Classical Concerts in Vienna | 10 Best Picks by Locals

Concerts in Vienna offer an experience that perfectly blends with the extraordinary classical charm of the city, making a visit to a classical concert in Vienna something you definitely shouldn’t miss.

While there are many concert options in Vienna, tickets for popular concerts often sell out months in advance. If you find a concert in the details below that looks good and suits you, it’s a good idea to book tickets online in advance, especially if you have a busy travel itinerary and not much flexibility with your dates.

This article has everything you need to know about Vienna’s best concerts, including an exclusive 10% discount for the most popular concert at the city’s Golden Hall and the concert at the Kursalon.

What is Vienna’s Connection to Classical Concerts?

Without a doubt, Vienna is one of the most popular destinations for classical music lovers, and its local orchestras are world-renowned. It’s no coincidence that in the 18th and 19th centuries, Vienna was home to famous and important composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss, and Schubert. The elegant city is nothing less than one of the best cultural and musical centers, still attracting talented musicians from all over the world today.

Israeli artists are also among Vienna’s musical ensembles, whether as musicians, conductors, or singers (especially in opera). A trip to Vienna wouldn’t be complete without visiting a classical concert in one of the city’s famous concert halls.

Where Can You Find Classical Concerts in Vienna?

In the center of Vienna, many classical concerts take place almost every evening. These concerts are held in impressive venues such as:

• The Golden Hall of the Musikverein
• The magnificent Kursalon event and concert hall (where Strauss performed and the waltz became popular in the 19th century)
• Schönbrunn Palace
• Hofburg Palace
• St. Charles Church (Karlskirche)
• St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche)
• The Vienna State Opera
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom)

Each concert has a slightly different character. Some are very formal, requiring festive attire, while others are more casual, allowing for respectful yet lighter clothing. There are also options that offer a full evening experience, including dinner. So, there’s no doubt it will be quite easy to find at least one concert that suits the kind of experience you’d like to add to your trip to Vienna.

Please note: It’s a good idea to arrive about 30 minutes before the concert begins, especially if you’re attending a concert in one of the churches. In these halls, seats are not numbered, and it’s not possible to reserve a specific seat. Therefore, arriving early enough allows you to get the best spots in the hall.

Local tip: There’s a common phenomenon in central Vienna called “Mozarts.” These are people dressed in “Mozart” costumes who sell tickets to various concerts. While these salespeople operate legally and with municipal approval, the tickets they offer are sometimes the cheaper ones you might not want to buy. Sometimes, it turns out that the “concert” is actually a small performance, or the seats are in a terrible location that detracts from the overall experience. It’s best to avoid these touts, as what you receive is often not ideal. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the popular concerts offered in Vienna and purchasing tickets in advance online or going directly to the venue where the concert is held to buy tickets there.

What is the Best Concert Hall in Vienna?

The best place to see a concert in Vienna is the Golden Hall (Golden Hall) at the Musikverein concert hall. This hall has about 1700 seats and serves as the official performance center for the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Due to its exceptional acoustics and impressive design, it is considered the best concert hall in the world. At the beginning of the New Year, the famous New Year’s Concert, broadcast worldwide, takes place in this hall. There are no amplification devices at all in this hall! The acoustics are so good that every sound is heard clearly, even if you are sitting at the back of the hall.

10 Concerts in Vienna – The Best Recommended Concerts in Vienna

Classical music concerts in Vienna not only feature musical works by the greatest composers, some also include opera excerpts, ballet performances, and other acts. Popular concerts offer a classical experience with many layers and a taste of the classical art world that has developed over centuries.

Before we go into detail about each concert, here is a list of selected classical concerts in Vienna:

1. Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” and Mozart’s works in the Golden Hall or Brahms Hall
2. Mozart Concert in the Golden Hall or Brahms Hall
3. The Classical Ensemble of Vienna at St. Peter’s Church
4. The Classical Concert at St. Anna’s Church
5. Mozart and Strauss Concert at Kursalon
6. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at St. Charles Church
7. Evening Concert at Schönbrunn Palace
8. The Hofburg Orchestra Concert
9. The Vienna Orchestra at Auersperg Palace
10. Classical Concert at Mozart’s House

Now, let’s detail all the concerts in Vienna that we and many travelers consider the most worthwhile in the city. In the description of each concert, you can read where it takes place, which composers’ works will be played, what the required dress code is, how to book tickets in advance, and any other essential information for your visit.

1. Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” and Mozart’s Works in the Golden Hall or Brahms Hall

This concert combines the best works of Vivaldi, Mozart, and Haydn. It’s an elaborate and impressive concert performed in the city’s best music halls by an excellent orchestra. In one concert, you can enjoy a unique combination of works and an extraordinary musical experience. Some would say that this concert is a combination of the best concerts in Vienna, so in one evening, you can experience the best of all the city’s classical concerts. Unlike other concerts that go on hiatus during the winter months, this concert continues to be held frequently.

