Looking for things to do in Sydney in the rain or even things indoors activities in Sydney when it gets too hot? Let’s face it, Sydney is a great city when the sun is shining, but what to in Sydney when it rains is another matter. When it rains it completely buckets down, the roads flood within minutes, and as I write this post as it’s pouring outside.
Although Sydney is amazing for its outdoors, it can be difficult come up with things to do on a rainy day in Sydney. Let us help you make the most out of Sydney weather conditions, regardless of the forecast.
Things To Do In Sydney In The Rain
In this post, we’re going to share some of the best rainy day activities in Sydney. This includes our personal favourite things to do in Sydney when it’s raining. Hopefully we’ll inspire you to not spend the weekend indoors watching Netflix and get out and about enjoying new things to do on the weekend in Sydney, regardless of the weather.
And, whilst Sydney rain is infamous for being a bit crazy, don’t let it put you off from experiencing fun activities and places to visit in Sydney.
1. Bring The Hunter Valley To Sydney
Sometimes when it’s non stop raining, the best thing to do is get sloshed! Fear not…you don’t need to travel to the Hunter Valley to enjoy a fun wine tasting in Sydney. Located near to Centennial Park, Urban Winery in Sydney hosts a popular wine tasting tour with a cheese platter.
Expect a good six glasses of wine, and you’ll soon forget about the rain.
This wine tasting tour is the perfect date night in Sydney idea, or indoors activities with friends when looking for things to do in Sydney in the rain!
Find out more about the Urban Winery wine tasting here.
2. Sit By The Fire At A Proper English Pub In Sydney
Make your way to The Duke Of Clarence in Sydney CBD and feel like you’re in England in this fantastic little English pub in Sydney! The manager told me how this used to be a pub in England, and it was all shipped over to Sydney and rebuilt!
Book the sofas by the fire if you’re looking for things to do in Sydney in Winter, or visit on a Sunday for a proper British Sunday roast. The cocktails are also delicious – I ordered a warm cider and honestly, it’s the goods!
Address: The Duke Of Clarence, Laneway, 152, 156 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000
3.Explore Mitchell Road Antique Centre In Sydney
One of our favourite things to do in Sydney in the rain is to spend a good few hours wondering around the amazing Mitchell Road Antiques Centre in Alexandria. We’ve been to the best antique shops in Sydney and this one comes up tops for us! Housed in a warehouse, you could easily spend the afternoon wondering around this awesome antiques centre in Sydney.
Address: Mitchell Road Antiques, 17 Bourke Rd, Alexandria
4. Check Out The Best Pottery Classes In Sydney
If you’ve ever wanted to own the most beautiful crockery in your home, take a popular pottery making class in Sydney! Learn from some of the best pottery makers in Sydney, as you’ll learn how to make your own mugs, bowls, vases, plates and so much more! This is one of the most popular art classes in Sydney because of it’s rewarding yet meditative experience.
Find out more information about pottery classes in Sydney which has had rave reviews run by ClassBento (whom I have personally freelanced for in the past!).
5. Discover Best Coffee In Sydney
If you’re yet to find the best coffee in Sydney, look no further! We have explored high and low to share with you the absolutely best places in Sydney for coffee right here. Expect purple lattes, and the ultimate guide for Sydney coffee on the internet!
Read our guide for the 10 best places to get coffee in Sydney
6. Have Fun At A Paint & Sip Class
Paint & Sip Classes in Sydney have become wildly popular in the last year or so. Not only is it a fun way to meet new people if you’re coming alone, it’s an opportunity to have fun with your friends painting the same picture whilst you’ve got a vino on the other hand. Plus! It’s one of the best things to do in Sydney in the rain!
Run by ClassBento (whom I work for part time and can personally vouch for) choose between these various locations:
- Paint & Sip in Tamarama with Bondi Paint Club
- Paint & Sip in Balmain
- Paint & Sip in Chatswood
- Boozy finger painting in Redfern
7. Become Customer Of The Day At Redfern Convenience Store
When we were visiting Redfern recently on a research trip, we stumbled across Redfern Convenience Store which is also known at “The Great Convenience Store In The World!” When I went to check it out, the owner showed me around his unique shop which sells rare sweets and treats mainly from UK and America. Honestly, go check it out and you might become the Customer Of The Day which is shared on their popular Instagram page with over 25k followers!
