There are some events that are certain in life, and Sydney rain is one of them. Luckily, there are heaps of fun things to do and experiences to have on a rainy day (or night) in Sydney. From exhibitions to comedy nights, here’s our definitive list of indoor activities to help you snap out of that rainy-day funk.
Sydney’s best rainy day activities to beat the boredom
1. Find your inner Picasso at Cork and Chroma
Rainy days are perfect for sparking creativity. Join a session at this Surry Hills studio to create your very own masterpiece.
2. Get lost in a book at the State Library of New South Wales
With a collection boasting over 5 million items as well as a year-round calendar of workshops, exhibitions and events, there’s always something new to discover at the oldest continuously operating library in Australia. A library card also unlocks a range of freebies, too.
3. Explore the wonders of Machu Picchu
Head to the Australian Museum and venture deep into the heart of ancient Peru and one of history’s most formidable civilisations. Browse through over 130 artefacts before taking an incredible VR journey through the 15th century Andean citadel. Get your tickets here.
4. Glide around the Macquarie Ice Rink
Strap in for an afternoon on the ice at Sydney’s only Olympic-sized ice rink, located in the Macquarie Centre.
5. Get spooked on a ghost tour
Yes, this one is outdoors, but there’s no denying an actual dark and (possibly) stormy night is the perfect mood-setter for a spooky ghost tour.
6. Check out a dreamy Candlelight Concert
Iconic venues around the city illuminated by the glow of hundreds of candles and a live orchestra playing everything from Taylor Swift to Vivaldi. Candlelight concerts take place all year round — check the latest schedule and book your tickets here.
7. Go back in time at Museums of History NSW
Formerly known as Sydney Living Museums, the Museums of History NSW’s fascinating collection tells the story of our state from a broad range of voices and perspectives across its 12 museums and heritage sites.
8. Catch a live gig
Rain, hail or shine, you can catch a live gig in Sydney just about any night of the week. Check out some of our favourite spots around town for live music.
9. Get artsy at the Museum of Contemporary Art
There’s always something interesting to see at Australia’s only public museum dedicated to contemporary art — a rainy afternoon spent here is worth every cent of the newly instated entrance fee.
10. Head to the White Rabbit Gallery
This former Rolls-Royce service depot in Chippendale now houses one of the world’s most important collections of Chinese contemporary art. There’s also a charming tea house on the ground floor if you’re keen to linger a little longer.
11. Take on the challenge at this interactive Squid Game experience
You’ve seen the show, now you can try it out for yourself. Luna Park’s new Squid Game experience features some of the most memorable games from the blockbuster Netflix show, including Red Light, Green Light, Marbles and Glass Bridge. Do you have what it takes? Get your tickets here to find out.
12. Go indoor skydiving
Fifty seconds might not seem like a long time, but when you’re literally flying in one of the largest and most powerful indoor skydiving facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, you’ll feel every second.
13. Travel back in time to Ancient Egypt with this incredible VR experience
Be transported to a world of gods, pharaohs, and pyramids, all without leaving Sydney, at Horizon of Khufu. Find out more and get your tickets here.
14. Explore a colourful hawker-style food market
Far more than simply a roof over your head, Spicetown Leichhardt boasts over 20 stalls serving up a vibrant array of international eats. A rainy day might be the perfect time to eat your way around the market.
15. Debate the merits of cream first or jam first at one of these high tea spots
High tea is the perfect excuse for an afternoon of indulgence, and Sydney boasts several amazing spots with outstanding surroundings, harbour views and timeless menus. Find our favourites here.
16. Escape the downpour at the QVB
Caught out in the city? Take cover wandering through this five-storey George Street icon, where there’s surely something that’ll catch your eye.
17. Have a roaring good time at Dinos Alive
Watch life-sized dinos come alive, dig for fossils, and even step into the land of the dinosaurs through VR at this immersive family-friendly experience. Get your tickets here.
18. Reach new heights with some indoor rock climbing
Push your limits at one of 9 Degrees‘ four locations throughout Sydney. With new routes set every week, there’s always a new climb to conquer. Find your closest location here.
19. Splash around in an indoor swimming pool
Lock in with some laps or have a casual dip — either way, it beats splashing around in the rain.
