A full guide to the best Vienna classical concerts, including Mozart and Wien Philharmonic Orchestra concerts (+ from where to buy your tickets to get a free cancellation).
Vienna (Wien) is known as the capital of classical music and there is a good reason why. The city is world-famous for its Philharmonic and Symphonic Orchestras.
The capital of Austria has been home to numerous composers during the 18th and 19th centuries. Among them, you’ll find the names of Wolfgang Mozart, Johann Strauss, Beethoven, and Schubert.
A visit to Wien is not complete without attending a classical music concert. The music venues range from grand concert halls and opera houses to palaces and churches. Some of the most famous ones are the Golden Hall at Wiener Musikverein, Kursalon, the State Opera, Schönbrunn Palace, St. Peter’s Church and Karlskirche.
Although there are plenty of options, keep in mind that the concerts are pretty popular and tickets usually sell out months in advance. Don’t wait till the last minute to reserve your seat. I’d recommend you to buy your tickets online in advance, especially if you want them for a certain date.
Always buy your tickets from GetYourGuide (you get a mobile ticket voucher + free cancellation). Tickets from the venues’ official websites, in most cases, are non-refundable.
Most popular classical concert in Vienna
Looking for the most popular Mozart and Strauss concert? Then check out the Mozart concert at the Golden Hall – it takes place in one of the city’s finest concert halls, Musikverein.
Wiener Musikverein is the home of the Wien Philharmonic Orchestra. Its Golden Hall is considered one of the best concert halls in the world, because of its unique acoustics and décor. The performance of the Wien Mozart Orchestra here is one of the most popular concerts in Vienna. This magical experience takes you back through time to the 18th century.
Mozart concert at the Golden Hall – Most popular event
The Wien Mozart Orchestra was founded in 1986 by some of the best musicians of the Viennese orchestras. This orchestra performs mostly works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, dressed up in historical costumes and wigs. You can enjoy some of the Mozart best symphonies, arias and operas.
Why book – enjoy the most magical works by Mozart performed by Vienna Mozart Orchestra in period costumes
Dress code: Elegant evening wear
Best Vienna classical concerts
While in Vienna you’ll see tens of street sellers dressed as Mozart offering tickets for classical music concerts. The tickets they’re promoting are usually cheap, but these concerts are tourist traps. To avoid such tourist traps and facilitate your choice, I’ve made this list of excellent classical music concerts in Vienna (which totally worth their money).
If you’re a classical music lover, don’t miss the opportunity to attend any of the concerts below (even if you’re only for a weekend in Vienna).
Best classical music concerts in Vienna (2023)
- Mozart concert at the Golden Hall
- Mozart and Strauss concert at Kursalon
- Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Karlskirche
- Mozart’s Requiem at Karlskirche
- Classic Ensemble Vienna at St. Peter’s Church
- Classical Concert in St. Anne’s Church
- Schönbrunn Palace evening concert
- Hofburg Orchestra Concert
- Vienna Residence Orchestra at Palais Auersperg
- Classical Concert at Mozarthaus
As you can see there are plenty of options to choose from. You just have to decide if you prefer a more formal evening (Musikverein, Kursalon) or a casual event at a church.
The best place to stay in Vienna for a concert is the Grand Hotel Wien. The location is perfect, just a short walk to State Opera House, Musikverein and St. Charles Church.
Mozart and Strauss concert at Kursalon
Built in Italian Renaissance style, Kursalon is one of the most famous concert halls in the city. This is the place where the waltz became popular in the 19th century. Johann Strauss and his orchestra used to perform here regularly. In fact, the first concert ever performed here was by Johann Strauss II.
Attending a Mozart and Strauss concert at Kursalon is a unique experience. You’ll enjoy the excellent performance by the opera singers and ballet dancers of the Orchestra of Old Vienna.
Why book – hear the most famous waltzes, polkas and arias performed by the brilliant Salonorchester Alt Wien
The VIP category includes a reserved VIP seat and a glass of sparkling wine in the concert interval
Dress code: Elegant evening wear
Vienna music concerts at St. Charles Church
If you’re looking for a less formal evening, attending a classical concert at a church, is the perfect option for you. Karlskirche, Peterskirche and Annakirche are some of the places, where you can enjoy excellent musical shows.
St. Charles Church (Karlskirche) is the most beautiful Baroque church in the imperial city. Its lavish interior is the perfect background for a classical music performance.
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Karlskirche
Vivaldi composed his most brilliant composition, the Four Seasons, just a few years before moving to Vienna from Italy. He spent his last years in the capital of Austria and was buried near St. Charles Church.
This fantastic concert is performed by Orchestra 1756, a classical period-instrument ensemble. You’ll embark on a wonderful journey into the musical past while listening to this masterpiece of classical music.
Why book – hear the most famous work of Vivaldi, the Four Seasons in a sumptuous church richly decorated with colourful frescoes
Dress code: Smart casual
Mozart’s Requiem at Karlskirche
Mozart composed the Requiem during the last weeks of his life. And there is no better place to hear this masterpiece than Karlskirche, located just a few hundred metres away from Mozart’s death place.
Listen to the Requiem Mass in D minor, performed by Orchestra 1756 on historical instruments typical of Mozart’s era.
Why book – hear one of the most impressive works of art of Mozart in a unique location
Dress code: Smart casual
Classic Ensemble Vienna at St. Peter’s Church
This 18th-century Baroque church is a fitting venue for every classical music concert. Let the musicians of the Classic Ensemble Wien take you on a musical trip through time with the unforgettable works of Vivaldi, Mozart and Beethoven.
