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.
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

4 out of 5
Sydney Central Business District
Price was CA $2,228, price is now CA $1,927 per person
CA $1,927
per person
Nov 8 - Nov 10
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Vancouver (YVR) to Sydney (SYD)
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,237 reviews)
Location was good- property needed some updates and repair. Clean enough, cleaning supplies often left in hallway making it difficult to navigate. Not wheel chair friendly. Overall wouldn't stay again but it worked for our purposes.

Reviewed on Sep. 1, 2025

YEHS Hotel Sydney CBD

YEHS Hotel Sydney CBD

3.5 out of 5
Sydney Central Business District
Price was CA $3,613, price is now CA $2,633 per person
CA $2,633
per person
Nov 15 - Nov 21
found 17 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Toronto (YYZ) to Sydney (SYD)
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Despite being right in the middle of the city it was quiet and nice. Also for a small room it was still spacious and well equipped

Reviewed on Aug. 30, 2025

Furama Darling Harbour

Furama Darling Harbour

4 out of 5
Haymarket
Price was CA $3,308, price is now CA $2,859 per person
CA $2,859
per person
Nov 15 - Nov 21
found 17 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Toronto (YYZ) to Sydney (SYD)
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
The location is fantastic. Short walk to darling Harbour, the light rail, metro and trains. Chinatown is right around the corner, so the food selection is fantastic. The hotel itself is fairly dated, we booked the premium family room. It was clean enough, however the bathroom is in fire need of a renovation or a thorough clean. i.e. the grount was black/grey when it was originally white. Mould around the shower edges, I felt I needed to wear thongs (flip-flops) when showering. There was a stain on the carpet upon arrival which was wet.and the shower head was mostly blocked. Thankfully they replaced the showerhead for us. The USB wall chargers did not work, so ensure to you bring your own USB chargers. We also found it confusing that the hotel offers a kitchenette but no plates, cutlery, microwave. Literally just a bench top and sink. If a renovation is on the cards this would be a wonderful hotel to stay at.

Reviewed on Sep. 1, 2025

Tours & day trips

See all 221 activities
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 408 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $260 per adult
Blue Mountains All-Inclusive Small Tour, Scenic World, Lunch, Koala, CruiseOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 60 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 CA $121 per adult*
Private Luxury Half Day Sydney City TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 59 activities
Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise

Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 124 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $112 per adult
Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner CruiseOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 27 activities
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
Sydney: Blue Mountains National Park Tour with River CruiseOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 16 activities
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
9.0 out of 10 with 38 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $97 per adult
Go City: Sydney Explorer Pass - Choose 2 to 7 AttractionsOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit

Government House

Government House

Government House is just one of the places to see in Sydney, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in the area.

Government House
Campbell’s Storehouses

Campbell’s Storehouses

Find out about the history of Sydney when you take a trip to Campbell’s Storehouses. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and entertainment choices.

Campbell’s Storehouses
Cadmans Cottage Historic Site

Cadmans Cottage Historic Site

Explore the great outdoors at Cadmans Cottage Historic Site, a lovely green space in Sydney. Stroll along the waterfront in this romantic area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

Cadmans Cottage Historic Site
Cadman’s Cottage

Cadman’s Cottage

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Cadman’s Cottage in Sydney. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the shops in the area.

Cadman’s Cottage
Justice and Police Museum

Justice and Police Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Justice and Police Museum during your travels in Sydney. Experience the area's acclaimed art scene and entertainment choices.

Justice and Police Museum
Pylon Lookout

Pylon Lookout

Pylon Lookout is just one of the places to see in Sydney, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the area's shops or amble around its waterfront.

Pylon Lookout

Best Lodging Options Near Sydney Opera House

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
Sydney Harbour Hotel

Sydney Harbour Hotel

4 out of 5
55 George Street, The Rocks, NSW
Sydney Harbour Hotel
Hyatt Regency Sydney

Hyatt Regency Sydney

5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Hyatt Regency Sydney
InterContinental Sydney by IHG

InterContinental Sydney by IHG

5 out of 5
16 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW
InterContinental Sydney by IHG
Paradox Sydney

Paradox Sydney

5 out of 5
27 O'Connell Street, Sydney, NSW
Paradox Sydney
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

5 out of 5
11 Jamison Street, Sydney, NSW
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney
View Sydney

View Sydney

4 out of 5
17 Blue Street, North Sydney, NSW
View Sydney
See all 4,851 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

While visiting the iconic Sydney Opera House, don't miss the chance to enjoy a captivating opera performance or take a scenic ferry ride across the harbour. An evening stroll around the Opera House offers stunning views and a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for capturing memorable moments. Additionally, explore nearby shopping and entertainment options to enhance your experience in this cultural hub.

Shopping

The Rocks Markets, only 644m away, offers a vibrant atmosphere with local crafts and food. Martin Place, 1.3km from the Opera House, features a mix of entertainment and shops. Centrepoint is 1.4km away, boasting family-friendly options and city vibes.

Recreation

The Sydney Cricket Ground, just 3.2km from the Opera House, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere perfect for fans. For a refreshing swim, the Olympic Pool North Sydney is 966m away, ideal for families. For relaxation, Treera Thai Massage, 4.8km away, promises wellness and rejuvenation.

Adventure

The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, located 6.4km from the Sydney Opera House, offers breathtaking views and adventure-filled trails. For a family-friendly experience, navigate the McElhone Stairs, situated 1.4km away. For underwater sports enthusiasts, Ben Buckler Point, 8.0km away, promises thrilling aquatic activities.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the Sydney Opera House is vibrant and cultural. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Sydney Theatre Company, only 966m away, or experience the charm of Ensemble Theatre and Wharf Theatre, both offering a blend of romance and family-friendly entertainment, just 0.8 and 966m away, respectively.

*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 Sydney Opera House, you're in for a cultural treat with attractions like the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and stunning views of Sydney Harbour. Explore the vibrant urban parks, historic civic buildings, and lively streets around the area, perfect for outdoor experiences and cultural immersion. Whether you're catching a performance tonight or simply wandering the iconic site, there’s no shortage of captivating activities in this iconic location.

  • Circular Quay: A vibrant hub with stunning views of the harbour, Circular Quay is perfect for soaking up the sun on its beaches or enjoying the lively atmosphere. It's an excellent spot for dining and people-watching while taking in the scenic vibes.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: Experience the rich cultural heritage of Sydney at this iconic bridge. Whether you walk or climb, the bridge offers breathtaking views and guided tours that delve into its fascinating history.
  • Hyde Park: Escape the urban hustle in this lush park, ideal for family outings and outdoor activities. With beautiful gardens and walking paths, Hyde Park provides a refreshing green space in the heart of the city.

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 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 trip to the Sydney Opera House, consider visiting from May to July when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and look for deals on Expedia, especially last-minute offers marked with a green label. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by price and preferences, including eco-friendly options. Additionally, combine your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings through package deals.

  • 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: Book your hotel around Sydney Opera House about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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 choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results from the lowest to highest prices, allowing you to discover the most affordable hotels right away. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will display sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Sydney Opera House with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia