The 4 Best Classical Music Concerts in Vienna

Austria's musical heritage and history are known throughout the world. The country was the birthplace of important historical figures such as Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Johann Strauss. Whether you are a classical music lover or just feel the slightest curiosity, a music concert in Vienna can be the push you need to discover a new passion. After all, what could be better than listening to some of the world's finest performers?

As you will soon realise, classical music in Vienna is part of the culture of its people, so enjoying an evening of music and a concert isone of the best things to do in Vienna. Here are the most popular options and my favourites. Enjoy!

Schönbrunn Palace is not only considered one of the best palaces in Vienna, but also one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in all of Europe. Consequently, a visit to enjoy an evening concert in its fabulous facilities is one of the best things to see and do in Vienna at night. Due to the demand generated, you will find several companies offering this experience to travellers in a combined package that frees you from the need to plan the most important details of the evening.

• About dinner: It is important to bear in mind that depending on the company you choose for the excursion, the establishment for dinner and the conditions may be modified. Generally, most tour packages offer a 3- or 4-course dinner at some of Vienna's best restaurants located near the Palace. Some of the establishments frequently used to provide this service are: the Café-Restaurant Residenz or the Café-Restaurant Landtmann.
• About the concert: The concerts are usually performed by the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra, also known as the Vienna Baroque Orchestra. You will arrive at one of the most beautiful concert halls in the city to listen to top-level Viennese musicians perform Mozart, Strauss or Vivaldi. Please note that the concert programme may change depending on the season. For example, if you visit Vienna at Christmas, you may find that the concert is more suited to the festive season.

Please note that seats in the concert hall are organised by category, with VIP seats being the most expensive. It is advisable to check with the tour company in advance for specific information about the tickets included in the price.

Useful information

• Price: This type of experience is available from €80 per traveller; this is generally the price for dinner and a general admission ticket to the concert. If you would like a VIP ticket, please contact the company.
• Duration: You should allow around 4 hours for the experience; you will have around 2 hours to enjoy dinner and the concert will last approximately 1.5 hours. Depending on the company you choose, dinner may be scheduled to take place before or after the concert.

Visiting Schönbrunn Palace is a must on any trip to Vienna, especially if it is your first time in the Austrian capital. This type of experience allows you to combine two of the best activities you can do inside the famous palace: a tour to admire the architecture and learn about the history of the place, combined with the experience of an evening of dinner and concert.

Schönbrunn Palace and its beautiful gardens are the most visited tourist attraction not only in Vienna but in all of Austria. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it was originally built as a summer residence for the emperors of the Habsburg dynasty.As you can imagine, it is a place with an impressive historical background, having hosted figures such as Marie Antoinette and Napoleon Bonaparte himself.

About the guided tour: these types of combined tours usually offer travellers an audio guide in their own language, allowing them to explore the interior of the palace and learn about the most important aspects of its history and architecture.

About dinner: Although it may vary depending on the company you choose, dinner usually consists of at least three courses at a first-class restaurant located very close to the palace. Keep in mind that dinner may be before or after the concert, depending on the itinerary previously set by the company.

About the concert: Classical music concerts are usually held in the hall known as the Orangerie inside Schönbrunn Palace. The artists in charge of the performances are the talented musicians of the Palace Orchestra. It is important to note that the concert hall has seats classified by category, some more expensive and others more economical.

Useful information

• Price: This type of experience is available from €99 for an adult ticket; if you would like a VIP ticket for the concert at Schönbrunn, there may be an additional cost.
• Duration: The minimum time you should reserve for this experience is 5 hours; as it includes several interesting activities to do in the city, I especially recommend it to those with a limited itinerary who will be spending two days in Vienna or three days in Vienna.

Another way to enjoy dinner and classical music concerts in Vienna is to attend events of this type held at Kursalon Hübner.

In addition to being one of the capital's main attractions, this building hosts an average of 500 concerts per year and welcomes an average of 200,000 visitors, many of whom are tourists who love classical music or similar events.

Bear in mind that dinner and classical music events at the Kursalon sell out quickly, so it isadvisable to book in advance as soon as you confirm your travel dates.

