Dear friends, here you may find some essential insights that would help you in purchasing tickets and choosing the best seats at the illustrious Teatro alla Scala that will make you experience perfect and unforgettable!
When encountering a new venue, numerous questions might surface about ticket acquisition, including which tickets to select, where to purchase them from, and what the ideal seating arrangement is.
Tickets purchasing
Ticket sales for each event usually begin about two months prior to the performance on La Scala official website.
The start date of sales can be conveniently verified in advance on the same website.
I recommend you to purchased tickets as soon as they become available on the website since the most desirable seats are swiftly sold out, often to resellers.
Tickets purchasing for visitors under 35 years old.
For those aged under 35, La Scala extends the offer of discounted tickets. Considering theater’s reputation as one of the world’s priciest venues, this is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. It is usually scheduled one performance of each show with a unique “Under 30” label. The ticket purchasing procedure remains unchanged. More details here.
Seat selection
Prima Galleria. Seat selection constitutes another key factor. As soon as ticket sales are initiated, the first row of the “prima galleria” typically sells out instantly. This gallery, positioned above the balcony boxes and behind the parterre, is in high demand as the tickets are half the cost of mentioned areas, yet still afford a comprehensive view. From this vantage point, the entire stage and orchestra pit (watching an orchestra during the show is exciting too) are in clear view, an aspect particularly appealing to ballet enthusiasts. However, seating comfort leaves something to be desired. The slim, foldable chairs lack armrests, and personal space is somewhat restricted.
Parterre seats. Parterre seats carry the highest price tag and prestige. If one opts for this, it’s advised to choose seats not in the very front row, but from rows 5 to 12. Tickets for the second half of the hall are not suggested, as the elevated cost isn’t justified by the compromised view. On the flip side, parterre seats are comfortable and provide a full immersion into the theatrical ambiance. For first-time visitors, this is the spot to truly savor La Scala: to see and be seen, to showcase elegant attire, and to relish not only the performance but also the magnificent view of the amphitheater-style balconies.
Balcony boxes. Lastly, our all-time favorite – the balcony boxes. It’s recommended to opt for a lower floor and, naturally, the front row. The boxes are secluded and equipped with their own cloakroom, housing only four seats each, two of which are set further back. If attending as a group, all can fit and adjust the seating, but if you’re just a duo, the entire box might be yours alone, offering an unobstructed view. As per our experience, the back seats are seldom occupied. The prices for these seats match those of the parterre, but the chairs are even more comfortable. Moreover, there’s the added benefit of quietly exchanging impressions with companions without disturbing others, thanks to the privacy of the box. For ballet, a symmetric view is preferred, thus more central balconies are suggested. For opera, capturing the artists’ faces and emotions is vital, hence boxes closer to the orchestra pit are preferable. The only downside is the limited people-watching opportunities.
Dear friends, use my guide and enjoy! Regardless of the choice made, a memorable experience at one of the world’s most esteemed cultural venues is guaranteed!
