Sydney Greeters

Such a beautiful historic building with a lot of character and history behind it. The staff here are always welcoming and helpful, and it’s well looked after inside and out. It’s a lovely spot to visit if you’re around the Port. A nice reminder of the heritage of the area, but still very functional and modern inside.

Customs House is not only a beautiful heritage building but also a wonderful starting point for exploring Sydney. The highlight of my visit was the reception staff, who were extremely friendly and welcoming. She went out of her way to offer assistance, providing information with warmth and professionalism. Her approach felt truly ambassadorial, representing Sydney’s tourism with pride and genuine care. It left me with a very positive impression—not just of Customs House itself, but of the city as a whole. A perfect example of how great hospitality can elevate the visitor experience.

It's great place for local for sure, but not desirable place for tourists. Although there's some exhibitions going on here, they are so small and have nothing to enjoy. So if you're tourist, I wouldn't recommend visiting here.

Customs House is the kind of place that surprises you even if you have walked past it a hundred times on the way to Circular Quay. The sandstone façade looks suitably grand from outside, but step through the doors and the foyer opens into a bright atrium with a glass floor that reveals a detailed scale model of Sydney. You can spend ten minutes just tracing familiar streets with your eyes while ferries slide past outside the big windows. It feels like a small snapshot of the city within the city, and it instantly sets a curious mood for the rest of the visit. The building is beautifully kept, with contemporary touches layered over its 19th century bones. The City of Sydney Library lives here, which means quiet corners, free Wi Fi, newspapers, and art books you can leaf through between strolls. Temporary exhibitions and installations pop up around the ground level, so there is often something new to see without paying a cent. If you want to make an occasion of it, the rooftop restaurant serves up harbour views that are hard to beat for a celebratory lunch or a slow drink at sunset. Even a quick coffee at one of the street level spots feels elevated simply because of the setting and the constant theatre of the Quay outside. Practicalities are easy. Entrances face both the Quay and Macquarie Place, lifts run to all floors, and staff at the information desk are relaxed and helpful. The atrium is a cool refuge on hot days and a dry shortcut when the weather turns. I like to pair a visit with a walk along the foreshore to the Opera House, then circle back through The Rocks. Customs House works as a destination and as a moment of calm in the middle of Sydney’s busiest postcard.