For the 67th time, Vienna's most exclusive ball will kick off on the last Thursday before Lent. Here are some top tips for an unforgettable night.
The Vienna Opera Ball has been celebrated in its current form since 1956: Always on the last Thursday of carnival, with a magnificent opening by the Young Ladies' and Gentlemen's Committee, with the State Opera Ballet and lots of glamorous gowns. An extraordinary event like this naturally attracts lots of prominent guests; getting tickets for the event is not that easy. If you're not one of the lucky ones, you can already get the June 2, 2025. Because that's when orders for Opera Ball tickets for 2026 start. But where to stay? Where to eat? And where is there a good chance of meeting celebrities? Here is the guide to the 2025 Opera Ball:
As the eponymous institution, the Vienna State Opera on the Ring is of course the venue for the glittering ball night. It is therefore worth looking for a stylish accommodation to look around nearby. There is plenty of choice, as the boulevard is lined with wonderful hotels:
The luxurious boutique hotel is just a short walk away. Here you can spend the night, dine and drink surrounded by a carefully curated art collection. After an exhausting night at the ball, it's best to use the spa to relax the next day. It scores points with a pool that offers views of the night sky.
The Amauris
Kärntner Ring 8, 1010 Vienna, Austria
+43 1 22122 - theamauris.com
Doubles from approx. €560 per night
The iconic hotel in the immediate vicinity of the Vienna State Opera will remain open until March 2025. Then it will undergo an all-round update. But guests can still enjoy absolute luxury, details with a twinkle in the eye and suites with a direct view of the opera. You can't really get any closer to the action. This hotel breathes history like no other here.
Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Kärntner Ring 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria
+43 1 515160 - marriott.com
Doubles from €660 per night
Also very close by, just on the other side of the opera house, is the Hotel Sacher, another historical jewel. It's not just the famous Sachertorte that provides moments of pleasure here. There is also an elegant boutique spa where you can pamper your waltz-ravaged body. It goes without saying that you can look forward to impeccable service.
Hotel Sacher Wien
Philharmoniker Str. 4, 1010 Vienna, Austria
+43 1 514560 - sacher.com
Doubles from approx. €530 per night
You can't live on Sachertorte alone - and a night at the ball can be quite exhausting. Depending on your fitness and the intensity of the dance, you can up to 250 calories per hour of waltz dancing. They need to be topped up. These Restaurants near the Vienna Opera are ideal for this:
Admittedly, if you're ever in Vienna, then you have to do the legendary Wiener Schnitzel on the bucket list. And nowhere else is this served as excellently as at Meissl & Schadn. Thanks to the open kitchen concept, you can even watch the golden glory being created. Absolute tip: the real Wiener Schnitzel of veal with Viennese garnish.
Meissl & Schadn
Schubertring 10-12, 1010 Vienna, Austria
+43 1 90212 - meisslundschadn.at
In the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton on the Schubertring, Pastamara is the place par excellence for all fans of Sicilian cuisine. Surrounded by an elegant and relaxed atmosphere, you can enjoy the creations of Chef Ciccio Sultano, the 2-star chef from Sicily, in the middle of Vienna.
Pastamara - Bar con Cucina
The Ritz-Carlton, Schubertring 5/7, 1010 Vienna, Austria
+43 1 31188150 - pastamara.com
Whoever absolute gourmet cuisine should make their way to the Steirereck. Because here Heinz Reitbauer cooks at the very highest level. The Michelin Guide agrees, awarding him a top rating in its latest edition. three of the coveted stars angedeihen ließ. Modernes Ambiente, wunderschöne Lage im Stadtpark und herrliche Weine! Zusätzlich zum Degustationsmenü gibt’s abends auch à la carte Küche.
Das Steirereck
Am Heumarkt 2A, 1030 Vienna, Austria
+43 1 7133168 - steirereck.at
Klar, “Vorglühen” ist etwas, das man eigentlich im Ballkleid, Frack oder über 25 in der Form nicht mehr macht. Aber man kann auf jeden Fall einen cultivated aperitif before plunging into the fun of the ball. Or would you prefer an atmospheric finale afterwards? These addresses are suitable places to go:
The Eden Bar is an institution. And that's not just a marketing slogan, but a historical fact. People have been meeting here since 1911. Originally, it was military men who came together in the secessionist building. In 1919 Emmy Steinthe operetta singer, turned the establishment into a hotspot for high society. Anyone who drinks a glass of champagne here is following in the footsteps of Orson Welles, Billy Wilder, José Carreras and Liz Taylor. By the way, it's blackout!
Eden Bar
Liliengasse 2, 1010 Vienna, Austria
+43 1 5127450 - edenbar.at
It is a unique concept that they specialize in here. It is a mixture of bar and pharmacy. Accordingly, with Heinz Kaiser Baralchemist at work. He creates cocktails from essences, herbs and solutions as if in a laboratory. By the way, the Falstaff American bar of the year 2025!
Dino’s Apothecary Bar
Salzgries 19, 1010 Vienna, Austria
+43 1 5357230 - dinos.at
Admittedly, these Viennese nightlife classic is not exactly in the immediate vicinity of the opera. But then again, somehow that does everything in Vienna. The city isn't that big. However, the trip to the 5th district is definitely worth it, as the team from insanely smart waiters and bar people enjoy excellent drinks in a relaxed, unconventional atmosphere. What's great is that it's open until late at night there is also hot food.
THELL (formerly MOTTO)
Rüdigergasse 1, 1050 Vienna, Austria
+43 1 5870672 - thell.restaurant
Yes, the sausage stand is indeed a fixture for guests at the Vienna Opera Ball. More precisely: the one in the immediate vicinity of the Opera and the Albertina. Here you can treat yourself late at night Hearty und empfindet ein Schlückchen Champagner als ideale Begleitung zur Käsekrainer. Die Würste sind aber auch von ausgesuchter Qualität und “der Bitzinger” wohl Wiens edelste Streetfood-Installation. Wundervolle Gäste-Melange!
Bitzinger
Albertinapl. 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria
+43 664 88622428 - bitzinger.vienna
Genau genommen geht man ja nicht “ins” Kameel, sondern sitzt davor. Den ganzjährig laufenden Heizstrahlern zum “Dank” auch in den kalten Monaten. Hier geht es ums Sehen und Gesehen-werden, denn ganz Wien schlendert am Guest garden opposite the Park Hyatt over. The Negroni have their fans just like the Kameel-Edel-Brötchen and there is a good chance of spotting one or two (in Vienna) world-famous faces.
Zum Schwarzen Kameel
Bognergasse 5, 1010 Vienna, Austria
+43 1 5338125 - schwarzeskameel.at
At the rooftop of the Rosewood Vienna you may not enjoy the high society parading past, but the celebrity density is just as high. But that shouldn't detract from the fact that the service is very warm and the ambience is simply great. The view? Also worth a mention.
Neue Hoheit Brasserie & Bar
Tuchlauben 4, 1010 Vienna, Austria
+43 1 79998888777 - rosewood.com
Read more: Why Vienna is a paradise for foodies and wine lovers
