The Queen Victoria Building

By Ben Stephens.

We want to fill you in with some local insight on certain parts of the city. Places that you need to know about to enrich your next visit. To start, it would be important to focus on one of QT Sydney’s closest neighbours and a relic in the history of Sydney, The Queen Victoria Building, aka the QVB.

The neighbourhood that surrounds QT Sydney is rich in social fabrics, from coffee to dumplings, cocktails and schooners, and then sitting above all else are the shopping options that frame the city. As you walk out of the doors of the hotel, you are spoilt for choice on all fronts, to the right you have David Jones, Westfield and then the greater Pitt St Mall, straight across the road you’ll find Myers and if you were to take a left you’ll quickly stumble across the Queen Victoria Building.

The QVB was completed in 1898, making the building 118 years old, which by Australian standards if pretty damn old. It’s crazy to think that something that old now plays home to some of Sydney’s best shopping and dining haunts. Spread over five levels (two that are under street level), you’ll find everything you need inside the deep-rooted walls.

Now, you can start your adventure into the QVB from either end, but the hot tip would be start on the ground floor on the Market Street entrance, then just follow your heart. A system of escalators will have you up on level 3 in no time.

When it comes to designer wears, the QVB has you sorted with labels such as Alannah Hill, Camilla, Karen Millen and David Lawrence for the ladies, while the gents can pick up a little something smart from Rodd & Gunn or by the team who exclusively dress our QT Barbers, at M.J. Bale. When you are in need of slightly casual attire, Glue, Topshop and Country Road are on hand too.

When you need a coffee, it depends on what exactly you are looking for. If you want a table facing Town Hall (so you can people watch at peak hour), head straight to Jet Bar Caffe and nab that table outside. If you are looking for something quick, stop by Metropole Café to pick up a quick takeaway.

Finally, keep in mind that you are only just a hop, skip and jump away from QT Sydney, if you need to drop some bags to your room, see the team at the front door, they’ll be sure to get those to your room so you can restock those strong arms.

Happy Shopping.