In the first part of the concert, classical Viennese works by Haydn and Mozart will be played. The second part of the concert is dedicated to Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.”

Please note: The concert alternates between the Brahms Hall and the Golden Hall. Please pay attention when booking to which concert hall the concert is held on your desired date.

Essential information about the Vivaldi and Mozart concert:

• Concert Duration: Approximately 2 hours (from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM).
• Concert Venue: Musikverein, Brahms Hall or Golden Hall. Musikvereinsplatz 1, 1010 Wien
• Dress Code: Smart Casual. Flip-flops, tank tops, and disrespectful attire are not permitted.
• Ticket Booking for Vivaldi and Mozart Concert on GetYourGuide (with free cancellation)

2. Mozart Concert in the Golden Hall – Exclusive 10% Discount for Official Website Purchase!

This concert will transport you back in time to the 18th century, to the life and work of the legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The Mozart Orchestra, which performs this concert, was founded in 1986 by some of the best musicians from various Viennese orchestras. This orchestra primarily plays works by Mozart, with the orchestra members dressed in appropriate historical costumes from the 18th century. In this concert, you can enjoy some of Mozart’s best works and various opera excerpts.

This concert is a real performance of the highest quality you can find! Due to the wonderful acoustics in the Golden Hall, no microphones or speakers are used, and you can hear even the most delicate sounds sharply, clearly, and cleanly. There’s no doubt that this concert is a mesmerizing musical experience, and the two hours it takes will fly by in a flash.

Essential information about the Mozart Concert:

• Concert Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours (including a 15-minute refreshment break).
• Concert Venue: Golden Hall at the Musikverein, and also at the Brahms Hall and the Vienna State Opera. Musikvereinsplatz 1, 1010 Wien
• Dress Code: Regular attire. Flip-flops, shorts, and tank tops are not allowed. Many attendees arrive in more respectable evening wear, but it’s not mandatory.
• Advance Ticket Booking for the Popular Mozart Concert (with cancellation option)
• Book Tickets for the Mozart Concert with a 10% Discount via the Official Orchestra Website (exclusive discount for the “Austria for Travelers” website).
• Extended Information on the Mozart Concert and Explanation on How to Purchase Discounted Tickets from the Official Website

3. The Classical Ensemble of Vienna at St. Peter’s Church – A Popular Concert at an Attractive Price

The ancient church, somewhat hidden in the heart of the first district, is a charming and impressive place to experience a superb classical concert. This concert combines works by several famous composers, including Beethoven, Mozart, and Vivaldi. The concert hall is located in the crypt beneath the main hall. The musicians performing in this concert are part of the Classical Ensemble of Vienna.

Essential information:

• Concert Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
• Concert Venue: St. Peter’s Church. Address: Petersplatz 1, 1010 Wien
• Dress Code: Regular evening wear.
• Advance Ticket Booking for the Concert at St. Peter’s Church (with cancellation option)

4. The Classical Concert at St. Anna’s Church

The hall in St. Anna’s Church in Vienna’s first district provides a pleasant and intimate musical experience. This concert includes works by Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven performed by a string ensemble. The church hall boasts excellent acoustics, ensuring a good experience.

Essential information about the Concert at St. Anna’s Church:

• Concert Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
• Concert Venue: St. Anna’s Church. Address: Annagasse 3B, 1010 Wien
• Dress Code: Regular evening wear. Even in summer, the church hall can be cool, so it’s a good idea to bring a light wrap if needed.
• Advance Ticket Booking for the Concert at St. Anna’s Church (with cancellation option)

5. Mozart and Strauss Concert at Kursalon – Exclusive 10% Discount on Tickets from the Official Website

The Kursalon concert hall has been one of Vienna’s most famous venues for centuries. Johann Strauss and his orchestra performed regularly here. In fact, the first concert held in this hall was by Johann Strauss II. This is undoubtedly a place with exceptional musical history.

This concert focuses on works by Mozart and Strauss, combined with opera and ballet excerpts. The artists performing in this show are part of the “Old Vienna” orchestra. There is an option to purchase VIP tickets, which also include wine served during the concert intermissions.

Essential information about the Mozart and Strauss concert:

• Concert Duration: 1.5 hours.
• Concert Venue: Kursalon concert hall. Johannesgasse 33, 1010 Wien
• Dress Code: Smart Casual.
• Book Tickets with a 10% Discount on the Official Website of the Concert Company (Sound of Vienna). On the payment page, enter the code AU10 in the Promo Code field before completing the payment.
• Advance Ticket Booking for the Strauss and Mozart Concert on GetYourGuide (with free cancellation)
• Extended Information on the Strauss and Mozart Concert and Explanation on How to Purchase Discounted Tickets from the Official Website

6. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Performance at St. Charles Church

If you’re looking for a concert with a less formal and heavy atmosphere and a lighter dress code, there are wonderful concerts in several churches throughout the city. Among the concerts offered, one of the best takes place at St. Charles Church, one of the city’s most impressive Baroque-style churches.

