Queen Victoria Building

Many say that it is the most beautiful shopping center in the world: the Queen Victoria Building. Known as the QVB by locals, it is undoubtedly one of Sydney’s most stunning places. Its architecture, inspired from Byzantine palaces, is truly breathtaking!

Built in 1898 to welcome Sydney’s first markets, it was dedicated to Queen Victoria, who reigned over the United Kingdom for more than 60 years and who became Queen of Australia in 1901. The building was constructed to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee, which marked her 60th year on the throne. Her reign is the second longest in British history, after that of Queen Elizabeth II.

The building standing before you was designed to match the Queen’s grandeur, showcasing a typical Victorian style from that era.

Today, with nearly 200 shops spread across four floors, this haven is a true paradise for shopping lovers! Restaurants, cafés, souvenir stores, exhibition halls—this building has it all. It was freshly renovated in 1984 to welcome the many locals and visitors who stroll through its halls every day.

It even housed the city council in the 1930s! Abandoned between 1959 and 1971, it was nearly demolished as it no longer served any purpose. Fortunately, the decision was made to preserve and restore it, making it into one of Australia’s most famous shopping destinations!

So, whether you’re in the mood for some shopping therapy or simply want to admire the stunning Art Deco that makes this building so unique, I highly recommend that you step inside, because you’re bound to find something special to take home with you!