Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House featuring music, modern architecture and general coastal views
Sydney Opera House which includes cbd, a square or plaza and modern architecture
Sydney Opera House showing interior views, theatre scenes and modern architecture


Take in a performance or just take in the splendour of one of the world’s most famous buildings.

Mention Sydney, and the Sydney Opera House will almost certainly come to mind. This 20th century architectural masterpiece is one of the most instantly recognisable buildings in the world. Whether you are coming to enjoy one of its world-class productions or you just want to see this iconic building, no visit to Sydney would be complete without a trip to the opera house.

Listed as a world heritage site, Sydney Opera House has won many architectural awards and plaudits for its unique design. It’s also home to some of the most reputable artistic companies, namely Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Over one million visitors pass through the building every year to come and admire its magnificent interiors and to enjoy some of the world’s best opera, ballet and classical music performances.

The Sydney Opera House is surrounded on three sides by Sydney Harbour. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the Monument Steps to get some of the best views over the harbour. This location is also a photographer’s dream, so bring your camera and take a few memorable holiday snaps.

The building is such a popular tourist spot that most areas have been made freely available to the public. The reception boasts a striking floor-to-ceiling tapestry which was inspired by Bach’s Hamburg Symphonies.

The internal structure comprises several different concert venues, with the Concert Hall, the Joan Sutherland Theatre and the Drama Theatre being the most prominent. Guided tours of the Sydney Opera House theatres are available if you’d like a look around. Expert guides will talk you through the history and share anecdotes about all of the great performers who have graced the Sydney Opera House since its inauguration in 1973.

If you fancy a bite to eat while you’re taking in the opulence of the Sydney Opera House, there is everything from child-friendly cafés to upmarket restaurants to cater for all visitors. You can also enjoy particularly attractive views across the harbour at the Opera Bar.

The Sydney Opera House box office and tour information desk is open seven days a week for bookings.

Reviews of Sydney Opera House

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
196
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
83
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
14
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Concert hall currently being refurbished. Toilets still in use though!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing experience to see an opera here. The tour is really interesting and Badu Gili is an absolute must see!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

About a 15 minute walk , very pleasant through the park .

5/5 - Excellent

Jane

Bennelong restaurant very good

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
199 George St., Sydney, NSW
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney

Shangri-La Sydney

5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
Shangri-La Sydney
InterContinental Sydney by IHG

InterContinental Sydney by IHG

5 out of 5
16 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW
InterContinental Sydney by IHG
Sydney Harbour Hotel

Sydney Harbour Hotel

4 out of 5
55 George Street, The Rocks, NSW
Sydney Harbour Hotel
Hyatt Regency Sydney

Hyatt Regency Sydney

5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Paradox Sydney

Paradox Sydney

5 out of 5
27 O'Connell Street, Sydney, NSW
Paradox Sydney
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
1 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
View Sydney

View Sydney

4 out of 5
17 Blue Street, North Sydney, NSW
View Sydney
Rydges Australia Square

Rydges Australia Square

4 out of 5
97-99 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW
Rydges Australia Square
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Sydney Opera House

At the iconic Sydney Opera House, immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene with captivating Australian opera performances and diverse arts offerings. Beyond the stage, explore nearby shopping venues and enjoy the lively nightlife, ensuring a well-rounded experience. Don't miss additional attractions that complement the cultural richness of this architectural marvel, making it a must-visit destination for any tourist.

Shopping

For shopping near the Sydney Opera House, visit The Rocks Markets (644m) for unique souvenirs, or head to Martin Place (1.3km) and Centrepoint (1.4km) for a mix of shops and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, explore further malls for more diverse options.

Recreation

At the Sydney Cricket Ground, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of sports and camaraderie. Enjoy live music at the Metro Theatre for a lively night out. For serene relaxation, take the Cremorne Point to Mosman Bay Walk, where stunning views and fresh air promote wellness and tranquillity.

Adventure

Embark on the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, a scenic hike located 6.4km from the Sydney Opera House, showcasing stunning coastal vistas. For a fun family outing, explore the McElhone Stairs, situated 1.4km away. Additionally, enjoy underwater sports at Ben Buckler Point, 8.0km from the Opera House.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting nightlife near Sydney Opera House with a visit to the Sydney Observatory for a celestial view. Enjoy a theatrical performance at the Sydney Theatre Company, or relish a romantic film at the Open Air Cinema, all within a short walk from the iconic landmark.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Sydney Opera House

Within and around the iconic Sydney Opera House, visitors can explore a variety of urban parks, historic civic buildings, and vibrant streets. These attractions cater to those seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and a taste of city life. Enjoy the stunning views and engage with the rich heritage that surrounds this landmark, making it a perfect destination for an enriching holiday.

  • Circular Quay: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling harbour, where stunning views meet lively activity. Enjoy waterfront dining, explore local markets, or simply take in the scenery as ferries glide by.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: Walk or climb this iconic structure for breathtaking views of the harbour and city skyline. The bridge offers a unique perspective on Sydney’s rich cultural history, making it a must-see attraction.
  • Hyde Park: Escape the urban bustle in this expansive park, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Stroll through its beautiful gardens, enjoy a picnic, or visit the nearby art galleries for a relaxing day out.

Best time to go to Sydney Opera House

The best time to visit Sydney Opera House can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Sydney Opera House falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Sydney Opera House falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May61.2°F (16.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
August57.2°F (14.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September61.2°F (16.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sydney Opera House

To save money on your visit to the Sydney Opera House, consider travelling between May and July, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about one month in advance for the best rates, and aim for a Monday stay, which is typically the cheapest. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and filter results by budget and eco-friendly options. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for further savings. For public transport, utilise trains and buses, which are affordable ways to navigate the city.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sydney Opera House are May to July, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Sydney Opera House about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sydney Opera House is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Sydney Opera House is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search feature enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices based on the type of accommodation; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Sydney Opera House with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia