A “DRUNKEN” man who climbed the sails of the Opera House was rescued by police after an apparent protest.

Officers spent nearly an hour negotiating with the man on top of the iconic building during which time tourists were banned from going near the stairs.

“How long is this going to take, we want to go up the stairs,” a Dutch tourist said.

Others decided to take video and pictures of the operation as they waited.

The man eventually decided to come down with help of ropes at 4pm and was being spoken to by police.

One of the officers in charge said unlike other similar incidents, this was not a protest climb.

“A drunken guy just decided to go up the sails,” he said.

media_camera Rescuers at the top of the Opera House Picture: Attila Szilvasi.

media_camera The man was shouting and screaming media_camera Image from social media of the man on the roof

media_camera A man has climbed to the top of the Sydney Opera House