Whether I saw the Sydney Opera House from the inside, by land, or by sea, this civic structure is an iconic as I've ever seen in my travels. My only other frame of reference was our previous visit to the Oslo (Norway) Opera House. Both are waterfront cultural landmarks designed to merge art with public space. I think the comparison is relatively weak, but I did enjoy Oslo's stark and walkable white marble roof designed to resemble a glacier, encouraging public interaction. Yet, its hard to beat Sydney's sculptural sails. We took the inside tour, with one regret being running out of time and not having the opportunity to enjoy a performance here, preferably in either the huge Orchestra or Opera Halls. Heck, I would have settled for one of the plays on the lower level. The biggest highlight though was getting to see the projection on those Sails commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Australian Navy. Absolutely Stunning! read more

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Iconic as it should be! During my multiple trips to the Sydney Opera House we could not find tour availability, but that did not stop us from exploring all we could. Whether you can get a tour or not, the Sydney Opera House is worth seeing! We loved walking it in full to see different views of Sydney and took multiple boats/ferries around the harbor to see the Sydney Opera House as a whole. Rain or shine, it's definitely worth the stop for its breathtaking architecture and views alone! read more

A trip to Sydney is not complete until you visit the Sydney Opera House. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is so iconic! The moment I booked my trip, I immediately made plans to visit. I wasn't able to see a performance, but I did take the Backstage tour. They offer a variety of tours including an Architecture tour and a Taste of the House tour. They also offer a Mobility Access tour for visitors with limited mobility. Tours are offered in multiple languages. The Backstage tour is one of the more expensive tours, but it is absolutely worth it! If you enjoy the performing arts, treat yourself and get a ticket. I booked a ticket directly through the Opera House website. The tour groups are small (I think there were about 15 people in the group). The tour is 2.5 hours long. It's offered daily and has an early start time of 7 am. The tour starts at the stage door entrance on the Covered Concourse. Do not go to the guided tours area near Opera Bar (unless you have a ticket for the General tour). Connor was our tour guide and he was awesome! He was really cool and knowledgeable and I enjoyed his hybrid American/Aussie accent. We saw everything from stage props, dressing rooms, multiple auditoriums, rehearsal spaces, the orchestra pit, service elevators, sound equipment, etc. Photographs are allowed in some areas depending on what shows are on. At the end of the tour, we enjoyed a group breakfast in the Green Room. We were able to order breakfast before the tour started. I had an almond croissant which was delicious! For my entrée I ordered the Healthy Breakfast which consisted of avocado, boiled egg, tomatoes, spinach, and sourdough toast. The meal was good, but could have used some seasoning. I also had a cup of coffee. I love that breakfast was included with the tour. Though I didn't get to see a performance at the Sydney Opera House, I am so glad that I booked this tour. This was by far, one of my favorite activities that I did on my trip of a lifetime! Review #1000! read more

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Sydney Opera House is an amazing experience. Take a tour and experience history, drama and comedy all in one. The tour guide will provide you with stories and facts that you can't get anywhere, hear or know from anywhere or anyone else. The views from inside in various parts of the buildings are spectacular and learning about the architecture is spectacular. If you're lucky, you'll get to see the set up or practicing of a performance or play happening that night. read more

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... we bought tickets to see Gatsby.... We weren't expecting that type of show to be at the opera house.... My friend booked the tickets without any research... she thought she was booking The Great Gatsby... .... Anyway, we decided to sit back and enjoy the show and where we were in the world.. After Gatsby we enjoyed music and the atmosphere in an outdoor concert....what a beautiful place... read more

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The Sydney Opera House is extraordinary!!! So beautiful and so iconic!!! Pictures do not do this landmark justice. To be inside and take a tour to hear how it all began is 100% worth your while!! Seeing it day from night is completely different but no less beautiful. And the harbor that surrounds it is magnificent as well!! Several theatres inside can showcase different events at one time. Just to visit it, is a special and amazing experience for sure!!! So highly recommend!!! read more

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The Sydney Opera House somehow manages to live up to the hype and exceeded it. You can see it in photos a thousand times, but standing there in person with the harbor breeze and the city buzzing around you is a completely different experience. Even if you don't go inside for a performance, the walk around the building is worth the visit alone. Every angle feels iconic, and the views of the Harbour Bridge make it one of the best photo spots in Sydney. I went during the late afternoon and stayed through sunset. Whether you're into architecture, the arts, or just checking off bucket-list landmarks, the Sydney Opera House is a must. read more

