La Scala, or by its full name Teatro alla Scala, is the opera house of opera houses. It is the biggest stage for any classical singer. Performing on this stage is a great honour.

Attending a performance at La Scala is an extraordinary experience. Every singer and musician is carefully selected to be among the best. Even understudies are never random. Every aria feels like a masterpiece, earning thunderous, never-ending applause and shouts of Bravi, Brava, Bravo.

The sets are large-scale and complex. The stage moves constantly, changing the scenery for each act. Real fire can flare up, or rain can actually fall. The acoustics are exceptionally good.

The beauty of the hall is unforgettable: dignified, refined, and filled with history and memories of great artists and performances. La Scala and Milan are the Mecca of opera, a dream destination for any opera lover. Being in the audience there is a privilege and a joy.

That is why tickets are very expensive, like a once-in-a-rare-while concert by a mega star.

What you need to know about buying tickets for La Scala

The first thing to know is that you need to buy tickets months in advance. Create an account first. We ran into an issue with their confirmation process. If it happens to you as well, make sure to email them. After that, you can browse the programme and choose which performance you want to attend. Sign up for a notification when tickets for it go on sale, or keep an eye on the website. Once you get the notification, log in and join the virtual queue. When it is your turn, buy immediately. There are discounts for children under 18, and even bigger ones for children under 16.

Tip: If you are going with children, check the conditions for a family box. It can be much better value than buying individual tickets.

Do not buy tickets for boxes close to the stage. The back row has no visibility at all, and you have to stand up to see anything. We were a family of four and chose such a box because of the family discounts.

The upper balconies can get quite warm, even though the hall has air conditioning. That is the 5th and 6th balconies. We were on the 3rd and it was fine, but we still brought a fan because the back row was warmer.

Important: Do not leave account registration for the day tickets go on sale. If you do not receive confirmation in time, you will lose your place in the queue. Then the only seats left are usually the very top balconies or boxes with poor visibility.

After that, you can buy plane tickets, or decide whether you will drive to Milan.

If you do not want to queue at the bars during the interval, you have the option to pre-order drinks without waiting, or even reserve a high table with snacks and drinks. The latter costs around 90 euros for two, but it feels very VIP.

Do not arrive at the last minute. Be there at least 30 minutes early.

Once the start time comes, the doors close and nobody is allowed in. Also, arriving early gives you time for photos, selfies, and posts, to soak in the atmosphere, see the crowd and be seen, like in the movies, look at who is sitting in the boxes and how they are dressed, and read the libretto translation on the display in your box.

https://www.tiktok.com/@placescases/video/7586571727749025046

Follow the dress code recommended on the website

Forget sandals, flip-flops, bermuda shorts, jeans, and T-shirts. Dress formally.

A tie or a tuxedo is probably not necessary, but show respect for the art and for the dignity of the building. Even though it says women cannot wear open shoes, elegant heeled sandals can work too. The shoes must be dressy, not sneakers. They will not turn you away, but it looks out of place. And jeans: no. I saw someone wearing them and, compared to everyone else, it looked bad. There were also tourists in Crocs and flat beach sandals, and they looked equally out of place. Italian women wear formal dresses, pearls, and shiny clutch bags. Men wear shirts and suits with elegant shoes.

Outerwear is left at the cloakroom, as well as larger bags. Very important: do not bring food or drinks into the auditorium.

At an Italian opera, act like the Italians. Treat the art, the performers, and the beautiful opera house with respect.

 

Do not clap after every aria or after every act.

If you are not sure when to clap, follow the audience. Italians have a lot of experience with classical and opera performances and they know the etiquette. Also, do not shout BRAVO at female singers. Bravo is masculine. For a female singer, shout Brava. For two women, Bravе. For a mixed duet, a male duo, or for the chorus and orchestra, shout Bravi.

Do not take photos during the performance. It is forbidden.

At the end, during the bows, it is allowed. And do not use your phone during the performance. The whole hall can see the glow of your screen. Also, do not leave it on ring. It would be a major embarrassment if it starts ringing.

For more tips how to spend better your time in Milan, see also 15 things you should know before planning a trip to Milan.

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