If you are an art lover, then make sure to add the War Memorial Opera House to your list of best things to do in San Francisco. Keep in mind that tickets sell out quickly. Therefore, if you’d like to attend performances such as The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, and Frankenstein, then book a few months before your trip. If you decide to take in a show at the Opera House, you may wish to dress up for the occasion – but it is not required.

We saw the last performance of the Nutcracker from the San Francisco Ballet. Interesting changes to the story line but a good venue.

The opera is as magnificent as those in Europe but it’s special in its own right. The largest in the US, the aluminium chandelier is unique and designed to withstand the shakes and rolls of SF’s notorious earthquakes. Beautiful waiting halls and elaborate tapestries adorning the walls

We went to the opera house and restaurant and we enjoyed very much. Is a beautiful place and comfortable. Is an excellent assessment for San Francisco.

Looking to create a family tradition? The Nutcracker is a timeless performance. Check out the website for helpful tips and advice for young children. They open an hour early, I recommend stopping by the shop and taking pictures during this time. ;)

Full house on a Tuesday evening for Romeo and Juliet performance. Its a nice experience even for those who dont know music all that much. I strongly suggest getting tickets in advance and arriving early. Its a beautiful place to be appreciated without rush. Most people dress well for the occasion (kind of formal) but it isnt really a must.

Fantastic place to see ballet. Many options for seating available and the season usually includes fresh and new productions. Apart froSeasonal favorites like the Nutcracker we love to see Don Quixote and most recently Frankenstein. The theater and all it’s common areas are quite impressive. Enjoy.

For Ballet lovers, this is a place to go without any second thought. I luckily got an awesome view from balcony, thanks to my friend who went beyond to get the ticket. As you expect the got a great service and when it comes to food and drinks you get more than you expect. We went early and came out as the last person. We totally enjoyed everything.

Great fun at “Deck the Halls” Christmas program. Seats were great, my grandson thoroughly enjoyed the show. Everyone was dressed up, lots of sparkles and the kids on best behavior. Having characters interact with the children was wonderful as were the free Xmas cookies at the end!

We went to see the Cinderella Ballet in this beautiful building. There are plenty of bathrooms for the hundreds of guests. The food, snacks and drinks are readily available at normal prices. We could hear the outstanding, perfect orchestra. The dancers were beautifully, richly, costumed. The seats are comfortable and everyone can see the whole stage, no matter where one sits.All in all a wonderful, memorable experience.

Stunning interior! What are place to see an amazing production of The Nutcracker. Hey here early, especially if you are getting food or drinks beforehand. This is a great place for the kids to, they look forward to The Nutcracker here every year.

Undoubtedly one of the great North American opera houses. One of the few (and very cherished) places you’ll find people wearing suits and dresses in Silicon Valley. Excellent seasons, world class singers, and very attractive ticket discounts for young professionals.

The grand and classic opera houses will never go out of style! Gold ornaments and brass lanterns add to fancy style! Impressive on a date or special occasion. Full restaurant downstairs and several bars. A visit is a must

The nutcracker was amazing. Highly recommended. The show was split into 2 segments and they were both very entertaining.

The War Memorial Opera House was a great place to watch Wagner‘s ring cycle. The buildings architecture is beautiful and well designed. The sound was amazing all throughout the opera house. I can’t wait to go back and see another opera here. I highly recommend seeing something in this building as soon as you can.

Incredible venue to watch The Nutcracker. My first time at the War Memorial Opera House and I would watch another performance here again. The drinks and food are costly, but thats to be expected. Next time Ill sneak food and drink in because it was a price gouge. A truly beautiful evening in SF.

Pre-opera lectures are nice. Nice venue. Shows vary. Nice old school building makes it feel like an event. Some folks get super dressed up. Others come as they are. Parking at civic center garage works well. Lots of places for dinner around before or after the show. Seats are old and not very comfy.

Home to SF ballet. A beautiful theater that has been maintained well. The chairs are very cushiony and comfortable in that respect, but room to move is limited - not much shoulder space. This is stereotypical of historic theatres though. There are ample bathrooms (not a long wait) and concession stands. Water costed $6, you cant bring your own in. Paper programs and booklets were complimentary. Staff very friendly and hospitable. I dont think there would be a bad seat in the house.

The nutcracker is such a treat! beautiful venue with gorgeous architecture... love the christmas decorations. a must see for the holiday season.

The place is amazing and well distributed in a way that you can always have a good view of the stage. The Nutcracker is an unique experience in life.They just should find a solution for the lines at the snack bar where many people can get their snacks/beverages just about the show is set to restart (during the intermission).

The building is lovely. Went to see the Nutcracker. As three grown unsophisticated men going to the ballet, it was sorta boring after the first act. All the movies and adaptations only cover the Mouse King part that ends at the end of the first half. The second half is Clara touring the world. It was worth the experience. We sat in center balcony and had a great view and could see all the patterns and synchronization of the dancers. I can not speak for side balcony.

Wonderful afternoon seeing dress rehearsal of Little Mermaid. My first time seeing Ballet.

