Sydney Opera House Tours and Activities

Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House featuring modern architecture, general coastal views and music
Sydney Opera House featuring general coastal views, a city and a square or plaza
Sydney Opera House showing modern architecture, interior views and theatre scenes

Take in a performance or just take in the splendour of one of the world’s most famous buildings.

Mention Sydney, and the Sydney Opera House will almost certainly come to mind. This 20th century architectural masterpiece is one of the most instantly recognisable buildings in the world. Whether you are coming to enjoy one of its world-class productions or you just want to see this iconic building, no visit to Sydney would be complete without a trip to the opera house.Listed as a world heritage site, Sydney Opera House has won many architectural awards and plaudits for its unique design. It’s also home to some of the most reputable artistic companies, namely Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Over one million visitors pass through the building every year to come and admire its magnificent interiors and to enjoy some of the world’s best opera, ballet and classical music performances.The Sydney Opera House is surrounded on three sides by Sydney Harbour. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the Monument Steps to get some of the best views over the harbour. This location is also a photographer’s dream, so bring your camera and take a few memorable holiday snaps.The building is such a popular tourist spot that most areas have been made freely available to the public. The reception boasts a striking floor-to-ceiling tapestry which was inspired by Bach’s Hamburg Symphonies.The internal structure comprises several different concert venues, with the Concert Hall, the Joan Sutherland Theatre and the Drama Theatre being the most prominent. Guided tours of the Sydney Opera House theatres are available if you’d like a look around. Expert guides will talk you through the history and share anecdotes about all of the great performers who have graced the Sydney Opera House since its inauguration in 1973.If you fancy a bite to eat while you’re taking in the opulence of the Sydney Opera House, there is everything from child-friendly cafés to upmarket restaurants to cater for all visitors. You can also enjoy particularly attractive views across the harbour at the Opera Bar.The Sydney Opera House box office and tour information desk is open seven days a week for bookings.

Plan a trip to see Sydney Opera House

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YEHS Hotel Sydney QVB

YEHS Hotel Sydney QVB

3.5 out of 5
Sydney Central Business District
Save 100% on your flight
per person
31 Oct - 4 Nov
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Brisbane (BNE) to Sydney (SYD)
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Great friendly staff

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

YEHS Hotel Sydney CBD

YEHS Hotel Sydney CBD

3.5 out of 5
Sydney Central Business District
per person
2 Oct - 7 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Adelaide (ADL) to Sydney (SYD)
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Within walking distance to city transport. I had the standard single room which is quite small but adequate for 1 night.

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Coogee Bay Boutique Hotel

Coogee Bay Boutique Hotel

4 out of 5
Coogee
Save 100% on your flight
per person
31 Oct - 4 Nov
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Melbourne (MEL) to Sydney (SYD)
8.8/10 Excellent! (824 reviews)
I loved my stay at this lovely boutique hotel near to my favorite Sydney beach. The hotel was tucked away on a street close to the beach and had a clean, modern ambience. Our room was spacious with an appealing decor. Would definitely stay here again.

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

Tours & day trips

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Blue Mountains Adventure: Scenic World, Zoo & Koala Photo

Blue Mountains Adventure: Scenic World, Zoo & Koala Photo

Activity duration is 10 hours and 30 minutes
8.8 out of 10 with 15 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$219 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 AU$99 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 63 activities
Private Luxury Half Day Sydney City Tour

Private Luxury Half Day Sydney City Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$135 per adult*
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Water activities

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Sydney: Morning or Afternoon Harbour Sightseeing Cruise

Sydney: Morning or Afternoon Harbour Sightseeing Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 8 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$55 per adult
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Attractions

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Go City: Sydney Explorer Pass - Choose 2 to 7 Attractions

Go City: Sydney Explorer Pass - Choose 2 to 7 Attractions

Activity duration is 30 days
9.2 out of 10 with 37 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$109 per adult
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Government House

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Top Sydney Opera House Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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
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
Sydney Harbour Hotel

Sydney Harbour Hotel

4 out of 5
55 George Street, The Rocks, NSW
Sydney Harbour Hotel
InterContinental Sydney by IHG

InterContinental Sydney by IHG

5 out of 5
16 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW
InterContinental Sydney by IHG
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
View Sydney
See all 4,909 properties in Sydney Opera House
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

At the iconic Sydney Opera House, visitors can indulge in a variety of activities including captivating opera performances and engaging tours. For those seeking relaxation, spa experiences are available nearby. You can also enjoy the renowned Sydney Symphony Orchestra and explore the vibrant shopping and entertainment options in the area. Don't miss the chance to connect with nature at the wildlife retreat, making your visit an unforgettable experience.

Shopping

The Rocks Markets, just 644m from the Sydney Opera House, offer a vibrant atmosphere with local crafts and food. Martin Place, 1.3km away, features a mix of shops in a bustling setting. Centrepoint, located 1.4km away, is great for family and business vibes.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at Sydney Cricket Ground, just 3.2km away, where you can soak in the sports atmosphere. Enjoy a night of live music at the Metro Theatre, located 1.6km away, or unwind with a round of golf at Moore Park Golf Course, 4.8km away, surrounded by nature.

Adventure

The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk offers breathtaking views along a stunning coastline, a must-do for hiking enthusiasts located 6.4km from Sydney Opera House. For a family-friendly challenge, navigate the McElhone Stairs, 1.4km away. Adventure seekers can dive into underwater sports at Ben Buckler Point, 8.0km from the iconic venue.

Nightlife

The Sydney Opera House area comes alive at night with vibrant venues like the Sydney Observatory, perfect for family fun under the stars, and the Sydney Theatre Company, offering captivating performances. For a romantic evening, enjoy a film at the Open Air Cinema, surrounded by stunning views.

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

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 streetscapes. This area is perfect for culture lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Don't miss the stunning views of Sydney Harbour, and consider catching a performance by Opera Australia for a truly unforgettable experience at this architectural marvel.

  • Circular Quay: Experience the vibrant hub of Circular Quay, where the stunning harbour views meet lively beach vibes. This picturesque spot is perfect for soaking in the scenery, enjoying a meal, or catching a ferry to explore more of Sydney.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: Walk or cycle across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, a testament to the city’s rich culture and history. The views from the top are breathtaking, providing a unique perspective of the city and its beautiful harbour.
  • Hyde Park: Escape the urban hustle in Hyde Park, Sydney's lush green oasis. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, it offers tranquil walking paths, vibrant gardens, and plenty of space for picnics and relaxation amidst the city skyline.

Best time to go to Sydney Opera House

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.

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 SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
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

For an affordable visit to the Sydney Opera House, consider travelling in May, July, or October when accommodation prices drop. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, particularly on Mondays. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, filter by budget, or explore eco-friendly options. For cost-effective transport, utilise Sydney's public transport system, which is efficient and economical. Don't forget to check out free activities around the harbour, such as walking tours and outdoor events, to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by bundling your hotel stay near the Sydney Opera House with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.