Where to watch ballet

One of the world’s most popular and revered art forms, the world of ballet is varied and impressive.

From traditional renditions of the Nutcracker to contemporary choreography, the richness and depth of well-performed ballet is a pleasure to see.

For the ultimate ballet spectacle, Booking.com suggests you visit one of the following destinations.

Vienna

Though it’s known as the home of Mozart and Beethoven, Vienna is also a centre for some of the world’s best ballet. Attending a ballet at the Vienna State Opera is a thrilling experience from the moment you set eyes on the building’s imposing facade and walk up its marble staircases to the curtain’s falling and applause filling the auditorium.

Hotel Sacher Wien
Just opposite the Vienna State Opera, Hotel Sacher Wien is beautiful inside and out; an elaborate Art Nouveau building decorated with chandeliers, vintage furniture, and valuable paintings.

Milan

Draped in crimson red and gold, the Teatro alla Scala in Milan is one of the world’s most treasured ballet venues. The ballet company here dates back to the peak of the Renaissance, with the opera house built in 1778. And if you don’t have the time or the budget to nab seats at this storied venue, you can get a real feel for it by visiting the La Scala Museum, contained in part of the opera house itself.

Hotel Milano Scala
Only 350 metres from the Scala, every room at this stylish hotel is decorated to depict a famous opera.

Saint Petersburg

Russia is renowned for its ballet, counting many of the world’s greatest ballerinas, choreographers, and composers among their ranks. And the Mariinsky Ballet (previously known as the Kirov Ballet) is one of the best ballet companies in Russia. It is based in Saint Petersburg and mainly performs in the Mariinsky Theatre, an attraction in itself with golden walls and imperial decor.

Corinthia Hotel St Petersburg
A terribly grand establishment where you can dine on champagne and caviar while looking out over the Nevsky Prospekt.

Moscow

The Bolshoi Ballet resides in the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, with over 200 of Russia’s most talented dancers. These dancers never fail to wow the gathered crowds as they leap high in unison and land without the slightest thud, the lightness and precision of the Bolshoi’s expert ballerinas is inspiring.

Savoy
The Savoy is a classic choice for a cultured trip to Moscow. In an enviable location for exploring the city on foot, it’s also a luxurious oasis to pamper yourself and relax before an evening at the ballet.

Paris

Since the first formal ballet school in history was opened by French monarch Louis XIV, ballet holds an important position in French culture. At the ornate Palais Garnier Opera House, the Paris Opera Ballet company puts on mesmerising, traditional ballets, and, occasionally, touring companies such as the Bolshoi will make a guest appearance.

Hotel Saint Petersbourg Opera
Only 200 metres from Opera Garnier, Hotel Saint Petersbourg Opera is an elegantly-decorated and typically Parisian hotel in one of the grandest arrondissements of the French capital.

London

The English style of ballet is considered more contemporary than its European neighbours, with its focus on forward-thinking, more interpretative choreography and different methods of teaching. Revered around the world, the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden is an absolute must for those interested in ballet. Expect emotionally-charged, expertly-performed shows with skilful use of space and set design. Sadler’s Wells is also an impressive London venue, with a mix of classical and modern movement championing young choreographers.

Sofitel London St James
A 5-star hotel in a magnificent Victorian building, with an award-winning brasserie restaurant, spa, and cocktail lounge – all to make a trip to the ballet feel even more special.

New York

Similar to London, the New York City Ballet favours a more avant-garde version of this ancient art form. The company is regarded as highly for its 100 dancers and esteemed alumni, as it is for incorporating its own creative flair into traditional ballets.

The Plaza
Right next to Central Park and 5th Avenue, The Plaza couldn’t be any better located for a special city trip to New York. And you can treat yourself to the hotel’s famous afternoon tea before attending the ballet.