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We had a tour with Maeve today. She did an amazing job of always telling us the positive side of the building of this incredible project. She left no stone unturned and we got to see a dance rehearsal and amazingly, we had a gent on our tour who had experienced it living in Sydney! Great time! read more

This is an amazing architecture. Would be wonderful to come and hear a concert. Can you imagine the forethought of Premier Cahill? The competition to put in your design? The Danish designer who got fired. Cost over run? The engineer! Amazing. Now it is Unesco Heritage site. We took the elevator up to the next level. Great air conditioning inside. Even the restroom has style, wavy sink. 5 stars for having at least 16 stalls for women. Went somewhere popular at the Fish Market and they only have a total of 6 for millions that go there. read more

Sydney Opera House - Amazing - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Sydney, NSW

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Sydney Opera House is the most iconic landmark that most foreigners identify Australia with. It's beautiful in photos, but seeing up close is even more magnificent. I've been inside multiple times. I've been on a venue tour to learn about the architect and the history of the opera house. I've watched a three-hour opera, a R&B performance, and most recently an alt rock concert. It's incredible each time, regardless of music genre or show. I've also had drinks at the Bennelong restaurant too, and the views are so spectacular from the inside looking out. Sometimes they have events outside the opera house on the steps. During Vivid Sydney (around mid May to early June in the southern winter), they have a diverse line up of artists and shows. In 2024 when I went, Inside Out 2 had a premiere event outside, and I was a few feet away from Amy Pohler. There's also have a special art projection show on the sails too! Highly recommended to catch a show here if you get a chance because it's a gorgeous venue with a great history. read more

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Magical night at the Opera. Sydney Opera house is an architecurally designed masterpiece, beautiful. Once you are able to ascend the stairs you can grab a cocktail before entering the Opera. No drinks are allowed inside. They are super friendly, outgoing, and will answer any questions you have. There is a hall with photos and historic information that is fascinating. There are several performances, so you have choices that fit you. Good acoustics, comfortable seating, beautiful venue. read more

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Why fly all the way to Sydney just to see the Opera House?: Its better to see SOH and take in a show! We saw Rent, a 90's Broadway musical. Rent is multi-Tony award winning, and follows a group of poor, young artists living in NY's East Village. The artists were navigating love, poverty, creativity, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The actors were mainly local, and inc an Aboriginal actor & Filipina actress. The performance was electrifying! It touched upon topics I could relate too bc I grew up in the period covered. The actors were so talented. As with all musicals, they not only have to be able to act, they have to be able to sing & dance too. The choreography and music tied the story all together for a standing ovation at the end. I highly recommend taking in a show at world famous SOH vs just sight seeing. I have seen performances in London, Broadway, SF & LA, and SOH is world class. In addition, the staff is super nice, and there are many places to eat & drink b4 and after. Lastly, there is lots to see near SOH at night. read more

Sydney Opera House - Rent, a 90's Broadway musical - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Sydney, NSW

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Iconic setting for every photo of Sydney. Besides a zillion pics and walking and ferrying around the outside, we did a backstage tour and attended performances in two different theaters. The backstage tour was fantastic. Marcus was our guide and he rocked. We stood on stage, hung in orchestra pits, walked past catwalks, primped in dressing rooms, pretended we were stage managers, and had breakfast in the staff cafeteria. We even saw them setting up for the show we would see later that night. Marcus knew a ton about the roles required in putting on a performance. He had tons of fun stories. The group size was maxed at 12 and it starts early to get in and out before the work behind the scenes starts. Such a great tour. We saw Mountains, a movie that hosted the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Rent. Two different theaters. It was cool that we stood among the props and sets of Rent the day before we saw the show. The shows were quite different in style and audience members but equally well done and fun to see. We got there early and enjoyed a glass of wine on the patio before the show. Such great views of the city and fun to see the building/sculpture from the inside out. read more

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Such a gorgeous landmark. We didn't get the opportunity to see a performance here, but we were able to walk around the outside and the inside. The history was interesting in that it was over budget and controversial, ending with the departure of the original Danish architect. An Australian design team completed the design and oversaw the construction. We had a hotel room that overlooked the structure, and it was such a sight watching it with the harbor as the backdrop. It's something you've seen in photos but on a another level seeing it in person. read more

