Are you looking for Circular Quay hotels and attractions? The former working port is now one of Sydney’s most popular areas for harbourside dining and sightseeing, home to some of the city’s biggest sights. These include the iconic Sydney Opera House, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and Government House.
With more than 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve found the most popular 5-star Circular Quay hotels. These luxurious Sydney hotels offer some of the city’s best rooms and suites, along with Sydney Harbour views, resort-style facilities and gourmet on-site dining. We’ve also hand-picked some of the amazing things to see around Circular Quay, including museums and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
One of the most popular Circular Quay hotels, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour has stylish suites with private balconies overlooking the harbour and Sydney Harbour Bridge. These self-contained accommodations also come with well-equipped kitchens, spa baths and separate living rooms with sofa beds. The hotel can also fit up to six guests in its 2 Bedroom Suites.
Q Dining highlights the hotel’s dining options with its assortment of delicious produce from the land and sea. Duck into Hacienda Sydney in the evenings for Cuban-inspired cocktails and snacks while admiring Harbour Bridge. The hotel also has an indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi, paid massage services, three meeting rooms, a self-service business centre and a fully-equipped gym.
Nearby Circular Quay Attractions
- Government House (500 metres)
- Sydney Opera House (450 metres)
- Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (600 metres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 313 – USD 863
Guest Rating: 9.2
Address: 61 Macquarie Street East Circular Quay, Sydney CBD, Sydney, Australia
Sir Stamford at Circular Quay Hotel Sydney
The boutique Sir Stamford at Circular Quay Hotel Sydney is our pick of Circular Quay hotels for travellers seeking old-world luxury. Vintage furnishings and timeless artwork adorn the hotel, with has one of Australia’s largest collections of fine art and 18th-century antiques. The Dining Room offers an elegant setting for the hotel’s gourmet breakfast, while Highlander Whisky Bar serves a range of top-shelf spirits and wine.
Guest rooms range from the Superior Room with a king-size bed, mahogany writing desk and Juliet balcony to the slightly larger Deluxe Room with a mattress topper, terrace and lounge seating. Upgrade to the Executive Suite for separate living room and Sydney Harbour Views. Don’t forget to visit Serendipity Miss Beauty Spa for high-end treatments, which are perfect after working out in the hotel’s gym.
Nearby Circular Quay Attractions
- Justice & Police Museum (95 metres)
- Customs House (350 metres)
- First Fleet Park (400 metres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 237 – USD 1,379
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: 93 Macquarie Street, Sydney CBD, Sydney, Australia
Park Hyatt Sydney
Nestled near Pylon Lookout, Park Hyatt Sydney has opulent rooms and suites with uninterrupted views of the harbour and Sydney Opera House. These are some of the largest rooms out of all the Circular Quay hotels. They feature private balconies, custom furnishings, walls of floor-to-ceiling windows and hand-picked artwork by Australian artists.
We particularly love the Rooftop Suite, which has a kitchenette, large outdoor terrace and a separate living room. Indulge in casual dining and cocktails in The Living Room or visit The Dining Room for delicious Australian produce paired with Opera House and harbour views. The on-site day spa is the perfect spot for relaxing with a full-body massage or facial treatment.
Nearby Circular Quay Attractions
- Sydney Theatre Company (550 metres)
- BridgeClimb Sydney (500 metres)
- Dawes Point Battery (95 metres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 781 – USD 1,413
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: 7 Hickson Road, The Rocks, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
Housed within a Heritage-listed building dating back to 1856, the extravagant Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney is an iconic Circular Quay hotel. The old-world exterior contains modern luxuries, including eight sophisticated meeting rooms, a well-equipped fitness centre and relaxed lounge bar. You can also enjoy upscale dining at Bentley Restaurant & Bar or a sumptuous breakfast in the Lady Fairfax Room.
Adorned in metallic and grey tones, the stylish rooms and suites include granite and marble bathrooms, work desks and plush bedding. The Deluxe Balcony Rooms are popular for their separate baths and private Juliette balconies, while the studio and one-bedroom Spa Suites have separate lounge areas and extra-deep spa baths. Guests can pay extra for access to the Business Class Lounge, which offers a deluxe buffet breakfast, refreshments throughout the day and evening drinks with canapes.
