Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires: tours, tickets and more

The Teatro Colón in Argentina is an iconic and majestic historic building that stands out for its architectural beauty, its acoustic sound and its cultural importance for the country.

Andressa García

Andressa García

11 min read

Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires: tours, tickets and more

Colon Theater | ©Felipeyerabarchi

The Colon Theater of Argentina is one of the most impressive theaters in the world thanks to its neoclassical architecture and its beauty, that added to an exceptional acoustics and bring great cultural importance to the country. For these reasons, this is one of the visits you have to include among the best things to see and do in Buenos Aires.

During your visit to the Colon Theater, you can enjoy a wide variety of events, from operas to ballet and concerts. You also have the option of taking a guided tour, where you can appreciate the architecture and art inside.

The best option

Buenos Aires Teatro Colon Guided Tour

A complete guided tour of the Colón Theater in Buenos Aires with a professional guide.

In this tour you will visit the Colon Theater which is considered the most beautiful in Argentina. You will be able to see the different halls that are inside the theater.

The guided tour of the Colón Theater of Buenos Aires will help you learn more about the history behind its walls and its opulent decoration. With this ticket you will be able to visit the interior of the theater, where you will be able to see places such as the Bustos Gallery, the Foyer or the Golden Hall.

The tour guide in charge of giving you the tour will also tell you all the information about the history of this place, how it influences so much in the Argentine culture and which are some of the artists that have passed through this theater since its creation in the Belle Epoque.

Recommended if... You want to begin to know a little more about the history of Argentina, through its theater and its cultural manifestations.

How much do tickets to the Colón Theater cost?

Exterior of the Colon Theater| ©K.B.L. Luccia-1.000 pic
Exterior of the Colon Theater| ©K.B.L. Luccia-1.000 pic

The Colon Theater of Buenos Aires offers a wide variety of cultural and artistic presentations for lovers of culture and art to enjoy a unique experience, in that sense, you have to know that the cost of tickets for these functions may vary according to the characteristics of the person attending.

  • The general admission ticket for visitors costs around 25 euros.
  • Argentine residents with an ID card will have to pay around 10 euros to enter the shows.
  • Pensioners and university residents will be able to pay tickets of about 5 euros, approximately.
  • Children under 7 years old are free, as well as people with a disability certificate and their companion.

Undoubtedly, the best option is to sign up for the guided tour that you can book in advance to ensure a more complete experience in which the guide will give a good account of the details of this neoclassical theater that you should not miss in Buenos Aires. And all from about 55 euros.

Book a guided tour of the Colon Theater

What types of tickets are available? Are there skip the line tickets to the Colon Theater?

Getting to know the Colon Theater| ©Tomas Dosuna
Getting to know the Colon Theater| ©Tomas Dosuna

At the Colon Theater in Buenos Aires there are different types of tickets depending on the category to which the spectator belongs. Tickets are classified into: general rate, special rate for Argentine residents and a rate for retirees, university students, residents and those who present the so-called Cultural Pass.

There are also special tickets for children under 7 years old and for people with a disability certificate and their companion. It is important to note that to access the rates for retirees and university residents, you will have to present official documentation proving your status.

In case you are traveling with children, you must know that to redeem the tickets for minors, you must do it according to the same method in which the paid tickets were purchased, either through the web or at the ticket office in person. It is important to keep in mind that to access the corresponding discounts you will have to present the corresponding credential or certificate.

The Teatro Colón of Argentina has implemented a ticket reservation system exclusively for people with disabilities, so to book you will have to make the process by email, sending the current certificate of disability in force, specifying the type of disability and a photocopy of the holder's ID.

Book a guided visit to the Colon Theater

Are tickets to the Teatro Colón included in any of the city's tourist passes?

Colon Theater| ©Ecomapu Valparaíso
Colon Theater| ©Ecomapu Valparaíso

Depending on the pass you purchase, the visit to the Colon Theater of Buenos Aires may be included. For example, there is a Premium City Tour that combines a Buenos Aires city tour in small groups with a visit to the Colon Theater, which is a good option if you want to save money and time in getting to know the whole city and also the Theater.

There are other tourist passes that can also include a visit to the theater, including the Buenos Aires Attractions Pass, with which option you can find walking tours of the city plus the tour of the Teatro Colon. One of the advantages of this type of pass, which includes the tour and the visit to the theater, is that you can pay less money to see the city.

Book the Buenos Aires walking tour with visit to the Colon Theater and MALBA

Are there tickets that include the guided tour of the Teatro Colon and is it worth it?

Getting to know the theater| ©Flávio Cruvinel Brandão
Getting to know the theater| ©Flávio Cruvinel Brandão

In fact there are tickets specially dedicated to offer guided tours of the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, so you will have an incredible opportunity to learn about the history and architecture of this iconic theater. As to whether it is worth taking the guided tour inside the theater, you should know that during the tour, specialized guides will take you through the different areas of the theater, including the foyer, the stalls and the boxes.

If there is something that will catch your attention during this tour, it is the architectural details, among which the stained glass windows and moldings stand out. Also during the guided tour you can find the information you want about the history of the theater and its cultural and artistic relevance.

It is a visit worth taking a guided tour because your guide will tell you interesting and amusing anecdotes about the artists and personalities who have performed in this theater over the years. Guided tours generally last approximately one hour, enough time for you to learn everything you want to know about this site and its historical and cultural importance for the Argentine capital.

Book a guided tour of the Colón Theater

Are there discounted tickets for the Colon Theater?

Theater dome| ©Flávio Cruvinel Brandão
Theater dome| ©Flávio Cruvinel Brandão

Yes, of course you can buy discounted tickets at the Teatro Colón, but these discounts are made effective according to certain characteristics that you have to know. For example, tickets for senior citizens and students can only be purchased at the theater box office and you will have to pay for them by credit or debit card, as long as you present the official documentation that accredits the person with such situation.

In the case of children under 7 years old, they have the right to free admission to the facilities, even to enjoy guided tours. Also, as you know, residents of the Buenos Aires region in Argentina, have the option to enter to visit the theater paying a half-price ticket. In general, with these prices and discounts on tickets, the Teatro Colón is undoubtedly one of the most affordable options for a cultural experience in the city.

Are there special tickets for children?

Tour group| ©throgers
Tour group| ©throgers

Yes, there are tickets for children to visit the Colon Theater in Buenos Aires, but you have to know that only children under 7 years old are the ones who will have the possibility to enter without paying to see the Theater. However, if a child will need a seat to see the show, you will have to buy a ticket for him/her. I recommend you to take him/her to a performance in this place, as part of the list of best things to see and do in Buenos Aires with kids.

On the other hand, and also within the context of tickets for kids, you have to know that guided tours to the theater are only available for children over 12 years old. Children must always enter the theater accompanied by an adult. If they enter with children, they have to pay the corresponding fees according to their situation. As for the way to verify the age of the child, you should know that you will be asked for documentation proving their age.

Book a guided visit to the Colón Theater

Why is it worth buying tickets online instead of at the ticket office?

Theater area| ©ppoggio2
Theater area| ©ppoggio2
  • Buying your tickets online saves you from waiting in line at the theater box office and you can also make your purchase from the comfort of your home or workplace.
  • The online store is available 24 hours a day, so you can buy tickets at any time, even outside the box office opening hours.
  • When buying online you can select the seat you want depending on availability and prices.
  • Always on the website of the theater you can find detailed information about the shows, dates, times, prices and seats available for each of the functions in the theater.
  • Many times if you buy online, the theater offers special offers or exclusive discounts, so besides being convenient, it is a way to save money by buying online.

Opening hours of the Teatro Colón

Teatro Colon at night| ©Nicolas Solop
Teatro Colon at night| ©Nicolas Solop

The Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires has a wide variety of opening hours for guided tours. In case you are waiting for the time to enter the guided tour, you should know that you can make the most of the time to see the building inside and out during regular visiting hours.

