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


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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Things to do near Sydney Opera House

A trip to the Sydney Opera House is incomplete without indulging in its vibrant offerings, including captivating opera performances, delightful shopping experiences, and an array of entertainment options. Enjoy world-class productions, explore surrounding boutiques, and savour local cuisine in the nearby eateries, making your visit truly memorable.

Shopping

Only 249m from the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks Markets offer a vibrant atmosphere with unique gifts. Martin Place and Centrepoint, both within 1.6km, provide a mix of shopping and entertainment, perfect for finding souvenirs to take home.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at the Sydney Cricket Ground, just 1.2km from the Opera House, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy a night of live music at the Metro Theatre, located 621m away, or unwind at Moore Park Golf Course, 1.9km away, surrounded by green landscapes.

Adventure

The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, located 2.5km from the Sydney Opera House, offers breathtaking views and a thrilling hiking experience. For a family-friendly adventure, navigate the McElhone Stairs, situated 559m away. Meanwhile, 3.1km from the opera house, Ben Buckler Point provides exhilarating underwater sports.

Nightlife

Explore the Sydney Observatory, just 373m away, for a family-friendly night under the stars. For a cultural experience, visit the Sydney Theatre Company, also 373m away, offering a romantic atmosphere. Alternatively, enjoy a film at the Open Air Cinema, located 249m from the Opera House.

Find the best attractions near Sydney Opera House

During your visit to the iconic Sydney Opera House, you'll discover a vibrant mix of urban parks, historic civic buildings, and lively streets. This area offers a wealth of cultural experiences and outdoor activities, perfect for exploring Sydney's attractions. Consider attending a performance by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra or staying at a nearby hotel for convenience, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this renowned landmark.

  • Circular Quay: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Circular Quay, a bustling harbour that offers stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and the harbour itself. With its lively cafés and shops, it's the perfect spot to soak in the beach vibes and watch ferries glide across the water.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: Experience the rich history and cultural significance of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Whether you choose to walk across or join a guided climb, this iconic structure provides breathtaking views and a unique perspective on Sydney's skyline.
  • Hyde Park: Relax in Hyde Park, Sydney's oldest public park, offering lush greenery and tranquil gardens. It's an ideal family-friendly space for outdoor activities, picnics, or simply enjoying the vibrant city atmosphere.

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 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 during your visit to Sydney Opera House, consider travelling in May, July, or October when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can help secure better rates, especially on Mondays, as Saturdays are typically the priciest. Utilize Expedia to compare room rates and explore last-minute deals, ensuring to filter for eco-friendly options if desired. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into an Expedia package can lead to significant savings. Don't forget to take advantage of public transport to explore the area affordably.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sydney Opera House are May, 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: 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel stay near the Sydney Opera House with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.