20. Get lost at the Sea Life Aquarium
Go under the sea without touching a drop of water at this Darling Harbour mainstay, home to more than 4000 animals from over 300 different species.
21. Catch a matinee
Sydney’s world-class theatre scene means there’s always another world to escape to for a couple of hours. Find out what’s on at the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Theatre Company, Capitol Theatre, the Sydney Lyric, Belvoir Street Theatre, the State Theatre, or Theatre Royal Sydney.
22. Or, go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House
Be a tourist in your own city and explore the inner workings of one of the world’s most iconic buildings, home to a world-record car park.
23. Visit one of the world’s most beautiful contemporary libraries
Rain, hail or shine, Liverpool’s Yellamundie Civic Place Library and Art Gallery is one of the most visually pleasing ways to pass the time indoors in Sydney. But don’t just take our word for it — the 5000-square-metre space, which houses more than 2 kilometres of shelving across its six levels, was one of just four libraries nominated in the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions’ prestigious Public Library of the Year award in 2023, less than one year after it opened.
24. Be dazzled at a dinner and burlesque show
Enjoy a risqué evening of modern and traditional burlesque, cabaret, and comedy over a two-course dinner at this intimate Potts Point cabaret club.
25. Take a dance class at the Sydney Dance Company
Get moving one of Sydney Dance Company‘s in-studio dance classes — there are over 75 per week, with all levels of experience welcome. Don’t feel like leaving the house? Take one of the Company’s on-demand classes from the comfort of your own living space. Find out more at the website.
26. See what’s playing at The Ritz
Whether you’re in the mood for a blockbuster new release or a black-and-white classic, there’s perhaps no finer place to watch a movie in Sydney than Randwick’s heritage-listed art deco cinema. Find out what’s playing at the website.
27. Have brunch at one of these excellent Sydney cafes
Grab a pal — or a good book — and linger a little longer over a hearty mid-morning meal whilst the rain falls outside.
28. Scintillate your senses by Dining in the Dark
Awaken the senses at this gastronomical adventure that plunges you into darkness. Book your table here.
29. Get cosy in a bookshop cafe
Settling in with a good book and a cup of coffee is a reminder that sometimes in life, it’s the simple things that are able to spark joy. Head to one of these Sydney spots where you can find both.
30. Order ramen from a vending machine
Be transported to Tokyo with a soul-warming bowl from this North Shore diner, where endless customisation of your ramen awaits.
31. Take the chequered flag at this colourful go-karting track
Got a need for speed? Take on the challenge in an electric cart at this 410-metre track. Find out more here.
32. Try and get out of these puzzling escape rooms
Crack the code before the buzzer beats you at a devilishly devious escape room, which is an excellent group activity for a rainy day.
33. Take a class at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music
Add another string to your proverbial bow by signing up for a class at Sydney Uni’s 110-year-old music institution, with classes, short courses and workshops available for all skill levels. Find out more here.
34. See what’s on at the Art Gallery of New South Wales
It might be over 150 years old, but NSW’s premier art gallery continues to be a must-visit institution for art lovers in Sydney. Find out what’s currently showing at the website.
35. Hit the bullseye with a game of darts
Head to Harrington Street hangout Flight Club for a fun game or two of darts in an space that’s part swanky London pub, part Victorian-era fairground.
36. Hunker down at this axe-throwing bar
Channel your inner Viking at Australia’s largest axe-throwing venue, located in the heart of Marrickville.
37. Hurl paint in a splash room
Rainy day blues? Banish them by hurling, throwing, launching, smashing or brushing paint against the walls of this dedicated splash room— you even get to decide on what music is playing while you’re at it.
38. Sink a hole in one at a colourful mini golf course
Practice your putting — and mind the obstacles — at one of Holey Moley‘s seven Sydney locations, from Penrith to Alexandria.
39. Check-in to Hijinx Hotel
Unleash your inner child in Hijinx Hotel‘s 15 wacky challenge rooms, each housing their own physical or mental challenge. There’s no shortage of indoor activities to keep you entertained here!
40. Visit a green oasis at the Double Bay Library
A quiet oasis away from both crowds and rain, Double Bay Library can lay claim to being one of the prettiest libraries in Sydney. Part of the Woollahra Libraries group (which also includes branches in Paddington and Watson’s Bay), their spaces are air-conditioned, making them ideal for hot days as well as rainy days.