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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wow. Breathtaking architecture inside and out. Never seen so much marble - staircases, statues & floors. Defo a must see for anyone visiting Paris for the first time like us. We didn’t see a show just a building tour, can only imagine how magical it would be to attend for an evening performance. On the bucket list. Utterly stunning.

The Paris opera, the Palacio Garnier is the most beautiful opera in the world without a doubt. A must see in Paris. Fabulous interior and exterior. If it is wonderful on the outside, its interior is extraordinary. There are no words to describe so much richness and opulence. Don't miss the visit. I was only sorry for not being able to attend any show

We visited on a Friday at 3:00pm since we were walking through the neighborhood. Only about a 5 minute wait to buy tickets on site. 15 euro/person >11yo for a self guided tour. This magnificent opera house opened in 1875. It was very beautiful, but we walked through and were done in about 20min. It was very hot & crowded inside. The price seemed high for a self guided tour. I would have rather seen a show but none were available during our time in Paris. Despite the price & heat it was worth seeing.

We didn't have time to go to Versailles, so I thought this would be a good substitute for our young adult children's first visit to Paris. It was my first time here, as well, and we absolutely loved it! My 18 year old daughter said it was her favorite thing in Paris that we visited, she thought it was so beautiful. We were even able to see the performance hall, even though we didn't expect to. The ceiling was just amazing! Would definitely recommend this as a less-frequented place to visit. We were able to buy tickets on the spot, no line, at about 4pm on a Wednesday.