Sydney Opera House

For serious bragging rights, be sure to catch a performance here. The program is eclectic—anything from a modern update on Shakespeare from Australia’s most revered troupe, Bell Shakespeare, to Brazilian rock and controversial modern theater. The daily guided tours range from an hour each, and are available in many languages. The anecdotes behind the iconic building and its construction make the time pass quickly. Among the options are back stage ones that include a private opera recital with one of Australia’s leading opera singers, a kids’ tour and another that combines with a visit to the zoo. All are available to book online.

Tip: There are a number of excellent restaurants within the complex, including the Opera Kitchen, situated on the lower concourse, where you can sample inventive Vietnamese dumplings from cult Bondi restaurant Misschu and sushi and sustainably caught seafood from purveyors like Cloudy Bay Fish Company.