Semper Opera House Tours

Semper Opera House showing heritage elements and a statue or sculpture
Semper Opera House showing street scenes and heritage elements
Semper Opera House featuring heritage elements and street scenes
Semper Opera House featuring heritage elements
Semper Opera House featuring heritage elements and a square or plaza


Saxony’s state opera house is resplendent with three styles of architecture. Take in a ballet or opera performance in its opulent theater.

Nearly two centuries of tumultuous history awaits at Dresden’s stunning opera house. The Semper Opera House is a palatial building perched on the banks of the Elbe River and is home to the Saxon State Orchestra and the Semperoper ballet. Admire its diverse architecture, which comprises elements of a number of periods. Book tickets to take in a musical event inside.

Gottfried Semper, who the building was then named after, first built the opera house in 1841. It included elements of Early Renaissance, Baroque and classical revival architectural styles making it a unique and fascinating building in Dresden’s cityscape. Learn about the damage incurred by the opera house during a fire in 1869, war in the 1945 bombing of Dresden and flood waters in 2002 when the Elbe River burst its banks.

Purchase a ticket from the box office or online to fully experience the Semper Opera House. Pick up a program from around the city or check online to learn about the diverse range of events hosted within the theater. Arrive early to dine at the foyer bars or reserve a table at the opera restaurant. Renowned local chef, Stefan Hermann, operates the restaurant.

Be amazed by the grace and poise of the Semperoper ballet. Check the opera schedules to see works by famous names including Wagner and Strauss. Listen to some of Europe’s best musicians within an environment that evokes the opulence of the 19th century. Admire the acoustics of the grand theater, which has a capacity for more than 1,300 people.

The Semper Opera House is located in central Dresden, just a short walk from Neumarkt. Arrive by train or tram, or find underground parking behind the theater on Devrientstrasse. Reserve tickets online, by phone or by visiting earlier during your stay to make reservations in person. The box office opens 1 hour before performances daily.

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Reviews of Semper Opera House

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 70%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
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5/5 - Excellent

Alan

Seeing an opera here is a real treat!

4/5 - Good

John

Wasn't freely open for visitors.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Semper Opera House

Occidental Dresden Newa

Occidental Dresden Newa

Prager Straße 2c, Dresden, SN
Occidental Dresden Newa
Hampton By Hilton Dresden City Centre

Hampton By Hilton Dresden City Centre

Ringstrasse 4, 01067, Dresden
Hampton By Hilton Dresden City Centre
Star G Hotel Premium Dresden Altmarkt

Star G Hotel Premium Dresden Altmarkt

3.5 out of 5
Altmarkt 4, Dresden, SN
Star G Hotel Premium Dresden Altmarkt
HYPERION Hotel Dresden Am Schloss

HYPERION Hotel Dresden Am Schloss

Schlosstrasse 16, Dresden, SN
HYPERION Hotel Dresden Am Schloss
Maritim Hotel & Internationales Congress Center Dresden

Maritim Hotel & Internationales Congress Center Dresden

Devreintstraße 10-12 / Ostra-Ufer 2, Dresden, SN
Maritim Hotel & Internationales Congress Center Dresden
INNSiDE by Meliá Dresden

INNSiDE by Meliá Dresden

4.5 out of 5
Salzgasse 4, Dresden, SN
INNSiDE by Meliá Dresden
Holiday Inn Express Dresden Zentrum by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Dresden Zentrum by IHG

Prager Str. 13, Dresden, SN
Holiday Inn Express Dresden Zentrum by IHG
NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt

NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt

4.5 out of 5
An der Kreuzkirche 2, Dresden, SN
NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt
Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden

Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden

Grosse Meissner Str. 15, Dresden, SN
Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden
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.

Things to do near Semper Opera House

Near Semper Opera House, you can enjoy a variety of activities including attending captivating opera and concert performances, as well as musical theatre and ballet shows. Don't miss the chance to explore the area with a walking tour, and indulge in some shopping and entertainment at local venues. This vibrant cultural hub promises an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Shopping

In Dresden, visit the Altmarkt-Galerie, a vibrant shopping mall just 0.3 miles from the Semper Opera House, offering entertainment and family-friendly vibes. The Neustadt Market Hall and Pragerstrasse are also nearby, both 0.6 miles away, featuring local businesses and a lively atmosphere.

Recreation

At Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, enjoy the energetic atmosphere of live sports events just a mile from Semper Opera House. For a thrilling experience, head to EnergieVerbund Arena, located 0.8 miles away, where you can indulge in ice skating fun. Additionally, Heinz-Steyer-Stadium, 0.6 miles away, offers more sports excitement.

Adventure

The Dresden Funicular Railway, located 4 miles from Semper Opera House, offers a thrilling ascent with stunning views of the city. Similarly, the Dresden Suspension Railway, also 4 miles away, provides an exhilarating ride above the landscape. For a unique experience, try tobogganing at Altenberg Bobsleigh, situated 18 miles away.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting nightlife near Semper Opera House with Movie Nights at the Elbe, offering a cozy theater atmosphere just 0.4 miles away. Enjoy a comedic performance at Comödie Dresden, located 0.7 miles away, or catch a captivating show at the State Playhouse Dresden, only 0.2 miles away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Semper Opera House

While visiting the iconic Semper Opera House in Dresden, immerse yourself in local culture by exploring nearby attractions like picturesque piazzas, historic churches, and engaging museums. Enjoy the beautiful architecture of the opera house, often considered one of the finest in the world. Whether you're traveling with family or seeking a cultural experience, there's plenty to discover around this majestic venue, including its rich history and vibrant city life.

  • Church of Our Lady: This stunning Protestant church, known for its iconic dome, represents resilience and beauty. A symbol of Dresden, it offers an atmosphere rich in culture and history, inviting visitors to explore its intricately designed interior and enjoy breathtaking views from the tower.
  • Zwinger Palace: A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, Zwinger Palace features beautiful gardens and impressive museums. Visitors can wander through its ornate courtyards, admiring the stunning sculptures and fountains that reflect the grandeur of Saxon royalty.
  • Dresden Castle: This historic castle boasts a blend of architectural styles and houses fascinating museums. With its romantic ambiance, visitors can explore royal apartments and art collections, immersing themselves in the cultural heritage of Dresden.

Best time to go to Semper Opera House

The best time to visit Semper Opera House can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Semper Opera House falls in July and August. August has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Semper Opera House falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April47.7°F (8.7°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
June63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
July66.2°F (19.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August66.2°F (19.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December34.9°F (1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Semper Opera House

To save on your visit to Semper Opera House, consider traveling during the off-peak months of January to March, when hotel prices are lower. Booking your accommodations about a month in advance typically yields the best rates, especially if you opt for a stay on a Monday, the cheapest day. For budget-friendly transportation, look into public transit options. Additionally, explore Expedia for last-minute hotel deals and package options that combine flights and activities for savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and future cash rewards.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Semper Opera House are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Semper Opera House about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Semper Opera House is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Semper Opera House is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotel options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you'll discover sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Semper Opera House with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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