The Rainy Day Guide to Sydney
Where to find pubs with fireplaces and board games, indoor classes to try and nice dry galleries to shelter in.
Sydney is best known for its glorious sunny days and big blue skies, but with La Niña hitting hard here on the east coast, we've had to find things to do during the wettest of weeks.
Our city is teeming with wet weather-friendly activities, so don't let a bit of drizzle keep you from making the most of Sydney. Here are some ideas to keep you entertained and sufficiently dry before you consider hiding under your doona forever — binge-watching Netflix not included.
HOLE UP IN A COSY BAR
At the first sign of threatening weather, gather your best group of drinking buddies and head straight for your local watering hole. Nab a cosy corner, order a few rounds and stay put until the skies clear. Quality booze, food and friends are really all you need, but to take your rainy day pub game up a notch, choose somewhere with board games or a fireplace.
Our favourites include 1989 Arcade Bar, Charlie Parker's, The Old Fitz and hidden Darlinghurst saloon Shady Pines. Endless hours of rain-less fun are guaranteed.
GET CULTURED IN A NICE DRY GALLERY
A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to finally catch that exhibition you've been meaning to see. Escape the elements and step into a haven of vibrant and colourful artworks that will surely take your mind off the wild weather.
Some of our go-to inner Sydney galleries include China Heights, White Rabbit, aMBUSH, Cooee Art Gallery and Abstract Thoughts above Cafe Freda's.
In Sydney's west, you can't go wrong at Casula Powerhouse and Campbelltown Art Gallery. Or, if you want big show-stopping exhibitions, MCA, AGNSW and Australian Museum have you covered. Spend all day browsing the talent and leave with some newfound inspiration to pick up a paintbrush.
SNUGGLE INTO A CINEMA SEAT
Is there anything better on a rainy day than snuggling up to watch a movie, popcorn in one hand and a glass of wine in the other? The next time it starts to drizzle, swap Netflix for a new release or a retrospective screening of a classic film at one of Sydney's best boutique cinemas.
The art deco stylings and warm atmosphere of Golden Age Cinema and Bar make it the perfect place to while away a rainy afternoon, beginning with a cocktail before enjoying an art-house film in the intimate screening room.
Govinda's is another option for those wanting a unique movie-going experience, featuring a hearty vegetarian buffet and floor cushions to watch the film from.
If the rain falls on a Monday, you'll be able to snag cheap movie tickets at Palace Cinemas; on Tuesdays, head to Dendy or Randwick Ritz.
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CURL UP IN A CAFE
One of the best places to be on a rainy day is in a window seat at a cosy cafe, where you can watch the rain from a safe, dry distance. Add a cup of steaming coffee (or a glass of wine), a hearty meal and a good book, and you're all set for a delightful day indoors.
With Sydney's cafe scene constantly expanding, there's no shortage of options to choose from, so just start from the top of the list and work your way down. Key requirements include lots of natural lighting, a chilled-out soundtrack and friendly staff. If they're also serving all-day breakfast, you know you've found a winner. And if ramen is their bag, like Rising Sun Workshop, there's nothing better for a drizzly day.
HAVE A SPA DAY
Treating yourself every now and then is essential for your health, so use the next rainy day as an excuse to sneak off to the spa for a little dose of zen. Relax and rejuvenate with a facial and massage, or even rope your significant other in for a couple's treatment.
Sydneysiders are spoilt for choice when it comes to spa experiences, so take your pick from the best. Nothing is more luxurious than spending the day wrapped up in a robe, with cucumbers on eyes to complete the experience, of course.
BOOK YOURSELF INTO THE THEATRE
There's a certain element of romance to the theatre, which always seems to heighten on a drizzly night. The next time it's forecast to rain, book tickets to a show and you'll see what we mean. Whether you prefer the classics or are a fan of more contemporary productions, there's bound to be a theatre in Sydney with shows suited to your tastes.
Our favourites include Belvoir, Sydney Theatre Company, Riverside Theatre, Darlinghurst Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare, Carriageworks, Performance Space and Griffin Theatre Company, and there's plenty more where that came from. Check out Concrete Playground's events guide for what's on this week.
TAKE A CLASS
If you've been meaning to pick up a new skill for a while, a dreary day is your chance to make it happen. Finally learn how to cook something other than two-minute noodles at one of Sydney's cooking schools, which include Cornersmith, The Sydney Chocolate School, Salt Meats Cheese and Cucina Italiana.
Alternatively, Sydney is home to various art classes that will get your creative juices flowing. Try pottery at Clay Sydney, painting at Waverley Woollahra Art School or photography at The Aperture Club. To revamp your exercise routine, get warm and stretchy at One Hot Yoga or perfect your party dance moves at Sydney Pole. Your rainy day activity may even breed a lifelong hobby.
Top image: Cooee Art Gallery, Cassandra Hannagan
