Old Opera House (Alte Oper)

Programs change seasonally at the Old Opera House with performances including classical and contemporary music recitals, operas, musicals, jazz, and children’s concerts. As well as attending a show, music lovers can also peek behind-the-scenes and step out on stage during a guided tour of the Opera House. Frankfurt sightseeing and walking tours often include a photo stop outside the historic Opera House—built to reflect Richard Lucae’s original Renaissance design, it’s one of the city’s architectural landmarks.

• Tours are available in English upon request and must be booked in advance
• There are three restaurants and cafés at the Opera House, which serve light meals, hot and cold drinks, and snacks.
• There is no dress code but most attendees choose to dress in smart or formal attire for operas and classical music concerts.
• The Opera House has limited wheelchair accessible seating so advance booking is essential; guided tours are not accessible.

The Old Opera House is located just northwest of downtown Frankfurt. It’s easy to reach on foot from many of the central attractions and is an about 15-minute walk from Romerberg Square. The closest U-Bahn station is Alte Oper (Line U6) and S-Bahn station Frankfurt (Main) Taunusanlage (multiple lines), both just a 2-minute walk away.

Evening performances typically start between 7pm and 8pm, and weekend matinee performances at 3pm. Admission begins one hour before showtime and you may not be allowed to enter the auditorium once the show has started, so be sure to arrive on time.

Along with the Old Opera House, Frankfurt’s most notable historic buildings include the medieval City Hall (Romer), which stands on the Romerberg, along with the red-brick St Nicholas Church and a number of half-timbered buildings. Nearby is the Gothic Frankfurt Cathedral, the 19th-century St Paul’s Church, and the Baroque-style Hauptwache (guard-house), which is now a café. Frankfurt also abounds with contemporary architecture, with notable examples including the glass-fronted MyZeil Shopping Mall, the Messe Torhaus (Gatehouse), and the Main Tower and Commerzbank skyscrapers.