Opera in Barcelona
Page Content
This page will give you an overview to some of the most popular opera venues in Barcelona.
Opera At Gran Teatre del Liceu
The Gran Teatre del Liceu has suffered two fires and a bombing in its lifetime. It has gained legendary status amongst opera fans, not only for its fighting spirit but also for its reputation as one of the most beautiful and credible opera venues in the world. In Barcelona, it has inspired other venues to follow in its footsteps. Palau Dalmasses, amongst others, offers an alternative but equally pleasurable operatic experience.
Most visitors to Barcelona will have happened upon the Gran Teatre del Liceu. Sitting halfway up the Ramblas, on the left if you are walking from the port, it is a large building and is hard to miss. However, its austere exterior does not do justice to the size and beauty of the space that lies within. As you sit within the large 2,340 seat auditorium, take a second to consider the building's history. The Gran Teatre del Liceu was built in 1844 and opened in 1848 it has lived through many changes in Barcelona. It is easy to understand why the venue is considered amongst the best opera venues in the world and is so important to the cultural heritage of the city.
 |
| The façade of the Gran Teatre del Liceu opera venue |
Having circled the outside of the building I began to realise that it is difficult to gain a real sense of what the theatre is like without paying to enter. The exterior is impressive, with large glass windows and arches at the entrance, but offers no sense of what lies inside. This can obviously be achieved by booking tickets to a concert. Alternatively there are various tour options available - detailed below.
There is ballet, opera and recitals on offer. It is worth checking the website (listed below) or picking up a programme from the venue to study it in detail as there is something for everybody, including 'late night sessions' and concerts in the foyer area. The programme now also features an imaginative new project known as 'El Petit Liceu'. It provides child friendly offerings, such as adaptations of 'The Magic Flute' and 'The Barber of Seville' with colourful sets and imaginative costumes.
Ticket prices vary considerably. It is worth contacting the venue to find out details about special offers for senior citizens, under 26s and children. It is also possible to see shows at reduced rates by alternative casts.
Cheapest opera tickets: €10.00Most expensive opera tickets: €350.00
 |
Guided Tours Of Liceu Theatre
If there's no time or money left for the opera and you would still like to see the building, guided tours are on offer. A guided tour of the Liceu takes place daily and lasts 1 hour 10 minutes .
Guided Tour of Liceu
Start times: 09:30, 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30
Ticket price: €19.00
Alternatively, if you'd rather be left to your own devices, 'unguided tours' are on offer daily. Be warned though, these tours only last 30 minutes, so you may feel that you are being rushed through the venue. Also, those taking the full guided tour are granted access to the Cercle del Liceu - a private club containing paintings by Ramon Casas.
Unguided Tour
Start times: Monday - Saturday: 13:30
Ticket price: €6.00
If you're more interested in what goes on 'behind the scenes', the Liceu are now offering tours that may satisfy your curiosity. It takes in the backstage areas rather than the front-of-house. Advanced booking is required and the tours take place on selected days. The tour lasts 1hour 30 minutes and takes in the stage, rehearsal rooms, costume department and make up. It could prove to be perfect for budding opera stars.
Liceu Backstage Area Tour
Start time: 09:15
Ticket price: €25.00
 |
| The Foyer Area of the Gran Teatre del Liceu |
In the foyer area there is a standard looking cafeteria, offering a lunch menu, which is served daily. There is also a shop located at the front of the building that is full of imaginative and interesting gifts, such as toys, sheet music and souvenirs.
