Teatro di San Carlo Tours

Teatro di San Carlo which includes heritage elements
Teatro di San Carlo featuring heritage elements and signage
Teatro di San Carlo


Tour one of the world’s most majestic opera houses or splurge a little and attend a concert here to listen to famous Italian opera singers.

The Teatro di San Carlo in Naples is jaw-droppingly beautiful. The classic concert hall with its fresco ceiling is everything you would expect from a grand European opera house from the 18th century, and more.

The “Real Teatro di San Carlo” was built during the reign of Charles III of Bourbon. “Real” means “Royal," as the king had it connected to his grand palace. After Naples voted to join the unified Kingdom of Italy under the House of Savoy, the Piazza del Plebiscito was designed around these two royal buildings.

The theater’s lavish interior with red velvet, gilded statues and heavy curtains attest that much was spent to make this stage a talking point in the whole of Europe. The building was inaugurated in 1737, making it one of the world’s oldest-working opera theaters.

Many visitors to Naples join a tour of the theater during the daytime and also attend a concert at night to get the full experience.

Hear the history of this majestic building during the guided tour of the theater. Enjoy the chance to take a seat in the Royal Box and learn why it is surrounded by mirrors. Find out why one of the greatest opera singers of all time, a local man named Enrico Caruso, vowed never to perform here.

Opera fans will be interested to learn that some of Gioachino Rossini’s most popular operas were first performed on Teatro di San Carlo’s stage. If you’re lucky enough to come here for a show, arrive early to enjoy a coffee beforehand and to admire the decor. The shop and café open again during the interval.

The opera season runs from late January to May and the ballet season from April to early June. You can buy your tour, show and play tickets online, through the theater’s official website. For the major concerts, it’s recommended to book well in advance. Be aware that not every guided tour offered on the website is in English. Tours generally last about 45 minutes.

Plan a trip to see Teatro di San Carlo

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Up Hotel
Hotel Tramonto d'Oro
HOTIDAY Room Collection - Napoli Duomo

Browse tours and tickets to explore Teatro di San Carlo

Tours & day trips

See all 785 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 265 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 150 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 47 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 46 activities

Reviews of Teatro di San Carlo

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
30
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
16
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great tour guide. Really under sold by the guide book -- teens thanked me for taking this tour with them is how interesting this was. Twice a day in English. Also in Italian and French.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Teatro di San Carlo

Starhotels Terminus
Starhotels Terminus
4 out of 5
Piazza Garibaldi 91, Naples, NA
Starhotels Terminus
Royal Continental Hotel Naples
Royal Continental Hotel Naples
4 out of 5
Via Partenope 38-44, Naples, NA
Royal Continental Hotel Naples
Eurostars Hotel Excelsior
Eurostars Hotel Excelsior
4 out of 5
Via Partenope 48, Naples, NA
Eurostars Hotel Excelsior
P.C. Boutique H. Napoli Centro
P.C. Boutique H. Napoli Centro
Piazza Giovanni Bovio 22, scala B, Naples, NA
P.C. Boutique H. Napoli Centro
Grand Hotel Santa Lucia
Grand Hotel Santa Lucia
4 out of 5
Via Partenope 46, Naples, NA
Grand Hotel Santa Lucia
UNA HOTELS Napoli
UNA HOTELS Napoli
4 out of 5
Piazza Garibaldi, 9/10, Naples, NA
UNA HOTELS Napoli
Hotel Matilde - Lifestyle Hotel
Hotel Matilde - Lifestyle Hotel
4 out of 5
Piazzetta Matilde Serao 7, Naples, NA
Hotel Matilde - Lifestyle Hotel
Holiday Inn Naples by IHG
Holiday Inn Naples by IHG
4 out of 5
Via Domenico Aulisio, Centro Direzionale Isola E6, Naples, NA
Holiday Inn Naples by IHG
Smart Hotel Napoli
Smart Hotel Napoli
4 out of 5
Stazione Marittima, Naples, Città Metropolitana di Napoli
Smart Hotel Napoli
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.