Address: Redfern Convenience Store, 152a Redfern St, Redfern NSW 2016
8. Explore Sydney Art Galleries
An obvious one, but I find that visiting Sydney’s galleries like the MCA, Art Gallery of NSW or the world’s largest Chinese art collection at White Rabbit perfect for a Sydney winter activity. Don’t forget Brett Whitely’s Studio in Surry Hills. He famously married Wendy of Wendy’s Secret Garden and it’s an amazing insight into his life working and sleeping at his studio.
I never go to galleries in Summer as I want to be outside, so it’s a good way to see some culture, get those steps up and I find that usually, there’s always a good cafe and shop at an art gallery to have something to eat at afterwards. White Rabbit and MCA have fantastic cafes onsite.
Check out our guide to the best 18 art galleries in Sydney!
9. Learn How To Make Your Own Terrarium In Sydney
Take the opportunity to learn an amazing new skill when looking for things to do in Sydney when it’s raining! Terrarium workshops have become hugely popular as they are fantastic great indoors activities in Sydney when you’re wondering what to do when it’s raining.
You know what’s great about learning how to make a terrarium? You’ll be able to make them as gifts to give to friends & family when you’re stuck for ideas because everyone loves a terrarium.
They are the easiest little jungles to look after and require watering like once a week. This means you can say goodbye to killing your future plants in your home!
Find out more about this hugely popular terrarium class in Redfern.
10. Eat The Best Yum Cha In Sydney At Marigold Restaurant
It took me 10 years to try Yum Cha in Sydney! When I booked Marigold Yum Cha in Chinatown in Sydney for Steve’s birthday recently, we both didn’t have high hopes, purely because it’s so cheap. But, we were really impressed and had so much fun at this authentic Sydney yum cha restaurant.
We paid something like $35pp for an 8 course set menu and we were full at the end. Don’t expect it to be high end, because it’s not. If you’re after an authentic yum cha experience, this is the place to come to. Read our Marigold Yum Cha review and find out where to visit after lunch or dinner.
Address: Marigold Restaurant, Laneway, 152, 156 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000
13. Discover The Best Places To Eat In Bondi
Like the idea of spending the day eating a long lunch in Sydney? Discover some of the best hidden cafes in Sydney in Bondi! Sydney local, Elaine shares some of the best underrated places to eat in Bondi which you need to know about! You never know, you might find a new favourite restaurant in Sydney!
Read our 17 Amazing Places in Bondi for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
14. Relax In The Best Day Spas In Sydney
What a better way to take advantage of the rain in Sydney other than to head straight to the spa. The best day spa Sydney we found online are Bath Houses and Gillian Adams Spa.
Bath Houses recommend you start with their famous baths, which at 39C will relax you in no time. For $31 for 30 minutes, this is a good way to start the weekend. They also offer loads of other treatments including massages and tarot reading and with their three locations, you should be able to get to one of them quite easily.
For those of you living in the North Shore, we found the gem, Gillian Adams Spa. The pool and steam will set you back $70 for 50 minutes and they have load of other services as well to try such as microdermabrasion, massage, full body exfoliation and many more. The pool looks absolutely beautiful though (pictured above).
15. Make You Own Box Of Chocolates
Do you love chocolate as much as we do? Find things to do indoors in Sydney and learn how to make a beautiful box of truffles with Meltdown Artisan, based in Darlinghurst. You’ll learn how to make various truffles and take home the box of chocolates you make!
This fun three hour workshop could just be the trick for spending a great weekend either by yourself, with friends or with family. It’s also a brilliant way to get yourself out and about meeting like minded people in Sydney.
Find out more about this chocolate making class here.
16. Spend The Day In Sydney’s Best Bookshops
If you’re ever wondering what to do in Sydney in the rain, it doesn’t get much better than to curl up with a good book in some of Sydney’s best bookshops.
Check out the gorgeous Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore in Paddington which has three floors to choose from. Order some delicious food and kick back reading one of their books. You’ll feel right at home in no time – trust me, I love this place! Random fact – I remember Aston Kutcher and Mila Kunis came here for breakfast two days in a row because they loved it so much when they were visiting Sydney years ago!
Or head over to Sappho Bookshop in Glebe which has a secret cafe out the back or to Bondi’s famous Gertrude & Alice Bookshop instead!
Address: Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore, 78 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021
15. Go Indoor Skydiving At iFly In Penrith
Another thrill seeking activity is indoor skydiving at iFly in Penrith. I went here with Steve and had a brilliant time even if we had to tag onto a 10 year olds party! It’s one of the best indoor activities in Sydney for kids and adults. It’s a brilliant date idea in Sydney, or simply one of the best things to do with friends too.
Read our review at iFly in Penrith here.
