Jewel in the Crown: Queen Victoria Building

From: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:(1)_Queen_Victoria_Building_4.JPG

Stewie here

On a rainy day like this, you're gonna want to head indoors. What better place to do it than the CBD's most exclusive shopping destination, the Queen Victoria Building - or, the QVB as locals call it!

Quick Info

Victoria herself, out front

Cost: free entry, spend as much as you like!
How: enter at street level from any direction, or enter underground from Town Hall train station/Pitt Street mall. Bus stops line the building.
What to do: Architecture, shopping, cafes, walking
Time: pass through in 10 mins or allow at least 30 mins to explore the many adorned levels and enter the occasional shop

Location

All roads lead to the QVB! It fills a city block, surrounded by George, Market, York and Druitt streets. It is a commuter hub especially in peak hour, people rushing to buses and Town Hall station.

See how central it is:

History

http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/imageservices/2010/09/george-street-markets-sydney-nsw-no-2/

Built between 1893-1898 on the site of a former marketplace, the continued that function but later   fell into disrepair. Thankfully, it has been restored to its former glory and is a trendy hangout for anyone wanting some retail therapy.

Upstairs, downstairs

The QVB is an amazing multi-storey building, with many functions and opportunities side by side.

Commuting

The bottom level of QVB (well, besides Victoria's Basement, a department store) is where you'll see busy commuters, food and convenience stores. Make sure to pay attention to the tiling, it's very intricate and is one of the highlights of the building's restoration.

Boutique shopping 

Notice the carpet? Yes, we're getting a little more pricey the further up we go, it appears. Art, antiques, jewellery, fashion and fineries abound. Prepare for some serious envy.

To the sky

The spectacular dome and many stained glass windows are a feat of architecture. Bring your camera and come during the day to observe the lighting and colour.


What is that?

Be sure to keep an eye out for the two giant hanging mechanical clocks, the Royal Clock and the Great Australian Clock. They are intricately designed and are tributes to our history.

If you happen to be here in 2085, you will witness the reading aloud of a sealed letter from Queen Elizabeth II, penned in 1986!

The Final Word

There's no excuse not to visit the Queen Victoria Building while in Sydney!
Oh, and one more thing...

High tea at The Tea Room - need I say more?


Laters,

- Stewie

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Want to learn more?

• Wikipedia - QVB
• QVB Official