The Best Places for Opera, Operetta, Classical Music Performances and Live Jazz Music in Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a city where music breathes through every cobblestone and echoes from its historic concert halls. Known worldwide as a classical music capital, Vienna offers a rich tapestry of performances, from grand operas and elegant operettas to dynamic jazz sets in cozy underground clubs. This article guides you through the best places to experience the city's extraordinary musical life, including legendary venues like the Wiener Staatsoper and Porgy and Bess. Whether you’re a classical connoisseur or a jazz enthusiast, Vienna’s stages promise an unforgettable sonic journey.

Popular concert venues for enjoying operas, operettas and performances of classical music

Vienna is considered to be an international hotspot for classical music performances. Austria has a long-lasting tradition of cultivating outstanding talents and offering them to showcase their work in splendid and professional surroundings. The State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) has a busy schedule of top-notch performances, so make sure to book tickets in advance if you want to experience an evening out. Apart from the State Opera there are a couple of other venues for operas, operettas and classical music. Here is a curated collection of those venues.

Wiener Musicverein

Address: Musikvereinsplatz 1, 1010 Wien
Web: https://www.musikverein.at/en
The Wiener Musikverein is a world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for classical music lovers. Located in the heart of Vienna, this iconic venue is best known for its "Golden Hall," considered one of the finest acoustical spaces in the world. Home to the prestigious Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the Musikverein hosts a range of classical performances year-round, from intimate chamber concerts to grand symphonic works. Its annual New Year's Concert is broadcast globally and represents a pinnacle of Viennese musical tradition. Tourists are drawn not only by the exceptional music but also by the building’s opulent neoclassical architecture. A visit to the Musikverein offers an unforgettable auditory and cultural experience.

Wiener Staatsoper

Address: Opernring 2, 1010 Wien
Web: https://www.wiener-staatsoper.at/en/
The Wiener Staatsoper, or Vienna State Opera, is one of the world’s most celebrated opera houses and a cultural jewel of the city. Situated on the grand Ringstraße boulevard, the Staatsoper presents an extensive repertoire of over 300 performances each season, including opera, ballet, and orchestral concerts. Known for its historical grandeur and opulent architecture, the venue has hosted legendary performances since its opening in 1869. Tourists flock to the Staatsoper for its rich program featuring both classic masterpieces and modern productions by leading international artists. Its accessible standing-room tickets make world-class performances affordable. A guided tour reveals fascinating backstage insights into Vienna's operatic legacy.

Vienna Volksoper

Address: Währinger Straße 78, 1090 Vienna
Web: http://www.volksoper.at
The Vienna Volksoper presents a rich and varied program, featuring everything from opera and operetta to musicals and ballet, making it a cultural gem for anyone seeking an entertaining and diverse evening. Situated in the Alsergrund district, it serves as a more approachable and lively alternative to the prestigious Staatsoper. The Volksoper is especially renowned for its delightful renditions of Viennese operettas, known for their charm, humor, and captivating music. Visitors can expect an atmosphere that’s both elegant and inviting—perfect for those new to opera or simply in the mood for a light-hearted performance. With top-notch acoustics, a legacy stretching back to 1898, and a program that appeals to all generations, the Vienna Volksoper offers a quintessential experience of the city’s theatrical spirit.

Wiener Konzerthaus

Address: Lothringerstraße 20, 1030 Wien
Web: https://konzerthaus.at/en
The Wiener Staatsoper, or Vienna State Opera, is one of the world’s most celebrated opera houses and a cultural jewel of the city. Situated on the grand Ringstraße boulevard, the Staatsoper presents an extensive repertoire of over 300 performances each season, including opera, ballet, and orchestral concerts. Known for its historical grandeur and opulent architecture, the venue has hosted legendary performances since its opening in 1869. Tourists flock to the Staatsoper for its rich program featuring both classic masterpieces and modern productions by leading international artists. Its accessible standing-room tickets make world-class performances affordable. A guided tour reveals fascinating backstage insights into Vienna's operatic legacy.

L.E.O. - Last Enjoyable Opera Theater (L.E.O. - Letztes Erfreuliches Operntheater)

Address: Ungargasse 18, 1030 Vienna
Web: www.theaterleo.at
L.E.O. – Letztes Erfreuliches Operntheater – offers a charming and refreshingly informal take on Vienna’s opera scene. Tucked away in the 3rd district, this intimate venue specializes in imaginative, small-scale opera productions that are both humorous and musically refined. Ideal for tourists seeking a relaxed yet authentic opera experience, L.E.O. presents classical works with a modern twist, often involving audience interaction and storytelling in English or with English subtitles. The cozy atmosphere allows for a close connection between performers and audience, making each show a unique experience. It’s especially popular among visitors who want to enjoy opera without the formality of larger houses.

