Teatro alla Scala
Milan's legendary opera house, Teatro alla Scala, offers world-class opera and ballet in a stunning 18th-century setting. Explore its rich history and...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the magic of opera/ballet
Teatro alla Scala
Best Time
Experience the magic of opera/ballet

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Milan's legendary opera house, Teatro alla Scala, offers world-class opera and ballet in a stunning 18th-century setting. Explore its rich history and opulent interiors.
"A truly magical experience, the grandeur of La Scala is unforgettable, from the stunning auditorium to the captivating performances."
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Popular shows sell out fast! Book online months ahead for best selection and prices.
👔 Dress Smartly
Aim for elegant attire; business casual is fine, but avoid shorts/t-shirts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grand Auditorium
Main performance hall
Experience the breathtaking acoustics and opulent decor of this iconic opera house. A true feast for the senses.

La Scala Museum
Adjacent to the theatre
Explore a rich collection of costumes, musical instruments, and memorabilia tracing the theatre's illustrious history.

Ballet Performances
Main stage
Witness world-class dancers in captivating performances, a highlight for many visitors.
Planning Your Visit
Secure Your Seats Early
Dress for the Occasion
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Popular shows sell out fast! Book online months ahead for best selection and prices.
👔 Dress Smartly
Aim for elegant attire; business casual is fine, but avoid shorts/t-shirts.
💰 Last-Minute Gallery Seats
Limited, low-visibility gallery seats are sometimes available on the day.
🎶 Check Performance Schedule
Visit the official website for opera, ballet, and concert listings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Popular shows sell out fast! Book online months ahead for best selection and prices.
👔 Dress Smartly
Aim for elegant attire; business casual is fine, but avoid shorts/t-shirts.
💰 Last-Minute Gallery Seats
Limited, low-visibility gallery seats are sometimes available on the day.
🎶 Check Performance Schedule
Visit the official website for opera, ballet, and concert listings.
👠 Pointe Shoe Prep
See how principal dancers prepare their pointe shoes in behind-the-scenes videos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Teatro alla Scala is universally praised for its stunning architecture and world-class opera and ballet performances. Visitors are captivated by the opulent interiors and the exceptional acoustics. However, the high cost of tickets and the potential for obstructed views in some seating sections are recurring concerns for some patrons.
"Went on self guided tour. It featured several rooms with portraits of composers and performers through history and a lovely exhibit on ballet. It was very short, and it did not focus as much on the music as the art of movement, but it is worth seeing the theater."
Haley Goodrow
"Very impressive when you go there with the guide - highly reccomended. I think without the guide it is not even worth going there but when you hear the history of both building as well as people who worked there it does open entirely new perspective."
andrius kaselis (AK)
"The self guided tour was reasonably priced and very interesting. The theater is so beautiful and you able to see the public areas, upper tier boxes and a glimpse of the stage. The small museum was worth a quick visit as well."
J Duffy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Teatro alla Scala is centrally located in Milan, easily accessible by public transport. The nearest metro station is Duomo (M1 and M3 lines). Many bus and tram lines also stop nearby. Taxis are readily available.
Parking in central Milan can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transportation. If driving, look for paid parking garages in the vicinity.
Yes, Teatro alla Scala is a short and pleasant walk from the Duomo di Milano, approximately 5-10 minutes. It's a great way to see the city center.
For evening performances, taking the metro or a taxi is convenient. Ensure you factor in travel time, especially during peak hours.
Yes, guided tours are available, offering insights into the theatre's history and architecture. Check the official website for schedules and booking information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The official Teatro alla Scala website is the primary source for tickets. Be wary of third-party resellers. Booking well in advance is highly recommended.
While premium seats can be expensive, limited, low-visibility gallery seats are sometimes sold on the day of the performance for a lower price.
For popular operas and ballets, booking several months in advance is advisable to secure good seats.
While not strictly formal for all shows, elegant attire is appreciated. Business casual is generally acceptable. Avoid shorts and t-shirts. For ballet, dresses and suits are common.
Yes, some last-minute tickets, particularly for standing room in the upper gallery, may become available on the day of the performance. Check the website frequently.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The museum houses a significant collection of opera memorabilia, including costumes, portraits, musical instruments, and historical documents related to the theatre's past.
