A night at Italy's biggest and oldest opera house is a magical experience. Although the original 1737 theatre burnt down in 1816, Antonio Niccolini's 19th-century reconstruction is pure Old World opulence. Dazzling after a €76 million restoration, its six gilded levels of boxes and pitch-perfect acoustics set an unforgettable scene for world-class opera, ballet and contemporary symphony. Just as well, Neapolitan audiences are notoriously demanding.
The opera season here runs from January to December, with a midseason break in the summer. Reckon on €50 for a place in the sixth tier, €100 for a seat in the stalls, or – if you're under 30 and can prove it, €30 for a place in a side box. Ballet tickets range from €35 to €90, with €25 tickets for under 30s. Tickets to one-off events can start as low as €15 – check the website for details. Be aware that not all shows take place on the main stage, with other venues including the smaller Teatrino di Corte in neighbouring Palazzo Reale .
If you're not catching a show, you can still soak up the building's beauty on a guided tour. The special Sunday tours (book ahead) include performing actors and one aperitivo drink. The adjoining Palazzo Reale is also home to the theatre's new multimedia museum, Memus .