Famous Austrian composers and composers whose work is heavily related to Austria

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)
  Piano sonatas, symphonies, operas, concertos, chamber music – nearly every genre. Most famous operas: The Magic Flute, Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro, Così fan tutteMost famous operas: The Magic Flute, Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro, Così fan tutte. Global icon of classical music.
• Franz Schubert (1797–1828)
  Piano sonatas, symphonies, lieder, string quartets. Unfinished Symphony, Trout Quintet.
• Johann Strauss II
  Waltzes: The Blue Danube, Tales from the Vienna Woods. Best operettas: Die Fledermaus, The Gypsy Baron. He was called the "Waltz King".
• Joseph Haydn (1732–1809)
  “Father of the Symphony” and the string quartet. Major works: The Creation, London Symphonies.
• Anton Bruckner (1824–1896)
  Monumental symphonies, sacred music. Known for massive orchestrations and spirituality.
• Gustav Mahler (1860–1911)
  Symphonies, Das Lied von der Erde, orchestral song cycles. Bridged Romanticism and Modernism.
• Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714–1787)
  Important operas: Orfeo ed Euridice, Alceste, Iphigénie en Tauride. Reformed opera by focusing on drama and naturalism.
• Franz Lehár (1870–1948)
  Most famous operetta: The Merry Widow (Die lustige Witwe). He is the symbol of the Silver Age of Viennese operetta.
• Franz von Suppé (1819–1895)
  Best known operettas: Light Cavalry, Poet and Peasant. Also composed many overtures that are orchestral staples today.
• Alban Berg (1885–1935)
  Operas: Wozzeck, Lulu. Key figure in 20th-century modernist opera, part of the Second Viennese School.

Where to go to see jazz performances in Vienna

While strictly speaking it isn't classical music, or at least not the 'posh' kind, jazz music might attract in parts a similar audience. If you want to immerse yourself into the Viennese jazz scene, your best options would be small clubs.

Vienna’s jazz music scene is vibrant, eclectic, and an exciting complement to the city’s classical heritage. Tourists seeking live jazz will find a variety of clubs and venues offering everything from traditional swing to avant-garde improvisation. The city’s most iconic jazz club, Porgy and Bess, regularly features international stars and innovative local acts in an intimate, acoustically rich space. Jazzland, Vienna’s oldest jazz cellar, located near the Danube Canal, charms visitors with its cozy, historic ambiance and top-notch performances rooted in classic jazz traditions. Other hotspots like Zwe and Sargfabrik offer diverse lineups, blending jazz with funk, soul, and experimental sounds. Whether you're a die-hard jazz fan or a curious traveler, Vienna’s lively jazz venues promise a memorable night of music and culture.
More info about jazz programs: viennajazzfloor.at

Porgy and Bess

Address: Riemergasse 11, 1010 Wien
Web: https://www.porgy.at/
Porgy and Bess is Vienna’s premier venue for jazz and contemporary music, located just steps from Stephansplatz. Though not focused on classical music, it holds a special appeal for tourists with broad musical tastes looking to experience Vienna’s vibrant modern scene. Established in the 1990s, the club hosts an impressive lineup of international jazz artists, experimental music acts, and crossover performances that sometimes blend classical elements with modern genres. The intimate setting, excellent acoustics, and lively ambiance make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. For those looking to complement their classical itinerary with something edgier and more current, Porgy and Bess offers the perfect musical night out.

Jazzland

Address: Franz-Josefs-Kai 29, 1010 Vienna
Web: www.jazzland.at
Jazzland is the oldest jazz club in Austria, operating since 1972. Located beneath the historic Ruprechtskirche, it offers live jazz performances six nights a week in an intimate, 500-year-old cellar setting. The club is renowned for its rich history and authentic atmosphere. ​

ZWE Jazzcafé

Address: Floßgasse 4, 1020 Vienna
Web: www.zwe.cc
ZWE is a cozy jazz café known for its relaxed vibe and daily live music. It hosts jam sessions and concerts featuring local and international artists, offering a unique and personal jazz experience. ​

Sargfabrik

Address: Goldschlagstraße 169, 1140 Vienna
strong>Web: www.sargfabrik.at
Sargfabrik is a cultural venue that hosts a variety of events, including jazz performances. It is part of a community-oriented complex known for its diverse programming and welcoming atmosphere. ​

Where to buy tickets for music programs

Check out the website of the venue where the program is held. You can buy tickets either directly from the venue or through a ticket service. Here are a few places where you can purchase tickets online:
- Oeticket: https://www.oeticket.com/
- Wien Ticket: https://www.wien-ticket.at
- Vienna Ticket Office: https://www.viennaticketoffice.com/theater_en.php
- Vienna Classic: https://www.viennaclassic.com/en/
- Musical Vienna: https://www.musicalvienna.at/en/home

Enjoy the musical delights of the city

Whether you're marveling at a timeless opera in the opulent Staatsoper or swaying to jazz rhythms at a candlelit club, Vienna’s vibrant music culture leaves a lasting impression. The city's blend of tradition and innovation ensures there’s something for every musical palate. With accessible venues, world-renowned performers, and a welcoming atmosphere, Vienna invites you to immerse yourself fully in its artistic soul. From booking your tickets to exploring neighborhood gems, this guide is your key to unlocking the very best of Vienna’s musical magic—an experience that resonates long after the final note fades.