Enjoying Milan: How to score a La Scala opera ticket for under €15
In our Simple Pleasure series, our contributors reveal how to partake in enjoyable activities around their city without overspending. Here, writer Stephanie Ong shares her insider tips for having a great time in Milan for less than €15.
Milan has become my beloved home for a reason. It transforms into a vibrant international hub during design or fashion week, yet feels like a cozy town as I cycle through the serene center on a peaceful summer evening. It truly offers the best of both worlds.
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Milan offers a rich array of cultural experiences © Leonid Andronov/Getty ImagesYou might be surprised, but attending a performance at La Scala (Teatro alla Scala), one of the world's top opera venues, is among my favorite budget-friendly activities.
Even as someone who isn't particularly fond of opera, the entire experience is undeniably exhilarating. It envelops your senses and stirs your emotions. You're surrounded by luxurious red velvet and gold decor, with an audience dressed to the nines, and an electric anticipation in the air. Then, as the voices rise, a collective awe washes over you, transporting you to another realm.
What makes this experience even more remarkable is that, instead of the typical €100-300 ticket price, you can enjoy it for under €15 (usually around €13 or €14 per person).
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Opera tickets typically range from €100 to €300 © posztos/ShutterstockHow to do it
Just visit Via Filodrammatici next to La Scala before 1pm on the day of the performance. It won't be easy to spot, so look for the line in front of a person seated in a plastic chair. Remember to bring your ID, and note that only one ticket can be booked per person (no exceptions). You'll need to return at 5:30pm to pay for and collect your tickets.
Admittedly, you'll enter through a discreet side door, and the seats you receive will be in the highest balconies, so you may find yourself straining your neck for a better view. However, this won't diminish the thrilling ambiance and the powerful music experience.
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