So freaking cool to see in person. I love the architecture how and it sits along the water. From the right angle you can either get the Sydney Harbour Bridge or downtown Sydney skyline in the background of the photo. I came here and did a tour of the entire Opera House. At the end of the tour we had lunch at Bennelong. Which is easily one of the best restaurants in Australia. Certainly can't think of a more iconic view than from inside the Opera House. I thought the main opera house was spectacular and all of the wood work was cool. However, the 2nd Opera House is painted all black and looks beat down like something you'd see at a run down high school. Certainly do the tour if you aren't going to see a show here. And absolutely eat at Bennelong! read more

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We attended Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: The Phantom of the Opera on April 10, 2026, and while the performers were outstanding, the venue experience fell far short of expectations. The seating was extremely cramped and overcrowded, with very little personal space between patrons. It made the entire performance physically uncomfortable and distracting. In addition, our seats (Section B, G-17 and G-18, stage left) had a partially obstructed view--we missed portions of the stage throughout the show. For over $300 for two tickets, I expected a much better standard of comfort and visibility. Unfortunately, the venue setup significantly diminished what should have been an enjoyable evening. The talent on stage deserves praise, but the seating and layout need serious improvement read more

We didn't get to go to show at the Sydney Opera House when we were in Australia, because everything was sold out that we tried to catch, but we did get to walk around it, and also take a harbor cruise around it - and even that is very impressive! I'm sure you've seen the Sydney Opera House in a thousand movies, television shows, magazines, etc - but to see it in person, even just from the outside - is a whole different experience from in the media. First off, it is HUGE - which I'm sure does come across from seeing it on film/paper, but standing at the foot of it, you feel so small and tiny. The architecture evokes almost the shape of "shells" which I'm sure is no accident, with how hugely surrounded by and appreciative of the ocean and water Australia is. These "shells" are also referred to as "sails" (another nod to the sea, I suspect!) Inside the different shells are black windows or the "ribs" of the shells. Our boat tour that strode by the Opera House told us that the shells include the concert venues, drama theaters, eateries, and bars/lounges. There is a promenade around the Opera House with tons of restaurants, shops, and free gardens/open space too, so you can walk around and enjoy the view, if you aren't able to get a ticket for a performance (like us). Whether you snag tickets for a show, go inside to eat or have a drink, or just see it from the outside, the Sydney Opera House is definitely worth a visit! read more

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I was in Sydney when there were no scheduled operas so I took a tour and had dinner which was pretty nice. I was impressed by the structure but not necessarily the dinner. It was a big disappointment for me when I realized that my trip was not coordinated with a performance. The acoustics must be something to behold. read more

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Sydney is so beautiful lovely weather and the Ooera house is amazing can't wait to come back! read more

Sydney Opera House - Sydney is so beautiful and Opera house just tops it off - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Sydney, NSW

Not sure how long I've wanted to tour the Sydney Opera House, but it has been a while. The venue is an architectural marvel! I bought my opera house tour ticket online and arrived about 20 minutes before the appointed time. Closer to the tour time I checked in at will call and was directed to where my tour group was meeting. Shortly thereafter our tour guide got us all set up with headphones and a battery pack and away we went! Our guide was great, full of energy, charm, and knowledge. I don't recall her name but will add a pic of her to this review. I hope she gets a high five. The Sydney Opera House is so very beautiful and has a very rich and interesting history. I was just as fascinated with the architecture as I was in the sordid past of all attempts to build the structure. I was in awe of the views from the back which overlook the harbor and bridge. I especially loved being able to touch the tiles that comprise the outer top shells of the venue. It was very cool to physically observe the textural differences between the two. It was poor planning on my part not to go to an actual show while I visited Sydney, so I was grateful to quietly observe a ballet troup practice, as well as a symphony, in some of the halls in the opera house. Overall, HIGHLY recommend this tour for all the background information you receive. If I ever visit again, I'll buy tickets to a show, I bet all entertainment at the opera house is amazing! read more

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I can't imagine giving the Sydney Opera house anything but 5 stars. I was lucky enough to watch the opera "Carmen" I had been to the opera house before for a drink but nothing beats actually watching an opera performance. They did have parking next to the opera house in a parking garage. I would recommend parking "nose" out. It gets pretty crowded on the way out. We got our tickets months prior and were glad we did. Our seats were awesome. Front and center. Really enjoyed this iconic architectural marvel. read more