Great and historical monument for ballet opera and such events.

Wow, a review, really?Okay! Beautiful building, beautiful events. Overall a lovely experience, even if you dont see a performance at the opera house. I did see Marriage of Figaro yesterday and it was a wonderful and more modern production but still traditional. However, the opera house it self is iconic and, frankly, incredible.If you want to see a beginnerfriendly opera, though, this one is it!

I liked the historic vibe of the place. The architecture is amazing and I felt like I was a visitor of an era. Went to see the Nutcracker ballet which was magical and magnificent. The orchestra, the dancers, the stage sets, the props all came together to tell the story. I enjoyed it tremendously.

What a beautiful place for an amazing date night

Great place to see ballet and really get into the whole scene while you are sipping champagne from a plastic cup that is given to you when you buy the drink. Excellent!

Beautiful architecture. Good acoustics. Every seat is a good seat. SF Ballets production of the Nutcracker is enchanting. A seasonal delight for all ages.

The opera house is really beautiful and the ballet and opera performances are spectacular here. Seats are pretty tightly arranged.

This is a beautiful and historical place. Love spending the evening here seeing some of the best operas in the world. My wife and I have been going to the opera in San Francisco for many years now and have always loved the experience of this greand place.

Free Symphony but they way they li Ed us non members up and made us Stan for two hours like we were lower class citizens was handled poorly. There were only, maybe four members who want in ahead of us. They could easily have seated us and saved an area for members. Might get more member out of us if we were treated better. The concert was lovely

Saw Shen Yun. Was great!

Saw Shen Yun beautiful theater history maintained. Intimate seating, there is a reaturant below buffet style, drink and snacks available during the show.

Our first ballet of the season. Saw Program 2, it was FANTASTIC! We are so fortunate to have this stellar company. Weve been season subscribers since late 70s.

My boyfriend and I are going to San Francisco Opera for over 9 years. Last night, Romeo and Juliet was great. But the building was way too hot. The seats are not very comfortable. Seats are need to be update. We usually go to War Memories Opera House about 15 times or more in a year. The seats are need to be really update. It was very unpleasant sitting in the heat and uncomfortable seat. TLC the air-conditioner Please!

We went to watch the Nutcracker. We got balcony seats which were very high up. Luckily we brought our own binoculars since we were so far away. It would be nice if they had free binoculars to borrow. The inside is very elegant and rustic.

The premiere venue for grand opera and ballet in the city. Excellent ascustics, comfortable seating and all the amenities you can ask for. Always recommended.

Watched the Nutcracker ballet show. Amazing and good for kids too.

Attended the Nutcracker and had a delightful evening. Easy pick up of will call tickets. Parking was easy and close. Many resturants within walking distance. The show was beautiful.

I was here for a performance of the Marriage of Figaro the other night from 7:30 until about 11pm. The time went by very quickly during the lively performance. This is one of the top opera houses in the world. The acoustics are excellent, the performers are amazing, the seats are comfortable.Tip: bring some sandwiches and snacks so avoid the rush at intermission

Sharing some wonderful winter warmth with fellow AIDS LIFECYCLE Community

We saw Henry Rollins here. There were pretty murals too.

Beautiful Opera House, seats just about anywhere are good seats, acoustics are pretty good and they have supertitles above the stage in English so you can understand whats going on. Lots of parking close by for about $20, food and drinks on sale at the Opera House. You can also make a reservation in advance for dinner or for a snack at the second intermission to be ready for you to sit right down to your meal with enough time to eat and get back the show for the second half.

Watched the Nutcracker on Saturday. Great show!

Beautiful and historic place a quick walk from the Civic Center BART station. Many shows throughout the year and a great place to take photos.

Great experience, love the views and the shows that take place there

The place is beautiful and well staffed. Acoustics are amazing with good views from any seat. Need to be Orchestra or Box to see faces clearly without binoculars. Food and drinks are good quality and better than expected price.

First time to this venue. We got the cheap seats this time but Ive already booked tickets for another opera. They have bars on every floor and let you take drinks into the auditorium with you. Its beautiful and feels like an old school Opera House, which I love.

Beautiful classic Beaux Arts style building, corner stone says built in 1931. The interior is an even better example of the style that is mostly preserved, restored or respected.The Café at the Opera is pretty good, service is great!Wish I could afford to go to the Opera House again!

Gorgeous architecture befitting the outstanding SF Ballet!

I watched the Shen Yum performance here, and it was so beautiful!!! The performance was very well done, and the Opera House was the perfect place for it. I highly recommend both!

What a stunning venue! And an even more stunning performance of the nutcracker ️️️ Thank you for making such a special Christmas!

Just wow as always. And efficient staff at will call and seating. I mean you cant flog wrong with the ballet, especially nutcracker.

We usually attend a matinee and have brunch first at Prelude at the Opera House. The food is excellent- fresh, flavorful with a good variety of choices even for vegans. The opera is always simply beautiful in so many ways.

Excellent opera house with incredible performances. Staff is always so helpful

Excellent Opera House! Toscas acting and singing was incomparable!

