Palais Garnier
Palais Garnier
4.5
About
This opulent 19th-century opera house is known for its magnificent interiors and the amazing performances by the Paris Opera Ballet.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Palais Garnier
The area
Address
Neighborhood: 9th Arr. - Opéra
How to get there
  • Auber • 2 min walk
  • Auber • 2 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travelers are saying
  • Ana V
    Eugene, Oregon610 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Do not miss touring the most beautiful opera hall in Europe
    I strongly recommend the guided tour of the opera. I had an excellent tour given by Louise who gave us wonderful insights on so many things about the Opera Garnier. Louise did an excellent tour. I have been to the opera hall in Vienna and Budapest, but Paris is the best.
    Visited March 2023
    Written April 7, 2023
  • bigbrowndogwithteeth
    Milford Haven, United Kingdom29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning
    My wife is a massive fan of the phantom of the opera so I wanted to take her to the closest thing to the fantasy as I could . Despite the unfortunate timing of a strike and the scaffolding it was spectacular. Taking photos of the phantoms box was a bonus and the audio tour was spot on. As usual full of instagram models which always gives us a laugh , especially on the main staircase and in the opulent hall. Amazing to think by chance I have stood somewhere Adolf Hitler once stood. Part of us wanted to re-enact Masquerade whilst walking down the stairs but thought it best not to. It’s a must do.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 10, 2023
  • Ryan S
    Keaau, Hawaii391 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great after hours (5pm) guided tour
    We did the 5pm "after hours" tour of secrets of the opera palace. It was certainly interesting, had new information we didn't hear in previous tour, and a small enough group in a quiet setting that you could really immerse yourself in it. Went into Phantom booth, sat in the concert hall, talked about the inner workings of the spaces and their history. Lorenz (female) was a great guide (in English) and would suggest to try to go with her if you can. We especially liked the timing at 5pm, after most other big tours are done, there are still several other after hours tours circulating around with your group, but it feels more quiet. We barely concluded our tour before the doors would open for public at 6:30pm for that evening's performance that started at 7:30.
    Visited April 2023
    Written April 24, 2023
  • karimtajik
    Ghulkin, Pakistan99 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Palace
    I had the pleasure of visiting The Royal Palace (Opéra House) in Paris last week and it was truly amazing. The stunning building, both inside and out, left me in awe. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to this beautiful palace and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Paris.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 28, 2023
  • Lauren N
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania38 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see in Paris
    We did the self guided tour when the auditorium was closed, and I would still give the experience 5 stars. The architecture is simply breathtaking. Next time, I would like to do a guided tour instead of self-guided. Additionally, we planned to purchase our tickets the night before, but Saturday and Sunday dates were grayed out online—not red as in sold out, but just grayed out. We decided to try going in person, and I’m so glad we did. We found the signage to be a bit confusing, as it says you need a ticket to go inside…this is true, but you can purchase inside, and it took 5-10 minutes. We will definitely be back. This is one of the few places that I would love to see on every trip to Paris.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 13, 2023
  • skd22
    553 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Exquisite Building!
    We have been to Paris several times and had never had time to visit. This should be on your list with the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musee d'Orsay and St. Chappelle. It is a must see. We did buy tickets ahead of time. It didn't seem to be overly busy so this my not have been necessary. The guided tours were sold out so we opted for the iPad tour. I highly recommend the iPad at a minimum. Next time I will do the guided tour. This building is over the top exquisite! They were rehersing in the actual opera stage area and the lights were off. We kept checking back and eventually the lights were on. I think many people didn't bother to go back and check and this would be a huge miss.
    Visited May 2023
    Written June 9, 2023
  • Lynn B
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gorgeous and interesting
    The audio self-tour was perfect, easy to follow, at your own pace, and interesting. The opera house is gorgeous, glittering with lights, mirrors, and gold-leaf. The staircase is impressive, and the guided tour adds details of what a opera night might have been like... and, don't forget the "Phantom of the Opera" legend was born here. Not to be missed.
    Visited June 2023
    Written June 15, 2023
  • Mary D
    Calgary, Canada80 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Elegant Evening in Paris
    We attended an evening performance of the Dante Project. While it is not my favorite ballet, it is absolutely the best way to see and enjoy the building in all its glory. Arrive early and spend the intermission(s), with a glass of champagne, exploring the building. Looking forward to returning when exterior renovations are complete and the scaffolding is removed.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written June 26, 2023
  • XSki007
    New Jersey1,369 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Building
    I guess the thing that I’ll remember most is the high entrance fee. It honestly distracted me, and it was no wonder that there was no line to speak off, with lots of folks outside. Beautiful inside and out. I’d save the fee and apply it to a ticket when the opera is in season.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 1, 2023
  • nctraveler315
    Winston Salem, North Carolina169 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth seeing, but go early
    We had read that the crowds could be heavy and that crowds can be a bit lighter on Sunday. We arrived early, shortly after opening and walked right in. We did not purchase a tour, just walked around on our own. It was not terribly crowded when we arrived but by the time we left, the grand staircase and marble balcony overlooks were packed with people trying to get that "perfect instagram shot". My advice is that it is an incredibly beautiful place but go early or you will be overwhelmed with crowds.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 14, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles19,948 reviews
Excellent
15,061
Very good
3,872
Average
674
Poor
182
Terrible
160

