Palais Garnier Seating Chart | Paris Opera Guide | Shows, Tips, & More (2023)

FAQs

What are the best seats in Opera Garnier? ›

Best Seats in the Theatre: Opt for the middle seats in rows D to H of the stalls section if you're looking for a great view of the stage. The middle seats of the first two rows of the circle section are also considered premium since they are not obstructed and offer a clean view of the stage.

In terms of the best seats in the house, we would recommend opting for the centre seats in the front rows of orchestra section or any seat in the balcony section. Being close to the stage is especially great if you're watching a ballet and can really elevate your entire experience.

Generally, the best seats in the house are going to be in the center orchestra and right in the center of the house. The right and left orchestra areas tend to have good seats for seeing the action taking place on the sides of the stage, provided the seats are reasonably close.

The Opéra Garnier is an important monument of French and Parisian culture. You will be amazed by its decoration worthy of a king's castle. No matter if you love History, art or even literature, you will be delighted by this visit.

Best Seats in the Theatre: Opt for the middle seats in rows D to H of the stalls section if you're looking for a great view of the stage. The middle seats of the first two rows of the circle section are also considered premium since they are not obstructed and offer a clean view of the stage.

Orchestra seats get you closest to the stage, but being in the mezzanine or balcony can give you a wider, fuller view of the stage from a little higher up, especially as compared to a section like the side orchestra, where you might be closer, but might not have a full view of one far side of the stage.

Front and Center Is Better for Sight Than Sound

Snagging a seat just feet from the stage will give you a great view, but the sound won't be ideal. Typically, speakers are located on the side of the stage and are pointed toward the center of the venue. If you're up front, the best sound will be directed behind you.

Typically, stalls seats can be regarded as some of the best seats in the auditorium, due to their close proximity to the stage. If you're sitting in the first few rows of the stalls seats, you may even be able to touch the stage and see performers blink.

For women, a dress, blouse/skirt, or blouse/nice pants is fine. For men, a dress shirt, nice pants, and nice shoes are fine. Many people were in business casual style clothing during all three of my visits. The two French men sitting in front of me during my last visit were both just wearing sweaters and khaki pants.

There's no real dress code for this event, you'll fit right in wearing smart casual. But, if you'd like to frock up, go for it! It's a special occasion, dressing up makes everything 100% more enjoyable. You'll be on your feet for a guided tour, there are over 300 stairs, so flat comfortable shoes are recommended.

Where is the best place to take a picture of the opera house? ›

Viewpoint one is the most famous spot - head to Hickson Road Reserve to get that classic photo looking straight on to the Opera House. You can also get some lovely photos on the grass, surrounded by palm trees, which is a nice spot to relax and take in the view.

There is no formal dress code. We want everyone to feel comfortable and able to engage with what is happening on stage, and so we encourage audiences and visitors to wear whatever they feel comfortable wearing. We only ask that you are fully clothed and that your feet are covered.

La Scala, Milan, Italy

Milan's Teatro alla Scala is perhaps the most famous opera house in the world, the one most associated with “opera.” Built in 1778 with four tiers with separate loges, it is the home of Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi.

There is no particular dress code, but proper attire is required. For gala evenings, it is suggested that gentlemen wear a dark suit and ladies a dress.

Allow yourself about two hours give or take to fully enjoy visiting the Palais Garnier.

Though there aren't any strict dress codes, it's best to wear something on the formal side. Things to definitely keep out of the opera house? Sweatpants, casual sneakers, or distressed jeans. Keep on reading for our favorite opera looks…

Yes, you do. Because you won't want to miss one note and neither will anyone else. But that doesn't mean you can't clap, yell “Bravo!” give our performers a Standing “O” and show your appreciation of our wonderful singers and musicians at the right times during the show. When is the right time to clap?

There is no law against walking out the door during intermission, but it can be a dilemma. You're at a concert or a play and for whatever reason decide you don't really want to go back for the second half of the performance. If enough people think the same thing, it can mean a lot of empty seats after the break.

Most people want to sit in the middle, fewer people want to sit on the sides, way up front, or way to the back. So, seats in the middle are more expensive and seats to the sides, front, and back are less expensive.

What are cheap theatre seats called? ›

The gods (UK English), or sometimes paradise, is a theatrical term, referring to the highest areas of a theatre such as the upper balconies. These are generally the cheapest seats.

Sitting during a rock concert has its advantages. You'll have a better view of the stage and you'll be able to see the band more clearly. You'll also be able to take pictures and videos more easily from a seated position.

You have to be slick, kind, say excuse me a bunch of times, and totally look like you know where you're going. If we're talking seats, I always head for the best empty seats I spot and wait until the actual ticket holder shows n says that I'm in their seat. Then I just find another good empty seat. Always be cool.

Enter the auditorium quietly. Once you have been seated, be alert to activity on the stage as the musicians take their place for the concert. When the conductor enters, it is customary to applaud politely. Whistling, yelling, or screaming is not appropriate at any time before, during, or after a concert.

The front rows of the dress circle are among the best seats in a theatre – especially for dance productions and musicals with a strong dance element.