The concert takes place in the unique atmosphere of the crypt below the main sanctuary.
Why book – enjoy interpretations of timeless classics performed by Classic Ensemble Wien
Dress code: Smart casual
Vienna music concerts at St. Anne’s Church
For some beautiful chamber music played in a warm, intimate atmosphere head to St. Anne’s Church. Enjoy exquisite compositions of the Viennese Classic on historical instruments beneath the church’s colourful frescoes and pink marble columns.
Thanks to its exceptional acoustics, this small Baroque church is a great place for concerts.
Why book – hear favourite classical pieces from Mozart, Bach and Beethoven performed by a talented string ensemble
Dress code: Smart casual
Wien Hofburg Orchestra concerts
Vienna Hofburg Orchestra is a chamber orchestra with a long tradition. It was founded by the conductor Gert Hofbauer in 1971. Since then, the orchestra performs regular concerts from May to October in the halls of the Hofburg Palace or Vienna’s Konzerthaus. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the world of this imperial city!
Why book – enjoy the splendid sounds of Mozart and Strauss musical compositions
Dress code: Elegant evening wear
Schönbrunn Palace evening concert
The Orangery at Schönbrunn Palace is one of the two largest Baroque orangeries in the world (the other one is in Versailles). Once, it was used for glamourous court festivities like banquets and concerts. Mozart himself played here in a competition between him and the Imperial Kapellmeister Antonio Salieri.
Today, nothing has changed. In this unique setting for classical concerts, you can hear some of the best overtures, arias, waltzes, and polkas by Mozart and Johann Strauss.
Why book – listen to the works of Mozart and Strauss performed by the renowned Schönbrunn Palace Festival Orchestra
Dress code: Elegant evening wear
Vienna Residence Orchestra at Palais Auersperg
Palais Auersperg is the place where Mozart used to perform some of his notable works. Today, this is the home of the Vienna Residence Orchestra, one of the finest chamber orchestras. Indulge in a journey back in time to the days of Imperial Vienna, while listening to favourite Viennese compositions.
Why book – experience a classical performance with renowned opera singers and ballet dancers
Dress code: Elegant evening wear
Classical Concert at Mozarthaus
Located near St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Mozarthaus is the first residence of the great composer Mozart in Vienna. In fact, it’s the only one that survived till nowadays. Today, it is turned into a museum with a beautiful concert hall.
Why book – hear some of Mozart’s best works in same the room where he once played, under the expressive frescoes of Sala Terrena
Dress code: Smart casual
Seasonal Vienna classical concerts
The regular classical performances in Vienna are quite impressive. Yet, nothing can’t beat the seasonal concerts of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
Summer Night Concert Schönbrunn
The Wien Philharmonic concert at Schönbrunn Palace is held every year since 2004. And it’s an outstanding and unforgettable experience. The performance takes place in the gardens of the palace (Summer Night Concert program). The best part – the admission is free! There is no dress code and no reservation is required. Show up about 3 hours before the show if you want to find a place near the stage.
According to the official website, the performance cannot be heard on the meadow behind the stage (in front of the Gloriette). However, during my visit, this area was full of people. So probably it can be heard, but maybe the quality of the sound is not that good. Yet, I would suggest you go early and find a place in front of the stage.
If the weather is bad, the show can be postponed for 1-2 days. So, if this is the reason for your trip, make sure you have a few days ahead before your flight back home. This year the concert will be on Thursday, 8 June 2023.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve concerts
If you are in Vienna at Christmas time, don’t miss to attend any of the special classical concerts. What better way to celebrate Christmas than an evening full of beautiful waltzes and atmospheric operettas!
In addition, there are 12 Christmas markets! Find out why to visit each of them and what to do in Vienna at Christmas time.
Christmas Concert at Kursalon: Strauss & Mozart – experience a festive evening in a classic Viennese style and hear incredible waltzes by Johann Strauss and Mozart. Dress code: Elegant evening wear (see details and availability).
Christmas & New Year’s Concert in St. Peter’s Church – enjoy wonderful interpretations of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Bach in the wonderful vaults of St. Peter’s Church. Dress code: smart casual (see details and availability).
Must buy tickets in advance
Schönbrunn Palace – it’s one of the most popular attractions with long queues. Buy your tickets in advance from the official websiteor use Vienna Pass to skip the line.
Find out if the Vienna Pass is worth it(and how to save more than €90 for 2 days).
Spanish Riding School – one of the most popular activities in Vienna, so book tickets in advance here.
Giant Ferris Wheel – if you don’t have a Wien Pass, book tickets ahead to avoid waiting in line.
Faqs about attending a classical music concert in Vienna
Where is the best place to see a concert in Vienna?
Famous worldwide, the Great Hall (also known as the Golden Hall) at Musikverein is the best place to attend a classical music concert in Vienna. It is considered one of the best concert halls in the world and it’s home to the famous Wien Philharmonic Orchestra.
Where can I listen to classical music in Vienna?
The most popular venues where you can listen to classical music in Vienna are the Golden Hall at Wiener Musikverein, Kursalon, the State Opera, Schönbrunn Palace, St. Peter’s Church and Karlskirche
What should I wear to a Vienna orchestra concert?
The dress code for a concert in Vienna depends on the venue. For small concerts and churches, the dress code is smart casual, while for venues like Kursalon, Musikverein and Wien State Opera – elegant evening wear.
When to arrive?
Arrive at least 30min before the concert. For some concerts (especially in churches or smaller halls), there are no seat numbers allocated. This means the earlier you get there, the better is your chance to select a good seat.
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