jamz1980
Singapore, Singapore38 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
Booked the after hours guided tour. Our guide was great. Sharing the history on this lovely place. Got to see the phantom box. We did not get to see the basement of the palais garner which I was hoping we will b shown. Will visit this place again
Written March 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Laurie F
San Luis Obispo, CA3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Was really looking forward to seeing Palais Garnier but it was a mess with all the little Instagram princesses taking photos. Luckily, our guided tour took us away from this and gave us a wonderful background on the theatre. After some questionable tour guides in Paris, I want to thank the wonderful Reeta for her tour which was informative, funny, and very well organized. Would highly recommend doing the tour if you can get her as the guide.
Written February 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Holder DJ
Beijing, China33 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
Just like the other grand opera houses of Europe, the Palais Granier should be visited for its historical importance, its beauty. and of most of all for an opera performance.

My wife and I have made it a min-mission to watch at least one opera at all of the major opera houses of Europe. Palais Granier doesn't disappoint. My wife is especially fond of the art of Chagall, and we had to see his ceiling murals.

As we do, we chose our seats well in advance and with care to ensure we had the best view that suits our personal preferences. Places like this sell out quickly, so make sure you book a ticket early. However, it if is just the tour, go through the general ticketing systems for tourism and you should be fine.
Written February 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ClaireBarr67
Devon, UK42 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Absolutely stunning. Gives Versailles a run for its money!
Definitely a must see whilst visiting Paris, the detail and opulence is breathtaking.
One of my favourite places on our visit.
Written February 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

claeview
Taupo, New Zealand122 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
A beautiful architectural building that is worth seeing if you like that sort of thing. For me I was a little bored but I recognise the beauty of it. Room upon room of french architectural elegance and the theatre itself is worth a look with its beautiful frecos and design. Pity about the "Junk" on the stage that could have been hidden by pulling the curtain. Overall, if I had something better to see I would rather have done so.
Written February 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

razza61
Gatton, Australia367 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
We went to see the ballet Jiri Kylian at Palais Garnier whilst visiting Paris just before Christmas. We thought this would give us best access to seeing the building, rather than a tour. As the only night available was the evening we arrived after a 25hr flight, we booked the cheapest seats available in case we were too tired to attend. We ended up in a private box on the 3rd level. It did have a slightly restricted view, but we still saw most of the performance and we felt very special in our own box. We even needed to be let in with a key on arrival. The interior of this opera house is so elegant and regal, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening despite our tiredness. I thoroughly recommend doing this just for the experience.
Written February 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LauraSanFrancisco
None, Italy19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Solo
I took the 1.5 hour guided tour in English, led by Melissa, an art historian. She was fluent, witty, and knowledgeable. Highly recommended! Follow the advice to get there 30 minutes ahead of your timeslot because even if you book your tickets ahead of time, you have to wait in line with everyone, including those without tickets or a scheduled tour.
Written February 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Amy S
York, PA22 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
My husband and I have been to Paris before and walked by the Palais many times. I can't believe we never went in before...this place was amazing! The first day we arrived, we zipped over around 4 and they were not allowing anymore visitors for the day, so please note when they say the last tour is at 4, either prebook, or be in line by 3:30. Since we didn't have any set plans, we did not purchase tickets online, but just waited to swing by the next morning. The line moved quickly and we purchased tickets at the window. We did not buy an audio tourguide, but we did scan the QR code to read the shortened version online. Anyway, the place is so magnificent, just wander and enjoy it and read about it later! This is my second favorite place after the Orsay!
Written January 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jennifer Simpson
Bradley Stoke, UK7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
The palais Garnier was absolutely beautiful the building inside and out was beautiful, it is definitely worth paying to look around the opera house to look at the décor and architecture. The queue does get quite long so it is a good idea to get tickets beforehand or just give yourself plenty of time to get in.
Written January 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Thomas V
Oakland, CA16,858 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
This is the 19th Century opera house, a major feature of the renovation of the old city. The outside is ornate and exquisite. There are 2 ways to see the inside: You can take a tour, or you can attend a concert. Most of the performances are of dance, and I recommend attending a show. The staircase is grand and should be walked during an intermission.
Written January 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 7,484
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

PALAIS GARNIER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Palais Garnier

According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Palais Garnier:


Restaurants near Palais Garnier: View all restaurants near Palais Garnier on Tripadvisor