Cheap hotels near Zurich Opera House in Zurich, Switzerland

The lovely Zurich Opera House, home to the city’s opera and ballet, sits regally in south Altstadt, within a few blocks of Lake Zurich.

The first on-site theater was built in 1837 and it was here, in the initial venue, that composer Richard Wagner (1813-1883) found much artistic freedom and solace during his exile from Germany.

In 1890 the original structure burned to the ground, but in 1891, the new opera house opened as the official seat of the Swiss opera. The building got a major facelift in the 1980s (who didn’t?) and then re-opened again with the world premiere of Rudolph Kelterborn’s Chekhov opera, Der Kirschgarten.

Today’s newly restored opera house offers a neo-classical, limestone facade prominently featuring the busts of famous composers, including Mozart, Wagner and Weber. The opera house seats 1,200 spectators.

For information about upcoming shows (including information on last-minute tickets and student discounts), visit the Opera’s Web site.

Cheap hotels near the Opera House: If you only have ears for opera, you’ll want to check out the budget-friendly hotels listed below. Most are in the neighborhoods of Hottingen and Altstadt. In either area you'll be able to easily walk or take public transport to the city's main sights.