Princess Theatre Tours

Princess Theatre showing street scenes, a high rise building and theater scenes
Photo provided by Tourism Victoria
Photo provided by Tourism Victoria
Photo provided by Tourism Victoria


Considered by some to be Melbourne's most spectacular landmark, this majestic theater has been entertaining audiences since it opened more than 150 years ago.

Visitors and locals alike flock to Melbourne’s Princess Theatre to see legendary productions such as The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.

Head to this theater in the evening to enjoy a performance at one of Melbourne’s most popular venues. Crowds congregate here to enjoy the intimate setting, often filling the hall’s 1470 seats.

Try to catch sight of the friendly ghost that is rumored to be a resident. It is said he was an opera singer known as Federici who died of a heart attack on stage in 1888. To honor his memory, a seat in the Dress Circle is left vacant every night for him. Actors and staff members have reported many sightings over the years. An ashen-faced apparition also showed up in a documentary made in the 1970s.

Dine at the Federici Bistro in the theater before the show. Or, take the family to a matinee followed by a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and bars in nearby Chinatown. Sit back and enjoy the performance on comfortable, red chairs. Admire the architecture and the roof’s design from your seat. During the intermission, take photos of the theater’s radiant exterior and classical stained glass windows.

The Princess Theatre opened in 1854 and was ahead of its time with a retractable roof and electrical stage lighting. It fell into disrepair more than 100 years later. Now, it is one of Melbourne’s cultural highlights, located in a prime location.

Buy tickets online or by phone. There are no age restrictions. Ask for a booster cushion for the kids. The theater is situated on Spring Street in the center of the city. It is right by Tianjin Gardens and Parliament Gardens. Take the metro system to Parliament Station, a two-minute walk away. Ride the free City Circle Tram straight to the theatre.

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Best Lodging Options Near Princess Theatre

Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

4 out of 5
131-137 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne
Rydges Melbourne

Rydges Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
186 Exhibition Street,, Melbourne, VIC
Rydges Melbourne
The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham, Melbourne

5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
The Langham, Melbourne
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
215 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

5 out of 5
123 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Citadines on Bourke Melbourne

Citadines on Bourke Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
131-135 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC
Citadines on Bourke Melbourne
Stamford Plaza Melbourne

Stamford Plaza Melbourne

5 out of 5
111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
The Hotel Windsor

The Hotel Windsor

5 out of 5
111 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC
The Hotel Windsor
Next Hotel Melbourne, Curio Collection by Hilton

Next Hotel Melbourne, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
103 Little Collins St, Melbourne, VIC
Next Hotel Melbourne, Curio Collection by Hilton
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 Princess Theatre

When visiting the Princess Theatre in Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to enjoy, such as shopping at local boutiques, catching a performance at a nearby comedy theater, or experiencing the city from above with Melbourne Seaplanes. The area also boasts a vibrant art scene, making it a perfect spot for entertainment and leisure.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near the Princess Theatre, head to Melbourne Central, just 0.5 miles away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and shopping. The Queen Victoria Market, located 0.9 miles away, is perfect for local goods, while Lightning Ridge Opal Mines, only 0.4 miles away, specializes in unique opal souvenirs.

Recreation

Explore Marvel Stadium for an energetic sports experience, just a mile from Princess Theatre. At Sidney Myer Music Bowl, enjoy live performances in a vibrant atmosphere, located 0.9 miles away. For family fun, visit the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, 2 miles away, featuring pools and recreational activities.

Adventure

Explore the Merri Creek Trail, a scenic hiking path 2 miles from Princess Theatre, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For a shorter adventure, check out the Tan Track, located 1 mile away, and enjoy its vibrant outdoor atmosphere. For a unique experience, consider a scenic flight with Melbourne Seaplanes, 5 miles away.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the Princess Theatre is vibrant, featuring the Regent Theatre and Her Majesty's Theatre, both offering a mix of culture and entertainment just a short stroll away. The Forum Theatre, also nearby, adds to the lively atmosphere, perfect for a night filled with shows and romance.

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

Find the best attractions near Princess Theatre

While visiting Princess Theatre in Melbourne, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to culture seekers and families alike. Explore the vibrant streets, nearby urban parks, and historic colleges that enrich the area. Don't miss the beautiful theatre itself, which is a highlight of the local theater scene. With so much to discover, your experience in the Melbourne area will surely be memorable.

  • Rod Laver Arena: Experience the excitement of live entertainment at Rod Laver Arena, located 0.8 miles from the Princess Theatre. This iconic venue hosts world-class concerts and sporting events, making it perfect for families and entertainment enthusiasts alike.
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground: A sports lover's dream, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is 0.9 miles away and steeped in history. Catch a game or take a tour to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of Australian sports.
  • Collins Street: Stroll along Collins Street, located 0.7 miles from the theatre, to enjoy a vibrant city atmosphere. Known for its upscale shops and historic architecture, it's a perfect spot for shopping and people-watching.

Best time to go to Princess Theatre

The best time to visit Princess Theatre is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
February68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
July48.9°F (9.4°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
September53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
December64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Princess Theatre

To save money on your visit to Princess Theatre, plan your trip during the off-peak months of May, June, or August, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your stay for a Monday can also help you avoid higher weekend rates. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining the One Key membership program can provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn cash for future bookings. Don't forget to explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Princess Theatre are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January, March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Princess Theatre is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Princess Theatre is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type. For instance, if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll be shown sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on your trip by combining your hotel stay at the Princess Theatre with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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