Teatro alla Scala

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Lip Trip: The Best Lipstick Shades to Wear in NYC, Paris, Tokyo, and More

"Milan is synonymous with fashion and elegance, offering a mix of classic and contemporary styles. Sephora Collection’s About That Shine sheer lipstick in Beige Sparkle and Maybelline’s SuperStay Vinyl Ink in Lippy provide a perfect blend of understated and shiny finishes, reflecting the city's vibrant, romantic atmosphere."

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Katy Perry Vacations Hard, Especially When Traveling With Her Kid

"Italy's fashion and design capital, known for its high-end shopping, dining, and cultural landmarks."

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Italy?

"Springtime is magical in Milan with mild weather and cultural events. Winter also offers a quieter experience with holiday festivities."

A Week in and Around Milan

"Opera at Teatro alla Scala Designed by the great neoclassical architect Giuseppe Piermarini, the glorious interior is quite the opposite from its austere exterior. Acoustics are amazing, not only from the exemplary construction of the venue but also thanks to the perfect sound of the orchestra. Guests are treated like royalty, ushers wear white gloves, and for any opera lover, this is a must. Buy the better tickets for good sight lines to the stage as pricing varies greatly and matches the experience you’re paying for. Sponsored by Coach"

The Perfect Day in Milan

Daniel Roure

Google

Francesca was the best. She was very knowledgeable and funny. One of the best guide I ever had in a place. The tour gets you inside the theater and gives you an incredible insight about the history and how it works. Very interesting!

J Duffy

Google

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.

Benny Kwong

Google

The museum has many performing art relevant collections. The theater offers beautiful forms of architecture. I definitely will schedule to see show here next time I'm in Milan.

Haley Goodrow

Google

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.

Hanouf

Google

I was walking by and wasn’t that hungry, but I thought I could have a bite. The place looks beautiful and classy! Alvin and Van were amazing waiters and hospitable. I found myself order one of the best veal and saffron risotto I ever had. Seriously it was melting. Definitely coming back!

Ζωη Γεωργαντοπουλου

Google

Although there was a project in progress on stage I was really thrilled to be in this beautiful theatre! You should absolutely visit the museum! It's very interesting! I learned a lot things!

GROVER KITCHENS

Google

Beautiful cultural center. Wonderfully appointed inside and a great example of early theaters that focuses on opera ans ballet. If you are an opera lover there are many artifacts and paintings that show the impact of Opera in Milan.

andrius kaselis (AK)

Google

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.

Christine L.

Yelp

Oh wow front row seats to Cav/Pag snd it was an unforgettable experience!!! Pluses -front row center is worth it! So easy to hear and see the singers -comfy seats and plenty of leg room -easy to get to bathroom and cloak room -amazing acoustics and gorgeous theater Areas to improve None So I had the actor Mattia Olivieri come sit next to me during the performance of Pagliacci and I was awestruck!!! Highly recommended!!!

William W.

Yelp

This is one of the quintessential opera houses of Europe, a place where the world's best singers have dreamt of singing since 1778! The museum houses all sorts of memorabilia related to the rich history of this beautiful venue. But the best moment of the tour, at least for us, is stepping into one of the boxes overlooking this majestic interior and imagining watching the debut of legends like Paganini or Verdi or Mozart with a packed house of thousands. The only thing better than the tour is actually attending a concert live!

Elaine D.

Yelp

Wonderful visit to the stunning Teatro alla Scala. Lucky enough to be there during a rehearsal. Imagined attending the opera dressed to the nines. Even if you're not an opera buff, plenty to see within its hallowed halls. 47

Michael M.

Yelp

Most magnificent opera house in world. Went to museum which allow you to see opera house from private boxes overlooking stage and orchestra seats. A must to do in Milano.

Boon C.