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We were in Sydney and one of the events we very much wanted to do was a tour of the Sydney Opera House. We were not disappointed! Our tour guide, Nick, was just awesome. He was so very efficient, knowledgeable, and with the perfect mix of humor interspersed throughout. And the facts he chose to share were the most fascinating and impressive. Nick was also sensitive to the amount of stairs for us older folks and limited them without compromising the tour. I am convinced he is the best we could have gotten for the event. We are so glad we did this! Highly recommend doing this event! read more

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Did not go inside but still iconic and beautiful outside, daytime and nighttime it's gorgeous for photos, staff outside was friendly and helpful. Very clean around the area. Parking is not close, honestly not sure where you would even park. Easiest to take a train or taxi/uber. They do offer tours outside of their events. Very easy to see all sides Of it from any ferry. read more

of course youve got to take a photo here while in Sydney! lol again, time was a little scarce so we really just did some sightseeing and took photos. so cant say much unfortunately. Didnt experience a show buy it was an amazing opera house even from the outside. There was en event the first time we visited so it was super crowded but luckily we revisited the next day on a weekday and atmosphere was so much better and view very much appreciated. The Harbor bridge is visible from here and was quite a sight! read more

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Beautiful place in Sydney! A must see!!! I always wanted to go to Sydney and this was one of the first places I stopped by! read more

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I received an amazing tour of the world renowned iconic Sydney Opera House. It's magnificent exterior and interior is filled with beauty, ingenuity and some interesting history. It was amazing to see and learn about all of the effort and considerations that went into its design. Our guide, Evi, did a great job. The tour was about an hour and we had a chance to see inside of the 2 largest theaters, one seating 2700 and the other 1500. The interior is very nice and I wish that I was here long enough to see a performance. A recommendation to see the Sydney Opera House goes without saying. It is truly deserving of the admiration it receives. read more

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If you are a lover of Broadway, opera or just to see an iconic building, than this is a must see. Take a guided walking tour starting from the basement on up through the inner workings of the back end. Very interesting and informative. Learn about the making of the opera house and everything in between. Wear comfortable shoes, it's a lot of walking. If you are going for a great breakfast, don't count on it. It's just meh. Breakfast is at the end of the tour in what they call back in the states their commissary but they call it their green room. read more

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Beautiful performance, unforgettable and amazing singers. The stage direction and choreography was outstanding, I loved my experience 5/5 recommend read more

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My wife and I were given a guided tour of the Opera House. It is an icon, recognized throughout the world, and very well structured. It was a 17-year building project that was interrupted by political wrangling on how it was to look, and who was to build it. I was surprised to learn how heavy the individual cement blocks were (10 tons!), the tile roofs (only one person was ever allowed to walk on the roof tiles - Jet Li in the 1993 movie "The Legend." The Sydney Opera House is poised majestically on Sydney Harbour read more

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Gorgeous venue! Acoustics are insane and the seating is perfect. Really enjoyed this beautiful place with the best views of the Sydney harbor. Highly recommend read more

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An architectural wonder, and globally recognized symbol of the Sydney waterfront. It also has incredible acoustics. I have been twice to operas in the Joan Sutherland auditorium and was very impressed both times. read more

Enjoyed the tour, what would have been more enjoyable during the summer when I function better in cold vs hot weather is if we had got tickets earlier and able to get the first tour of the day after our early daily walk around the Botanic Gardens. Though I do not plan on returning to Sydney, if I did I would want to go to a performance just for the experience. Enjoyed the gift shop. read more

Gotta love the Sydney Opera House! We went all around it to capture its beauty, and you have to walk Harbour Bridge (because bridges are the best, and you can also get some good photo ops there)! read more

Sydney Opera House - view from harbour bridge! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Sydney, NSW

The Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site given its modern architecture. It's one of the iconic symbols of Sydney. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and completed in 1973, its iconic white sail-like shells make it one of the most photographed buildings in the world. The structure's innovative use of pre-cast concrete shells pushed the boundaries of engineering of its time. Situated on Bennelong Point, it hosts thousands of performances annually. Absolutely beautiful. read more

Sydney Opera House - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Sydney, NSW

I hadn't planned on attending something here during my holiday until I found they had the symphony playing along to Home Alone and couldn't pass that up. I somehow managed to buy tickets for a day earlier than I thought. I was devastated when I realized at the end of the day we had completely missed our performance. Thankfully the box office staff was amazing and took care of us, getting us last minute tickets that weren't available online. The building is obviously iconic, but getting to attend a performance was even better than just walking around. The acoustics were great. I was surprised how small the main theater actually was, but it made the performance feel very intimate. Getting to attend something here made the stop in the city special. Can't wait to go again. read more

50th Anniversary! We are lucky! Quality/Quantity - We probably spent too much time here during our vacation. But there is so much to do and see, not just here, but in the surrounding areas! My wife really wanted to experience the concert hall. We are told the acoustics are amazing, and it did not disappoint. Well, when my wife wanted to book our concert months ago, she found tickets for $28AUD. But we ended up buying the tickets the day before the concert and the last two tickets cost $322AUD. Yes, we are NOT the best planners. Still not complaining because we had a great time. Expensive, but great. Our concert was Alexander Gavrylyuk performing Tchaikovsky. They have many different events and venues here; see their website. Atmosphere - Amazing 50th anniversary light show, after about 2 hours of watching and enjoying the neighboring festivities, we went and got a very late dinner. The place is picture perfect, even more so due to the 50th anniversary celebration. And unobstructed views and pictures. See my pictures. Interior was clean, simple, and there were plenty of bars everywhere. Some bars only had one bartender, so get there early. Light snacks are also available. Plenty of lounge seating while in the waiting areas. But I prefer to stand and take in all the views from the different patios, especially since we would be sitting for hours during the concert. Huge clean bathrooms. Small gift shop, yes my wife bought some souvenirs. Royal Botanical Gardens next door, another must visit. Service - 5 stars. Everyone from the box office to security were great, friendly and helpful. Free coat check. Pre concert speaker. I really like the fact that you provide free photos of the concerts via your website, so we do not have to take pictures and miss the performance. Price - $322AUD, $211US. Owner Comment - Congrats on your 50th Anniversary, so glad we were able to make it. read more

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If there is one place you may have seen from Sydney, it's the Opera House. The timeless design is so characteristic and mesmerizing that it's instantaneously recognizable and associated with the city. That being said, I would highly recommend taking the opportunity to participate in many of the guided tours they offer and then enjoying a performance if you get the chance! Behind the amazing design hides a lot of controversy, compromise, and endless drama that most don't know about. Furthermore, a tour can provide you with access that no regular visitor can see to and enhance not only your appreciation for a show that you may attend in the building, but also give you newfound appreciation for the engineering complexity and wide variety of projects housed within a single building. Great for both families with kids, as well as, architects, designers, and opera appreciators, there is something for everyone in the guided tours. Overall, I would highly recommend you sign up! They offer them in many languages, as well. read more

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Enjoyed a terrific show there last night. La Clique was amazing. Kept me on my toes the entire time. Especially since we got really good seats. read more

Sydney Opera House - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Sydney, NSW

I mean what is there to say of this iconic venue. This place has been on my bucket list since I made one. The architecture is pretty cool as we've all seen pictures of it. I am fortunate to have a fantastic musical showing like Miss Saigon playing while I was visiting. I first seen the musical about 20 years ago and enjoyed it so much seeing it at the Opera House. I also got a chance to see a jazz-inspired classical violinist-led concerto with a full 50+ piece orchestra. I ended up seeing 2 different performances and they both were just awesome to see. The acoustics were so good in both venues. There was even a drone show at the Harbour right in front of the Opera House on the night I went to see Miss Saigon and watched from the patio area before the show. The Opera House itself is made up of at least 3 venues to see shows. There are several bar areas with snacks available inside the area. There are restaurants with great picturesque Harbour views nearby. I was lucky that each time I went to the Opera House area, the weather was perfect. In the daytime it was sunny with perfect comfortable temp and at night it was cool with a slight breeze on one of those nights. I'd like to go back one day and see some other shows. read more

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Sydney Opera House One of the most iconic structures in the world, we visited on October 21, 2023, a day after the 50th Anniversary of the opening. I tried to get a reservation for a tour of the Sydney Opera House for 2 months prior to being in Sydney, but could not get anything. We spoke to our hotel concierge and he gave me a direct link for reservations and suggested to keep trying to get reservations as they add tours frequently, depending on demand. So as we completed the Sydney Bridge Climb, which I highly recommend, we went online and were able to get a tour 3 hours before it started at 3:30pm. Highly recommend the tour, so much information about the multiple venues that comprise the Sydney Opera House. Did you know: There are more than 1 million roof tiles covering approximately 1.62 hectares sitting over the structure. They were made in Sweden. The original cost estimate to build Sydney Opera House was $7 million. The final cost was $102 million and it was largely paid for by a State Lottery. read more

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