Vivaldi’s performance is a refreshing change for those who want something a little different from the classical Mozart concerts. Antonio Vivaldi was one of the greatest Venetian composers of the Baroque period who, like many, made his way to Vienna – the capital of classical music. Several years before moving to Vienna, Vivaldi composed his best work, “The Four Seasons.” His burial place is in the burial complex near St. Charles Church.

The concert held in the church hall by the 1756 Orchestra focuses on Vivaldi’s works, and of course, on “The Four Seasons.”

Essential information about the Vivaldi concert:

• Concert Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Concert Venue: St. Charles Church (Karlskirche). Address: Karlskirche, 1040 Wien
• Dress Code: Regular attire. It is recommended to dress respectfully and avoid flip-flops, shorts, and tank tops.
• Advance Ticket Booking for Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Concert (with cancellation option)

7. Evening Concert at Schönbrunn Palace

The Orangery at Schönbrunn Palace is one of the largest Baroque orangeries in the world. This venue was once used for musical performances, and even young Mozart played here as part of a competition against Antonio Salieri – the emperor’s chief composer and one of the most gifted of the 18th century. Even today, excellent concerts continue to be held here. At the evening concert, you can enjoy the best works of Mozart and Strauss performed by the renowned Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra.

Essential information about the Evening Concert at Schönbrunn Palace:

• Concert Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
• Concert Venue: The Orangery at Schönbrunn Palace. Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien
• Dress Code: Elegant evening wear.
• Advance Ticket Booking for the Evening Concert at Schönbrunn Palace (with cancellation option)

8. The Hofburg Orchestra Concert

The Hofburg Palace Orchestra has been performing for many years. It was founded in the 1970s and has since provided high-quality musical performances in the Hofburg Palace concert hall or the Vienna Konzerthaus. This concert features works by Strauss and Mozart.

Essential information about the Hofburg Concert:

• Concert Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
• Concert Venue: Hofburg Palace Hall. Address: Heldenplatz, 1010 Wien
• Dress Code: Elegant evening wear.
• Book Tickets for the Concert at Hofburg Palace (starting from May)

9. The Vienna Orchestra at Auersperg Palace

Auersperg Palace was one of the venues where Mozart performed some of his most famous works. Today, this palace serves as the performance venue for the Vienna Orchestra, considered one of the city’s finest orchestras. This concert combines opera and ballet excerpts with the best Austrian musical works.

Essential information:

• Concert Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
• Concert Venue: Auersperg Palace Hall. Auerspergstraße 1, 1080 Wien
• Dress Code: Elegant evening wear.
• Advance Ticket Booking for the Concert at Auersperg Palace (with cancellation option)

10. Classical Concert at Mozart’s House

Near St. Stephen’s Church is Mozart’s first residence. Today, this house serves as a museum with a beautiful concert hall. This concert focuses on Mozart’s works and takes place right where he lived and played himself.

Essential information:

• Concert Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
• Concert Venue: Mozart’s House. Address: Singerstraße 7, 1010 Wien
• Dress Code: Regular evening wear.
• Advance Ticket Booking for the Concert at Mozart’s House (with cancellation option)

Additional Unique Concerts Throughout the Year

Several times a year, magnificent and important concerts take place in the city. The most important are:

Concerts Leading Up to Christmas and New Year’s

If you’re coming to Vienna during the wonderful Christmas season, when everything is decorated and charming Christmas markets are scattered throughout the city, you can enrich your experience with a unique concert for this time of year.

• At the Kursalon concert hall, concerts are held in the spirit of Christmas and the New Year with the best works of Mozart and Strauss. For more information and to book tickets in advance, click here.
• Several concerts are held at St. Peter’s Church during this time of year. The works performed are by Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. For more information and to book tickets in advance, click here.
• At the Hofburg Palace, several concerts are held during Christmas and New Year’s, with a unique performance by the Palace Orchestra. For more information and to book tickets, click here.

The Schönbrunn Summer Night Concert – A Free Concert

Without a doubt, the biggest concert in Vienna, performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace. This concert takes place once during the summer months and is open free of charge to the general public. It’s no wonder that thousands flock to this concert, and to get a spot close to the stage, you need to arrive several hours before the show begins.

Here’s how the concert was in 2022:

In Conclusion

As you can see, there’s no shortage of concerts in Vienna. If you decide to go to a concert, choose the one that suits you best and make sure you have your tickets reserved. Besides concerts, there are other wonderful experiences you can add to your trip to Vienna. Also, if your itinerary isn’t yet perfect, you can use our Vienna itinerary, which includes details on selected attractions and a smart breakdown for 3 days in Vienna.