For opera and history enthusiasts, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of La Scala. It provides context and appreciation for the performances.
Opera performances can vary in length, but typically range from 2.5 to 4 hours, including intermissions. Check the specific performance details for an estimate.
Photography is generally not permitted during performances. However, you may be allowed to take photos of the auditorium before the show or during intermissions, but always check signage and ask staff.
The 'Parterre' (orchestra stalls) and 'Palchi' (boxes) on the lower levels offer excellent views. The upper galleries can have obstructed views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Teatro alla Scala has a restaurant and bar facilities within the building, offering refreshments and light meals, especially during intermissions.
The area around Teatro alla Scala is filled with excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering a range of Italian cuisine from traditional trattorias to more upscale dining.
Food and drinks are generally not allowed in the auditorium during performances to maintain the theatre's decorum and cleanliness.
Milan offers a wide variety of dining options, and you can find vegetarian and vegan dishes at many restaurants in the vicinity of Teatro alla Scala.
Prices vary widely. Casual cafes and trattorias might offer meals from €15-€25, while more upscale restaurants can range from €40 upwards per person.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is usually prohibited during performances. You might be able to take photos of the auditorium before the show or during intermissions, but always check local rules.
The exterior of the theatre, especially at night, is very photogenic. Inside, the grand staircase and the opulent auditorium (when permitted) are stunning.
Yes, flash photography is always prohibited, and general photography during performances is not allowed. Respect the theatre's policies.
For general visits and museum exploration, a standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. If you're attending a performance, be mindful of size restrictions for bags and equipment.
The Piazza della Scala offers a great vantage point for exterior shots. Consider visiting at different times of day for varied lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For performances, it's best suited for children who have a genuine interest in opera or ballet and can sit through a performance. Shorter ballets or operas might be more manageable. Always check the duration of the performance and consider your child's attention span.
💰 Budget Travelers
Visiting the La Scala Museum during the day can be a more affordable way to experience the venue's grandeur without the cost of a performance ticket. Dining options in Milan are plentiful, so explore trattorias away from the immediate vicinity of the theatre for more budget-friendly meals.
✨ Couples & Special Occasions
Consider booking a box seat for an intimate and luxurious experience, or seats in the Parterre for excellent views of the performance. Follow your cultural evening with a delightful dinner at one of Milan's many fine restaurants nearby.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Opera and Ballet at La Scala
From the dramatic intensity of Verdi to the graceful movements of classical ballet, the repertoire is vast and varied. The theatre is home to its own renowned opera company and ballet company, featuring principal dancers and singers who are stars in their own right.
Pro Tip: For a truly immersive experience, consider booking a guided tour of the theatre and museum before or after attending a performance. This provides valuable context and a deeper appreciation for the artistry and history within its walls.
Navigating Tickets and Seating
For budget-conscious travelers, there's a limited number of standing-room tickets available in the upper gallery on the day of the performance. However, these seats offer very poor visibility and may require standing for the entire show. Some Redditors suggest asking hotel concierges for assistance, as they may have access to tickets or know of alternative ways to secure them.
When choosing seats, the orchestra stalls (Parterre) and lower-level boxes (Palchi) generally offer the best views. Upper gallery seats can have significantly obstructed sightlines, so research seat views if possible before booking.
The La Scala Museum Experience
Visitors can explore the theatre's opulent interiors, including the grand staircase and the museum's own salons, which often display temporary exhibitions. The museum provides a unique opportunity to understand the evolution of opera and ballet, and the stars who graced the La Scala stage.
Insider Tip: Combine your museum visit with a guided tour of the theatre itself for a comprehensive understanding of La Scala's artistic and architectural significance. This offers a behind-the-scenes look at the stage and backstage areas, weather permitting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit