Princess Theatre Tours and Activities

Princess Theatre featuring a city, a skyscraper and street scenes
Photo provided by Tourism Victoria
Photo provided by Tourism Victoria
Photo provided by Tourism Victoria


Spend an evening enjoying a meal, watching a dramatic performance and looking for the friendly in-house ghost at this majestic Melbourne theatre. 

The Princess Theatre is one of Melbourne's cultural jewels, having hosted such renowned productions as The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables. Admire its majestic architecture and then take a seat in its intimate performance hall, which can hold 1,470 people. Savour a whimsical evening of champagne and music, mingle with drama-loving guests and experience Melbourne's rich cultural heritage.

Opened in 1854, the Princess Theatre was built with a retractable roof and electric stage lighting, which were state of the art features at the time. After falling into disrepair over the next century, it was restored into its modern form as one of Melbourne's primary cultural landmarks.

Of the theatre's many curiosities, visitors are most often intrigued by the legend of a friendly ghost that resides in these walls. Actors and staff have reported many sightings over the years and his ghostly face was even caught on a documentary frame made in the 1970s, so keep an eye out. According to long-passed tales, this phantom is the opera singer, Federici, who died of an on-stage heart attack in 1888. Spot the empty seat in the Dress Circle, which is left unoccupied every night to honour his memory.

Enjoy a fine meal at the Federici Bistro before your show. Alternatively, the theatre is near to Chinatown where you'll find a number of delightful oriental cuisines. Digest your meal as you satisfy your appetite for drama in the theatre's comfortable, red chairs. Look up and inspect the intricate architecture and decorations that adorn the ceiling. At the intermission, enjoy the fresh evening air and photograph the theatre's exterior. Its intricate architecture is especially pretty at night when its stained glass windows are illuminated from within.

Find the Princess Theatre on Spring Street in Melbourne's centre, next to Parliament Gardens. Get there by metro, stopping at Parliament Station, or catch the free City Circle Tram, which stops just outside. Buy tickets online or by phone. Booster seats can be bought for kids.

Plan a trip to see Princess Theatre

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Top Princess Theatre Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Rydges Melbourne

Rydges Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
186 Exhibition Street,, Melbourne, VIC
Rydges Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

5 out of 5
123 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
215 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

4 out of 5
35-47 City Road, Southbank, VIC
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

4 out of 5
589-599 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG
Stamford Plaza Melbourne

Stamford Plaza Melbourne

5 out of 5
111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

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

The Langham, Melbourne

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

Dorsett Melbourne

4 out of 5
615 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC
Dorsett Melbourne
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

Exploring the Princess Theatre in Melbourne offers a vibrant mix of activities, including comedy theatre and captivating performances. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with theatre dining options nearby, perfect for pre-show meals. Don't miss out on various events hosted at this iconic venue, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of art and entertainment in the heart of the city.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Melbourne Central, just 805m away, offering a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. Queen Victoria Market, 1.4km away, provides a bustling atmosphere for local goods. If you're up for a drive, visit Lightning Ridge Opal Mines, located 644m away for unique souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience the thrill at Marvel Stadium, just 1.6km from Princess Theatre, where you can enjoy live sports events in an electric atmosphere. For a delightful evening, head to Sidney Myer Music Bowl, 1.4km away, and immerse yourself in captivating concerts under the stars.

Take the family to Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, located 3.2km away, for a fun day of swimming and recreational activities, perfect for all ages. Enjoy the lively, family-friendly environment while making lasting memories together.

Adventure

Experience the Tan Track, an outdoor paradise located 1.6km from Princess Theatre, perfect for a refreshing jog. For hiking enthusiasts, the Merri Creek Trail, 3.2km away, offers stunning scenery. For a unique adventure, take a scenic flight with Melbourne Seaplanes, located 8.0km from the theatre.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Princess Theatre with a show at the Regent Theatre, just 644m away, or enjoy a performance at Her Majesty's Theatre, only 322m away. The Forum Theatre, also 644m away, offers a charming atmosphere perfect for a memorable night out.

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

Find the best attractions near Princess Theatre

When visiting the Princess Theatre in Melbourne, you'll find a vibrant mix of street art, urban parks, and historic colleges nearby. This area is perfect for culture enthusiasts and families alike, offering a rich tapestry of experiences. Be sure to explore the theatre district and read reviews of the Princess Theatre to enhance your visit to one of Melbourne's iconic venues.

  • Rod Laver Arena: This iconic venue, located 1.3km from the Princess Theatre, is famous for hosting major sporting events and concerts. With its vibrant atmosphere and family-friendly vibes, it's a perfect spot to catch a thrilling tennis match or a live performance.
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground: Situated 1.4km away, the MCG is a historic sports stadium that embodies the spirit of Australian sport and culture. Whether you’re enjoying a cricket match or a footy game, the electric atmosphere will leave you in awe.
  • Collins Street: Just 1.1km from the theatre, Collins Street is the heart of Melbourne's city vibes, showcasing a blend of boutique shopping, fine dining, and historic architecture, making it a must-visit for a quintessential Melbourne experience.

Best time to go to Princess Theatre

The best time to visit Princess Theatre can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Princess Theatre falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Princess Theatre falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain (dry).

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 Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 trip to the Princess Theatre in Melbourne, consider visiting between May to June or August when accommodation prices drop. Aim to check in on a Monday, the least expensive day, and avoid Saturdays, which are pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly hotels. Additionally, consider booking a package deal that includes flights, accommodation, and activities for extra savings. Finally, take advantage of Melbourne's public transport options, which are affordable and convenient for exploring the city.

  • 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 choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organise your results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, ensuring you see the most affordable accommodation options first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category – for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at the Princess Theatre with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.