Vienna Concerts Dress Code For Musikverein, Konzerthaus Etc.

Vienna Concerts Dress Code. Crystal K. from Lloydminster, AB., Canada inquired about the dress code for a concert in Vienna. In general, Viennese concert venues do not have a dress code, not even Wiener Musikverein, the home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Instead, concert etiquette relies on the visitors’ own assessment.  

Vienna Concerts Dress Code

A good classical concert deserves quality smart clothing (no trainers or jeans): A suit with tie and shirt, a blouse for the ladies, or even a nice jumper with shirt or blouse will do in most cases. A cocktail dress and tuxedo may be over the top on many occasions, unless you attend the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s Vienna New Years concert.

Wiener Musikverein and Wiener Konzerthaus are Vienna’s top classical concert venues. Most of the performances there are one-off concerts by prestigious orchestras. Then there are venues for regular concerts targeted at tourists such as Kursalon, Auersperg Palace, Schonbrunn Palace’s Orangery or Hofburg Imperial Palace. Other regular classical concerts take place at churches such as St. Charles Borromeo (Karlskirche), Church of St. Peter and St. Anne’s Church.

My best advice for all these places is to check the dress code information on your ticket first. If no information is provided, dress smart. Be aware that if you attend a church concert you may choose to leave your coat or jacket on during the cooler months.

Wiener Konzerthaus Dress Code

Here is Crystal’s query: “We are going to be in Vienna for a few days and on April 25th we are going to Die große Operettengala ‘Salute to Vienna’ at Wiener Konzerthaus. The ticket confirmation says elegant evening wear for women and black tie optional for men. What does that mean? I was going to bring a cute dress (navy with white polka dots) but I have nothing approaching elegant evening wear. I assume that the rental places don’t like last minute rentals. We arrive Monday night and the concert is Thurs evening. Would you reccommend buying a Dirndl? Wear what I planned and hope no one notices? LOL

Thank you so much. I really enjoy your website!”

Dear Crystal,

congrats to your fabulous concert choice. No doubt it is high profile. However, there is no need to go over the top on evening wear at Konzerthaus. I double checked with the box office, and they recommend suits and smart casual women’s wear, so I think your navy dress is spot on. Dirndl dresses are more common with bespoke folkloric events.

have a great time in Vienna!

Barbara

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