War Memorial Opera House San Francisco
Historic Beaux-Arts venue hosting world-class San Francisco Opera and Ballet performances.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live performances
War Memorial Opera House San Francisco
Best Time
Live performances

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Beaux-Arts venue hosting world-class San Francisco Opera and Ballet performances.
"A beautiful institution of San Francisco, making art accessible to the people."
🎯 Dress Circle Seats
Often considered some of the best seats for ballet, offering great views of choreography.
💰 Standing Room Tickets
A budget-friendly option for opera and ballet, offering surprisingly good views and sound.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

San Francisco Ballet Performances
War Memorial Opera House
Experience world-class ballet with stunning choreography and live orchestral performances.

San Francisco Opera Productions
War Memorial Opera House
Immerse yourself in grand opera, from classic masterpieces to contemporary works, with exceptional vocalists.

Architectural Grandeur
War Memorial Opera House
Admire the stunning Beaux-Arts architecture of this historic 1932 performing arts venue.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Dress Code & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Dress Circle Seats
Often considered some of the best seats for ballet, offering great views of choreography.
💰 Standing Room Tickets
A budget-friendly option for opera and ballet, offering surprisingly good views and sound.
🚗 Parking Advice
The Civic Center Parking Garage is a recommended option; arrive early to avoid last-minute stress.
🎶 Sound Quality
Some believe higher, cheaper seats offer excellent sound; standing room can also provide great acoustics.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Dress Circle Seats
Often considered some of the best seats for ballet, offering great views of choreography.
💰 Standing Room Tickets
A budget-friendly option for opera and ballet, offering surprisingly good views and sound.
🚗 Parking Advice
The Civic Center Parking Garage is a recommended option; arrive early to avoid last-minute stress.
🎶 Sound Quality
Some believe higher, cheaper seats offer excellent sound; standing room can also provide great acoustics.
🚶♀️ Walking Distance
Consider public transit or ride-sharing to avoid parking hassles and costs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the War Memorial Opera House for its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and the high quality of performances by the San Francisco Opera and Ballet. The venue is described as beautiful inside and out, with comfortable seating and a welcoming atmosphere. While some find the bars and restaurants expensive, the overall experience is highly recommended for its artistic offerings and convenient location.
"Went to the opera. Parking was close and no problems entering the building. Beautiful building inside and out. In the heart of San Francisco. Everything is clean and sanitary. Very welcoming staff and accommodating. Seats comfortable, lighting perfect, and screens for those who are not seated close up. They go out of their way to make sure the entire experience exceeds expectation. I thoroughly enjoy this venue every time. Highly recommend"
Maria Dwyer
"What an amazing experience. The War Memorial Opera is a beautiful building. We experienced Mozart's Idomeneo. Powerful!"
Chris Calabrese
"What else can you say? It's a beautiful place. I think some people may expect a more tied up, tied down experience. They do that, too. But this is a place that wants to continue to make art accessible to the people. Check your dates, dress up, (or don't, depending on the night and/or show), and go have a good time in a beautiful institution of San Francisco."
Jarod Ruane
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The War Memorial Opera House is located at 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. It's easily accessible by public transportation, including Muni buses and streetcars. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services or taxis. If driving, the Civic Center Parking Garage is a popular choice, though arriving early is advised.
The Civic Center Parking Garage is frequently recommended. Some users have had positive experiences at the Performing Arts Garage if arriving before peak times. Street parking can also be an option, especially when government workers are leaving for the day.
Yes, public transportation is highly recommended. Muni buses and streetcars serve the Civic Center area frequently, making it a convenient and often stress-free way to reach the War Memorial Opera House.
Yes, drop-off is possible at the venue's entrance on Van Ness Avenue. This is a convenient option if you're using a taxi or ride-sharing service.
The War Memorial Opera House is generally accessible. It's advisable to contact the venue directly or check their official website for specific accessibility information regarding seating, elevators, and other facilities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased directly through the official websites of the San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Ballet. Subscriptions and season tickets are often available, offering potential savings.
Yes, standing room tickets are a popular budget option, often priced around $20-$25. Rush tickets may also be available for certain performances, typically released the day before.
For ballet, many recommend the Dress Circle seats for their excellent views of choreography. If budget is a concern, back orchestra seats can be decent, but avoid those directly under the balcony overhang.
Some patrons find that higher, less expensive seats, including the balcony and standing room, offer surprisingly good sound. The orchestra level also provides a balanced experience.
There isn't a strict dress code. Many people dress in business casual attire. Opening nights or galas might see more formal wear, while other performances are more relaxed.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The interior is as grand as the exterior, featuring beautiful architecture. You'll find comfortable seating, convenient bars and restaurants for intermissions, and helpful staff. Screens are available for those seated further back.
Yes, there are bars and restaurants available, though they can be expensive. The venue has a relaxed policy regarding bringing in some food and drinks, especially for longer intermissions.
Seating options range from orchestra and dress circle to balcony and standing room. While orchestra seats are stationary and comfortable, balcony seats can be plush movable chairs.
In some special circumstances, like during behind-the-scenes tours or specific events, it might be possible to access the stage.
The venue primarily hosts opera and ballet performances by the San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Ballet, respectively. It also hosts other performing arts events.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography and videography are prohibited during performances to avoid disturbing the artists and audience. Check with venue staff for specific policies regarding pre-show or intermission photography.
The exterior architecture, especially the Beaux-Arts facade, is very photogenic. Inside, the grand lobby and the auditorium itself offer stunning visual opportunities, particularly before the show begins.
Photography of stage sets is typically not allowed during performances. However, some behind-the-scenes tours or special events might permit it.
Flash photography is almost always prohibited during performances as it can disrupt the performers and other audience members.
For general sightseeing and architectural photos, a smartphone or a compact camera is sufficient. If you're interested in capturing performance details (where permitted), a camera with good low-light capabilities and zoom would be beneficial, but always check the venue's policy first.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For budget-conscious families, standing room tickets can be a great option, allowing kids to experience the grandeur of the opera house without a significant financial commitment. Remember that while there's no strict dress code, dressing comfortably is key for children. Bringing snacks or drinks might be restricted during performances, so check venue policies beforehand.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opting for public transportation or ride-sharing instead of parking can also save money. For dining, consider packing your own snacks or exploring more affordable eateries in the surrounding Civic Center area rather than the venue's expensive bars and restaurants.
💖 Couples
For a truly special occasion, check if there are any gala events or opening nights happening during your visit. Dressing up for such an event can add an extra layer of romance to the evening. Enjoy a pre-show dinner in the vibrant San Francisco dining scene before heading to the opera house for a night of culture and entertainment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Seating Guide: Finding Your Perfect Spot
For those prioritizing comfort and legroom, consider aisle seats, particularly if you're tall. Some Reddit users note that balcony seats, while comfortable, might be movable chairs rather than stationary theater seating. It's also worth noting that seats directly under a balcony overhang are generally not recommended for optimal sound and sightlines. Always check seating charts and consider your priorities – whether it's proximity to the stage, sound quality, or overall view – when making your selection.
Budget-Friendly Access: Standing Room & Rush Tickets
Another cost-saving option is rush tickets, which are often released the day before a performance. To access these, you usually need to have an account with the opera and be on their mailing list. While these tickets are a gamble, they can offer significant savings for those willing to be flexible with their plans.
A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
While not a regular occurrence, keep an eye out for potential tours or special access events that might allow you to explore areas beyond the main auditorium, offering a more intimate look at this historic venue.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit