Sydney Opera House: Hours, Address, Sydney Opera House Reviews: 4.5/5
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Theatres
Read more
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
One of the most iconic buildings in the world – the Sydney Opera House is an architectural masterpiece and vibrant performance space. It's a place where the past shapes the future, where conventions are challenged and cultures are celebrated. Step inside and discover the stories that make the Opera House so inspiring. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a first-timer or an aficionado, the Sydney Opera House has something for everyone.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingAdmission tickets
from A$69.00
All you need to step foot in the door.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Sydney Opera House
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Central Business District
The Sydney Central Business District is abuzz with energy. Power brokers run to and from high rise buildings and after-work drink places, high-end shoppers tour venues like the QVB, and fine diners frequent the many celebrity chef restaurants. For a dose of culture, walk to the NSW Art Gallery, or visit the Sydney Museum. To escape the hustle and bustle, reconnect with nature at the Sydney Botanical Gardens or picnic lunch at High Park. No matter your interest, be sure to check the full calendar of events hosted by the city, from the Sydney Festival in January to October’s Good Food Month at Hyde Park.
How to get there
- Circular Quay • 8 min walk
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
4,871 within 5 kms

Aria Restaurant Sydney
3,009
0.3 km$$$$ • Contemporary • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly

Bennelong Restaurant Sydney
1,427
86 m$$$$ • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Quay Restaurant
2,045
0.4 km$$$$ • International • Contemporary • Fusion

Opera Bar
1,988
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Bar • Australian

6 HEAD 1788
140
0.5 km$$$$ • Steakhouse • Australian • Gluten Free Options

The Tea Cosy
374
0.6 km$$ - $$$ • Irish • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

The Spice Room
1,021
0.6 km$$ - $$$ • Indian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

The East Chinese Restaurant
394
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Asian • Cantonese

Ribs & Burgers The Rocks
655
0.6 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Steakhouse • Barbecue

Yuki's At The Quay
170
0.5 km$$$$ • Japanese • Seafood • Sushi
Attractions
717 within 10 kms

Opera Australia
1,072
47 mOperas

The Australian Ballet
77
55 mBallets

Sydney Harbour
21,849
0.2 kmBodies of Water

The Opera House to the Botanic Gardens Walk
6,561
0.3 kmScenic Walking Areas

Sydney Writers Walk
6
96 mPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Government House
266
0.3 kmHistoric Sites • Government Buildings

Sydney Ferries
21,206
0.6 kmFerries

Sydney Harbour Bridge
13,929
0.7 kmBridges

ATTY Gallery
248
0.6 kmArt Galleries

Shopper Hopper
82
0.4 kmFerries
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
24,286 reviews
Excellent
18,102
Very good
4,851
Average
1,034
Poor
189
Terrible
111
Carol
2 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Fabulous excursion. Highly recommend it to anyone. Great history and easy walking. Easy parking - great location.
Written 18 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gail C
6 contributions
May 2022
At the very last minute, we decided to attend Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit at the Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House. We could only get row N but that didn't matter. The view was good, the acoutics were good and the play was great. The facilities at the Opera House, from taking your coats to the Bar service were excellent.
Written 18 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
linnman
singapore278 contributions
May 2022
This was the second time I visited the Opera House and continued to be amazed by the architecture whether looking at it near or far. I continued to be amazed by the dining crowd below the Opera House. I think a visit to Sydney is not complete without a stop at this iconic place.
Written 17 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alice N
Newcastle, Australia144 contributions
Apr. 2022
A great walk - lots to see - take water and food sit and enjoy - it’s free. Nice eateries in the area - plants have really grown as I can remember looking at them as baby plants
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Phil
4 contributions
Apr. 2022
We wanted to go on the one hour tour to have a look inside the Opera House and this we did. The tour itself was of some interest, but rather padded out, although to be fair, there is not much more that could have been done once we had seen the inside.
Written 13 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
joe malma
Joe Batt's Arm, Canada9 contributions
Jan. 2022
I made it to australia and went to this place. Quandle (from Dingle, Ireland) recommended it to me when we landed and it was sight. it has a beautiful view and looks good. but why do the people talk so weird?
Written 4 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
quekl
Singapore, Singapore127 contributions
Apr. 2022
Just a visit to the Sydney Opera House.
It is a must-see place for me. Unfortunately it was raining the day I went, so all I could see was just the majestic exterior. Would love to go back there again!
It is a must-see place for me. Unfortunately it was raining the day I went, so all I could see was just the majestic exterior. Would love to go back there again!
Written 30 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gloria C
Sydney, Australia99 contributions
May 2021
To visit the OH for a performance is a nightmare. One has
to navigate through hundreds of party going young people
drinking and making noise with cheap bands. The OH should
b e a place of refinement, dignity and reflect the arts, not a drunken
hangout for party goers.
to navigate through hundreds of party going young people
drinking and making noise with cheap bands. The OH should
b e a place of refinement, dignity and reflect the arts, not a drunken
hangout for party goers.
Written 23 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom6,324 contributions
Feb. 2022
The Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are the 2 must-sees on any tourist itinerary. You can book guided tours of the Opera House but for those with limited time and a tight itinerary, you can see a lot on your own for free.
From the forecourt, walk all the way around the outside (it will take about 10 minutes). As you walk around, the curves and the light changes as the angles change. There are a thousand angles for the photographer.
Walk up the grand Monumental Staircase to the podium and walk around the Upper Concourse level to see the famous tiled shells up close, close enough to touch. There are 1,056,006 tiles which were made of a special composite of clay and crushed stone in 2 different colours.
It’s free to go inside and you can walk around all the public spaces although access to many areas will be restricted.
ITINERARY PLANNING:
From the Opera House, you are well positioned to head off in any direction. The Botanic Garden gates are next to the Opera House and you can stroll along the harbour promenade to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a well known lookout point and continue on to the NSW Art Gallery. If you head in the other direction, you can walk the 10 minutes back to Circular Quay towards the Harbour Bridge and explore the historic Rocks area. Or jump on a ferry to Manly, Watsons Bay or Taronga Zoo.
From the forecourt, walk all the way around the outside (it will take about 10 minutes). As you walk around, the curves and the light changes as the angles change. There are a thousand angles for the photographer.
Walk up the grand Monumental Staircase to the podium and walk around the Upper Concourse level to see the famous tiled shells up close, close enough to touch. There are 1,056,006 tiles which were made of a special composite of clay and crushed stone in 2 different colours.
