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.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Sydney Opera House

Tours & day trips

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Blue Mountains All-Inclusive Small Tour, Scenic World, Lunch, Koala, Cruise

Blue Mountains All-Inclusive Small Tour, Scenic World, Lunch, Koala, Cruise

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 417 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NT$5,722 per adult
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History & culture

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Sydney: Blue Mountains National Park Tour with River Cruise

Sydney: Blue Mountains National Park Tour with River Cruise

Activity duration is 10 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NT$1,960 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Sydney: Luxury Blue Mountains Adventure as a Small Group Day Tour

Sydney: Luxury Blue Mountains Adventure as a Small Group Day Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NT$5,642 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise

Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 125 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NT$2,475 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Sydney: Blue Mountains National Park Tour with River Cruise

Sydney: Blue Mountains National Park Tour with River Cruise

Activity duration is 10 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NT$1,960 per adult
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Reviews of Sydney Opera House

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1149
5 - Excellent 76%
4 - Good
325
4 - Good 21%
3 - Okay
35
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Book the tour. Its nice to see and hear about the different activities that occur here.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Take the tour, it's wonderful.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I definitely recommend anyone to visit the opera house and participate in the guided tour. The guided tour is essential in order to get fun facts of the facility and actually see some of their theaters or concert halls. I watched one show, and I enjoyed listening to a symphony during my stay. I definitely recommend! Powerful, exciting, and beautiful.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Pics of room

5/5 - Excellent

ROBERT

Make sure to catch the nightly light show, usually right after sunset. Displays on the east side of the shells of the smaller building (the restaurant) and best viewed from the terrace at the top of the big staircase. We didn't find out about it until later, but it was worth making another trip to see.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

You have to have a special tour to see the inside ($). The Opera House bar was beautiful and a great place to stop for a cold beverage.

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Shangri-La Sydney

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InterContinental Sydney by IHG

InterContinental Sydney by IHG

5 out of 5
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4 out of 5
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Hyatt Regency Sydney

Hyatt Regency Sydney

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Paradox Sydney

Paradox Sydney

5 out of 5
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The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

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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

Visitors to the iconic Sydney Opera House can enjoy a variety of activities, including attending opera performances, live music events, and concerts by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, the surrounding area offers excellent shopping and entertainment options, making it an ideal destination for a memorable experience. Don't miss the chance to explore the vibrant events hosted at this architectural marvel while immersing yourself in the cultural offerings of Sydney.

Shopping

For shopping near the Sydney Opera House, visit The Rocks Markets, just 644m away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with local crafts. Martin Place, located 1.3km away, features a mix of entertainment and shopping. Centrepoint is 1.4km away, perfect for family-friendly shopping and dining.

Recreation

Experience the thrill of sports at the Sydney Cricket Ground, just 3.2km from the Opera House, where you can soak in the energetic atmosphere. Enjoy a lively performance at the Metro Theatre, 1.6km away, for a dose of entertainment vibes. For outdoor relaxation, try golfing at Moore Park Golf Course, 4.8km distant.

Adventure

The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, located 6.4km from the Sydney Opera House, offers breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventure. For a family-friendly experience, navigate the McElhone Stairs, just 1.4km away. For thrill-seekers, Ben Buckler Point, 8.0km off, provides exciting underwater sports opportunities.

Nightlife

Experience the nightlife near the Sydney Opera House at the Sydney Observatory for family-friendly entertainment, or enjoy a romantic evening at the Sydney Theatre Company. For a unique setting, catch a film under the stars at the Open Air Cinema, perfect for families and couples alike.

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

Find the best attractions near Sydney Opera House

While visiting the iconic Sydney Opera House, you'll find a wealth of attractions and experiences. Explore the nearby urban parks, historic government buildings, and vibrant streets that showcase Sydney's rich culture and outdoor charm. Don't miss the breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and the opportunity to learn more about the famous Sydney Opera House, which is a must-see for any traveler. Enjoy the blend of art, history, and natural beauty that makes this area truly special.

  • Circular Quay: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Circular Quay, a stunning harbor located 644m from the Sydney Opera House. Enjoy breathtaking views, beach access, and lively scenery that perfectly captures Sydney's coastal charm.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: This iconic structure, also 644m away, offers a blend of history and culture. Walk or cycle across the bridge for panoramic views of the city and the harbor, making it a must-see for history buffs and photographers alike.
  • Hyde Park: Located 1.6km from the Opera House, Hyde Park is Sydney's lush urban oasis. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, it features expansive green spaces, beautiful gardens, and walking paths, perfect for a relaxing day in the heart of the city.

Best time to go to Sydney Opera House

The best time to visit Sydney Opera House 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 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 traveling between May and July when hotel prices are lower. Booking your accommodations about a month in advance or checking last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can lead to savings. Monday is generally the least expensive day to book, while Saturday tends to be pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and combine hotel stays with flights for better deals. Additionally, take advantage of free activities around the Opera House and utilize the public transport system for affordable travel.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Sydney Opera House is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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 refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodations. To find the best prices and deals, be sure to 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 deal.

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