Opera in Venice: Enjoy a day at the Opera

Buying tickets for the opera in Venice can be an intimidating task. There is the language barrier in dealing with the theater staff, the doubt of not being familiar with the layout of the seats, and, of course, not knowing when and where to purchase tickets.

This is where Select Italy takes charge. We have Italian-speaking staff that can get the direct scoop from the theater. We know the seating like the back of our hand. Plus, thanks to our relationship with the theater, we can tell you the exact date tickets will go on sale.

Which Seats Should I Choose?

Your most pressing question if you want to attend an opera in Venice will probably be, “Which seats should I choose?” The answer to that question largely depends on your budget. The best seats are also the most expensive: the main floor and the central boxes, front seats. These seats will provide the best view of the stage. The lateral boxes can be a good alternative on a budget, but won’t provide a straight-on view of the stage. Some of the most lateral boxes may also prevent you from seeing a limited portion of the stage; Select Italy will always warn you if these are the only remaining seats so that you can have the opportunity to pick a different section if you want a better view. The galleries are the farthest seats from the stage, but can be a great option for travelers wanting to experience the opera on a budget. Some of the seating in the theater is categorized as “low visibility” or “listening only,” but Select Italy will not sell these tickets unless you specifically request them.

How Many People Fit in the Boxes?

Another common inquiry about La Fenice is how many people fit in the boxes. Each box holds 4 people, two in the front seats and two in the rear. That means that if you request more than 2 seats in one of the box categories, you will not all be placed in the same box. Select Italy will always do its best to place you in side-by-side boxes and alert you beforehand if this is not available. If you want to experience a central box at a discounted price, the rear seats are your best bet, but remember that you will have someone else sitting in front of you.

La Fenice Opera House

One word of advice; La Fenice is not a large opera house like what we are used to in the United States (it’s dwarfed by the Met in New York or the Lyric in Chicago), and the demand for tickets is high, so shows sell out quickly. Unlike La Scala, which only releases tickets 60 days in advance, La Fenice releases its whole season on the same day. Your best bet to get good tickets is to book early. As soon as you know your travel dates, make sure the opera tickets are first on your to-do list.

Do you have any questions about the opera in Venice? Send us your comments below.