I have tickets for Kovanshchina in Oct. How would the seats be in Row 2 - too close?

Gary,<BR><BR>As long as you are in the center it is a good seat, although I would prefer probably 8th row. <BR><BR>As for dress, probably Budapest and Vienna have the most formal opera audiences in Europe (except for special nights). You should be ok with a jacket and tie.