Sydney Opera House Tours

Sydney Opera House showing a bay or harbor, modern architecture and a monument
Sydney Opera House which includes a city, cbd and a skyscraper
Sydney Opera House showing general coastal views, music and modern architecture
Sydney Opera House which includes a square or plaza, general coastal views and a city
Sydney Opera House showing interior views, theater scenes and modern architecture


One of the world’s most famous buildings is surprisingly accessible take in a show or just take a stroll to admire this astonishing building.

Regularly listed as one of the greatest architectural works of the 20th century, the Sydney Opera House sits right on Sydney Harbour, and is listed as a World Heritage Site. The Opera House has several major resident companies including: Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Over 1 million people come here to enjoy performances each year, while millions more come just to admire the building, a symphony in itself.

The Opera House is surrounded by the Sydney Harbour on three sides, and the view from the Monument Steps is truly dramatic. Pause on the steps to photograph the harbor and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Make sure to get a snap or two with the Opera House’s famous interlocking white shells behind you.

Much of the Sydney Opera House interior is freely accessible so feel free to look around. In the reception hall, check out the fabulous floor-to-ceiling tapestry inspired by Bach’s Hamburg Symphonies.

This building is actually a complex of several venues. The Concert Hall, the Joan Sutherland Theatre and the Drama Theatre are the largest venues. The best way to see the building and all of the theaters is to book a guided tour. The Sydney Opera House Access Tour is the most popular. Wander through the house’s corridors and passageways as the knowledgeable guides share stories and secrets about the building. If you’re traveling with children, book them in for the Junior Discovery Tour, created especially for them. The Backstage Tour takes you behind the curtains and runs for over 2 hours.

The Sydney Opera House is home to cafés, restaurants and bars, from the upscale Bennelong restaurant to the relaxed Opera Bar, which offers some of the best harbor views in Sydney.

Check the Opera House website for details of upcoming performances, festivals and events. Public transport makes visiting the Opera House simple, and parking is available for a fee. The Sydney Opera House box office and tour information desk are open Monday through Sunday.

Plan a trip to see Sydney Opera House

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Best Lodging Options Near Sydney Opera House

Shangri-La Sydney

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5 out of 5
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The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
1 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW
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InterContinental Sydney by IHG

InterContinental Sydney by IHG

5 out of 5
16 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW
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Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
199 George St., Sydney, NSW
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney

Hyatt Regency Sydney

5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Sydney Harbour Hotel

Sydney Harbour Hotel

4 out of 5
55 George Street, The Rocks, NSW
Sydney Harbour Hotel
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

5 out of 5
11 Jamison Street, Sydney, NSW
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney
Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay

Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay

5 out of 5
30 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW
Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay
View Sydney

View Sydney

4 out of 5
17 Blue Street, North Sydney, NSW
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Things to do near Sydney Opera House

Experience the magic of the Sydney Opera House with its world-class evening performances, featuring iconic operas and live music. While you’re there, explore the vibrant surroundings, complete with shopping and entertainment options that showcase Sydney's lively culture. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in this iconic landmark, where every visit offers a unique glimpse into the city's artistic spirit.

Shopping

The nearest shopping option is The Rocks Markets, just 0.4 miles away, offering local crafts and gifts. Martin Place, 0.8 miles away, features a variety of shops in a bustling atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, visit World Square Shopping Centre, 1 mile away, for more family-friendly options.

Recreation

At the Sydney Cricket Ground, embrace the lively sports atmosphere while enjoying guided wellness activities. The Metro Theatre, just a mile away, offers engaging performances that uplift your spirit. For a refreshing experience, Bondi Icebergs features a stunning pool perfect for family fun and outdoor relaxation.

Adventure

The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, located 4 miles from the Sydney Opera House, offers breathtaking scenery and adventure vibes along the stunning coastline. For a family-friendly challenge, navigate the McElhone Stairs, only 0.9 mile away. Thrill-seekers can explore underwater sports at Ben Buckler Point, 5 miles away.

Nightlife

Experience Sydney's vibrant nightlife near the Opera House at the Sydney Observatory, perfect for family fun and stargazing. Enjoy cultural performances and romantic evenings at the Sydney Theatre Company and Ensemble Theatre, both offering a blend of entertainment and artistic flair just a short walk away.

Find the best attractions near Sydney Opera House

When visiting the iconic Sydney Opera House, you'll find a wealth of attractions nearby, including urban parks, historic government buildings, and vibrant streets. This area is perfect for those seeking a blend of culture and outdoor experiences. Explore the famous Sydney Opera House and its surroundings, ensuring you take in the stunning views and rich history that make this destination a must-see for any traveler.

  • Circular Quay: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Circular Quay, where stunning harbor views meet beach vibes. It's the perfect spot to relax, grab a bite, or catch a ferry to explore nearby islands.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: Experience the rich culture of Sydney by visiting the historic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Walk across its impressive arches or join a guided climb for breathtaking views and fascinating stories.
  • Hyde Park: Escape to Hyde Park, Sydney's premier urban park. With its lush greenery, family-friendly amenities, and outdoor spaces, it's an ideal place to unwind amidst the city's hustle and bustle.

Best time to go to Sydney Opera House

Visitor numbers around Sydney Opera House is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Sydney Opera House is dependant 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 low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
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 traveling during the cheaper months of June, July, and October. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, with Monday being the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia to find deals, filter by budget, and consider eco-certified options. Look for last-minute deals if you're booking late, and combine your hotel and flights for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and cash for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sydney Opera House are June to July and October, 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Sydney Opera House is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to tailor your results according to your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • 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.
  • 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.