Queen Victoria Building (QVB)
Queen Victoria Building (QVB)
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsShopping Malls
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is a five-level shopping centre occupying an entire block of George Street in the heart of Sydney's CBD. The historical building is Sydney's most iconic and prestigious shopping destination, attracting millions of local and international visitors each year. Home to leading Australian and international designers, the shopping centre houses over 140 fashion boutiques, jewellery shops, specialty stores, cafes and restaurants. Opened in 1898, the QVB is rich in history and architectural splendour, displaying elaborate Romanesque architectural features, glorious stained glass windows, and magnificent light filled atriums. The dominant feature is the mighty centre dome, which during the Christmas shopping season, is occupied by a giant Christmas tree, a must see for any visitor.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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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
- Town Hall • 4 min walk
- St James • 7 min walk
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Best nearby
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5,726 within 5 kms
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1,081 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
6,221 reviews
Excellent
3,625
Very good
2,122
Average
421
Poor
40
Terrible
13
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newton2910
Jervis Bay, Australia85 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
The old building is a stunner, gorgeous architecture with its beautiful shopfronts. However, we were let down by the sandwich kiosk within called Little Sparrow.
We ordered 2 ham and pickle on rye sandwiches, not toasted, and we were greatly disappointed by the fact that there was only a tiny, thin slice of ham which barely covered the bread, one pickle, some unidentifiable cheese, and a few pieces of English spinach. At almost $15 each the sandwiches were, to put it plainly, a rip off.
You would expect a sandwich to be bulging with filling, and I know people are doing it hard these days but it’s quite obvious that this place is overcharging and having to pay high rent is not an excuse for serving such a pitiful offering.
The picture tells the story
The rest of the building is beautiful. The Christmas tree is gorgeous and a wonder to behold. I love the piano that people come up and play at random. There was a young fellow playing my very favourite piece of music ever, Ma Vlast.
There is a great hobby shop in there too with a scale model train set in the window running
But we left hungry because we could not eat that disgusting pitiful sandwich I think QVB should reconsider the lease on that place when it comes up for a review.
I recommend eating elsewhere
We ordered 2 ham and pickle on rye sandwiches, not toasted, and we were greatly disappointed by the fact that there was only a tiny, thin slice of ham which barely covered the bread, one pickle, some unidentifiable cheese, and a few pieces of English spinach. At almost $15 each the sandwiches were, to put it plainly, a rip off.
You would expect a sandwich to be bulging with filling, and I know people are doing it hard these days but it’s quite obvious that this place is overcharging and having to pay high rent is not an excuse for serving such a pitiful offering.
The picture tells the story
The rest of the building is beautiful. The Christmas tree is gorgeous and a wonder to behold. I love the piano that people come up and play at random. There was a young fellow playing my very favourite piece of music ever, Ma Vlast.
There is a great hobby shop in there too with a scale model train set in the window running
But we left hungry because we could not eat that disgusting pitiful sandwich I think QVB should reconsider the lease on that place when it comes up for a review.
I recommend eating elsewhere
Written 16 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mckjl3
Washington DC, DC198 contributions
Mar 2025 • Solo
The building is beautiful. It’s so enjoyable to just walk through and enjoy the stained glass, the tiled floors, the dome, the clocks, etc. Most stores are high end and there are several cafes with seating scattered around. On the ground floor (below street view) there are some more affordable shops as well as fast food options
Written 20 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
luvtravel88
United States631 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
This was a beautiful shopping mall on George St in the middle of Sydney CBD. The building architecture itself was stunning, reminding me of a mall in Milan with its black iron work and stained glass windows.
The stores inside tended to be upscale but were fun to window shop. There were several options for places to eat in the center of the hallways and there was a whiskey, gin and vodka tasting kiosk.
It was a very nice place to spend a couple of hours.
The stores inside tended to be upscale but were fun to window shop. There were several options for places to eat in the center of the hallways and there was a whiskey, gin and vodka tasting kiosk.
It was a very nice place to spend a couple of hours.
Written 6 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yellowskyline
Tokyo Prefecture, Japan3,598 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
A stately building in Town Hall, in the heart of Sydney City.
Each floor has an atrium in the center, and it seems that Aeon Mall copied this design. The shops inside are quite high-end, though.
