Old Opera House (Alte Oper) Tours and Tickets

Yes. The Alte Opera offers volunteer-run guided tours that take the public backstage through the historic theater. You can see rooms otherwise kept off-limits, from the stage manager’s workplace to the area where grand pianos are stored. The opera house exterior is also featured on standard Frankfurt walking tours.

That depends. The guided tour that the Old Opera House offers typically takes about 1.5 hours. Otherwise, one of the best ways to visit the elegant 19th-century interior is by attending a performance. Lunchtime concerts are the shortest option; evening jazz shows or cultural events might last anywhere from two to three hours.

Yes—mostly. The 1.5-hour guided tour is only appropriate for children over 10 years old. But the opera house also offers programming for younger kids, including infants and toddlers. Check the calendar for concerts and special workshops.

Yes and no. Recording of any kind is strictly forbidden during concerts and other performances. From the outside, many visitors photograph the building’s ornate neoclassical facade (a reconstruction, due to bombing having destroyed the original). Ask your guide for permission to take photographs during the tour.

There’s no strict dress code. Whether you prefer to dress to the nines or wear jeans is up to you. That said, most people prefer to dress elegantly, whatever that means to them, though styles also change depending on the season and type of event.

Yes. The guided tour is only offered to the public during select dates throughout the year, so slots book up quickly. You can make a reservation online, but expect to pay a small booking fee. Tickets for concerts and cultural events should also be purchased in advance.