Sydney Opera House

The basics

The Sydney Opera House is a highlight of any city tour or harbor cruise but is well worth an up-close look. It's best to explore as part of a Sydney Opera House guided tour, either a walking tour focusing on history and architecture, or a backstage tour heading to concert halls, green rooms, and studios that are usually off-limits.

Given that this iconic building is a functioning performance venue, visitors can also attend a show. Try pairing a theater performance with dinner as part of an evening package, or dine along the waterfront before a night of ballet.

Things to know before you go

• Public areas are wheelchair-accessible. Limited accessible show seating is available with advance booking.

• Sydney Opera House tickets for tours and events often sell out—it's best to book in advance.

• Travelers can access the Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre foyers and performance spaces on guided tours.

• The Opera House complex contains restaurants, bars, cafés, shops, and outdoor plazas.

How to get there

Located on Bennelong Point at the waters of Sydney Cove and Farm Cove, the Sydney Opera House is just a short walk from Circular Quay and its ferries, trains, and buses. The site is also easy to spot from around Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

When to get there

Shows and performances run year-round at the Opera House, and with more than 2,500 of them taking place each year, you're likely to find one during your visit. For a special experience, time your trip for the Vivid Sydney Festival, when colorful light displays illuminate architect Jorn Utzon's exterior.

Sydney Harbour attractions

Although the Sydney Opera House is the most recognizable Sydney Harbour attraction, there are many others to visit. Don't miss the Circular Quay, from where ferries depart for various Sydney destinations; climb atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge from some truly bird's-eye, panoramic views; or take a dip in the waters off Sydney Harbour's many beaches.

What time is best to visit the Sydney Opera House?

If you want to beat the crowds, the best time to visit the Sydney Opera House is in September or October, before the peak season that coincides with the Australian school holidays begins. The blue skies of spring should make for great photographs. For the most festive atmosphere, watch the fireworks display above the iconic landmark on New Year's Eve.

Can you go inside the Sydney Opera House for free?

You can go inside the Sydney Opera House, but only if you've bought a ticket for a performance or booked a guided tour. It's not free to enter. Otherwise, you can walk around the whole of the venue's exterior or pose for photographs on top of the steps leading to its entrance.

What do you see on a tour of the Sydney Opera House?

On a tour of the Sydney Opera House, you'll explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed venue's foyer spaces and theaters, watch clips from famous past performances, and trace the history of the structure during an immersive digital experience. You'll climb around 300 steps during the tour, so be sure to pack comfortable footwear.

Is there a dress code for the Sydney Opera House?

Even though operas have a reputation for expecting smart, glamorous attire, the Sydney Opera House doesn't have a dress code. Most visitors wear smart-casual outfits for performances, but be sure to bring a warmer layer as it can get cold inside the main theater, especially during longer performances.

Is there parking at the Sydney Opera House?

Yes, there is parking at the Sydney Opera House. The car park is owned by Wilson Parking and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The entrance is at 2 Macquarie Street, and the exit brings you out on the lower concourse of the opera house.

How long is a Sydney Opera House tour?

A tour of the Sydney Opera House is approximately one hour long, but aim to arrive around 15 minutes before your tour begins to greet your guide. It takes around 15 minutes to walk all the way around the perimeter of the venue.

Ways to explore

The Sydney Opera House is a highlight of any city tour or harbor adventure, whether by jetboat, kayak, bicycle, or dinner cruise. To see it up close, take a guided tour devoted to the landmark, either a walking tour focusing on history and architecture, or a backstage tour heading to concert halls, green rooms, and studios that are usually off-limits. You can also attend a show: Pair a theater performance with dinner as part of an evening package, or dine along the waterfront before a night of ballet.

Accessibility

Public areas are wheelchair accessible, and there are wheelchair-friendly tours twice daily. Limited accessible show seating is available with advance booking, and dedicated performances include signed, captioned, and audio-described options.

Age limits

The Sydney Opera House has special family performances, which may be a better choice with young children, rather than classical concerts in which the audience must be silent.

What to pack

Bring a small bag if you’re seeing a show: Items larger than 8 inches by 12 inches (21 centimeters by 30 centimeters) will have to be left at the coat check.

What to wear

Wear comfortable shoes for touring the opera house—flat, rubber-soled shoes are a requirement when going backstage. There’s no formal dress code for performances, but many travelers opt for smart casual.

Not allowed

Professional cameras, drones, alcohol, offensive clothing

Amenities

Restaurants, bars, restrooms, coat check/cloakroom

Address 

Located on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour, with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House is in the heart of the city.

Driving

There is paid parking connected to the site.

Public transportation

Take the train, bus, or ferry to Circular Quay, about a 5-minute walk from the Sydney Opera House. You can also walk there from much of downtown Sydney.

Best times to visit

Performances run year-round at the Opera House, and with more than 1,800 of them taking place each year, you're likely to find one during your visit. Sunrise is a great time to capture the structure with warm light and no crowds.

Best days to visit

The best day to go is when the performance you want to see is showing.

Best months to visit

There’s no bad month to visit Sydney Opera House.

Special events

The Sydney Opera House is a top spot to watch the city’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, though access is ticketed. The Vivid Sydney festival lights up the exterior every winter, generally between mid-May and mid-June.