Nearby Circular Quay Attractions
- Museum of Sydney (350 metres)
- Customs House (450 metres)
- Macquarie Place Park (300 metres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 207 – USD 777
Guest Rating: 9.2
Address: 27 O’Connell Street, Sydney CBD, Sydney, Australia
Hotel Location
8 Unmissable Circular Quay Attractions
Sydney Opera House
Built in 1973, the Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House is one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks. It’s known around the world for its shell-inspired roof and grand Concert Hall, which has hosted Pope John Paul II, Canadian singer Michael Bublé, Nelson Mandela and Sergei Prokofiev’s War and Peace over the years.
Today, the Sydney Opera House is a staple of culture in Australia. The venue hosts everything from musical theatre, opera and cabaret to plays, classical music, dance and film. You can also discover more about the Opera House and its history on a guided backstage tour. There are multiple on-site restaurants and bars as well, including Portside, an alfresco restaurant on the harbour.
The Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden is home to more than 1.4 million botanical specimens spread across 30 hectares. It’s the oldest scientific institution in Australia, dating back to 1816, and features a variety of themed gardens. This includes New Zealand and Pacific Islands plants in the Lower Gardens, a Rose Garden, Herb Garden and Australian Native Rockery.
A range of fun and immersive experiences are on offer at The Royal Botanical Garden. You can learn about traditional Indigenous Australian foraging, take a guided tour or ride on the Choo Choo Express miniature train. Visit The Calyx for shopping, dining, workshops and exhibitions or take your kids to scavenger hunts and art safaris.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Built in 1932, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is as equally recognisable as the Sydney Opera House. Admiring it from the harbour is a great first impression, but climbing the bridge is a truly memorable experience. You can scale the bridge with BridgeClimb Sydney, which offers 3.5-hour guided summit climbs.
There are two pylons at either end of the bridge. The South-East Pylon is particularly known for its picturesque views of Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s also home to a public museum that shares the history of the bridge’s construction through historical images, rare video footage and fascinating artefacts.
The Calyx
Located within The Royal Botanic Garden, The Calyx is a hub for dining, shopping and various events and workshops. It’s often hosting interesting exhibits like ‘Plants with Bite’, which showcases the world’s carnivorous plants. Travellers wanting to make their lives a little greener can attend sustainability workshops focusing on DIY baby products, candle making and plant-based skincare.
Visit The Calyx at night for an evening of star gazing, storytelling and astronomy. Stop for a quick coffee at one of the cafes or stay a little longer for a delectable high tea. The Calyx is also a popular venue for weddings and corporate events.
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The Rocks
The Rocks retains much of Sydney’s history among its cobbled laneways, historic pubs and centuries-old buildings. As you wander around this atmospheric neighbourhood, you can stroll past the circa-1816 Cadmans Cottage, admire historical houses at Susannah Place and grab a drink a the 1820s pub, The Argyle.
Visit The Rocks Discovery Museum to learn more about the people and events that shaped Sydney, then browse the local crafts, clothing and street food at the open-air Rocks Market. You can also explore the area with a knowledgeable guide with The Rocks Walking Tours or discover Sydney’s spookier side with The Rocks Ghost Tours.
Customs House
Opened in 1845, Customs House is a heritage-listed museum and landmark that hosts exhibitions highlighting Sydney’s culture. There are fascinating exhibits scattered throughout the museum, including a model depicting 10 square kilometres of Sydney’s downtown area and paintings showcasing Australia’s history.
You can collect walking tour brochures from the Customs House Information Desk. These present different walking routes for discovering the city’s Aboriginal or Colonial history. Need a quiet place to work? Visit one of the lounge areas on the ground or first floors. They have public-access computers, free Wi-Fi, shared working spaces and meeting rooms for hire.
Justice & Police Museum
Visiting the Justice & Police Museum takes you back to Sydney’s darker times during the 19th and 20th centuries. This was when the Water Police station saw the trials and convictions of numerous criminals. Today, you can learn more about this world of crime and punishment by exploring the preserved station rooms and seeing old crime scene photos and mug shots.
The museum is dedicated to learning and runs a range of educational workshops for students, including costumed trials and solving crime cases. Time your visit for one of the museum’s regular events, such as Bushrangers Behind Bars and Murder in the Museum. You can also dress up for your own mug shot and get your fingerprints taken.
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
Home to contemporary art from Australia and the world, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia offers a thought-provoking journey through painting, photography, sculpture and moving image. It also showcases a large collection of works by Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islanders.