The theater is open non-stop Monday through Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., so you can visit the theater throughout the day. On Sundays and holidays, the theater opens its doors between 9:00 and 17:00, although before you go to visit, I recommend you to make sure of its opening hours, so you don't have problems when you arrive. You should also know that the schedules can be modified due to special events.

How much time you need to visit the Teatro Colón

Clock| ©Cats Coming
Clock| ©Cats Coming

To visit the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires and see it in its entirety, I recommend you set aside about an hour, time in which you will be able to see the different areas of the theater and learn about its history and architecture. Of course, everything can change whenever you want to enjoy a more detailed and complete visit.

In case you want to know the theater much more in depth, I recommend you to extend the time of your visit, you can even sign up for the guided tour to deepen the information offered by the tour guides.

You also have to take into account the amount of time you can use if you want to see a show in the theater. In any case, what I recommend is to set aside at least an hour and a half to enjoy all that this architectural marvel has to offer.

Book a guided tour of the Colon Theater

Best time to visit the Teatro Colón

Theater Tour| ©throgers
Theater Tour| ©throgers

The Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires is one of the best places to visit in the capital of Argentina, so the best time of the year to visit it depends largely on the weather and the different opera and ballet seasons that are presented there.

As for the weather, before knowing when to visit the theater, I recommend you to read a bit about the best time to visit Buenos Aires, mainly. After having seen this, I recommend you to visit the theater during the coolest months of the year, which are between March and April, and then between September and October. For these months the temperatures are more pleasant.

Now, taking into account the opera and ballet seasons, and if what you want is to see a live performance inside the theater, you have to know that the seasons usually run from March to December. But, again, it is necessary that you check the schedules and availability of tickets to the theater before planning your trip and visits.

How to get to the Teatro Colón (from downtown areas, by bus, subway etc.)

Metro| ©Luis Ramos
Metro| ©Luis Ramos

To get to the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, there are several ways to get around. To get there by private or rental car, simply turn on your GPS to take you to the theater and park nearby.

But you also have the option to arrive by public transportation, and for this there are several subway lines that you can use to get to the theater area, among them are lines A, B and D. You will also find numerous local and regional bus lines that pass near the place and will serve you to get to the theater.

In case you prefer to use a cab service or private transportation, there are several companies that offer these services. But before getting on one of them, I recommend you check the price and regulations of the service. Another good option to get to the theater is to walk or ride a bicycle, since the city center is relatively compact and accessible from other parts of the city.

What you can't miss at the Teatro Colón

Theater façade| ©Leo Tomarchio
Theater façade| ©Leo Tomarchio
  • The façade: It is a structure that offers a clear example of neoclassical architecture. You will be able to take several pictures of this place.
  • The Main Hall: It is no less than the heart of the theater. It is a place where operas and concerts are presented inside the theater. This place has a design that you will love and that also includes bronze chandeliers and a decoration in golden tones.
  • The Theater Museum: Inside the Theater Museum you will be able to find a lot of historical pieces, photographs and memorabilia that will help you better understand the rich history of the theater.
  • The Presentations: Well, it seems obvious, but you certainly can't miss the performances at the Teatro Colon, which is known for having one of the best cultural programs in Buenos Aires.

Tips for visiting the Colon Theater

Colon Theater| ©my_cottage
Colon Theater| ©my_cottage
  • Book your ticket in advance so you can find a good seat.
  • Arrive early for your guided tour, so you have time to explore all the details and nooks and crannies of the theater.
  • Attend an opera or ballet performance to make your experience at the Teatro even more amazing.
  • Bring your camera or phone to take lots of pictures and capture the beauty of the theater.
  • Remember that the dress code of the theater is elegant and formal, so I recommend you not to break this rule.
  • Visit the theater museum to learn more about its history and tradition, also because you will be able to see valuable objects from all times.
  • If you have any special needs, it is necessary to let them know in advance so that they can make the necessary arrangements for you to enjoy a comfortable visit.

Book a guided tour of the Colon Theater