Queen Victoria Building at a glance
The Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is a grand Romanesque Revival building on George Street, built between 1893 and 1898 and designed by George McRae. It fills a whole city block, is free to walk through, and sits beside Town Hall station. Combine it with Pitt Street Mall and The Strand Arcade a few minutes away.
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A grand market hall from 1898
The QVB was built on the site of the city’s old markets and officially opened on 21 July 1898. Designed by George McRae in the Romanesque Revival style, it stretches a full city block along George Street. After decades of change, it was carefully restored and today it is one of Sydney’s best-loved heritage buildings.
What to see inside
- The central dome – look up from the upper levels for the best view.
- The hanging clocks – two large decorative clocks hang inside the building.
- Queen Victoria’s statue – outside the southern end, facing Sydney Town Hall.
- Shops, cafes and high tea – fashion, gifts and places to sit and enjoy the building.
Opening hours and getting there
The QVB is open every day. Standard centre hours are:
- Monday to Wednesday: 9am to 6pm
- Thursday: 9am to 9pm (late-night shopping)
- Friday and Saturday: 9am to 6pm
- Sunday: 11am to 5pm
Individual shops and restaurants may keep different hours, and hours can change on public holidays, so check the official QVB opening hours before you go. Town Hall station is right beside the building, and the light rail stops on George Street outside.
Questions visitors ask
Is the Queen Victoria Building free to visit?
Yes. It is free to walk through and admire the building. You only pay if you shop, eat or have high tea.
How old is the Queen Victoria Building?
It was built between 1893 and 1898 and officially opened on 21 July 1898. It was designed by George McRae in the Romanesque Revival style.
How do we get to the QVB?
Take the train to Town Hall station, which is right beside the building, or ride the light rail along George Street.
We have one hour in the city. Can we see the QVB and Pitt Street Mall?
Yes. Walk through the QVB, cross to The Strand Arcade, and come out on Pitt Street Mall. They are only a few minutes apart.
More to explore nearby
- Shopping in Sydney – malls, arcades and markets across the city.
- Sydney Tower Eye – city views from above Westfield Sydney.
- Hyde Park – a green break a short walk east.
- Sydney CBD guide – what else to see in the city centre.
- Getting around Sydney – trains, light rail and buses.
