Sydney Opera House Tours and Activities

Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House which includes modern architecture, music and general coastal views
Sydney Opera House which includes a city, general coastal views and modern architecture
Sydney Opera House which includes modern architecture, theatre scenes and interior views

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 harbour 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 theatres 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 travelling 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 harbour 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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Coronation

Hotel Coronation

3.5 out of 5
Sydney Central Business District
per person
Oct 7 - Oct 12
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Toronto (YYZ) to Sydney (SYD)
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
The availability of food and drink. Comfortable beds and in a convenient spot.

Reviewed on Aug. 10, 2025

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

4 out of 5
Sydney Central Business District
per person
Oct 18 - Oct 22
found 13 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Toronto (YYZ) to Sydney (SYD)
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,207 reviews)
Excellent location, just few mins walk to QVB, Townhall & Darling Harbour, lots of restaurants nearby. The room is a bit old, the towel rack had dropped in the washroom. Dun expect the kitchen could be used as the pot & pan are rusty & other food wares are also dirty so I didn’t cook. It’s still good value for money considered the location & room size.

Reviewed on Aug. 10, 2025

YEHS Hotel Sydney CBD

YEHS Hotel Sydney CBD

3.5 out of 5
Sydney Central Business District
per person
Oct 18 - Oct 22
found 13 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Toronto (YYZ) 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 Aug. 3, 2025

Tours & day trips

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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 CA $197 per adult
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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 CA $89 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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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 CA $122 per adult*
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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 CA $50 per adult
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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 CA $98 per adult
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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
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Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
199 George St., Sydney, NSW
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The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

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5 out of 5
1 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW
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Hyatt Regency Sydney

5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
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Sydney Harbour Hotel

4 out of 5
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InterContinental Sydney by IHG

5 out of 5
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Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay

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4 out of 5
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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, immerse yourself in a vibrant array of activities including live performances, guided tours, and accessible shows. Enjoy the captivating atmosphere with live music and take part in an hour-long tour to explore this architectural marvel. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in nearby shopping and entertainment options, making your visit a truly unforgettable experience.

Shopping

The Rocks Markets, only 644m from the Sydney Opera House, offers a vibrant local atmosphere with unique crafts and souvenirs. Martin Place, 1.3km away, is perfect for family-friendly shopping. If you're up for a drive, Centrepoint, located 1.4km away, features a variety of shops for all tastes.

Recreation

The Sydney Cricket Ground offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, just 3.2km from the Opera House. Bondi Icebergs, located 6.4km away, features a family-friendly outdoor pool. For ultimate relaxation, Treera Thai Massage, 4.8km away, provides a tranquil escape with soothing body treatments.

Adventure

Embark on the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, a scenic 6.4km hike showcasing breathtaking views. Navigate the McElhone Stairs, a fun maze 1.4km away, perfect for family adventures. For thrill-seekers, explore Ben Buckler Point, located 8.0km away, offering exhilarating underwater sports experiences.

Nightlife

In Sydney, the Sydney Theatre Company and Wharf Theatre, both 966m from the Opera House, offer captivating performances in a romantic setting. The Ensemble Theatre, located 1.3km away, adds to the night with its vibrant culture and family-friendly entertainment options.

Find the best attractions near Sydney Opera House

Visiting the iconic Sydney Opera House offers a blend of culture and outdoor experiences. Explore nearby urban parks and historic civic buildings while taking in stunning views of Sydney Harbour. This vibrant area is perfect for those seeking a mix of adventure and appreciation for the arts, making it an excellent destination for travellers eager to immerse themselves in the charm of Sydney.

  • Circular Quay: A vibrant harbour area, Circular Quay is a bustling hub with stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and the water. Enjoy the beach vibes, dine at waterfront cafes, and take in the lively atmosphere, all within a short 644m from the Opera House.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: This iconic historic bridge offers a unique cultural experience. Spanning 644m from the Opera House, you can walk across for breathtaking views of the harbour and cityscape, immersing yourself in Sydney's rich history and culture.
  • Hyde Park: Located 1.6km from the Opera House, Hyde Park is an urban oasis perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, and beautiful gardens amidst the vibrant city atmosphere.

Best time to go to Sydney Opera House

Visitor numbers around Sydney Opera House is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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

To save money during your visit to the Sydney Opera House, explore nearby free attractions like Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Star Casino. Plan your trip in May, July, or October for lower accommodation rates. Booking a hotel about a month in advance or looking for last-minute deals on Expedia can help you find great bargains. Mondays typically offer the cheapest stays, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tools to filter for eco-friendly hotels and combine bookings for better deals. Don’t forget to check for discount hotels and additional vouchers!

  • 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: 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 customize your travel options, including your budget, preferred location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near the Sydney Opera House with your flights and activities when you book an Expedia package.