Most famous theater destinations in Europe
Most famous theater destinations in Europe
Historic classical opera houses and monumental drama theaters in Europe
Centuries of European operatic tradition centre on a handful of grand opera houses, while a different commercial theatre culture is built around long-running productions rather than a rotating classical repertoire.
The destinations on this list range from grand opera houses with strict dress codes and decades-long waiting lists for the best seats to commercial theatre districts built around accessible, frequently changing programming. Both represent serious, very different versions of European theatre.
Booking well ahead for opera houses matters considerably, since the most prestigious performances and seats sell out months before opening night. Standing tickets at several of Europe's grandest opera houses remain remarkably affordable. Dressing smartly also remains expected at several of the more formal venues. Most performances begin promptly each evening.
Lists by region
City in Czech Republic
Prague
A fairy-tale city with rich history
The Prague Spring music festival is held each May and June. Plays and operas run most nights of the year. Mozart led the premiere of Don Giovanni in 1787 at the Estates Theatre. The National Theatre has a golden roof by the river. Black light shows are a local speciality.
Town in France
Avignon
A Medieval Heartbeat in Provence
Golden walls surround this old papal city in southern France. Its narrow lanes feel like one big stage. Jean Vilar founded the Avignon Festival in 1947. Plays are performed in the courtyard of the Palais des Papes. The Fringe, called Off, adds over a thousand shows every July.
City in Hungary
Budapest
A stunning mix of history and nightlife
Like Vienna, this capital has a grand opera house, but tickets here are often cheaper. The Hungarian State Opera House opened in 1884 and has gilded balconies and painted ceilings. Daily tours show the backstage. The Madach Theatre and Vigszinhaz stage plays and musicals in Hungarian.
City in Spain
Barcelona
Vibrant City of Art and Beaches
As the capital of Catalonia with about 1.6 million people, this city has stages for every taste. The Gran Teatre del Liceu opera house has stood on La Rambla since 1847. The Palau de la Musica Catalana is a World Heritage Site. The Grec Festival uses an open air theatre on Montjuic.
City in France
Paris
The city of love, art and history
With well over a hundred theatres, this French capital has stages on almost every street. The Comedie Francaise has staged plays since 1680. The Palais Garnier opera house opened in 1875 and has a grand staircase. Cabaret shows still run at the Moulin Rouge in Montmartre.
City in Italy
Milan
Fashion, Art and Historic Splendor
Stylish, busy and proud of its opera, this northern Italian city has La Scala. The theatre opened in 1778 and its red velvet hall holds about 2,000 people. The season starts every year on 7 December. The Piccolo Teatro, founded in 1947, stages plays. A museum next door shows costumes and old instruments.
City in Austria
Vienna
A Symphony of Culture and Elegance
This capital has been a theatre city since the Burgtheater was founded in 1741. The Burgtheater is still the main German language stage. The Vienna State Opera opened in 1869 on the Ringstrasse. Beethoven's opera Fidelio premiered at the Theater an der Wien in 1805. Standing room tickets are cheap.
City in United Kingdom
Edinburgh
History, Culture and Festival Fever
On a ridge of volcanic rock beside the Firth of Forth, this Scottish capital is crowded with historic venues. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe began in 1947 and lasts most of August. Thousands of shows are staged in pubs, churches and halls. The Traverse Theatre stages new Scottish plays.
Town in United Kingdom
Stratford-upon-Avon
Birthplace of Shakespeare’s timeless inspiration
Smaller than any big city, this English market town has about 30,000 people and several theatres. William Shakespeare was born here in 1564. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre reopened in 2011 on the River Avon. The smaller Swan Theatre stages other plays from his time. Holy Trinity Church holds his grave.
City in United Kingdom
London
A Tapestry of History and Modernity
Theatre Royal Drury Lane opened in 1663 and still stands in the West End today. The district now has about 40 theatres with long running musicals and plays. Shakespeare's Globe on the South Bank was rebuilt in 1997 as an open air copy. Standing tickets for plays there cost a few pounds.
City in Italy
Verona
Romantic Charm and Ancient History
In northern Italy near Lake Garda, this walled city has a Roman arena built about AD 30. It still holds operas and concerts under the open sky from June to September. Romeo and Juliet is set here. Many visitors go to see a courtyard with a balcony. Wine bars fill the old lanes.
City in Austria
Salzburg
Baroque Beauty and Musical Magic
Every summer since 1920 the town stages Jedermann, a play about a rich man facing death. It is performed on the square in front of the cathedral. The Salzburg Festival runs from late July to late August with opera and concerts. Mozart was born here in 1756. His birthplace is a museum.
City in Germany
Berlin
Wall history, Museum Island and all-night clubs
Berliners have a long habit of staging bold and political plays. Bertolt Brecht founded the Berliner Ensemble in 1949 at the Theater am Schiffbauerdamm. The Schaubuhne and the Deutsches Theater are also famous. The city hosts the Theatertreffen every May to show ten standout productions in German.
City in Greece
Athens
Where ancient ruins meet urban energy
Western drama began here in the 5th century BC. Sophocles and Euripides staged plays in the Theatre of Dionysus below the Acropolis. The stone seats still stand. Concerts and plays are held in the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman theatre from AD 161, in summer.
Town in Germany
Bayreuth
Wagner, baroque theaters and Franconian beer
The Bayreuth Festival runs from late July to late August every year. Only Richard Wagner's operas are staged. The composer built the Festspielhaus here in 1876 with a hidden orchestra pit. The town also has the Margravial Opera House, a Baroque theatre that became a World Heritage Site in 2012.
City in Netherlands
Amsterdam
Canals, culture and a vibrant spirit
On the Amstel River in the west of the Netherlands, this canal city has stages around Leidseplein square. The Stadsschouwburg theatre opened there in 1894. Royal Theater Carre, built in 1887, hosts musicals and dance. The Holland Festival is held in June with international plays and opera.
Historic Theatre in Greece
Epidaurus
Ancient acoustics echo through timeless marble
Quiet and ancient, this sanctuary of the healing god Asklepios sits in the northeast Peloponnese. Its open air theatre was built in the 4th century BC and has about 14,000 seats. Voices carry clearly to the top rows. Greek plays are performed there on summer evenings during the Athens Epidaurus Festival.
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