Dear Fodorites,

I will be spending three days in Vienna in just over a week. I was planning on visiting a concert on one of the evenings, perhaps something at Konzerthaus, or somewhere else (skipping the opera).

My two questions:
1. Can I buy tickets when I arrive in Vienna, or is this done in advance?
2. Dress code: I am planning to travel light, but I wouldn't want to be under-dressed. For something like Konzerthaus, would a pair of khakis and a long-sleeved shirt do? Or is it best to pack in that navy blazer?

Thanks for all the feedback, as always.

Andersen

Topping. =D

Hans,

We saw "The Abduction from the Seraglio" in Vienna, but unfortunately I can't recall what the venue was. However, even for the opera, I didn't think people dressed up, so I think you'd be okay in khakis and a long-sleeved shirt.

This is kind of a guess, though.

I forgot to add that I believe our hotel got our tickets for us.

Hello Hans Andersen

When you are walking around Vienna there will be plenty of people dressed in Mozart outfits, selling tickets for all manner of concerts.

We actually purchased our tickets at the Visitor Info Centre located opposite Albertina, right in the centre of the city. I wanted to see a seating plan for the venue we had chosen, to make sure our seats would be in a good position. There were a few other ticket purchase outlets around the city as well.
They are all very similar so just chose one in a venue you fancy.

Dress code doesn't seem to be a problem - there was anything from jeans to evening finery in the concert we attended.
We chose to go to the Imperial Orchestra performance in Beethoven Platz hall, because the music on the program was all familiar and I knew that DH would fall asleep if it was too 'highbrow'. It turned out to be a beautiful old school venue, and the performers were so close that even our seats in the cheapest seats gave a fantastic view. The first violinist was quite outstanding, but the dance items left us a bit cold!

Happy travels, Di

Pegontheroad and Di2315,

Thanks very much, that is very helpful!

Cheers,
Andersen

We saw an evening performance of the Vienna Symphony. I ordered the tickets in advance through their website.

People were definitely dressed up.

There were 3 encores!

It was my favorite experience in Vienna.

gruezi

Thanks, Gruezi.

Andersen

There is a difference in the quality of performance you will see at the Musikverein or Konzerthaus compared to those whose concerts are advertised by costumed ticket promoters in the streets. Nothing wrong with that, but if you want to see a world class performance, then try for the Konzerthaus or Musikerverein.

If you are attending solo, you can try the box office the evening of the concert (show up before it opens) to buy unclaimed tickets or tickets being sold by someone who can't use their tickets for one reason or another. I've gotten very good seats for sold-out performances at both the Konzerthaus and Musikverein that way. I had more luck finding tickets as a single than those who needed a pair or more.

I always dress nicely for performances at these venues...not ultra-dressy, more or less what I'd wear for a cocktail party or lunch (not dinner) at a top restaurant. Your outfit would be fine, but take the blazer along if you want to wear it.

By the way, I highly recommend the Liechtenstein Museum, an outstanding collection in a gorgeous setting. If your trip happens to take place over a Sunday, you can attend one of their excellent Sunday afternoon concerts in the museum's Hercules Hall. Free with museum admission. I've enjoyed some very good performances there.
http://www.liechtensteinmuseum.at/en/pages/1393.asp

Thanks very much, I can't thank you all enough!

Andersen