Yelp

Theater of Scala is one of the most significant opera house of the world. The acoustics of the theater is one of the best. This theater has the biggest stage in the Italy. The theater is beautiful with the box seat and floor seat. In the old time, there is only the box seat for the wealthy. The remaining spectators are attending by standing straight up on the floor. What make it beautiful is the straight up six tier of box seat. Unfortunately the day we visited they have production practices. The light is off. But you still can see the beauty of the theater. This theater was destroyed by fire, bomb on world war and both time was rebuilt. The up stairs has the museum and reception hall. The music play here includes a lot of Mozart, Verdi and Puccini pieces. In the museum you see the famous opera singer, composer, conductor, and performer painting.

Eli M.

Yelp

What a gift it is to be able to visit and experience this legendary opera house. Unfortunately there were no operas scheduled at the time of my visit, but fortunately the was a visiting German orchestra. I was fortunate that a box was available on the second level and entirely my own. I look forward to returning and seeing an opera here.

Roland D.

Yelp

Great performance. Almost ruined by impossibly uncomfortable seat, actually a bench, and the stifling heat of six people crammed in a box that should only sit four. Not helped by lack of elevator and outdated facilities. P.s. if you plan on a taxi after, have an app on your phone or face a half hour wait at the taxi stand. I would definitely recommend floor seats over the wretched boxes.

Mark S.

Yelp

How do you rate a place with such an antiquated and f'ed-up ticketing system, but with such amazing performances. I guess I'm my case, right in the middle: 3. Buying tickets online is a freaking mess. Just the worst on any computer and even with tons of advance planning. Then there are the prices: locals grab all the cheap seats, so an opera ends up with only a bunch of 270€ tickets. Insane. But I happened to be in the area at 6pm and was in the bookstore when I overheard the clerk mention the same day ticket window around back. Say what?! I'd just called the box office an hour before and they said to come ONE hour before, but didn't tell me about this secret box office. And also it's TWO hours. Jackass. So that night one of the best violinists on earth (Sophie Mutter) was doing a Brahms performance (shorter than an opera), and though it was "sold out" online (more jackassery), the 20 people in line in front of me, and me, seemed to have no problem getting tickets. The guy ahead of me said in English "2 cheap seats", and seemed to know the agent, so I followed suit and asked for 4 of the same. I got 4 in the worst row, but for 6.50€ each I was not complaining!! Acoustics are fantastic even way up there, and it's seeing the inside that it's all about.

Paul S.

Yelp

SCAM ALERT. We were sold tickets by the box office and were not told that we could not see the stage from the box. We asked for a refund or a different seat before the performance started and were refused. Watch out.

Norm K.

Yelp

Our tour ended in the Leonardo Da Vinci square across the street from La Scala. I'd recognize that house anywhere but more from looking at the inside. Unfortunately, it was the end of the day and we couldn't go inside because we had to walk back to the car and get to dinner. Being outside La Scala was a treat for me. I have seen a number of operas broadcast from this famous house and I could envision the interior.

Joyce A.

Yelp

A must see for any opera fan. Unfortunately, the theater was dark this day, although rehearsals were in progress. Nonetheless, my tour companion & I easily purchased visitor tickets (9 Euro each). I was happy to pay the fee and at least step into one the world's most prestigious theater. There was a tribute to Rossini, so several costumes and instruments, props, playbills were on display, and a room playing past performances by famous divas: almost all American too (Sutherland, Sills, Pryce) and Maria Callas. There was an end of rehearsal takedown of set and orchestra - which I also found interesting. (see short video clip uploaded). The red velvet seats and ornate boxes are not just historic, they are also beatuful.

Jeffrey C.

Yelp

Since the very first time my grandfather took me to Teatro alla Scala almost 60 years ago, opera has been an important part of my life. It was that very special bonding time my grandfather and father would spend with me that gave me a greater appreciation of my heritage and music. Teatro alla Scala is perfection!, what more can be said. When you combine the history, brilliance and talent that has graced this stage it is simply overwhelming. Regardless of your appreciation of opera an evening at la Scala should be on everyone's bucket list. Truly a life altering event. I've attached a photo of a program I have kept all these years of La Traviata with Riccardo Muti conducting, it was magnificent!

