Teatro Colón: Tickets and Tours

Ranked as the third-best opera house in the world, the Teatro Colón is Buenos Aires’ crowning jewel. This beloved monument has housed some of the most celebrated artists in the history of classical music and its architecture showcases a spectacular melting pot of architectural styles.

Teatro Colón tickets are highly sought after and the attraction is a must for anyone wanting to experience the city’s cultural side.

Scroll down for everything you need to know about Teatro Colón, one of the most glamorous attractions in Buenos Aires.

How much do Teatro Colón tickets cost?

It is possible to purchase Teatro Colón tickets for special events, such as music concerts or ballet performances, which range in price according to the artist. However, the most popular way to experience the venue is through a guided tour.

Teatro Colón guided tours

You can select a Teatro Colón guided tour at 15-minute intervals throughout the day and you can purchase up to six tickets at a time.

This walk through the venue lasts approximately 50 minutes and you’ll be part of a group of travelers with shared interests.

• General admission: ARS10,000 (US$29)
• Argentinian residents: ARS4,000 (US$11)
• Children under 7: Free

Who is eligible for discounts?

Persons with disabilities will not pay a Teatro Colón admission fee. Instead, those with limited mobility can, on presentation of proof of their disability, ascertain free tickets for themselves and a carer.

University students, as well as pensioners and those in possession of a Cultural Pass can also benefit from a reduced entrance fee with the appropriate identification. However, these Teatro Colón tickets must be secured in person at the box office.

Should you book in advance?

Teatro Colón tickets are often fully booked several weeks in advance, so you should secure your passes as early as possible to avoid disappointment. This will guarantee you access at a date and time of your choosing, which will help to shape your itinerary.

In order to benefit from free Teatro Colón tickets, persons with disabilities must request their passes via email at least 2 weeks in advance.

What are the best Teatro Colón tours?

Teatro Colón guided tour

On this Teatro Colón tour, you’ll be led around the venue by a knowledgeable guide who will fill you in on the history of the 19th-century site, including the musicians who have taken to the stage here.

You’ll wander leisurely through several of the buildings' rooms and halls, such as the Gallery of Busts where you’ll find a collection of intricately carved sculptures, and the main foyer, which features ornate French stained glass windows.

You’ll also see inside the Golden Hall — so named for its 24-carat gold leaf-finished walls — the ceiling of which is decorated with a spectacular mural, painted by the 20th-century Argentinian artist, Raúl Soldi.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including Teatro Colón and other attractions?

Purchasing combined Teatro Colón tickets is an ideal option for those with a limited itinerary.

This will enable you to see several destinations on your bucket list in a few short hours, freeing up additional time on vacation to explore even more sights.

These combined Teatro Colón tours are typically cheaper than purchasing separate tickets or excursions. You’ll also relieve some of the stress that comes from planning a trip by choosing this option as everything is taken care of for you by the tour operator.

• Buenos Aires city tour plus Teatro Colón:

• Discover the highlights of Argentina’s dazzling capital through its vast array of attractions, including the Recoleta Cemetery, May Square and the Teatro Colón on this city tour in Buenos Aires.
• Teatro Colón plus palaces of Buenos Aires tour: Walk in the footsteps of opera’s most illustrious stars at the Teatro Colón, before exploring the city’s grand palaces from the imposing Palacio Fernandez Anchorena to the elegant Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt.
• Teatro Colón and MALBA Museum tour:

• Gain a feel for Buenos Aires through its thriving arts scene with this city tour that visits both the Teatro Colón and the MALBA Museum, which houses an exquisite collection of Latin American masterpieces.

What will you see inside the theater?

The original Teatro Colón opened in 1857 and operated for just over 30 years until it was closed to be rebuilt. The current Teatro Colón that replaced it took over 20 years to construct and opened in 1908. The operatic performance that marked the reopening of the venue was Giuseppe Verdi's Aïda.

Italian-born Francesco Tamburini was the architect who began the construction of this new project, however, he died before completion, and it was taken over by Julio Dormal who originated from Belgium.

Since its reopening, countless concerts have been held at the venue and it is considered a mark of great esteem to be invited to perform at the Teatro Colón.

Ballet, opera and classical music renditions have all been held here, and performers have included Jose Carreras, Enrico Caruso, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti.

The theater has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and is recognized by National Geographic as the third-best opera house in the world, after La Scala in Milan, and the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples.

By purchasing Teatro Colón tickets, you can explore the eclectic mix of architectural styles that the venue is famed for,  heavily influenced by both French and Italian designs. Just under 2,500 guests can be seated in the theater at a time, while there is room for an additional 1,000 standing spectators.

How do you get to Teatro Colón?

The Teatro Colón is located in the heart of Buenos Aires and is easily reached on foot or via bus.

A multitude of buses stop near the venue, and one of the closest stops is 1059 Tucuman, which is reached by several buses including Lines 10A, 39A, 39C, 39D, 39E, 39F, and 79E. Alternatively, you can access the site from the Libertad side, which is served by a number of buses, including Lines 5A, 5B 60C, 75B, 75C and 111A.

What are the theater's opening hours?

The Teatro Colón is open between 9 AM and 8 PM from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays and public holidays, the venue has reduced opening hours, and is accessible between the hours of 9 AM, and 5 PM.

It’s worth noting that during January, the venue closes at 6 PM instead of 8 PM from Monday to Saturday.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Teatro Colón is a wheelchair-accessible venue, meaning that everyone can appreciate its architectural beauty and long-standing history. Those booking a combination tour should consult the booking page of their preferred excursion to check that all attractions are suitable for those with reduced mobility.

When is the best time of year to visit Teatro Colón?

The best time to visit the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is during its performance season, which typically runs from March to December.

This period offers the opportunity to enjoy world-class opera, ballet, and symphony performances in one of the globe's most esteemed opera venues.

Which other attractions can you visit in Buenos Aires?

• La Bombonera Stadium
• Palacio Barolo
• El Monumental Stadium

Travel tips

• Secure your tickets ahead of time to ensure availability, especially during peak performance seasons.
• Arrive at the theater early to explore the beautiful architecture and take in the ambiance.
• Teatro Colón is an elegant venue, so dress appropriately. Business-casual attire is often a good choice.
• Consider taking a guided tour to learn about the theater's history, architecture, and behind-the-scenes insights.
• Be mindful of photography rules during performances, as some may have restrictions to avoid disturbing the artists and other guests.