There are typically three sections to a Broadway theatre seating chart – Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Balcony.

Weekday and matinee performances are generally where you'll see more casually dressed opera-goers in business casual or jeans and a nice blouse or button-up.

Unlike at movies or sports events, you can't enter or exit an opera auditorium once the performance has begun. If you miss the curtain because of traffic, you can take in a live feed of the performance on television monitors in the lobby. Latecomers then take their seats at a suitable interval—usually intermission.

Men wear black tie (tuxedo, preferably in a traditional style) or white tie and tails to an Opening Night. On other opera nights, black tie or a dark suit is appropriate. Women can choose long or short elegant gowns, but long is considered more formal. Ensembles are often accessorized with gloves.

Women should wear a dress or skirt with a blouse. White is the best color to wear. Evening gowns are not usually worn at Opening Nights, though they may be for special occasions. For opera, you must wear comfortable shoes.

Can you wear blue jeans to the theater? ›

Both formal and informal clothing is accepted. From casual t-shirts, jeans and flip-flops to a cocktail dress or tuxedo, the spectrum of audience style is so broad that there is no specific dress code.

The simple answer here is anything. From a casual t-shirt, jeans and trainers to a tuxedo or formal dress, there are no dress codes. You could turn up to the theatre wearing anything and be permitted entry.

Bring and wear a mask.

Face masks are strongly recommended for all patrons while inside our theatres and foyers, including during the performance. Please bring your own mask.

Yes. SOH encourages visitors to the precinct to photograph or film their experience for personal use.

There's no set dress code for Broadway shows, although many people like to dress up for the occasion. Since the theaters are often air conditioned in the summer, it's a good idea to bring a sweater or shawl even if it's warm out. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.

Italians dress to the nines when they go to see an opera performance. Men traditionally wear a tuxedo, while women wear ball gowns, cocktail dresses or elegant pants suits. It's not all black tie - there are plenty of options.

Understated, but supremely elegant, is the dress code there. Men should wear a dark suit and ladies don their finest. The more modest the seats, the less formal your attire needs to be, but this is not the place for shorts, t-shirts and tank tops.

The Metropolitan Opera House

The modernist Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, part of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts complex, was designed by American architect Wallace Harrison – the same man behind other famous Manhattan structures including the Time-Life Building – and opened in 1966.

What is the most beautiful opera in the world? ›

What to Wear. There is no dress code at the Met, but a night at the opera can be a great excuse to get dressed up. If you need inspiration, check out some of our favorite looks from Last Night at the Met, our curated fashion Instagram account.

This hotel is located in the heart of Paris and just a few minutes walk away from the Opera Garnier. There are around 139 fully air-conditioned rooms here equipped with all essential amenities.

The guided tour takes about 90 minutes and gives you access to all parts of Opera Garnier - the auditorium, gilded balconies, even up close the stage ( the self audio guided tour lacks access to the auditorium ).

Visiting in the morning is the best time to see the Palais Garnier. There are fewer crowds and a beautiful morning light pours in through the massive windows. The best way to see the Opera House is to join a guided tour. We opted for a private two-hour tour to really get to know the ins and outs of the building.

Is the Palais Garnier open to the public? Yes, it is. You can tour it for a fee or stop into the lobby where you would buy tickets, just to take a peek inside. The opera house is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Yes, this is the box that Gaston Leroux's Phantom of the Opera asked for and it's been dedicated in his honour. For any lovers of the novel or the musical, this is a neat spot to visit.

No matter where you sit, even at the very ends of rows, no action is restricted, and you get amazing views of the best moments of Phantom. It is worth sitting as centrally as possible for the best experience. Most of the Royal Circle falls under this price, aside from seats at the very ends of rows.

Alluded to in their name, premium seats are usually regarded as the best seats in the theatre. Often, they're not the closest seats to the stage. Typically, premium seats are a few rows back from the stage in the middle of the row, allowing audience members to see the entire stage without missing any action.

The best row will be the center row and the four rows behind it (this places you about one-half to two-thirds back).

Does Opera Garnier have air conditioning? ›

It features an interior courtyard and a 24-hour reception. All air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with a mini-bar, tea and coffee making facilities and a flat-screen TV. Each modern guest room is soundproofed and has free Wi-Fi access. Private bathrooms include a hairdryer.

The Palais Garnier is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. but may close earlier on days of matinee performances. Unguided admission costs 14 euros (around $14) for adults and 10 euros (about $10) for students and those younger than 25. Children younger than 12 enter free.

If you're a Broadway fan on a budget, seats in the rear orchestra or rear mezzanine will be your best ticket options. A rear mezzanine or orchestra seat might not give you the best view since you're far from the stage, but ticket prices for seats like these can be as low as $50 to $80.

What is the dress code for The Phantom of the Opera musical on Broadway? There is no dress code for The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. We do recommend smart casual attire.

For a standard movie theater with exit rows on the sides (as opposed to down the middle, as some older theaters have), the best spot is as close to dead center as you can get. “I've always felt the obvious best spot to sit in a movie theater is in the center of the room, center with the screen.