Completed in 1867, the Kursalon is one of the most elegant and prestigious concert halls in Vienna. The building has a beautiful Italian Neo-Renaissance façade, and its four halls host numerous events, including classical music concerts, gala dinners, balls, weddings, and classical ballet performances.

About dinner: Inside the Kulason is one of the best restaurants in the city. Participants are usually offered a three-course dinner with several menus to choose from, including traditional Austrian food, and almost always a drink such as wine to accompany the meal. However, please note that some aspects may vary depending on the company with which you book the experience.

About the concert: You will need to confirm the programme in advance to find out which works will be performed on the date of your trip. At certain times of the year, such as spring in Vienna or Christmas, concerts and performances may be more thematic. During the regular season, you can expect to find a varied programme that includes masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss, opera singers and top-class ballet dancers.

Useful information

• Price: This type of experience is usually available from €100 per participant. VIP preferential tickets may be more expensive but also offer more facilities.
• Duration: You should set aside about 4 hours of your itinerary for this experience, which takes place in the evening, usually around 6 p.m.

Musikverein is the name given to one of the city's most famous concert halls and home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. It is also one of the most impressive concert halls in the world.

It has a total of six beautifully decorated halls, and throughout the year numerous events are held there, including opera, ballet, classical music concerts and much more. Consequently, an evening of dinner and classical music at the Musikverein may be the perfect way to end your trip to this beautiful city.

The building, in neoclassical architectural style, was designed by architect Theophil Hansen and opened in 1870. Its famous Great Hall, also known as the Golden Hall, is a renowned chamber music hall that served as a catalyst for the flourishing of classical music in Vienna. The famous Vienna New Year's Concert is held here every Christmas.

About dinner: The Musikverein does not have restaurants on the premises, but due to its privileged location, you will find numerous first-class restaurants in the surrounding area. Depending on the tour operator you choose, dinner may be scheduled at any of these luxurious establishments, the most common being the restaurant at the memorable Hotel Bristol.

About the concert: The programme of performances may vary depending on the time of year, but one of the most famous and popular performances at the Musikverein is the concert dedicated exclusively to Mozart, performed by the Vienna Mozart Orchestra, where the musicians wear costumes and wigs reminiscent of the 18th century. Truly spectacular!

Useful information

• Price: The price for this experience is over €100 per participant. VIP tickets for the concert hall will always cost a little more than general admission tickets.
• Duration: You should reserve a minimum of 4 hours for this experience; the concert lasts approximately 1.5 hours and dinner takes an average of 2 hours in total.

If this is your first time attending the opera or a classical music concert, keep the following tips in mind to make your evening even more memorable.

More expensive is not always better

Although many might think otherwise when it comes to music venues, the most expensive seats do not necessarily mean a better experience. Concert halls are cleverly designed spaces where acoustics are taken into account, so the sound will be good wherever you sit. If you can't afford it, don't buy the most expensive tickets.

Arrive early

Part of the fun of attending a classical music concert in Vienna is the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the venue. The concert halls and palaces in this city are truly beautiful, so it's definitely worth arriving at least an hour early to explore the venue. If the concert is taking place at Schönbrunn Palace, a tour of the palace gardens is a must.

Remain silent

One of the most important rules of etiquette during the concert is to sit, listen and enjoy in silence. If you have to talk during the performance, make sure it is in a whisper so as not to disturb the other people in the hall.

Applause

There is a tradition of avoiding applause during performances, but sometimes this rule is broken. If you are unsure when it is appropriate to applaud, simply follow the example of those around you.

Dress code

When attending a classical music concert, keep in mind that finding the right clothing for the event is part of the ritual and the fun. Take these tips as a general guide.

For ladies: the time of the concert can greatly influence the clothing you wear; a morning concert allows for more relaxed clothing and even trousers; on the other hand, for an evening concert, a dress or skirt is usually recommended. Ankle-length or below-the-knee length for younger women.

For gentlemen: gentlemen have it a little easier; for a daytime concert, trousers and a button-down shirt are usually sufficient, although jackets and ties are entirely optional. Avoid wearing trainers. For the evening, a blazer to match your trousers is a must, and if you like the idea, a tuxedo with a tie and bow tie is also a good option.