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 Theatre | ©Felipeyerabarchi

The Teatro Colón in Argentina is one of the most impressive theatres 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 best things to see and do in Buenos Aires.

During your visit to the Teatro Colón, you will be able to 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 Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires in the company of a professional guide.

In this tour you will visit the Colón Theatre, which is considered the most beautiful theatre in Argentina. You will be able to see the different halls inside the theatre.

The guided visit to the Colón Theatre of Buenos Aires will help you to know more about the history behind its walls and its opulent decoration. With this ticket you will be able to know the inside of the theatre, in which places such as the Bustos Gallery, the Foyer or the Golden Hall stand out.

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 Argentinean culture and which are some of the artists that have passed through this theatre 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 theatre and its cultural manifestations.

How much do tickets to the Teatro Colón cost?

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

The Colon Theatre of Buenos Aires offers a wide variety of cultural and artistic performances 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.

  • General admission for visitors costs around 25 euros.
  • Argentinian residents with an ID card will have to pay around 10 euros to enter the performances.
  • Pensioners and university residents will be able to pay tickets of around 5 euros.
  • Children under the age of 7 are free, as well as people with a certificate of disability and their companion.

Without a doubt, 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 theatre that you should not miss in Buenos Aires. And it all starts at around 55 euros.

Book a guided tour of the Teatro Colón

What types of tickets are there? Are there tickets to the Teatro Colón without queues?

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

At the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires there are different types of tickets depending on the category to which the spectator belongs. The tickets are classified in: general rate, special rate for Argentine residents and a rate for pensioners, 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 bear in mind that in order to access the rates for retired persons and university students who are residents, you will have to present official documentation proving your status.

If you are travelling with children, you should know that to exchange tickets for minors, you must do so in the same way in which the paid tickets were purchased, either through the website or at the ticket office in person. It is important to bear in mind that to access the corresponding discounts you will have to present the corresponding credential or certificate.

The Teatro Colón in Argentina has implemented a ticket reservation system exclusively for people with disabilities, so to book you will have to do 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 Teatro Colón

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

Colon Theatre| ©Ecomapu Valparaíso
Colon Theatre| ©Ecomapu Valparaíso

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

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

Book the Buenos Aires tour with a visit to the Colon Theatre and MALBA

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

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

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

If there is one thing that will catch your attention on this tour, it is the architectural details, among which the stained glass windows and mouldings stand out. During the guided tour you can also find all the information you want about the theatre's history and its cultural and artistic importance.

It is a visit that is well 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 theatre over the years. Guided tours usually last about an hour, which is enough time for you to learn everything you want to know about this place and its historical and cultural importance for the Argentine capital.

Book a guided tour of the Teatro Colón

Are there discounted tickets for the Teatro Colón?

Theatre dome| ©Flávio Cruvinel Brandão
Theatre dome| ©Flávio Cruvinel Brandão

Yes, of course you can buy discounted tickets for the Teatro Colón, but these discounts are made according to certain characteristics that you need to know. For example, tickets for pensioners and students can only be bought at the theatre box office and you will have to pay for them with a credit or debit card, as long as you present the official documentation that accredits the person with this 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 visit the theatre paying half price. In general, with these prices and discounts on tickets, the Teatro Colón is undoubtedly one of the most accessible 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 Colón Theatre in Buenos Aires, but you have to know that only children under 7 years old will have the possibility to enter without paying to see the theatre. However, if a child is going to 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 in the context of tickets for children, you should know that guided tours to the theatre are only available for children over 12 years old. Children must always enter the theatre accompanied by an adult. If they enter with children, they have to pay the corresponding fees according to their situation. As for how to verify the age of the child, you should know that you will be asked to show proof of age.

Book a guided visit to the Colón Theatre

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

Theatre area| ©ppoggio2
Theatre area| ©ppoggio2
  • Buying your tickets online saves you the hassle of queuing at the theatre box office and you can buy them from the comfort of your home or workplace.
  • The online shop 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 theatre's website you can find detailed information about the shows, dates, times, prices and seats available for each of the performances at the theatre.
  • Often if you buy online, the theatre offers special offers or exclusive discounts, so besides being convenient, it is a way to save money by buying online.

Teatro Colón opening hours

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 your guided tour, you should know that you can make the most of your time to see the building inside and out during regular visiting hours.

The theatre is open non-stop from Monday to Saturday between 9:00 and 20:00, so you can visit the theatre throughout the day. On Sundays and holidays, the theatre opens its doors between 9:00 and 17:00, although before you go to visit it, I recommend you to make sure of its opening hours, so you won't have any problems when you arrive. You should also be aware that opening times may change due to special events.

How much time do 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 to set aside about an hour, time in which you will be able to see the different areas of the theatre and learn about its history and architecture. Of course, everything can change if you want to enjoy a more detailed and complete visit.

If you want to get to know the theatre in much more depth, I recommend extending the time of your visit, and you can even sign up for a guided tour to get more in-depth information from 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 theatre. In any case, what I recommend is to set aside at least an hour and a half to enjoy everything this architectural marvel has to offer.

Book a guided tour of the Teatro Colón

Best time to visit the Teatro Colón

Theatre Tour| ©throgers
Theatre 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.

Regarding the weather, before knowing when to visit the theatre, 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 theatre 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 you want to see a live performance inside the theatre, you should know that the seasons usually run from March to December. But, again, you need to check the schedules and availability of tickets to the theatre before planning your trip and visits.

How to get to the Teatro Colón (from central areas, by bus, metro 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 rented car, simply turn on your GPS to take you to the theatre and park nearby.

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

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

What you can't miss at the Teatro Colón

Theatre façade| ©Leo Tomarchio
Theatre 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 theatre. It is a place where operas and concerts are presented inside the theatre. This place has a design that you will love and it also includes bronze chandeliers and a decoration in golden tones.
  • The Theatre Museum: Inside the Theatre 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 theatre.
  • The performances: 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 programmes in Buenos Aires.

Tips for visiting the Teatro Colón

Colon Theatre| ©my_cottage
Colon Theatre| ©my_cottage
  • Book your ticket in advance so that 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 theatre.
  • Attend an opera or ballet performance to make your experience at the theatre even more amazing.
  • Bring your camera or phone to take lots of pictures and capture the beauty of the theatre.
  • Remember that the dress code of the theatre is elegant and formal, so I recommend you not to break this rule.
  • Visit the theatre museum to learn more about its history and tradition, as well as to see valuable objects from all times.
  • If you have any special needs, it is necessary to let them know in advance so that arrangements can be made for you to enjoy a comfortable visit.

Book a guided tour of the Colon Theatre