OPERA SHOWS

Where to Hear Opera: the 15 Best Worldwide

30 nights of music  ·  seats from $26

Full houses, church recitals and open-air courtyards, in one list. The 15 below range from an hour of arias with an aperitivo to a staged evening in a historic theatre, each priced and clear about whether there are surtitles.

Florence: Santa Monaca Church Italian Opera Concert Ticket - Entering Santa Monaca Church on Via Santa Monaca
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Florence: Santa Monaca Church Italian Opera Concert Ticket

1.Santa Monaca Church Italian Opera Concert Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,692 reviews · 1 hour · from $35Our pick

Spend one hour with professional opera singers and a pianist inside Florence’s Santa Monaca Church, a 1400s building with frescoes and striking acoustics. Hear familiar pieces by Verdi, Rossini, Puccini, Bellini, and Mascagni in an intimate setting. A short intermission gives you time to buy wine, then continue your evening near Santo Spirito.

“The evening was well organised and the church was rustic and charming. We have never been to the opera before and we loved it. The singer and the pianist were superb. Something to note was there didn’t seem to be a washroom so make sure you go before you arrive and it was a very warm evening inside and out; neither of those things spoiled our evening and we would thoroughly recommend! Pure class…”

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Lucca: Puccini Festival Opera Recitals and Concerts - The winter setting at Oratorio di San Giuseppe
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Lucca: Puccini Festival Opera Recitals and Concerts

2.Puccini Festival Opera Recitals and Concerts

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,278 reviews · 1 hour · from $35

Spend an hour with two professional singers and a pianist in Lucca’s Church of San Giovanni, or the nearby Oratorio di San Giuseppe in winter. Hear Puccini in his hometown, with rotating programs ranging from famous arias to duets by Mozart, Verdi, Rossini, and others.

“This is an absolutely phenomenal experience and a must do when in Lucca!”

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Rome: Opera Concert at Palazzo Poli - Fontana di Trevi - The Trevi Fountain view from above
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Rome: Opera Concert at Palazzo Poli – Fontana di Trevi

3.Opera Concert at Palazzo Poli – Fontana di Trevi

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,026 reviews · 1 hour · from $47

Spend one hour in Palazzo Poli, the 16th-century palace behind the Trevi Fountain, for an opera concert in Sala Dante. Expect professional singers and musicians, a program of familiar opera and classical pieces, and time to view the fountain from the hall balconies. English and Italian assistance is available.

“Concert - string Quartet with 2 opera singers was amazing!Just the right length. View of the Trevi fountain was beautiful and the seats were very comfortable! Beautiful evening - highly recommend!”

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Verona: Arena di Verona Opera Ticket - The Optional Verona Walking Tour
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Verona: Arena di Verona Opera Ticket

4.Arena di Verona Opera Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 954 reviews · 1 day · from $58

Choose a 2026 opera at Verona’s ancient Arena, including Aida, Carmen, La Traviata, Nabucco, Turandot, or La Bohème. Collect your ticket at gate 7 on show day, then take your seat for an evening performance beginning at 9:15 PM in June and July, or 9:00 PM in August and September. Add a one-hour English or German walking tour of Verona.

“First time at the opera and what a fantastic place to see your first one ! Excellent”

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Taormina: Opera Performance in the Nazarena Theater - Arriving at the Nazarena Theater
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Taormina: Opera Performance in the Nazarena Theater

5.Taormina: Opera Performance in the Nazarena Theater

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 651 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $35

Spend 90 minutes at Taormina’s Nazarena Theater with professional singers and pianist performing familiar arias and duets by Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Donizetti, Rossini, and others. You’ll enjoy a glass of Italian Prosecco, water, a terrace overlooking the Bay of Taormina, and an intimate concert that works especially well for first-time opera listeners.

“Lovely experience. Wonderful entertaining performers. Comfortable, historic theater. Performance lasted about 1-1/2 hours with encore. Nice inclusion in any trip to Taormina.”

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Rome: Italian Opera Night Concert by Candle Glow - Entering the historic venue
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Rome: Italian Opera Night Concert by Candle Glow

6.Italian Opera Night Concert by Candle Glow

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 630 reviews · 1 hour · from $37

Spend an atmospheric hour with Opera da Camera di Roma, hearing a tenor and soprano perform opera arias, duets, and Neapolitan songs with piano accompaniment. Roberto often guides the evening from the piano, adding brief explanations and warm humor. The candlelit historic setting, accessible venue, and $37 price make this a simple introduction to Italian opera.

“Absolutely amazing! Would definitely recommend, even though you might not be an opera person, you would still feel it all the way through your core!”

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Italian Opera Concert Ticket in Florence’s Santa Monaca Church - What happens during the 9:15pm concert
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Italian Opera Concert Ticket in Florence’s Santa Monaca Church

7.Italian Opera Concert Ticket in Florence’s Santa Monaca Church

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 602 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $36

Attend a 70-minute evening concert in Florence’s former Santa Monaca Church, where professional singers and a pianist perform arias from La Traviata, Tosca, La Bohème, The Marriage of Figaro, and more. The 9:15pm program is intimate, smart casual, and easy to add after dinner.

“Simple but enjoyable… all three (the pianist and the two opera singers) are very professional, very relaxing night out!”

