Stuck indoors? Make the most of a rainy day in Sydney with our guide to the top indoor attractions. Explore museums, art galleries, historical sites, and unique experiences. From the Chau Chak Wing Museum to hidden bars, we’ve curated the perfect list of things to do in Sydney when it rains.
Art & Culture:
All free!
- White Rabbit Gallery: Tucked away in Chippendale, this quirky gallery showcases contemporary Chinese art. Explore thought-provoking exhibitions featuring works by some of China’s most exciting artists, from painting and sculpture to video and installation art.
- Wed-Sun 10am-5pm
- The Chau Chak Wing Museum: Formerly known as the Nicholson Museum, the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney houses a fascinating collection of antiquities from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Near East. Explore mummies, sarcophagi, pottery, and sculptures, and learn about the civilizations that created them.
- Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat/Sun 12pm-4pm
- State Library of NSW: Escape the downpour and delve into a world of knowledge at the State Library of NSW. Explore its vast collection of books, manuscripts, and historical documents, dating back centuries. There’s even a whole little art gallery upstairs with excellent paintings of Sydney over the years. Discover rare books, photographs, and maps, or research your family history in the library’s archives. The library also offers free Wi-Fi and computer access – and power sockets if your phone is running low on battery!
- Mon-Thu 9am-8pm; Fri 9am-5pm; Sat/Sun 10am-5pm
History & Heritage:
These are free too!
- Museum of Sydney: Located on the site of the first Government House, this museum tells the stories of Sydney from its Aboriginal beginnings to the present day. Explore interactive exhibits, archaeological remains, and historical objects that bring the city’s past to life.
- 10am-5pm
- Hyde Park Barracks: Step back in time at Hyde Park Barracks, a UNESCO World Heritage site that once housed convicts and immigrants. Explore the barracks’ fascinating history, from its construction in the early 19th century to its role in shaping Australian society. Learn about the lives of the convicts who lived and worked there, and the challenges they faced.
- 10am-6pm – Last Entry 4.30pm
- The Rocks Discovery Museum: Discover the captivating history of The Rocks, Sydney’s oldest district. Explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, which tell the stories of the area’s Aboriginal heritage, colonial past, and maritime history. Learn about the people who lived and worked in The Rocks, from convicts and merchants to sailors and publicans.
- 10am-5pm
- Susannah Place Museum: Experience life in a 19th-century terrace house at Susannah Place Museum. Explore the four interconnected houses, which have been preserved with their original furnishings and fittings. Learn about the families who lived there over the years, and their stories of everyday life in Sydney.
- Thu-Sat Guided tours leave at 10am, 11am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 4.00pm
- Justice & Police Museum: Uncover the dark side of Sydney’s history at the Justice & Police Museum. Explore exhibits on notorious criminals, policing methods, and the city’s criminal past. Learn about the history of law enforcement in Sydney, from the early days of the colony to the present day.
- Only open Sat/Sun 10am-5pm
Foodie Delights:
Feast on some delicious fare, from traditional Aussie pub grub, to deliciously seasoned Asian cuisine
- Spice Alley: Tucked away in Kensington Street, Spice Alley is a hidden culinary gem. This vibrant laneway is home to a variety of Asian eateries, offering everything from Vietnamese pho and Thai curries to Malaysian laksa and Japanese ramen.
- Sun-Wed 11am-9.30pm; Thu-Sat 11am-10pm
- Tramsheds: Housed in a converted tram depot, Tramsheds is a foodie paradise. This vibrant market hall features a variety of food stalls, restaurants, and bars, offering everything from fresh produce and gourmet groceries to artisan breads and pastries.
- General Centre hours 7am-10pm
- Growers and Artisan Markets Sat/Sun 9am-3pm;
- Chinatown: If you’re near the city center, explore the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown. Sample delicious Chinese cuisine at one of the many restaurants and food stalls, offering everything from dumplings and noodles to Peking duck and dim sum. Some don’t even close until 1am, and that’s pretty late for Sydneysiders!
- Friday Night Markets 4pm-11pm
- Harris Park (Little India): For a flavorful experience, head to Harris Park, a veritable “Little India” near Parramatta. The main strip is lit up with dozens of delicious eateries and street stalls, offering a wide array of Indian cuisines.
- Any pub: You’re probably only a 2 minute walk away from the nearest pub, so just wander into any pub you can see around you and you’ll get yourself a nice hearty meal and maybe even a drink or two to make you forget about the weather!
Hidden Bars:
Check out some of our world-class Speakeasys
- The Baxter Inn: Step back in time at this dimly lit, speakeasy-style bar with an extensive whisky collection and knowledgeable bartenders.
- Sun-Wed 4pm-3am; Thurs-Sat 3pm-3am
- Shady Pines Saloon: Embrace the Wild West theme at this quirky bar, complete with taxidermied animals, saddles, and a wide selection of American whiskeys.
- Sun-Thu 4pm-12am; Fri-Sat 4pm-1.30am
- Since I Left You: Find this hidden gem tucked away behind a graffiti-covered door in a back alley, offering a cozy atmosphere, creative cocktails, and live music.
- Tue-Fri 4.30pm; Sat 6pm-late
- The Barber Shop: This discreet bar masquerades as a traditional barber shop, with a hidden door leading to a stylish cocktail lounge with a vintage vibe.
- Tue-Wed 4pm-1am; Thu-Sat 4pm-2am
- Palmer & Co: Descend into this underground bar reminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy, with plush velvet booths, live jazz music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, and classic cocktails.
- Tue-Thu & Sun 5pm-late; Fri/Sat 4pm-late
Other Activities:
Sure you could do some of these back home, but why not do them in Sydney too – just have some fun!
- Escape Room (all over Sydney CBD): Challenge yourself and your friends to an escape room adventure. Work together to solve puzzles and clues to escape the room before time runs out. There are a variety of escape rooms in Sydney, with different themes and difficulty levels.
- Indoor Go-Karting (Hyper Karting): Get your adrenaline pumping with an indoor go-karting session. Race your friends or family around the track, and see who can set the fastest lap time. Many go-karting centres also offer other activities, such as laser tag and arcade games.
- Mon-Tue 5pm-10.30pm; Wed 10am-10.30pm; Thu-Sun 7am-11.30pm
- Axe Throwing (Maniax Inner West): Try your hand at axe throwing, a fun and unique activity. Learn the basics from an instructor, and then test your skills by throwing axes at a target. Many axe throwing venues also offer food and drinks, making it a great option for a rainy day outing.
- Mon-Thu 2pm-9pm; Fri 11am-9pm; Sat 9am-9pm; Sun 11am-8pm
- Fortress Sydney: This massive entertainment venue is a haven for gamers, with an extensive arcade, PC gaming area, console lounges, tabletop gaming, and even an esports arena. They also have several bars and restaurants serving up themed cocktails and food.
- Mon-Thu 12pm-11pm; Fri/Sat 12pm-12am; Sun 12pm-10pm
