Istanbul Opera and Ballet Shows and Performances

Upcoming Opera and Ballet Events in Istanbul

Discover the latest opera and ballet performances in Istanbul with our regularly updated list of events. For ticket availability and details, feel free to contact us about your chosen performance.

Please note: Hotel pick-up and drop-off services are not included with your opera or ballet event tickets. Transportation information and directions to the venues are provided at the bottom of the page.

Event tickets will be on sale starting 1 month before the event date.

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Carmen
Opera

• Dates: April 10, 12, 17, 24, 26, 30, 2025, at 8:00 PM

• Venue: Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) Türk Telekom Opera Hall

• Details: The Istanbul State Opera and Ballet will perform Georges Bizet's renowned opera Carmen.

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Romeo and Juliet
Ballet

• Dates: April 16, 22, 29, 2025, at 8:00 PM

• Venue: Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) Türk Telekom Opera Hall

• Details: Ballet adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, composed by Sergei Prokofiev and choreographed by Ricardo Amarante. Conducted by Zdravko Lazarov.

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Apollo and Daphne
Opera

• Dates: April 18, 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM

• Venue: Kadıköy Municipality Süreyya Opera House

• Details: A performance by the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet.

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The Nutcracker
Ballet

• Date: April 21, 2025, at 8:00 PM

• Venue: Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) Türk Telekom Opera Hall

• Details: Tchaikovsky’s timeless holiday ballet performed by the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet.

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Resonance
Modern Dance Performance

• Date: April 28, 2025, at 8:00 PM

• Venue: Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM)

• Details: A contemporary dance evening by MDTistanbul including "Pasion S", "Routine", and "Excitement".

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Cinderella (La Cenerentola)
Children's Opera

• Dates: May 11 & May 24, 2025 (1:00 PM and 4:00 PM)

• Venue: Kadıköy Municipality Süreyya Opera House

• Details: A child-friendly version of Rossini’s opera, part of the 16th Istanbul Opera and Ballet Festival.

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16th International Istanbul Opera and Ballet Festival
Festival

• Dates: May 10 – May 31, 2025

• Venue: Various venues in Istanbul

• Details: This year’s edition features 11 productions and 20 performances, combining classical and modern works by local and international artists.

16th International Istanbul Opera and Ballet Festival
Festival Dates: May 10 – June 3, 2025
Venue: Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM), Istanbul

Preliminary Program Highlights:

• Gilgamesh – Opera
  Composer: Ahmet Adnan Saygun
  Details: The world premiere of this Turkish opera based on the ancient epic of Gilgamesh.

• Anna Karenina – Ballet
  Company: Eifman Ballet, St. Petersburg
  Dates: May 31 & June 1, 2025
  Details: A dramatic ballet adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s literary masterpiece.

Note:
The full official program, including all performance dates and additional productions, has not yet been released. More details are expected closer to the festival dates.

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Please note that event schedules are subject to change.

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Best Transportation Options for Tourists in Istanbul

Public Transport with Istanbul Card
The Istanbul Card is valid for metro, buses, trams, metrobuses, and ferries. It’s one of the most economical ways to travel around the city. After purchasing the card, you pay a flat fee for each ride.
Cost:
Istanbul Card: 50 TL (1.70 EUR / 1.85 USD)
Single Ride: 15 TL (0.50 EUR / 0.55 USD)

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Shared Taxis (Taksi Dolmuş)
Ideal for short distances, shared taxis operate on specific routes and charge a fixed fee. They are affordable and convenient.
Cost:
Per Person: 20-30 TL (0.70-1.00 EUR / 0.75-1.10 USD)

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Public Buses and Minibuses
Another economical way to get around. Minibuses are mostly used for short routes, while buses cover longer distances.
Cost:
Single Ride: 15 TL (0.50 EUR / 0.55 USD)

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Taxis (Yellow Taxis)
Taxis are a quick way to get to your destination but are more expensive than public transport. Fares include a starting fee and a per-kilometer charge.
Cost:
Starting Fee: 40 TL (1.35 EUR / 1.50 USD)
Per Kilometer: 10 TL (0.35 EUR / 0.40 USD)
Average City Ride: 150 TL (5.00 EUR / 5.50 USD)

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Ride-Sharing Apps (BiTaksi, Uber)
You can call a vehicle using mobile apps. This is a comfortable option, but prices can be slightly higher than regular taxis.
Cost:
Average Ride: 200-250 TL (6.70-8.35 EUR / 7.35-9.20 USD)

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Private Transfer Services
Offered by hotels or tour companies, private transfers are ideal for airport or intercity transportation. Prices are usually fixed and convenient for groups.
Cost:
Airport to City Center Transfer: 500-700 TL (16.70-23.35 EUR / 18.40-25.75 USD)

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Car Rentals
A good option for those who want to explore Istanbul and its surroundings independently. Be mindful of traffic and parking availability.
Cost:
Daily Rental: 700-1000 TL (23.35-33.35 EUR / 25.75-36.75 USD)
Fuel Cost: 35 TL per liter (1.20 EUR / 1.30 USD)

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Ferries and Sea Taxis
Traveling between the two sides of Istanbul by ferry is a scenic and enjoyable option. Sea taxis offer a faster, private alternative.
Cost:
Ferry Ride: 15 TL (0.50 EUR / 0.55 USD)
Sea Taxi Starting Fee: 100 TL (3.35 EUR / 3.70 USD)