Marian M.

Yelp

La Scalla Opera house is a must do in your visit to Milano, its beautiful and unfortunately we did not get tickets in time before arriving, so we just did the tourist visit. But, as every Argentine, I am so lucky to have the Colón theatre that compares to the best Opera Houses all over the globe. I really liked La Scalla but you should come to Buenos Aires and visit our famous Colón! La Opera Scalla es un must en tu visita a Milano, es lindísima y desafortunadamente no conseguimos tickets a tiempo antes de nuestra llegada, así que sólo pudimos hacer la visita turística. Pero, como todo Argentino, tengo la suerte de tener el Teatro Colón que compara con las mejores Operas alrededor del mundo. Me encantó la Scalla pero tienen que venir a Buenos Aires y conocer nuestro famoso Colón!

Ana S.

Yelp

Teatro allá Scala is magnificent, so much history, it takes you back on time. I love the red velvet and the chandelier. I got seats 4 floor, 3 and 4 seat but got extremely lucky first two seats never showed up. We shared it with the other lady on the palco, my husband then occupied second seat and we were able to see everything just fine. Make an effort and get good front seats otherwise you will have to stand up. Wonderful experience.

Jay Y.

Yelp

You may be disappointed to see nothing special at the end of the Galleria VE2 if you walk from the magnificent Duomo, but truly, how many buildings in this world can compare anyway? Besides, behind a dull facade in this unassuming plaza hides a building more historically significant than the Duomo: Teatro alla Scala, the stage for many notable opera composers and the launchpad of many world-famous opera including Madame Butterfly! Although nowhere near as grand as many opera houses, Teatro alla Scala holds an important position in the opera history that perhaps only few opera houses can even compare. Even if you are an opera outsider, you must have heard at least an aria or two that originated from this significant theater, so how can you miss witnessing the stage where great music were born? Of course, its fame means the show tickets are expensive and sold-out quickly, but fortunately if you do not want to commit time and money or did not plan ahead, you can pay a small admission fee of €7 during daytime to see the theater museum, which may include a view of the stage itself (ask the friendly staff first before you enter)! While the small collection of paintings and opera props is interesting, the view of the famous and beautiful stage will be worth every single cent of the small fee. If you are in Milan for at least a day, I highly recommend seeing this significant theater, whether during an actual showing or a museum visit. Don't settle with a photo outside the plain facade where the beauty hides. Enter to witness history! --- tl;dr version: 1) Most significant opera house in the world 2) Shows expensive and often sold out, so try daytime museum 3) Must-see if in Milan for more than a day

Annie H.

Yelp

Loved the opera house. Beautifully magnificent - and what wonderful performance! I got to see a top notch ballet performance here, unfortunately still have to come back for an opera, but nonetheless very impressed. Part of the fun is all the people watching with everyone dressed up in their elegant dresses and suits! An word of advice if you're in town a while that you can get last minute rush tickets for a significant saving off the posted prices. Have fun and enjoy the show!

Tony R.

Yelp

When you walk into La Scala you are walking into history. Many of the great Italian opera composers debuted their operas here. The fairly recently restored building is a jewel box. In this smaller opera house the operas performed there are more intimate and one gets a sense that the performers genuinely love performing in this house. It is a real treat and if you enjoy opera, a must visit.

Merrill M.

Yelp

Buying tickets online is a recipe for disaster. You pay horrendous premiums to sit in nosebleed seats. We left after one act.

Andrew H.

Yelp

This, Vienna, and the Met are the best opera houses I have seen. By this, I mean, that they have the best selection of international opera stars, and don't waste much time with modern operas. The sets are elaborate and the attention to detail is stunning. The energy of the place, from the ushers who look like priests to the individual coat closets across the hallway from each box (and there are six levels of boxes), suggests that these people deeply respect opera and take it very seriously.

Davis R.