I only walked through the corridor on the first floor, so I would have liked to take my time to look around the shops on each floor. There was also a magnificent clock hanging from the ceiling.
Each floor has an atrium in the center, and it seems that Aeon Mall copied this design. The shops inside are quite high-end, though.
I only walked through the corridor on the first floor, so I would have liked to take my time to look around the shops on each floor. There was also a magnificent clock hanging from the ceiling.
Written 8 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaime A
La Coruna, Spain1,270 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Located in Sydney's financial and shopping district, it is a Victorian Romanesque building that was built in honor of Queen Victoria, to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee.
Inaugurated at the end of the 19th century, it initially housed the municipal market, but over the years it was used for different purposes, even being threatened with demolition. It underwent various modifications and now houses numerous shops, cafes, and art galleries, having become a great shopping attraction with a very lively atmosphere.
The facades are made of stone and it is five levels high. From the interior I would highlight the beauty of its ceramic tile floors, the stairs, the stained glass windows, the suspended clocks, the central dome and the atmosphere provided by buyers and visitors.
In front of the south entrance of the building is the statue of Queen Victoria.
Inaugurated at the end of the 19th century, it initially housed the municipal market, but over the years it was used for different purposes, even being threatened with demolition. It underwent various modifications and now houses numerous shops, cafes, and art galleries, having become a great shopping attraction with a very lively atmosphere.
The facades are made of stone and it is five levels high. From the interior I would highlight the beauty of its ceramic tile floors, the stairs, the stained glass windows, the suspended clocks, the central dome and the atmosphere provided by buyers and visitors.
In front of the south entrance of the building is the statue of Queen Victoria.
Written 29 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jul1407
Munich, Germany3,820 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Of course, it is a must when visiting the city. There are many elegant and expensive cafes and restaurants in a beautiful setting. If you are brave, you can play the piano that stands in the middle of the building. Otherwise, it is fun to just sit here and listen to something.
Written 6 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason7897
Saline, MI34 contributions
Feb 2025 • Solo
This is one of the most beautiful shopping mall I’ve ever been in. It’s worth walking around even if you don’t buy anything. If you wanna stop in for a drink, they have coffee, wine, and tea! Lots of snack, places in a real interesting assortment of stores.
Written 10 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C M
Auckland Central, New Zealand858 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
I just love this building. Beautiful architecture, some nice food choices and lots of great shops. Definitely explore all the different floors and take in the beautiful architecture, and there are a few cafes where you can sit down to check out the people and the building itself. A must do in Sydney!
Written 8 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
juliebfromindy
Indianapolis, IN2,556 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Our hotel was across the street so we ducked in. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to eat, shop, get in out of the rain, or to just wander around. You can find anything in this old historic building. It is clean, handicapped accessible, and fun to walk around in. It has high end brands, middle range things and souvenir type things. We enjoyed it!!
Written 6 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aviation Central
Sydney, Australia262 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
A very great historical mall to do all your fancy shopping in! It was right next to the light rail, train and buses, making it super convenient to get to. There were so many shops inside! However, if you have a sensitive nose, I do not recommend going as some areas are so heavy in the perfume smell that it kept on making me sneeze.
Written 15 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Acha! These very rare mugs are found in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 Try taking a holiday there to find them and bring them safely back to Australia 🇦🇺 without breaking any of them! Good luck 😉
Written 28 November 2019
What date will the Christmas decorations at queen Victoria building start this year
Written 16 September 2019
The QVB decorations are there now.
The crystal Christmas tree is as spectacular as ever and
everything is just fabulous.
Don't forget to watch the moving clock on the top level on the hour every hour.
Enjoy x
Written 15 November 2019
AngelaRawson
Shellharbour, Australia
I will have my dog with me during my visit and wonder if it's ok to stroll through QVB with a dog ?
Written 21 May 2017
I don’t think that’s ideal at all. Unless it’s a guide dog
Written 13 October 2020
Por favor estoy viajando a final de agosto a sydney Australia cuales tours me recomiendan es solo por una semana por favor cual e el mejor XIOMY
Written 20 July 2016
The building and the streets around ar very nice. The QVB is inside wonderful. You must walk down to "The Rock" and see the opera house. Also visit Darling Harbour. Great Restaurants along the Harbour.
Written 22 July 2016
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