The city:
Things to do on a rainy day
The odds are pretty good that you won’t get caught out in the rain in sunny Brisbane. But on the off chance you’re looking for things to do in The City with less-than-perfect weather we’ve rounded up a bunch of great indoor activities for every interest and budget.
01. Feed your comfort cravings
On a gloomy and rainy day, a comfort meal can go a long way. Fortunately, The City has an abundance of restaurants to stay dry and cozy whilst you indulge in your cuisine of choice. Italian food is a crowd favourite for comfort, try the likes of Massimo for delicious share flavourful antipasto, Corbett and Claude for hand-stretched pizza or enjoy watching the rain fall over the Brisbane River at Cucina Regina.
For something warming to grab on your lunch break, VegeRama and Govinda’s keep it healthy or for something more on the indulgent side Red Hook or Winghaus are popular for good reason. There is an abundance of cozy eateries to satisfy the rainy-day cravings to choose from, all you have to do is decide where you want to go.
02. See a film
Popcorn, frozen coke and the latest movies at Event Cinemas in Uptown is enough to make you forget about the miserable weather outside. For a more opulent experience, head to the Elizabeth Picture Theatre, housed in a heritage-listed building with five screens, two bars and ornate foyer spaces plus three ‘Royal Rooms’ with full food and beverage service and luxurious reclining armchairs, it’s the perfect place to settle in on a rainy day.
Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane City
03. Head to museums and galleries
Don’t be deceived, Brisbane City Hall is so much more than a historic building, there is so much to see and do inside . Head to the Museum of Brisbane on level three and check out the latest exhibitions and intricate works by local artists. You can also take a guided tour of City Hall where you can explore the historic landmark for free. The City is also home to many other museums that are home to incredible pieces of art.
Brisbane Arcade, Brisbane City
04. Hit the mall
In the heart of The City you can find Queen Street Mall, which is home to more than 500 stores. Although an open-air shopping precinct, Uptown, Wintergarden, Queensplaza and the many arcades found throughout are completely undercover. To help you find your way through the mall, we have created a comprehensive guide, so you can shop like a pro, even on a rainy day.. If you’re looking to shop luxury, The City has plenty of stores to enjoy, and you can prepare early with this luxury shopping guide.
05. Aim for strikes and a hole in one
After a quick bite to eat from Grill'd in Wintergarden, head across the way to Strike Bowling Bar for a round or two of bowling with your friends. Strike offers more than just bowling, you can find laser tag, escape rooms and karaoke, so you’ll be set for an entire rainy day (or week). If golf is more your thing, head to Holey Moley also located in Wintergarden where you can stay dry and putt your way through the 18-hole mini-golf course and while having a few drinks from the bar.
06. Sing the rain away
Speaking of karaoke, belt out your favourites at one of The City's karaoke spots. Fat Louie's, Strike Bowling Bar and Music City offer private karaoke rooms so you don’t need to worry about being pitch perfect.
07. Get bookish
There's nothing like curling up with a good book on a rainy day, and The City is home to some excellent bookstores. Visit Dymocks on Queen Street Mall and explore its extensive collection on just about any topic imaginable or QBD in Uptown. For that special find, head to Archives on Charlotte Street, one of the most impressive second-hand bookstores in Brisbane.
Pulp Fiction in the Ferguson Building Arcade on Adelaide Street is a specialist bookshop for all things science fiction, fantasy, crime and mystery and Comics Etc on Elizabeth Street is Brisbane’s premiere comic book retailer with an unrivalled selection of comics, paperbacks, collectables and more.
Curl up in a quiet, cosy and dry spot at Brisbane Square Library on George Street and read or borrow a book, magazine or newspaper.
W Brisbane, Brisbane City
08. High tea
From quaint to ritzy, The City is home to a fine variety of high tea venues perfect for sipping away the day. For the more traditional high tea, try the elegant Customs House, the beloved Room with Roses or the delightful Shingle Inn City Hall. Many of The City's hotel restaurants also offer high tea, including the Stamford Plaza, W Hotel, the Hyatt and Bar 1603 at Hotel Indigo.
09. Book a pamper
Don't let the miserable weather get you down, make the most of it and pamper yourself. Book yourself in for a colour and blow-dry, or a facial and massage at the range spas and salons in Brisbane City. Elysium Hair, Toni & Guy, Oscar Oscar or Urban Hair Loft are the perfect places to refresh your look and Stephanie’s Spa in the Sofitel, W Brisbane Spa, Aquarius Health & Medispa to completely relax.
10. Check out The City's laneways
The City's laneways are a treasure trove of hidden gems. Highlights include coffee hideout Brew down Lower Burnett Lane, hip cafe John Mills Himself, and industrial-cool Antico Bar with a unique cocktail list in Burnett Lane, with so much more to discover.
11. See live music
If it’s still looking bleak and bleary as the sun sets, why not kick on and see some live music. Brooklyn Standard hosts cracking live music nightly with a packed roster of bands from all genres including rock and, funk, soul, , and RnB. The Doo-Bop Bar located in the original Youngs Building warehouse precinct has live blues, funk, soul and jazz on stage every Tuesday to Saturday, and City Sounds brings free live music in The City every week.
12. Drink the day away
Kick back at one of Brisbane City's many bars and enjoy the sound of the rain with a drink in hand. The Gresham features a range of whiskies, high ceilings and chesterfield lounges that ooze old-world charm. If you like a burger with your drink, pop next door to Red Hook in Gresham Lane for a selection of cocktails and both American and Australian beer and wine. Before + After is a cosy basement bar dedicated to before and after meal drinking – aperitivo and digestivo – or there’s the modern age saloon Frog’s Hollow that’s all about good times. If you'd like somewhere sleeker with cosy corners, drop into the underground Boom Boom Room, Death & Taxes, Dr Gimlette or Miss Demeanour for a cocktail or two.
