Customs House
A grand heritage building and cultural hub at Circular Quay, rated 4.5 across more than 2,000 reviews.
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Why it's worth checking out
Customs House stands on Alfred Street at Circular Quay, a grand sandstone heritage building right by the harbour in the heart of Sydney. Once the city's customs headquarters, it's now a beautifully repurposed cultural hub — home to the City of Sydney library, exhibition spaces and dining, including a famous scale model of the city beneath a glass floor.
The appeal is that combination of magnificent heritage architecture, a relaxed cultural space and an unbeatable location steps from the ferries, the Opera House and The Rocks. Whether you come to browse the library, see the city model, admire the building or enjoy the rooftop dining above, it's a genuine Sydney landmark.
With a 4.5 rating from more than 2,000 reviews, it's a much-loved building. The library, exhibitions, dining and any events have their own hours and arrangements, so it's worth checking current details before a special visit — though for a look at the heritage architecture, the city model or to use the library, you can generally just drop in as part of exploring Circular Quay.
Reviewed by Iyan B.
Practical details
Opening hours
Closed- Monday
- 08:00 – 00:00
- Tuesday
- 08:00 – 00:00
- WednesdayToday
- 08:00 – 00:00
- Thursday
- 08:00 – 00:00
- Friday
- 08:00 – 00:00
- Saturday
- 09:00 – 00:00
- Sunday
- 09:00 – 17:00
Spot Score
- Reputation
- 80
- Popularity
- 100
- Information quality
- 30
- Category fit
- 70
- Freshness
- 30
Our independent editorial score — not a user rating.
Nearby venues
Cafe Sydney Restaurant
$$$$A rooftop restaurant with sweeping harbour views serving Modern Australian cuisine and cocktails.
Marlowe's Way
$$Laneway cafe/bar with murals by local artists, offering snacks, house-blend coffee and craft beer.
The Rocks Cafe
$$Casual eatery offering staples such as burgers, salads & pasta in a restored 19th-century market.
Banksia Bakehouse
Cafes in Sydney CBD, Sydney.
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