It’s free to go inside and you can walk around all the public spaces although access to many areas will be restricted.
ITINERARY PLANNING:
From the Opera House, you are well positioned to head off in any direction. The Botanic Garden gates are next to the Opera House and you can stroll along the harbour promenade to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a well known lookout point and continue on to the NSW Art Gallery. If you head in the other direction, you can walk the 10 minutes back to Circular Quay towards the Harbour Bridge and explore the historic Rocks area. Or jump on a ferry to Manly, Watsons Bay or Taronga Zoo.
Written 19 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
KKRC
Los Angeles, CA
Hi, How bad is the air quality/smoke in Sydney now? We are planning to go there for Christmas. Thanks a lot!
_christina191thomas
Neath Port Talbot, UK51 contributions
I have friends living in Sydney and conditions change daily. Poor at the moment.
Jennifer H
Ewa Beach, HI3 contributions
Greetings!
My husband and I will be in Sydney CBD over New Year 19/20. I am in a compact mobility scooter as I do not have use of one ankle/foot (but I am a mad “chair dancer” LOL). We want to book the Portside GE NYE party, but wanted to know if there are tables and chairs set up for GE to use? I see just a few scattered photos of the setup, so I imagine it changes over the years... but perhaps a more recent instance? I can stay in my scooter as a “chair” assuming I’m allowed to... but it is preferred for my husband to be able to sit by me at times throughout the night (it gets tiresome having views of bottoms everywhere I go, LOL).
Also, how is the process to enter for the Portside NYE event? Am I in for a challenge just getting to the Portside area once we get to the Opera House? Such as queues or heaven forbid STAIRS (my mortal enemy, we meet again).
Any hints or tips towards these questions are greatly appreciated!!! Happy Holidays and cheers!
Jen
Sydney Opera House
Sydney, Australia
Hi Jen,
Thank you very much for your recent inquiry.
Access to the Portside function is all on one flat level (so you have already defeated that mortal enemy of yours!) and access to the Opera House on New Years Eve varies greatly to normal operating procedures.
I've sent you a private message with my email address and if you could contact me on that I can make sure that we can tailor everything to meet your needs on the evening.
Warm regards,
Rick Higgs,
Visitor Services Operations Manager
SanFranciscoWriter
San Francisco, CA20 contributions
Howdy!
I just purchased tickets for Cosi along with the SOH tour/dinner option for Dec. 12 as a honeymoon present for my husband and while I am super excited, I am also confused. Do we make reservations for the restaurant in advance of the show? When and where do we meet for the tour?
Thank you!
Sydney Opera House
Sydney, Australia
Hi SanFranciscoWriter,
Thank you very much for posting your question and congratulations on your up coming wedding!
We offer a range of different products in regards to tour and dining packages so please head to the contact us section of our website and resubmit this question so that we can look into your personal order and give you some further advice.
Kind regards,
Team SOH
Nahi
Adelaide, Australia
I have a 5-hour long layover in Sydney before flying to Adelaide. I will reach Sydney at 11 AM and I am thinking of passing by the Sydney Opera House. I’ll be with my husband and 7-yo son and we have 4 big check-in bags in tow. Where can we leave our luggage so we can comfortably make a quick visit just to take some snapshots in front of the Sydney Opera House? Is it good leave it at Smarte Carte in Terminal 2 where we’re gonna take the plane to Adelaide? Or is there a more convenient & affordable place where we can leave our luggage? Because we have to be back at Terminal 2 at least 2 hours before our 4 PM flight. Thanks in advance!
Redjessie
Kadina, Australia132 contributions
Hi, I am so sorry I have just received your message. We have never had to leave luggage anywhere, but I would think the easiest and quickest place for you would be at the airport. Are you able to do an early check-in?? That way you can get rid of your badges immediately, even if you do “self” checkin! The Opera House is certainly a beautiful icon to see, there is also the “Observation Building” where you can see all of Sydney from if you dont have much time. There are many cafe’s around the Opera House so you can enjoy a coffee or beverage before you have to rush back to the airport! I hope this isnt too late for you and if not I hope it helps! Enjoy your stay!
Why does it charge a booking fee when booking a show
Sydney Opera House
Sydney, Australia
Dear catlady4331,
Thank you very much for your question.
The Opera House is a not-for-profit organisation with a significant and ongoing investment in ticketing technology, infrastructure and personnel operating for extended trading hours. The booking fee makes a contribution towards sustaining this service. This booking fee is also applied per transaction, so it’s best to book everything you need in a single transaction.