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Madrid: Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner - The first course: salmon, broad beans, and zarzuela
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Madrid: Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner

8.Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 509 reviews · 3 hours · from $69

Spend three hours at La Castafiore in central Madrid, where singing waiters perform opera and Spanish zarzuela between courses of tapas, fish or steak, dessert, and included drinks. Expect a friendly, interactive evening rather than a formal theater performance, with a final toast to La Traviata. Dietary restrictions should be shared when booking.

“Great atmosphere and food. Definitely a highlight of the Madrid trip!”

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Rome: Italian Opera Concert and Traditional Dinner - The singers and pianist are the main event
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Rome: Italian Opera Concert and Traditional Dinner

9.Italian Opera Concert and Traditional Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 453 reviews · 2 hours · from $94

Spend an evening with the Opera da Camera di Roma, hearing tenor and soprano arias, piano music, Vivaldi, and Neapolitan songs inside the Waldensian Church. The concert begins at 7:30 pm and lasts about 70 minutes. Afterward, walk roughly 500 meters to Enoteca Corsi for a four-course Roman meal.

“It was an absolute fantastic, Opera concert. From start to finish it was a joy to watch. And the acoustics inside the church were brilliant. The Tenor, Soprano and the Pianist were excellent. And the dinner afterwards was lovely. I would definitely go back.”

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Italian Opera in Taormina - The Nazarena Theatre and its terrace
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Italian Opera in Taormina

10.Italian Opera in Taormina

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 441 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.) · from $36

Spend about 1 to 2 hours at Taormina’s Nazarena Theatre, where a soprano and tenor perform famous arias with piano accompaniment. Your ticket includes prosecco, water, and snacks during the interval, plus access to a panoramic terrace. Shows begin at 9:15 pm, Monday through Friday, depending on the season.

“It was a great experience seeing an Opera in Italy Taormina. The singers were experience singers and sung a well known selection of songs. An enjoyable night.”

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Rome: Freddie Mercury Opera Show - Inside the Opera da Camera di Roma Hall
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Rome: Freddie Mercury Opera Show

11.Freddie Mercury Opera Show

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 381 reviews · 50 min · from $50

Spend 50 minutes with Italian opera singers and pianist Roberto at the Opera da Camera di Roma Hall. Freddie Mercury and Queen songs are recast for classical voices, alongside Handel and Indian music linked to Mercury’s life. Expect a small audience, table seating, audience participation, and sometimes wine and snacks.

“Location was beautiful also for the acoustic. The lyric singers were really good in interpreting the Great Freddie Mercury!”

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Florence: Opera Concert Entrance Ticket - What the performance actually includes
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Florence: Opera Concert Entrance Ticket

12.Opera Concert Entrance Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 377 reviews · 1 hour · from $32Best value

At 9:15 p.m., professional opera singers and a pianist perform arias by Handel, Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, and others inside Chiesa Santa Maria al Tempio near Santa Croce. The singers and program change by night. Expect an intimate one-hour recital, beautiful frescoes, and a relaxed introduction to opera for $32.

“A fabulous experience. Both the singer and her pianist were amazingly talented, the acoustics were incredible and in a perfect setting. A real highlight of our visit to Florence .”

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Venice: Opera Concert at Casanova Prisons in St. Mark Square - Finding the entrance near Doge’s Palace
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Venice: Opera Concert at Casanova Prisons in St. Mark Square

13.Opera Concert at Casanova Prisons in St. Mark Square

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 347 reviews · 1 hour · from $46

Meet at the Palace of Prisons beside Doge’s Palace, cross the bridge on the right, and settle into the old Council Hall for a one-hour concert. Opera singers and a pianist perform works by Mozart, Rossini, Puccini, Offenbach, and Lehár. The setting is intimate, historic, and separate from the Doge’s Palace tour.

“Enjoyed every minute of this wonderful performance, great singers and the pianist. Recommend highly to all opera lovers.”

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Opera at the Sydney Opera House Show Tickets - Arriving at the Sydney Opera House
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Opera at the Sydney Opera House Show Tickets

14.Opera at the Sydney Opera House Show Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 269 reviews · from $49

Choose a seasonal Opera Australia performance at the Sydney Opera House, from classics such as La Traviata and Madama Butterfly to musicals and modern works. Select from four seating levels, attend a matinee or evening show, and read English surtitles above the stage. Food, drinks, transport, and hotel pickup are not included.

“Excellent venue and experience. It was easy to obtain our pre-purchased tickets on the day of the event (morning). Performance was excellent and staff very helpful.”

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Catania: Opera Concert - Tribute to Vincenzo Bellini - The small orchestra and two singers
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Catania: Opera Concert – Tribute to Vincenzo Bellini

15.Opera Concert – Tribute to Vincenzo Bellini

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 249 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $41

Spend 90 minutes with two opera singers and the Catania Chamber Orchestra inside the Badia di Sant’Agata, beside Catania Cathedral. The program links Bellini’s music with favorite arias by Verdi, Rossini, Puccini, Bizet, Donizetti, and others. Expect Italian-language hosting, a small ensemble, dramatic church acoustics, and a program that may change.

“We had a very entertaining evening with a very good choice of arias performed by two singers who were clearly enjoying themselves”

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