Sydney Attractions
Choosing the right seat can make all the difference in your theatre experience, especially at the Sydney Opera House.
With its iconic architecture and world-class performances, it’s no wonder that visitors are keen to secure the best seats for an unforgettable experience.
Show organizers are well aware of this, which is why ticket prices vary based on seat location.
In this article, we will guide you through the best seating options in the various halls of the Sydney Opera House to ensure you enjoy the best possible viewing experience.
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Better seats at theatres are NOT a myth
When visiting any theatre, the last thing you want is a seat with a poor view of the stage.
Inferior views are often due to architectural elements like the angle of the seats, obstructive beams or walls, or even production equipment placed in front of certain rows.
While these issues were common in older theatres, modern designs have largely overcome these obstacles, ensuring patrons enjoy optimal sightlines and acoustics from various parts of the venue.
However, even in contemporary theatres, some seats are better than others. The same holds true at the Sydney Opera House, where certain seats offer a superior experience.
There are numerous ways to experience the Sydney Opera House. You can go on a guided tour of the building or attend one of its world-class shows. Find out what’s showing at the Opera House.
Where are the best seats?
Each section of a theatre offers a unique view and experience of the stage.
Sitting in the first few rows allows you to see the performers up close and clearly hear every word and note.
However, one major drawback of sitting so close is that you might have to turn your head frequently to see different parts of the stage, which can detract from experiencing the scenes as a whole.
Sitting too far back isn’t ideal either, as the performers and stage props appear smaller, leaving you squinting.
The best seats in most theatres are usually located right in the center of the house. Additionally, the first few rows of the center mezzanine, the lower balcony, or the dress circle offer excellent views of the stage.
Best place to sit at Sydney Opera House
So, how does one define the best seats?
At the Sydney Opera House, the best seats can be considered from two perspectives:
- Best seats in terms of value for money
- Best seats in terms of overall experience
We provide this essential information for all six venues at the Sydney Opera House.
Concert Hall seats
The Concert Hall is the most prominent and largest venue at the Sydney Opera House, boasting 2,670 seats. The seating encircles the main stage, providing a variety of viewing angles.
The seats in the Concert Hall are divided into three sections: Stalls, Circles, and Box.
Concert Hall seats with the best view
In a hall this large, opinions on the best seats can vary.
For an optimal view, we recommend the middle seats in rows D, E, and F.
Seats in the first row of the Circle section are also excellent choices.
However, these seats often sell out quickly due to their direct view of the stage.
Concert Hall seats with the best value
The best value-for-money seats in the Concert Hall depend on the type of performance you are attending.
We recommend the box seats next to the theatre for the opera, as audio quality is more crucial than the visual aspect.
For ballet or similar performances, the middle seats in rows N to S offer decent views of the stage without the high price tag.
| Shows & Tours at SOH | Cost |
|---|---|
| Great Opera Hits at Sydney Opera House | A$ 69 |
| Opera Performance Tickets | A$ 115 |
| Tosca at Sydney Opera House | A$ 115 |
| Sunset Boulevard Musical | A$ 99 |
| Hamlet at Sydney Opera House | A$ 115 |
| Il Trittico at Sydney Opera House | A$ 115 |
Seats at Joan Sutherland Theatre
The Joan Sutherland Theatre is the second largest venue at the Sydney Opera House, with 1,507 seats distributed across three sections: Stalls, Circle, and Box.
Although the theatre’s performance-friendly layout ensures a good view from almost any seat, some seats offer a superior experience.
Joan Sutherland Theatre’s seat layout
Seats with the best view
Opinions may vary, but we recommend seats 22 to 28 in rows F, G, H, and J.
These seats offer the best possible view as they are the ideal distance from the stage and directly face it. As premium seats, they come with a higher price tag.
For those who prefer a vantage point, the front row of the Circle section is an excellent choice.
Value for money seats
The unique design of the Joan Sutherland Theatre ensures that many seats offer great value without breaking the bank.
In the Stalls section, aim for the middle seats in rows S, T, and U, which are classified as A Reserve and B Reserve seats and are therefore more affordable.
Middle seats in rows F and G in the Circle section are also good value options.
Drama Theatre seats
Located on the ground floor of the Sydney Opera House, the Drama Theatre is a more intimate venue, ideal for plays and musicals.
It features 544 seats arranged in a nearly rectangular block format.
The first three rows (A, B, and C) can be removed for performances requiring additional stage space, reducing the capacity to 475.
Seats with the best view at Drama Theatre
With its straightforward seating arrangement, the best seats are easy to identify.
For the optimal view, skip the first three rows and book the middle seats in rows D, E, and F.
These are typically considered premium seats in this layout.
Value for money seats at Drama Theatre
Given the limited variety of seats, ticket prices don’t vary significantly.
To save money, opt for the middle seats towards the back of the theatre.
Rows P, Q, R, S, and T offer a good view of the stage and are more affordable than the premium seats at the front.
Playhouse seats
The Playhouse is one of the smaller venues at the Sydney Opera House, catering to a younger audience.
Located on the ground floor in the southwestern corner of the Opera House, it features a straightforward seating plan: everyone is seated in front of the stage.
Seats with the best view at Playhouse
With around 400 seats, the Playhouse has little variation in seat quality— the primary difference is the distance from the stage.
Avoid the first three rows for the best viewing experience, and book middle seats in rows E, F, or G.
The middle seats in rows H, J, and K are ideal if you’re attending with kids.
The elevation in these rows helps children see the stage without craning their necks.
Value for money seats at Playhouse
In this small theatre, the price difference between seats is minimal.
For the best value, we recommend the last three rows—R, S, and T.
These seats offer similar sightlines to the rest but are cheaper due to their distance from the stage.
Seats at The Studio
The Studio is the most versatile venue in the Sydney Opera House, easily adaptable to suit various performances.
During the day, it hosts shows for a younger audience, and by night, it transforms into a space for world-class cabaret and circus acts.
With a capacity of around 300 guests, its flexible nature makes it difficult to pinpoint the best seats for every show.
Seats at the Utzon Room
The Utzon Room, the only space entirely designed by architect Jørn Utzon, is the smallest venue at the Sydney Opera House, accommodating 200 guests.
Since all seats offer the same view quality and pricing, specific seat recommendations are unnecessary.
Seats at The Forecourt
Located below the iconic white sails of the Opera House, the Forecourt is the only outdoor performance space at the Sydney Opera House. It offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the city.
Due to its flexible outdoor seating, it’s impossible to recommend the best seats.
Now that you know which seats offer the best experience, explore the ongoing shows at the Sydney Opera House.
Consider taking a Sydney Opera House tour to understand the venue’s interiors better.
Popular attractions in Sydney
# Sydney Opera House
# Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
# Sydney Aquarium
# Taronga Zoo
# Sydney Tower Eye