16. Discover Sydney’s Hidden Antique Shop
If you love antique shops as much as we do, make sure you check out Design Ark in Randwick. We couldn’t believe how cool this vintage shop in Sydney really is. Expect vintage homewares and mid-century pieces. We wanted to buy almost everything in this super cool homewares shop in Sydney! Go check it out!
Find out more in our guide for the 10 best antique shops in Sydney.
17. Go To An Immersive Cinema Experience
One of the best cinemas in Sydney is hands down The Hayden Orpheum in Cremorne, an amazing Art Deco cinema. The beautifully designed cinema is a sight to be seen. Head over on a Friday (check for timings) to go to the popular cult classic and immersive cinema experience of The Room. We’ve not had that much fun in ages, throwing spoons at the screen.
Pop over the road to Radio Cairo, a North African popular restaurant before or after your movie for some incredible food (make sure you book)!
Address: The Hayden Orpheum, 380 Military Rd, Cremorne NSW 2090
19. Get A Massage In Chatswood
OK, I’m calling it… the best massage in Sydney is Magic Massage, in Chatswood Westfield. I know those massage parlours in a shopping centre always look a bit on the dodge side but Magic Massage is incredible. I’ve been there four times, and every time it has been amazing!! A must visit and for $35 for 30 minutes, you can’t go wrong.
Address: Magic Massage, 1 Anderson St, Chatswood NSW 2067
20. Discover The Best Vegan Restaurants In Sydney
Just because it’s raining in Sydney, doesn’t mean you should reach for the junk food (I know I do!). Instead, explore some of the best vegan restaurants in Sydney instead. Fear not, we’ve put together the best vegan restaurants in Sydney guide on the internet!
Read 30 Best Vegan Restaurants In Sydney
21. Spend A Fun Afternoon Or Evening At Holey Moley
If you’re looking for indoors activities for friends, we definitely recommend spending the afternoon or evening at Holey Moley! This is a fun putt putt bar located in Darlinghurst and Newtown. Don your best fancy dress theme for parties and celebrate at this fun indoors activity in Sydney!
23. Go On A Newtown Pub Crawl
Spend the day in the rain on a Newtown pub crawl to some of the best small bars in Sydney. Simply walk down Enmore Road, which is just a few minutes from Newtown Train Station, and you’ll find loads of awesome small bars to check out! Luckily all of the small bars in Newtown mentioned below are all near to each other, so you won’t have to walk too far in the rain.
We filmed a day in Newtown above and ended up on a pub crawl to most of these bars below. It’s so much fun, it almost reminded me of going on a night out in England.
- Midnight Special
- Blue Fig Bar
- Fortunate Son
- Young Henry’s Brewery
- Secret Garden Bar
- Jacoby’s Tiki Bar
- Hopsters Cooperative Brewery
- The Enmore Hotel
24. Visit A Paddington Designer Vintage Shop
Recently I discovered the amazing AXL Bazaar vintage shop in Paddington. I assumed from the shop front it would be an expensive vintage shop but it’s not at all. I loved the kitsch designer jewellery (think Chanel) and beautiful womenswear and menswear vintage fashion. Go check out this hidden gem in Sydney!
Address: AXL Bazaar, 35 Elizabeth Bay Rd, Elizabeth Bay NSW 2011
25. Discover A Chinese Teahouse In Waterloo
A proper little gem in Sydney is Zensation Tea, an incredible tea house in Surry Hills. We spent a good few hours there just trying loads of different green teas which is something different to do in the rain in Sydney.
They also serve food as well like dumplings. This is a must visit and a great way to spend a Sunday. Just don’t drink too much tea as you’ll be buzzing all night from the caffeine!
Address: Zensation Tea House, shop 160/806 Bourke St, Waterloo NSW 2017
26. Discover The Beautiful Water Tiger Antique Shop
If you love antique Chinese & Indian furniture like we do, then you absolutely must go and check out Water Tiger in St Peter. This is a gorgeous homewares shop in Sydney and is very Instagrammable.
You could book in next door for the place below afterwards!
Address: Water Tiger, Suite 1.07, Precinct, 75 75 Mary St, St Peters NSW 2044
27. Spend The Day Axe Throwing At Maniax
Located next door to Water Tiger antique shop is Maniax which is a fun axe throwing and brewery in St Peters. Perfect for those looking for birthday ideas in Sydney, corporate team building activities or things to do in Sydney in the rain, you cannot go wrong with trying a unique activity like axe throwing!
You don’t need to bring a party along to go to Maniax, they have sessions for single people, date night and so much more!
