Sydney Opera House

An iconic, multi-functional arts complex
Talk of the town: American singer Paul Robeson was, unofficially, the first person to perform here, when he sang 'Ol' Man River' to a group of construction workers during their lunch break in 1960.

Tipple of choice: Located on the Lower Concourse, Opera Bar is one of the best places in Sydney for a Friday afternoon drink.
Completed in 1973, ten years late and wildly over-budget, the construction of Sydney's most iconic building was fraught with so much drama that Danish architect Jørn Utzo resigned a few years before completion and never set foot in Australia again.

Not just a pretty face, the venue plays host to more than 1,600 performances each year, from classic opera to rock concerts, stand-up comedy and dance performances. Guided tours provide an opportunity to learn a little more about the history that has unfolded within the 1,000 rooms of this World Heritage masterpiece, while fine diners can enjoy stunning Harbour Bridge views and sumptuous contemporary Australian cuisine at Guillaume at Bennelong, located in the venue's southern tail.