Sydney 5-day Itinerary
Australia
Where to go and what to see in Sydney to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Mark Chipperfield.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Sydney Opera House
Credit Shutterstock.com/byvalet
Last updated: 02 March, 2023
With its scalloped white roofs, instantly recognisable anywhere in the world, Jorn Utzon’s architectural masterpiece – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is rightly regarded as one of the greatest buildings of the 20th Century.
Rather than a single auditorium, the Opera House is a complex of performance spaces hosting music, theatre, ballet and, of course, opera. Book a seat for one of the performances or take the behind-the-scenes tour of this enchanting Sydney icon.
Know before you go
Jorn Utzon’s modern expressionist design was selected from 233 entries in a competition, held in 1957 by the state government, to design a suitable performing arts venue. The proposed cost was AU$7M and it was to be completed by 26 January 1963. Following a series of disputes, setbacks and cost overruns, it sat unfinished for years, before final completion in 1973 at a cost of AU$102M.
The Sydney Opera House is now one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world, hosting more than 1,500 performances each year and earning the city millions of tourism dollars.
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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
There are three good ways to appreciate this icon. First, walk around the building to marvel at the architecture. Second, go to the website and book in for a performance during your stay. Third, book a one-hour backstage tour, which will take you to areas normally reserved for performers and opera house staff. Places are limited for the backstage tour, so book ahead.
There’s an excellent food hall inside the building, with superb harbour views. Specialist architectural tours are also available.
When to do it
Live music, theatre, ballet and opera is performed throughout the year. A total of 1,500 concerts take place each year – they can be booked online, along with backstage tours which run from Thursday to Monday.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour
Sydney
Discover insider secrets and stories of the Opera House artists and performances, and step inside the iconic theatres and foyers that bring ...
A43 | Rating 4.59 / 5 [1475 ratings]
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Sydney Shore Excursion: Sydney Opera House Walking Tour
Sydney
Take a guided walking tour of Sydney Opera House while your cruise ship is in port to experience one of the world’s most famous performing a...
A43 | Rating 4.69 / 5 [81 ratings]
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Sydney Opera House Architectural Tour
Sydney
Sydney Opera House has launched its first ever Architectural Tour, revealing the story behind the creation of Utzon’s masterpiece.
You will...
A43 | Rating 4.5 / 5 [18 ratings]
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Opera Performance at the Sydney Opera House
Sydney
No trip to Sydney is complete without witnessing a live performance in its most famous and Iconic building the Sydney Opera House, so prepar...
A99 | Rating 4.52 / 5 [212 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Park Hyatt Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.5 miles]
A sumptuous five-star hotel in the best location in the city – under the Bridge, opposite the Opera House, with breathtaking views of the harbour all around.
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Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.9 miles]
Overlooking Circular Quay, the benchmark for five-star luxury in Sydney offers legendary service, sumptuous interiors and excellent food and drink.
Official star rating:
Shangri-La Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1 miles]
A big, luxurious five-star hotel superbly sited in Circular Quay, offering some of Sydney’s finest harbour views, excellent cuisine and outstanding service.
Official star rating:
Establishment Hotel
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1 miles]
A glamorous boutique for the sexy and stylish crowd, conveniently located in the heart of the city, close to a lot of the major sights and attractions.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Sydney
New South Wales, Australia
One of the world’s most dynamic and glamorous cities, with golden beaches, world-class eating and dining and effervescent, friendly people.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Sydney Opera House to Royal Botanic Garden walk
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.5 miles]
One of the world’s great scenic walks – a one- to two-hour, wildlife-filled stroll that takes in Sydney’s harbour, the Opera House, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and the Royal Botanic Garden.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 1-2 hours
The Rocks
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.6 miles]
The Rocks – the birthplace of European settlement in Australia – is atmospheric, quaint, vibrant and packed with great things to taste, see, buy and explore.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.7 miles]
A unique and unforgettable adventure offering breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and fascinating historical insights; the city’s ultimate must-do. One of the world’s great bucket list experiences.
Best for ages: 8+ | £110 | 2- 3 hours
Kayaking on Sydney Harbour
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1 miles]
See some of Sydney’s most famous landmarks – including the Opera House – from the water, with a kayak tour around the world’s most beautiful natural harbour.
Best for ages: 4+ | £70 | 2 hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Justice and Police Museum
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.7 miles]
This small museum, set in two former police courts and a former police station, was the original legal hub at the time of the settlers. Today it preserves the history of crime and punishment in the city, with exhibits on famous criminals, collections of weapons and restored prison cells.
Best for ages: 6+ | £7
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Sydney Museum of Contemporary Art
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.7 miles]
Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) provides an exciting and fun introduction to the works of established and emerging artists from across Australia and the world.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Experience
Boy Charlton Pool
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1 miles]
Sydney is famed for its ocean and harbourside pools and this stunning harbourside pool is a stand-out. The Botanic Gardens are on one side, harbour views on the other. Great swim and sunbathing; there’s a fine cafe on site too.
Best for ages: 4+ | £12
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Experience
Fort Denison
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1 miles]
Built during the Crimean War, this little historic gem sits in the middle of Sydney harbour. It’s now a museum, with fascinating exhibits like a canon gun powder store and a tidal gauge room. Daily ferries go from Circular Quay.
Best for ages: 6+ | £5
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