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Photograph: Unsplash | Road Trip with Raj

The 25 best things to do on a rainy day in Sydney

Here are our favourite rainy day activities to help you make the most of an otherwise gloomy day

Melissa Woodley
Written by
Time Out editors
&
Melissa Woodley
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Just because the skies are falling, doesn't mean you have to sit around doing nothing until the weather lets up. Here at Time Out, we think that rainy days can be the best type of days so we've rounded up our favorite things to do in Sydney, from movie marathons and indoor climbing centres to our favourite pubs with fireplaces and cheap and cheerful eateries.

Don't let the rain get you down. Here are our top etiquette tips for being a good Sydneysider when the heavens open.

Rainy day activities in Sydney

  • Bars
  • Cocktail bars

When you're feeling parched, there are a few good reasons to head down rather than up. Underground it's always party o'clock, because even if it's 2pm, it feels like after dark. Drinking below street level is also deliciously climate controlled so in a torrential downpour, your can't go wrong with posting up in one of Sydney's best booze cellars.

  • Things to do
  • Games and hobbies

It may be too wet to go for a jog at the park, but there are ways to work up a sweat indoors and make your body happy. Why not try something new and head over to a purpose-built climbing gym? They'e popping up all over Sydney – so grab a buddy and get climbing.

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  • Sport and fitness
  • Pools

When you're already wet, does it even matter? These ocean pools can be beautiful in rain, and the best part is that you'll have them all to yourself when you dive in for an exhilarating dip. Fair warning though – stay well clear when the winds pick up, or if the weather turns stormy. 

  • Museums
  • History

Our fine city has some of the best museums and rainy days are the perfect excuse to pay them a visit and head out on a journey of discovery. You’ll uncover stories about the people who’ve made this city what it is today, its natural history and the science, design and innovation that’ll propel us into the future. 

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  • Film

Even as the world becomes filled with screens and accessing movies becomes as easy as looking at your phone, Sydney's top cinemas are thriving, because Sydneysiders love the communal experience of watching a film. So what are the best cinemas in Sydney? We've ranked them according to the quality of film selection, the architecture and the overall pleasure of the experience.

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  • Restaurants

If the rain's got you down, nothing lifts the spirit like a good feed. And if you're looking for a feast that won't break your finances, there are plenty of cheap eats that taste a million bucks for just a handful of dollars. We've picked out some of our favourite budget banquets, where you can dine on a dime in style.

Find a pub with a fireplace
  • Bars
  • Pubs

Cold and wet? Curl up in front of the flames – preferably wood, but we'll take gas if that's what's on offer – with a pint of beer and lose whole evenings in the comfort of your local, staying warm and dry all winter long. 

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  • Shopping
  • Book stores

There are few greater pleasures in life than visiting a quality bookshop. No matter the weather, they're a port in a storm where anyone and everyone is welcome. Not all bookshops are created equal though, so we’ve put together our pick of Sydney’s best, from the dusty to the designer. 

Treat yo' self to a spa day
  • Health and beauty
  • Spas

Whether you want hardcore results, or just a bit of chill time, Sydney's best spas have you covered. So book it, bring a magazine and prepare to bliss out.

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  • Restaurants
  • Chinese

Turn this classic Sydney weekend ritual into a new rainy day tradition by hitting up the city’s top yum cha spots. Bring on a torrent of fluffy pork buns, sea-sweet prawn har gow, chewy siu mai, slippery cheong fun, mango pancakes and custard tarts.

  • Things to do
  • Ice skating

Baby, it’s cold outside, so why not rug up and visit one of our city’s coolest ice skating rinks? Bring the whole gang along to practice their ice-skating twirls, double axels and graceful tumbles. 

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  • Comedy

We could all use a good laugh on a cold and gloomy day. Whether it’s stand-up, sketch or a showcase, these are the hottest and funniest comedy rooms to tickle your funny bones.

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  • Theatre
  • Dawes Point

Dancing in the rain is fun in theory, but you could also stay dry and have just as much fun by taking a class at Sydney Dance Company. Strut it out in jazz or get down in Latin funk, with more than 75 in-studio classes to choose from each week.

  • Restaurants
  • Tea rooms

Sydney loves a pinky-lifting high tea, and with good reason. Turn any rainy day into an aspirational afternoon of ever-so-fancy leisure by booking one of Sydney’s most luxe high teas. What would you reach for first – a crustless cucumber sandwich or a scone with jam and cream?

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  • Things to do
  • Games and hobbies
  • Marrickville

Burn off some energy (or perhaps some steam) at Australia’s largest axe-throwing warehouse, Maniax. Give it a whirl with a one-hour 'quick chuck' or battle your mates in a longer tournament-style competition.

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