Address: Maniax, 2/01/75 Mary St, St Peters NSW 2044
28. The Best Sunday Lunch In Sydney
When it’s wet and cold, there’s nothing better than going out for a British Sunday roast in Sydney. I even found one that’s on par with an English roast at The Lord Dudley Hotel in Woollahra! I have to admit, the pub really feels like an English pub, with the carpets, and bar, ordering a pint and of course being able to stand outside the pub on the street.
Read our guide for British Sunday Roast at Lord Dudley Hotel.
29. Indulge In The Best High Tea In Sydney
I found the most amazing tea rooms in Sydney, called The Tea Cosy. Personally I found it’s on par with a good English team rooms like back home! Run by an Irish family, it’s quite kitsch with knitting needles on the tables to keep you entertained.
Address: The Tea Cosy, 7 Atherden St, The Rocks NSW 2000
30. Check Out The Escape Rooms In Sydney
Whilst there are so many escape rooms to discover in Sydney, check out this review of one which our writer Rebecca reviewed for us recently.
Read our review of the Escape Rooms in Sydney here.
31. Have Fun At Sydney Trapeze School
Have you ever fancied trying a go at trapeze? Get yourself down to Sydney Trapeze School for just $70 a class, this would be a brilliant day out in St Peters. It’s the perfect birthday party idea in Sydney, corporate team building events and of course perfect for families, friends and single people looking for things to do when it’s raining in Sydney.
Address: Sydney Trapeze School, 1/7 Unwins Bridge Rd, St Peters NSW 2044
32. Go Rock Climbing In Sydney
Find more adventurous things to do in Sydney in the rain by checking out Sydney’s largest climbing centre in St Leonards called Climb Fit. I’ve been here and for someone scared of heights, I absolutely loved it. You’ll find yourself around loads of like minded people who love the thrill of climbing. For $30, you’ll get entry and a harness to use.
Address: Climb Fit, Unit 4/12 Frederick St, St Leonards NSW 2065
33. Cocktail Making & All You Can Eat Pizza Class
If you’re looking for fun things to do indoors in Sydney, look no further, because Salts Meat Cheese offer up a really popular cocktail making class with all you can eat pizza. Basically you’ll learn how to make your favourite cocktails whilst you spend the day drinking them and eating as much pizza as humanly possible. Sounds like a fab afternoon right?
Find out more about this cocktail making class in Sydney here.
34. Find The Best Indoor Pools In Sydney
Just because it’s raining in Sydney, it doesn’t mean your exercise routine needs to be off the agenda. Find healthy things to do in Sydney in the rain and go for a dip in one of best Sydney indoor swimming pools! Two of the top pools include Cook & Philip right next to St Mary’s Cathedral (next to Hyde Park) and the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre (next to the Power House Museum).
35. Portugeuse Wine Shop In Marrickville
We randomly stumbled across Luso Liquors in Marrickville one afternoon and it’s fantastic. A Portuguese couple import wines from Portugal and know so much about them, it’s amazing just chatting to them about it all. Plus! This couple are so funny, I would be surprised if you don’t laugh a lot when you meet them!
Opposite the wine shop is the amazing Faversham Laneway which is an incredible lane full of street art by British Artist Stuart Sale. We randomly met him after popping into Luso Liquors and wrote about his story about the best street art in Sydney here.
Address: Luso Liquors, 34D Fitzroy Street, Marrickville
36. Take A Swing Or Rock N Roll Dance Class
If you’ve ever wanted to learn to dance, take the opportunity to learn either balboa, rock n roll dance or swing classes in Sydney with Swingtime Dance School in Marrickville! There are beginners, intermediate and advanced classes so you can meet like-minded people in Sydney.
Swingtime Dance School runs swing, rock n roll and balboa dance classes all over Sydney’s Inner West. They’re open to beginners, but if you already know a few steps you can take the advanced classes. So, next time you’re looking for things to do in Sydney in the rain, look no further!
Address: Swingtime Dance School, 14 Cadogan St, Marrickville NSW 2042
37. Things To Do in Sydney In The Rain With Kids
If you’re looking for things to do in Sydney in the rain with kids, there are loads of things you can do to keep you busy!
Check out the Ice Zoo in Alexandria, which is an indoor ice rink. Wear warm clothing regardless of visiting in Summer or Winter as it’s cold inside. It’s a good place to visit when it’s too hot in Sydney, when you’re looking for things to do indoors in Sydney.
Other options include the Skyzone Trampoline in Alexandria which is a fun warehouse complete with loads of trampolines, even adults will love!
37 Things To Do In Sydney In The Rain
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