Yelp

As the premier opera house in the world, it doesn't get any better than La Scala. I have seen six operas there, each better than the last. The house itself is gorgeously decorated in gold and stunning red velvet. The performers are top-notch and the sets are always incredibly large and intricate. It also hosts ballets and other live music events throughout the year. A must-see for lovers of the theatre!!

Donna S.

Yelp

after vienna, this is probably the second most historical opera house i've been to unfortunately, i've already been spoiled by the grandeur of vienna, but that does not take away from milan's opera house it's a much more intimate setting in comparison. the interior of the lobby reminds me of versaille's hall of mirrors it's worth stopping by for a quick visit!

Andrew G.

Yelp

Great opera house, unfortunately the week I was in Milan, they only had ballet(Giselle), but it was fun none the less. A heads up for the guys, they require pants and a sport jacket, so def make sure to pack that. Tie is optional. So no jeans or sweater(although it def didn't seem like it was enforced all that much). Also if you are from the US, they don't actually ship the tickets to you, you have to go pick them up at the ATM point which is located under the Duomo center(basically enter the subway under the duomo and follow the signs towards the ATM point(note this isn't a bank atm, but more of an info point) and they'll be just across from it). Beautiful opera house, although it reminded me a lot of the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow on the inside. The performance and the sets were excellent. The tickets are cheap enough that it's definitely worth it to pay to sit right in front in the middle. Apparently if you sit on the sides, you won't see 1/3 of the scene, which wasn't worth it since the cost difference was only like $60.

Mindy H.

Yelp

This is a beautiful Opera house and they have a fantastic little museum attached that you can visit during the day, and get a peak inside the theater, all only for 6 Euro. The theater is breath taking. You instantly feel like you are transported in time when you see it. It's the historical circle style theater with floor seating and the multiple balconies are made up of individual small rooms with seats. My husband is not easily phased by things, but even he was impressed by the grandeur of this place.

David R.

Yelp

Last Saturday finally went to see the ballet in the famous La Scala, fortunately this theater sale you tickets in the balcony tat you cent see from your seat, we actually had to stand up all the show together with a lot of people in the upper floor, the performance was good, to pay $120.00 per ticket and to stand for 2 hours it is not pleasant, before you perches ticket make share you study the theater, and do not trust any Russian try to sale you ticket and lie to you

Becca C.

Yelp

What a magnificent Opera House. I figured if I were going to go to the opera for the first time, it might as well be in Italian and at the most famous operahouse in the world! I was seated at the very tippy top for Handl's Alcina. I had an idea of what was going on, but I had flown into Milan from the States THAT DAY, so I was more than exhausted. I chatted up some of my European seatmates, including one older German gentleman who just flew into the country for the occasion...how fabulous. Anyway, the acoustics are excellent and I had a wonderful time. Teatro alla Scala is mere steps from the Duomo, so be sure to wander over there after the show with gelato in hand.

Jane T.

Yelp

Alas, I came to see this most famous of opera houses on a day when it was closed. So I can only write from the point of view of standing outside and gawping up at it! It is a beautiful building which has been extensively renovated and improved over the decades and well worth a look (try to include the interior if you can and maybe even see/hear an opera there)!

Brent W.

Yelp

I recently took a tour of the place and it was magnificent! I would love to see an opera the next time I'm there!

Guy V.

Yelp

really enjoyed walking around, fun little tour..

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-lipsticks-to-travel-with

Lip Trip: The Best Lipstick Shades to Wear in NYC, Paris, Tokyo, and More

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/katy-perry-de-soi-spritz-italiano

Katy Perry Vacations Hard, Especially When Traveling With Her Kid

"Italy's fashion and design capital, known for its high-end shopping, dining, and cultural landmarks."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-time-to-go-to-italy

When Is the Best Time to Visit Italy?

"Springtime is magical in Milan with mild weather and cultural events. Winter also offers a quieter experience with holiday festivities."

A Week in and Around Milan

The Perfect Day in Milan