The 21 Best Things to Do When it Rains in Sydney

Between the ferry terminal and Manly Beach you’ll find plenty of places for shopping, dining, and coffee. Just like the main beach, everything in the suburb of Manly is a bit more chill and less crowded than in downtown Sydney or Bondi. Like Bondi Beach, it’s also popular with surfers, but Manly Beach has a much more laid-back atmosphere and village-like feel. Of course you can also go the other way around and start at Coogee Beach.
This imposing structure was built in 1890, and even then it was a large-scale Municipal Market. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium features over 12,000 marine animals vr experience belonging to about 650 different species. The exhibits are spread across 14 themed sections featuring sharks, stingrays, turtles, swordfish, dugongs, penguins and several other animals. There are several special experiences that you can indulge at the Aquarium such as a ride on the glass bottomed boat, behind-the-scenes tours, snorkelling in the Shark Reef and many others. Rocks Market Sydney is a bustling waterfront market filled with bright and colourful items. Here you find everything, from designer clothing and accessories to locally made chocolate, juices and pastries.

Sitting on the top floor of the museum is an outdoor café with views of the harbor. This is called the MCA Café and on the menu are salads, sandwiches, coffee, and wine. If you go all of the way to Luna Park, you can either return by walking across the bridge again or riding the ferry to Circular Quay. There is a  pedestrian walkway that runs along the east side of the bridge. To get on the walkway in The Rocks, you can take the steps or the elevator.
Along the way, you get an up-close view of the Sydney Opera House. Chinatown is loaded with quality restaurants featuring authentic Asian cuisine. The area also features the inner-city oasis of the Chinese Garden of Friendship, along with Paddy’s Market. At night, various neon signs located in alleyways provide some good photo opportunities. Darling Harbour is full  of waterfront fine-dining, culture, beauty, and entertainment. Here you’ll find the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Sydney Aquarium & Zoo, and several large venues dedicated for concerts.

You can explore the work of up-and-coming artists one day, and take a deep dive into some of the world’s most applauded creatives the next, at major institutions and small independent spots across Sydney. Over the years, many blockbuster Hollywood movies, shows and music videos have been shot here in Sydney. From the stunning Capella Sydney to the beachside Manly Pacific to world’s largest W Hotel, if you’re looking for some R&R, you’ll be spoilt for choice in the Harbour City.
There’s good reason that Darling Harbour is one of Sydney’s most iconic tourist attractions (and one of the top areas to stay in Sydney). Not only is one of the best places to experience the sparkling harbour, but it offers so many things to do, see and eat that you may be there all day long. A zoo is a spectacular way to spend your time in Sydney, especially if you’re passionate about nature and conservation. Taronga Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in Sydney, offering a brilliant array of animals and flora, all against the backdrop of Sydney’s iconic harbour. It’s one of the best picks for families who want to snap photos and learn fun new facts about nature.
We're not normally huge fans of modern art museums, but the MCA in Sydney is definitely worth a look, and often has unique exhibitions. If you're there in October/November, then you may see the Jacaranda in bloom, where these trees turn a vibrant purple! It's a beautiful contrast to the greenery of the rest of the gardens. The Botanic Garden is another gem on the harbour and one of our favourite free things to do in Sydney. This beautiful green space couldn't be better situated, sitting on the shore line and looking back over the water. That can make it hard to know what to prioritise on a short visit, so we've compiled a comprehensive list of the best things to do in Sydney after five years living in this amazing city.

But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon. Sky-rise towers and endless commotion clutter the city by day but come nightfall, the clear evening sky is often littered with stardust.
Browse the weekend markets or go on a pub crawl at some of Sydney’s oldest pubs. Newtown’s King Street offers unique and quirky stores, retro and vintage fashion, music and books, furniture and homeware, and collectables. It’s not short on places to spend  your dollars and has tons of great markets and shopping streets where you can shop for everything from boutiques to designer brands. A former barracks turned into a tea room is possibly the most unusual setting for high tea, so if you’re looking for unique things to do in Sydney, this is it. Don’t forget to stop by Echo Point to enjoy incredible views of the Three Sisters rock formation and the expansive Jamison Valley. The Blue Mountains are a stunning mountain range just a short hour’s drive outside of Sydney.

A network of cycling and walking trails also provide picture-perfect activity for the extra active. The thriving commercial capital of Sydney’s west is home to Church Street, otherwise known at Eat Street , and some of the most delectable international dishes found in the city. Choose from Greek souvlakis, Italian carbs, Vietnamese Pho, Chinese noodles, ribs, tapas, burgers, waffles and more as you tour this Sydney attraction during the day and long into the night. Sniff out Freshwater, travelling the Manly ferry service, to experience the fleet’s oldest continually serving vessel. The more modern RiverCat, HarbourCat and SuperCat varieties also offer memorable modes of transportation across Sydney’s iconic waterways.
Pre-book your entrance tickets here, jump on board a historic war ship, learn about Aboriginal maritime customs and even view the worlds fastest boat! All located in Darling harbour, you can have a full day of nautical fun. Manly Beach and Shelley Beach are full of pristine waters, colourful marine life and rocky reefs, you may even spot a famous blue groper!
This architectural marvel offers a variety of guided tours that delve deep into its history and design. Available in multiple languages, these tours provide a comprehensive look at the collaboration between architects and artists that earned the Opera House its UNESCO World Heritage status. The Backstage Tour provides an insider perspective with a glimpse into rehearsal spaces and the orchestra pit.