5 Best Performing Arts Venues in Sydney City Center, Sydney

State Theatre is the grande dame of Sydney theaters. It operates as a cinema in June each year, when it hosts the two-week-long Sydney Film Festival; at other times this beautiful space hosts local and international performers. Built in 1929 and restored to its full-blown opulence, the theater has a vaulted ceiling, mosaic floors, marble columns and statues, and brass and bronze doors. A highlight of the magnificent theater is the 20,000-piece chandelier that is supposedly the world's second largest, which Robin Williams once likened to "one of Imelda Marcos's earrings." Even if you don't see a show here, it's worth popping into the lobby for a look around, or join a guided tour to get a good look at the theater's many treasures (A$25).

Belvoir Street Theatre has two stages that host innovative and challenging political and social drama. The smaller downstairs space showcases a lineup of brave new Australian drama. The theater is a 10-minute walk from Central Station.

This century-old city landmark was refurbished with such modern refinements as fiber-optic ceiling lights that twinkle in time to the music. The 2,000-seat theater specializes in Broadway blockbusters, such as The Lion King and Mary Poppins, and also hosts pop and rock concerts. Guided behind-the-scenes tours are available (A$38.50); bookings are essential.

This small 120-seat venue is home of the Griffin Theatre Company, which specializes in new Australian writing.

After being closed for over two decades, the Theatre Royal reopened in late 2021 after a multimillion-dollar face-lift. First opened in 1976, it's now the home to some of the biggest Broadway shows to come out of the United States.