Our current booking fees are $8.50 online and $5 in person at our onsite Box Office and is not applicable to Sydney Opera House tour bookings.
Kind regards,
Team SOH
Tigerpaw01
Texas5 contributions
Has anyone purchased the Photoshoot session/option? I am contemplating buying it as I see they take up to 30 pictures of your around the opera house. Any insight or input is appreciated. Thanks.
Sydney Opera House
Sydney, Australia
Hi Tigerpaw01
Thanks for your query regarding activities to do while at the Sydney Opera House. The tour you have mentioned is not an authorised tour and is not associated with the Sydney Opera House.
You are more than welcome to take your own photos when visiting the Opera House and can find more information by heading to the 'visit us' section of our website where you will find a whole page dedicated to your first visit, or, simply contact any member of staff when you arrive onsite who will be more than happy to point you in the direction of their favorite 'selfie' spots!
Kind regards,
Team SOH
Andrew S
27 contributions
Thinking of seeing La Boheme on NYE 2020 and watching the fireworks from the Opera House afterwards. Are tickets to the add-on “Midnight Party” worth the extra money, or will we get good views with just the performance tickets?
Sydney Opera House
Sydney, Australia
Dear J6892BCandrews,
We are delighted you are thinking of spending your New Years' eve at the Sydney Opera House. You will certainly have amazing views with your ticket purchase for the Opera but for some extra sparkle to your evening we think it is a fantastic idea to book the Midnight Party. It is a great way to welcome in the New Year with exclusive northern foyer access, free flowing drinks and canapés where the midnight party is held. Either way, celebrating your NYE with us will be a night to remember for many years to come. Looking forward to ringing in the New Year with you.
Kind regards,
Team SOH
Sailsearch
Houston39 contributions
Wanting to see a a performance at the Sydney Opera House Dec 11th or 12th but unable to find a performance. Does anyone know what is playing there or how to obtain tickets for a performance.
Sydney Opera House
Sydney, Australia
Dear Sailsearch,
We have all our available shows on the Sydney opera house website- you can click into "events" and find out all that's going on. For December 11th and 12th this year we have "The Nutcracker" by The Australian Ballet, a children show "Spot" and a theatre performance piece titled "Cosi". You're able to purchase a ticket directly online. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Kind regards,
Team SOH
Гуля И
150 contributions
В театре есть дресс-код?
Sydney Opera House
Sydney, Australia
Hi there,
Thanks for your question. There is no dress code for the Sydney Opera House. If you are attending a Sydney Opera House tour we recommend wearing flat, comfortable footwear.
Thanks and kind regards, SOH
CHBLittleRock
Little Rock, AR36 contributions
We are going to see Star Wars at the Sydney Opera House in September, having never been in the opera house trying to pick seats. The site indicates somewhat obstructed view through Row H of stalls because of musicians possibly blocking part of the screen. Would you recommend the back of the stalls or the circle area? I'm short so first row of circle would have been great but not available. Thanks for any input! Cindy
Photographer17
Scottsdale, AZ253 contributions
I looked up the Star Wars performance and if it is the one I viewed, it is the Joan Sutherland Theatre. We attended the Anna Bolena Opera in the same theatre a week ago. We were in the circle, seats D 10 and 11. I am also short and had no problem viewing the performance from the circle four rows up. If you have not been to the Opera House, it is well designed and hard to find a bad seat. I'd also recommend a tour a day or two before the performance. The tour and performance were top highlights of our trip!
Frequently Asked Questions about Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Opera House is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Sydney Opera House admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost AU$70.77, while a popular guided tour starts around AU$8.51 per person. See all 131 Sydney Opera House tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Sydney Opera House can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 131 Sydney Opera House tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Sydney Opera House:
- Opera Performance at the Sydney Opera House (From AU$70.77)
- Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour (From AU$44.11)
- The Ultimate Sydney Attractions Pass (From AU$125.18)
- Sydney The Rocks Guided Walking Tour (From AU$35.89)
- Sunset and Sparkle Sydney Harbour Cruise (From AU$47.38)
- Hotels near Sydney Opera House:
- (0.52 km) Park Hyatt Sydney
- (0.47 km) Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
- (0.63 km) Sir Stamford at Circular Quay Hotel Sydney
- (0.72 km) The Russell Boutique Hotel
- (0.57 km) Rydges Sydney Harbour
- Restaurants near Sydney Opera House:
- (0.05 km) Portside Sydney Opera House
- (0.06 km) Eat Drink Western Foyers
- (0.09 km) Bennelong Restaurant Sydney
- (0.18 km) Opera Bar
- (0.12 km) Opera Kitchen