Description
Circular Quay is a favorite tourist destination in Sydney, Australia. It’s home to the iconic Sydney Opera House and the historic Rocks district. There’s always something happening at Circular Quay, from street performers to public art installations to market stalls.
The best way to experience all that Circular Quay has to offer is to wander around and explore. Be sure to check out the restaurant and bar options as well; there are some great places to eat and drink here. And if you’re looking for a bit of culture, the Sydney Opera House is definitely worth a visit.
So whether you’re looking to explore, eat, drink, or just people-watch, Circular Quay is the place to be.
Key Highlights & Features
• Overlooking Sydney Harbour and the Opera House
• A great place for a morning jog or walk
• Fabulous restaurants and cafes nearby
• Lots of events and activities going on throughout the year
Attractions Near Circular Quay
If you’re looking for things to do near Circular Quay, there are plenty of options. The area is home to some of Sydney’s most popular tourist attractions, including:
Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s most iconic buildings and a must-see for any traveler to Australia. Located on Sydney Harbour, the Opera House is home to five theaters, two studios, and a concert hall, and hosts more than 40,000 performances each year.
Visitors can take a tour of the building, enjoy a meal or drink at one of the on-site restaurants, or simply admire the architecture from the outside. Regardless of how you choose to experience it, the Sydney Opera House is sure to be a highlight of your trip Down Under.
If you find yourself in Sydney, be sure to check out the Royal Botanic Gardens. The gardens are beautiful and well-maintained, and there’s plenty of space to explore. You can also find some great photo ops here, so make sure to bring your camera.
It is one of the world’s largest and most diverse botanic gardens. More than 70,000 plants from across the globe are planted here. The Garden is home to many rare and endangered plant species. The Royal Botanic Garden is a great place to learn about the plant life of different continents. Visitors can also take part in educational programs offered by the Garden staff.
Art Gallery of New South Wales
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia’s premier art museums. Located in Sydney, the museum houses a collection of over 1 million works of art, making it one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The Art Gallery of New South Wales is also home to a number of important Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collections.
If you’re an art lover, then a visit to the Art Gallery of New South Wales is a must-do while in Sydney. Even if you’re not particularly interested in art, the gallery is worth a visit for its stunning architecture and beautiful location overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Admission to the Art Gallery of New South Wales is free, although there are charges for some temporary exhibitions.
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
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The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is one of the must-see attractions in Sydney. Located in The Rocks, this museum showcases some of the most innovative and thought-provoking contemporary art from across the globe. With a constantly changing array of exhibitions, there’s always something new to see at the MCA.
If you’re visiting Sydney with kids, be sure to check out the Family Studio on Level 4. This hands-on space offers a range of activities and materials for budding artists of all ages. And when you need a break from all the art-gazing, head to the rooftop café for stunning views of Sydney Harbour.
Other Things to Do
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Circular Quay?
Circular Quay is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Is there an entry fee to Circular Quay?
No, entry to Circular Quay is free.
What is the best time of day to visit Circular Quay?
Any time of day is a great time to visit Circular Quay. However, if you want to experience the area at its liveliest, we recommend visiting in the late afternoon or early evening when the bars and restaurants are starting to fill up with locals and tourists alike.