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

Shangri-La Sydney

5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
Shangri-La Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

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

Sydney Harbour Hotel

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

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

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

InterContinental Sydney by IHG

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

View Sydney

4 out of 5
17 Blue Street, North Sydney, NSW
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Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

5 out of 5
11 Jamison Street, Sydney, NSW
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney
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

While visiting the iconic Sydney Opera House, immerse yourself in a variety of engaging performances, including the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy sightseeing around the stunning harbor, and explore nearby shopping and entertainment options. Don't miss out on live music events that capture the vibrant culture of Sydney. A trip to the Opera House promises a rich experience filled with art and excitement.

Shopping

The Rocks Markets, located 0.4 miles from the Sydney Opera House, offers a vibrant atmosphere with local crafts and souvenirs. Martin Place, just 0.8 miles away, features a mix of entertainment and shopping. For a larger selection, if you're up for a drive, visit World Square Shopping Centre, 1 mile away.

Recreation

At the Sydney Cricket Ground, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere while enjoying a match or guided tour. The Metro Theatre offers live music experiences that energize your spirit. For a tranquil escape, the Cremorne Point to Mosman Bay Walk provides beautiful views and serene pathways for relaxation.

Adventure

Embark on the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, a scenic 4-mile hiking trail showcasing stunning ocean views. Explore the McElhone Stairs, a family-friendly maze located 0.9 mile away. For underwater sports enthusiasts, Ben Buckler Point offers thrilling activities 5 miles from the Sydney Opera House.

Nightlife

At Sydney Opera House, the nightlife buzzes with excitement. Nearby, Sydney Observatory offers cosmic views, while Sydney Theatre Company and Ensemble Theatre showcase captivating performances, perfect for a romantic night out or a family evening. Each venue adds its unique charm to the vibrant atmosphere of Sydney.

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

Find the best attractions near Sydney Opera House

During your visit to the iconic Sydney Opera House, explore the surrounding urban parks, vibrant streets, and historic government buildings. These attractions offer a blend of culture and outdoor experiences, perfect for every traveler. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy performances at the famous Sydney Opera House, and be sure to take in the stunning views and local charm that this area has to offer.

  • Circular Quay: Experience the vibrant heart of Sydney at Circular Quay, a bustling harbor that offers stunning views of the water and the iconic Sydney Opera House. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade, indulge in local eateries, and soak up the delightful beach vibes.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: Marvel at the architectural wonder of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a historic landmark that embodies Australian culture. Take a walk across its pedestrian pathway for breathtaking views of the harbor and city skyline—a must-do for any visitor.
  • Hyde Park: Escape to Hyde Park, Sydney's oldest and largest park, perfect for family outings and outdoor activities. Stroll through lush gardens, enjoy picnics, or simply relax amid the city’s greenery, immersing yourself in the vibrant city vibes.

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 trip to the Sydney Opera House, consider visiting between May and July, when hotel prices are lower. Book about a month in advance for the best rates, particularly on Mondays, which are cheaper than Saturdays. Use Expedia to filter for budget-friendly hotels and explore last-minute deals. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities can lead to additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership offers exclusive discounts and the chance to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Don’t forget to check for sustainable practices and best price guarantees.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to specify your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. 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.

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