Those seeking deeper learning and cultural immersion can attend events at the museum, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learning programs. Join one of the free guided tours around the museum to discover more about the art, artists and their personal stories. The on-site Graze MCA serves seasonal meals alongside sweeping views of Circular Quay.
Sydney Harbour YHA
Sydney Harbour YHA is an award-winning, 5-star hostel perfect for travellers seeking social and affordable Circular Quay hotels. The state-of-the-art facilities pair well with the heritage atmosphere. Guests can enjoy free movie nights in the lounge or venture up to the rooftop terrace for international meals accompanied by panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and Sydney Opera House.
Save money by staying in one of the shared dorms, which feature comfortable bunk beds with individual lights and power outlets. Want your own space? Book a Private Room, which has a flat-screen TV and partial city and harbour views. All guests have access to the communal kitchen and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hostel also organises free tours to art galleries and walks from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach.
Nearby Circular Quay Attractions
- The Rocks Market (350 metres)
- Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (350 metres)
- Roslyn Packer Theatre (650 metres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 86 – USD 200
Guest Rating: 9
Address: 110 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney – Mgallery
The historic Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney – Mgallery is a popular choice among HotelsCombined visitors for its prime location and superb on-site dining. The latter includes Middle East-inspired cuisine at Tayim Restaurant & Bar and boutique international wine at Eric’s Bar. Along with online check-in and Sydney Airport transfers, the hotel offers a fitness centre and meeting room.
Speaking of rooms, the Deluxe, Superior and Suite accommodations combine heritage decor with contemporary furnishings and entertainment. The Heritage Deluxe Room boasts a king-size bed, work desk, lounge seating and mini bar. However, the Harbour View Suite is hard to beat with its kitchenette, separate lounge area and furnished terrace overlooking the harbour.
Nearby Circular Quay Attractions
- Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (170 metres)
- BridgeClimb Sydney (350 metres)
- The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre (300 metres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 243 – USD 776
Guest Rating: 8.4
Address: 34 Harrington Street, The Rocks, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
InterContinental Sydney
Located on the edge of the Royal Botanic Gardens, InterContinental Sydney is housed within the restored Treasury Building, which dates back to 1851. Elegance flows throughout this hotel, from the executive rooms and suites to the gourmet dining. Indulge in a fresh seafood buffet at Café Opera, sip wine and beer in The Cortile’s historic lounge or dine on char-grilled meats at Meat & Wine Co Circular Quay.
Even the Standard Rooms have views of the harbour or Sydney Opera House, along with plush beds and chaise lounges. Opt for an Executive Room for access to the hotel’s exclusive rooftop lounge, which offers a complimentary breakfast buffet, all-day refreshments and evening drinks. Want more space? Book a suite for a separate living and dining room, private terrace, full kitchen and marble spa bath. It’s truly one of the best suites at these Circular Quay hotels.
Nearby Circular Quay Attractions
- Justice & Police Museum (220 metres)
- Museum of Sydney (55 metres)
- Sydney Opera House (800 metres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 254 – USD 644
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: 117 Macquarie Street, Sydney CBD, Sydney, Australia
Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay
A highlight of these Circular Quay hotels, the renowned Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay captures the magic of Sydney’s inner-city attractions, dining and entertainment. Its own dining options tempt the palate, such as the contemporary Australian cuisine at Silvester’s Restaurant and gastro-pub fare at Customs House Bar.
This is one of the best Circular Quay hotels for active travellers, thanks to its Level 4 Health Club. It offers an indoor lap pool, well-equipped gym, a sauna and yoga and fitness classes on the outdoor terrace. The sophisticated rooms and suites are spread across 32 floors soaking up city and harbour views. Certain rooms have king-size beds and access to the Executive Lounge, while suites offer added luxuries like in-room spa baths, Opera House vistas and separate living and dining rooms.
Nearby Circular Quay Attractions
- Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (350 metres)
- Sydney Observatory (900 metres)
- The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre (550 metres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 230 – USD 1,507
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: 30 Pitt Street, Sydney CBD, Sydney, Australia
Hotel Location
Memorable Sights & Accommodation at These Circular Quay Hotels
Unparalleled Sydney accommodation awaits at Circular Quay, where you can stay at a range of 5-star Sydney hotels. They all offer luxury suites with views of the harbour or prominent Sydney attractions. You can also enjoy award-winning on-site dining and various leisure facilities, including indoor swimming pools, day spas and state-of-the-art gyms.
Which of these Circular Quay hotels do you like the most? Let us know in the comments below.
