Princess Theatre Tours and Activities

Princess Theatre featuring a city, a skyscraper and street scenes
Photo provided by Tourism Victoria
Photo provided by Tourism Victoria
Photo provided by Tourism Victoria


After more than 150 years at the heart of Melbourne cultural life, this spectacular and much-loved theatre continues to charm.

One of Melbourne’s most spectacular landmarks is without a doubt the gorgeous Princess Theatre, an elegant venue that hosts a variety of much-loved productions. Admire its magisterial architecture, catch a memorable show, and maybe even meet its friendly ghost in residence.

When the Princess Theatre was first opened, over 150 years ago, it was considered way ahead of its time. Not only did it have a retractable roof it had electrical stage lighting, too. After a period of decline and then a determined restoration, the theatre has become a cultural highlight of the city. Its radiant exterior and classic stained-glass windows are a testimony to the ambition and the heritage of this storied institution.

Today, both visitors and locals flock to see such legendary productions as Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera at the Princess Theatre. Take a trip there in the evening to see a performance at one of the city’s favourite venues. There are 1470 seats in the theatre, and these places are regularly all filled by eager crowds in the intimate setting.

Choose an event, buy your tickets, and head on inside. Enjoy the show from your own comfortable red chair. Booster cushions are available for children. Looking around the hall, take in the theatre’s lovely interior decorations, and admire the design of the roof.

According to local legend, the Princess Theatre is home to a ghost, the apparition of a former opera singer by the name of Federici. Poor Federici died of a heart attack in 1888, while performing on stage. Over the years, both actors and staff members have reported a number of supernatural sightings, and an ashen-faced phantom showed up in a documentary from the 1970s. The ghost is known to be friendly, however, and he is well enough looked after – every night, a seat in the Dress Circle is left vacant for him.

The Princess Theatre is located in central Melbourne, easily accessible with the metro or the free City Circle Tram. There are no age restrictions for events. Buy tickets in advance over the phone or online.

Plan a trip to see Princess Theatre

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YEHS Hotel Melbourne CBD
Aussie Escape Apartments - Skyline Collins Tower
Laneways by Ovolo

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Reviews of Princess Theatre

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
402
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
175
4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
48
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
10
1 - Terrible 2%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Paid top dollar for ground floor seats...but they're not staggered so if, like me, you get stuck behind someone who is tall, it will ruin the experience.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

USE THE TRAMS TO GET AROUND ALL THE THEATERS IN THIS AREA

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We saw Harry Potter and the Cursed Child...great experience at a historical theatre.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Uncomfortable seats

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Go see 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'. it was wonderful experience!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Hotel and restraunt was within 4 minutes walk from the theatre which was great as we were there to see Harry Potter both sessions so being able to get dinner inbetween the sessions without hurrying was great.

Popular places to visit


Top Princess Theatre Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

4 out of 5
131-137 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne
Rydges Melbourne

Rydges Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
186 Exhibition Street,, Melbourne, VIC
Rydges Melbourne
The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham, Melbourne

5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
The Langham, Melbourne
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
215 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

5 out of 5
123 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Citadines on Bourke Melbourne

Citadines on Bourke Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
131-135 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC
Citadines on Bourke Melbourne
The Hotel Windsor

The Hotel Windsor

5 out of 5
111 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC
The Hotel Windsor
Stamford Plaza Melbourne

Stamford Plaza Melbourne

5 out of 5
111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Next Hotel Melbourne, Curio Collection by Hilton

Next Hotel Melbourne, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
103 Little Collins St, Melbourne, VIC
Next Hotel Melbourne, Curio Collection by Hilton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Princess Theatre

When visiting the iconic Princess Theatre in Melbourne, there's plenty to explore nearby, including excellent shopping, vibrant art scenes, and a plethora of entertainment venues. Theatre enthusiasts will delight in the range of theatre outings available, while nightlife options in the area offer a lively atmosphere for a fun evening. Don't miss the chance to soak up the rich cultural experiences that surround this historic venue.

Shopping

Melbourne Central, only 805m from Princess Theatre, offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and family-friendly options. Queen Victoria Market, 1.4km away, is perfect for local produce and unique finds. If you're up for a drive, Lightning Ridge Opal Mines, 644m away, is a must-visit for opals.

Recreation

Marvel Stadium, a mile from Princess Theatre, buzzes with sports energy, perfect for catching a game or event. Sidney Myer Music Bowl, located 1.4km away, offers vibrant music experiences under the stars. For family fun, the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, 3.2km away, features pools and recreational activities.

Adventure

Explore the Merri Creek Trail, a scenic hiking path 3.2km from Princess Theatre, offering immersive outdoor experiences. For a more leisurely outing, enjoy the Tan Track, located 1.6km away, perfect for a stroll amidst nature. For a unique adventure, consider a scenic flight with Melbourne Seaplanes, 8.0km away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Princess Theatre by visiting Her Majesty's Theatre, only 322m away, for a delightful show. Alternatively, stroll to Regent Theatre or Forum Theatre, both 644m away, where you can enjoy captivating performances in a romantic and entertaining atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Princess Theatre

When visiting the iconic Princess Theatre in Melbourne, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture by exploring nearby urban parks and historic colleges. The area offers a rich family-friendly experience with various theatres and venues just steps away, perfect for theatre enthusiasts. Don't miss the chance to discover local attractions that highlight the city's artistic flair and charm, making your trip memorable.

  • Rod Laver Arena: Experience the excitement of live events at this iconic venue, renowned for hosting major tennis tournaments and concerts. With its vibrant family-friendly atmosphere, Rod Laver Arena is perfect for sports and entertainment enthusiasts alike.
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground: Immerse yourself in Australia's sporting culture at this historic stadium, often referred to as the 'G'. Catch a game or take a guided tour to learn about its rich history and significance in Australian sport.
  • Collins Street: Stroll along this bustling street, known for its elegant architecture and high-end shopping. Collins Street captures the essence of Melbourne's vibrant city life, offering a mix of cafés, boutiques, and cultural landmarks.

Best time to go to Princess Theatre

The best time to visit Princess Theatre is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
February68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
July48.9°F (9.4°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
September53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
December64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Princess Theatre

To save money on your visit to the Princess Theatre, plan your trip between May to June or August when accommodation prices are lower. Opt for a Monday stay for the best rates, as Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter your budget and find the best deals on hotels, and consider package deals to save on flights and activities. Additionally, explore free activities in Melbourne to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Princess Theatre are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January, March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Princess Theatre is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Princess Theatre is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. To discover the most affordable prices and special offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at the Princess Theatre with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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