Planning Ahead: When to Book Tickets to La Scala Milan
Like all great performances, timing is everything. La Scala gives first priority to season subscribers (abbonati), which means the general public can only purchase individual show tickets about 60 days before the performance’s opening night. In practice, this means if an opera premieres on, say, October 14, tickets for that production typically go on sale to the public around August 14.
Mark your calendar and be ready, because popular nights (especially premieres and gala performances) often sell out immediately. Most of the affordable sections are snapped up quickly by local enthusiasts and planners, sometimes within minutes.
Tip: check La Scala’s official “sales opening calendar” (usually published on their website each season) to know exactly when tickets for each show become available. Online sales usually start at 9:00 a.m. Milan time on the release date.
If you’re keen on a particular opera or ballet, set an alarm, create an account on the official site in advance, and be ready to book the moment tickets are released. As one veteran traveler notes, it pays to log in right at the appointed time – even a few minutes late can mean slim pickings on seats.
If you missed the initial sale window or are planning a last-minute trip, don’t despair. La Scala often releases any unsold tickets about one month before each performance at the box office (with a small advance sale fee)
Additionally, returns or last-minute availability can pop up closer to the date – more on those options in the “Insider Tips” section below.
Where to Buy Tickets to La Scala Milan (Official and Trusted Sources)
When it comes to purchasing tickets to La Scala Milan, stick with official channels and trusted partners. The safest and primary option is La Scala’s own box office and website. Teatro alla Scala makes it clear that tickets are sold only through official outlets: their official online system or the physical box office. The theater even operates an official resale platform for ticket holders to re-list tickets they can’t use – and explicitly warns not to buy from unauthorized secondary ticket websites.
This is important advice: avoid sketchy resale sites or scalpers, as counterfeit or grossly overpriced tickets are a risk.
Official channels to buy tickets:
- Online via the Teatro alla Scala website – The official site (Teatroallascala.org) allows you to select specific seats from a map and purchase directly. This is the easiest method for international travelers. Be sure to use the official site; several third-party agencies have misleading names like “LaScalaTickets” but charge steep markups. The official site charges face value (plus any applicable fees) and is available in English.
- La Scala Box Office (Biglietteria) – If you are in Milan, you can buy in person at the theater’s central box office. The main box office is located in the Duomo area at a dedicated ticket office (at the La Scala Shop on Piazza della Scala). Normal hours are midday to early evening, but on the first day of ticket sales for a new show, the box office may open earlier (typically 10:00 a.m.) to handle demand
Buying in person can be handy if you prefer not to book online, but expect a queue on major release days.
- Authorized ticket agents – La Scala partners with a few authorized agencies and tour operators. These include reputable Italian ticketing services and concierge companies. If you go through an agent, ensure they are officially authorized by La Scala. They may charge a commission but can be useful if you want a package (for example, some luxury tour packages bundle La Scala tickets with hotels or city tours). Keep in mind, though, that any vendor stating they “act as a secondary reseller” and charging more than face value should be a last resort
When in doubt, cross-check the price with the official source.
Avoid: unofficial resale websites or touts. La Scala’s management reiterates that their website is the only official resale channel and cautions against other secondary sellers.
In short, to guarantee authenticity and fair pricing, book direct or with known partners. This way, your night at La Scala will begin with excitement in the lobby, not anxiety at the door.
Hidden Gem in Milan: Sforza Castle’s Rooftop Panoramic Walk
A night at La Scala is a feast for the senses, but Milan’s cultural delights don’t end when the curtain falls. For a truly special addition to your Milan itinerary – something most tourists overlook – consider visiting the Sforza Castle’s Rooftop Panoramic Walk (Italian: Merlate Panoramiche del Castello Sforzesco). After immersing yourself in opera or ballet, this experience offers a different but equally impressive perspective on Milan’s history and beauty.
The Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco), a 15th-century fortress in the heart of the city, has opened a section of its battlements for visitors to explore. This rooftop walk along the castle’s ramparts is a new initiative by the city and its museum partners, allowing you to literally walk in the footsteps of Renaissance-era guards atop the castle walls.
It’s an approximately 300-meter walkway along the towers and walls, and from this elevated vantage point you can admire the urban skyline from multiple viewpoints
Tourists and even lifelong Milanese can discover a privileged perspective on the city, spotting famous landmarks from above and gaining a novel insight into the castle’s architecture
What makes the Castle’s rooftop walk a high-quality cultural activity is the blend of history, scenery, and exclusivity. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed up at any given time (groups of about 25 every 20 minutes on designated days) so it never feels crowded. As you stroll the stone pathway, you’ll have sweeping views of Milan – from the green expanse of Parco Sempione behind the castle, to the silhouette of the Duomo and modern skyline in the distance
Informational panels (in English and Italian) explain the features you see and the significance of the battlements
It’s both educational and breathtaking – perfect for well-traveled visitors who crave more than the usual photo stops.
Entrance is accessed via the castle’s museum entrance; you can book online or buy a ticket on-site at the Info Point
Tickets cost around €10 (with discounts for seniors over 65, etc.) – a modest price for such a unique experience. Be prepared for some stairs (though an elevator is available for those with mobility issues). The walk itself takes about 30-40 minutes, and you can take your time soaking in the panoramas. It’s especially lovely on a clear day when you can see the Alps on the horizon.
Why pair this with La Scala? Both the opera house and the castle rooftop represent the heights of Milanese culture – one musical, one historical. Many tourists flock to the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele (rightly so), but few know about the castle’s rooftop views, so you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret. Perhaps spend your day exploring the castle and its grounds (the museums inside are rich with art and artifacts), enjoy an early aperitivo in the lively Brera district nearby, then don your elegant attire for an unforgettable night at La Scala. It’s an itinerary that balances the well-known and the hidden, giving you bragging rights to say you experienced Milan from all angles.