Gran Teatre del Liceu
La Rambla, 51 - 59
08002 Barcelona, España.
Tel: +34 93 485 9900
Map showing location of Gran Teatre del Liceu
Carrer Palau de la Musica, 4 - 6
La Rambla, 96
Plaça dels Àngels, 1
Plaça Portal de la Pau
Plaça del Pi, 7
La Rambla, 51 - 59
Plaça del Rei
Plaça de la Seu, 3
La Rambla, 91
Avenida de la Catedral
Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 12
Plaça de Catalunya
Sant Rafael, 15
Floristes de la Rambla
Carrer dels Angels, 1
Plaça del Bonsuccés, 7
How to get to Gran Teatre del Liceu
Metro: Liceu (Green Line, L3)
Hop on hop off sightseeing tourist bus stop
Nearest stop for Gran Teatre del Liceu is "Catedral - Gòtic" with the "hop on hop off" sightseeing bus
Public bus
La Rambla / La Boqueria: 59, 91, V13
Car parking
Luggage Storage
Ticket Office Opening Times:
| Month | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| January - December | Monday - Friday | 10:00 - 19:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 14:00 | |
| Sunday and Public Holiday | Closed |
(the ticket office is around the corner on Carrer Sant Pau)
Guided Tours:
Reservations for 'Behind the Scene' Tour:
Tel: +34 93 485 9900
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.liceubarcelona.cat
Palau Dalmases Opera Venue
Deep in the heart of the Born district, down a charming little street, just past the Picasso Museum, there lurks an unassuming wooden door. What lies beneath is a hidden treasure, known only to locals and clued-up tourists. The Espai Barroc is a patio area that is centuries old. It contains a bar area where you can enjoy a quiet drink in a magical setting. Outside of the bar area is the terrace. The large windows to the bar area ensure that those sitting in the patio can enjoy the wonderful interior, with numerous paintings hanging from the walls and impressive baroque style furnishings.
A group called Opera Ílica perform works from the likes of Handel, Mozart, Rossini and Verdi. It is an opportunity to discover a hidden gem and try something different in Barcelona.
Opera Ílica Performance
Time: Thursday 23:00
Tourists are forbidden from taking photos inside and the staff are eager to protect this Barcelona opera venue from becoming a tourist trap.
Palau Dalmases
Carrer Montcada, 20
08003 Barcelona, España.
Tel: +34 93 310 0673
How to get to Palau Dalmases
Metro: Jaume I (Yellow Line, L4)
Hop on hop off sightseeing tourist bus stop
Nearest stop for Palau Dalmases is "El Born - Ciutadella - Zoo" with the "hop on hop off" sightseeing bus
Public bus
Princesa / Montcada: 120
Pla de Palau / Avinguda Marquès de l'Argentera: H14
Via Laietana / Jutjats: 45, 120, V15, V17
Car parking
Opening Times:
Monday - Sunday: 11:30 - 01:30
Tickets: €30.00
(only required for the opera evening on Thursdays)
Ticket price includes one free drink.
Ticket can be purchased directly at the event.
Others Venues Performing Opera in Barcelona:
Please see our 'Guide to Classical Concert Venues in Barcelona' for more ideas on venues where you might be lucky to catch the opera. Worth checking in particular are the Caixa Forum and the Palau de la Musica Catalana.
Caixa Forum
Avenida de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 6-8
08038 Barcelona, España.
How to get to Caixa Forum
Metro: España (Green Line, L3) and (Red Line, L1)
Hop on hop off sightseeing tourist bus stop
Nearest stop for Caixa Forum is "CaixaForum - Pavelló Mies van der Rohe" with the "hop on hop off" sightseeing bus
Public bus
Avinguda Ferrer i Guàrdia / Mèxic: 13, 150
Plaça Espanya: 13, 23, 30, 37, 46, 50, 65, 79, 91, 109, H12, H16
Car parking
Luggage Storage
Palau de la Música Catalana
Carrer Palau de la Música, 4 - 6
08003 Barcelona, España.
Tel: +34 93 295 7200
(ticket sales)
Tel: +34 93 295 7200
(information)
How to get to Palau de la Música Catalana
Metro: Urquinaona (Yellow Line, L4)
Hop on hop off sightseeing tourist bus stop
Nearest stop for Palau de la Música Catalana is "Catedral - Gòtic" with the "hop on hop off" sightseeing bus
Public bus
Via Laietana / Comtal: 45, V15, V17
Plaça Urquinaona: 39, 42, 55, H16