Have been going here for the SF Nutcracker every year since I was 3 years old and it is amazing every time. Just be sure to know you need to dress up.

We saw A Midsummer Nights Dream danced, the setting is inspiring and perfect for such a beautiful ballet

A beautiful venue, cant wait to go back for another event that will be held here sometime in the near future.

Even up in the balcony, the view and acoustics were great. A beautiful venue for The Marriage of Figaro. We enjoyed every note!

Went to see Hansel and Gretel and was blown away by the talent and grandeur we have in SF! Cant wait to see another show.

San Francisco Ballets Sleeping Beauty was magical!

Its the most wonderful magical place you can ever go to attend the ballet and the Opera thank you very much

Two ballet shows. Cool Blue and Frankenstein. Both outstanding. especially Frankenstein.

Classic. Call me old school - Feel the gravitas of really coming to a place to see serious performance art!

Only wonderful place to see a play or a musical wash rooms were clean they serve wine and hard Liquor

I volunteered at a fundraiser. The space was phenomenal. There are womens, mens, and all-gender restrooms on each floor, ADA accessible restrooms and access throughout the building. No parking, but nearby parking garages or street parking.

An incredible good time was had by the three of us the seats were very comfortable and the show was so beautiful and entertaining!

Really wish the opera was made more available to people like me with less money but a love for the art! Fortunately Im sure all the proceeds go to paying the stellar musicians and cast that put on these brilliant performances. I was more than happy to pay for my seat!My father is in opera, and I used to see him perform in the Sacramento Opera, there as well, I noticed it is generally for high society. How can we make fine art more available to the middle and lower class? When do we hold the rich accountable for antiquating and locking these art forms behind golden doors? Hopefully the opera remains as gilded and beautifully supported as it is now in the future, but I fear it will forever be an old fantasy for aristocrats.MAKE ALL FINE ARTS SLIDING SCALE!

Saw the Nutcracker here! Wish the parking was better but overall loved the venue.

Beautiful architecture. Great place to watch the San Francisco Ballet perform.

Wonderful! We saw the Nutcracker around Christmas time and sat in the dress circle upper level. All seats have a great view in this theater. Easy 5 min walk from civic center bart station. There are a few cute gift shops and a beverage/snack station on each floor. People tend to dress up formally and enjoy being festive.

We visit the War Memorial for the San Francisco ballet a few times each year, & its always a pleasure. I love the quiet luxury of the velvet draperies, the Grecian-style pillars, & the ornate wall filigrees. This elegant old building is a beautiful foil for the ballet, & I hope to continue attending for many more years.

A San Francisco monument that has been kept beautiful

Even more expensive seating in orchestra is easily blocked by people sitting in front of you. Seats are dated and very uncomfortable. The performance of the Nutcracker opening night and 75th anniversary seemed more like a childrens matinee. Hardly anyone dressed up, mostly jeans and casual clothes, very disappointing

Very nice house. Old and classy. Seats are worn but clean. Nice restaurant in the basement.

Marriage of Figaro was amazingly fun--real belly laughs! Amazing singing! Great and creative sets! Tantalizing orchestra!

Very clean, organized, some of the chair needs to be change other than that it was a good place to watch some shows.

The experience was absolutely amazing. The Orchestras sound was beautifully projected and overall nice solos.

Always professional and exceeding my expectations. I’m a season subscriber and I never get disappointed with the world class performances.

Beautiful decor nice place to have parties S F. City Hall right across the street

This is a beautiful place. The views upstairs are amazing.

Stunning venue, surprisingly easy to get to from 101, plentiful garage parking nearby.

Wonderful atmosphere and great acoustics.

Just a beautiful building. Saw Hansell and Gretel. That was a great performance.

Beautiful, old opera house. Try to get seating up front because the music isnt as loud from the balcony.

Spectacular production of Puccinis Opera Manon Lescaut put a great ending of the Season 2019.

Great theater for music and dance. I saw Shen Yun there and its a gorgeous theater.

Beautiful building! Great stage and view of performances.

Nice place to cisit, really nothing major bout it other than its old.

It is THE OPERA...a great art form. Romeo and Juliet..the singing was magnificent. Great casting.

How can you not love this building or the fact that the San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Ballet perform here? The ushers are sweet and helpful.

Ollie likes to come to the veterans Cafe’. Peanut Butter Cookie is what he would suggest ....

Attended Manon, magnificent voices, sets, acoustics. Any opera lover will love the SF Opera, founded in 1922.

Great before opera lecture! Made following and understanding Mozart truly wonderful.

Nutcracker Ballet is a must see show with the family and friends. They are absolutely amazing!

Very nice, but it would be nice to sit closer.

Amazing sound and beautiful building

Beautiful opera its so perfect for live music. Also very convenient area where it surrounds places to dine out at afterwards.

I saw SF Ballets The Little Mermaid. Fantastic! The venue is beautiful, I was in the balcony, but still had a good view of the stage. Plenty of refreshments, and minimal restroom-waiting time.