Don’t let the grey skies fool you—Manly still shines on a rainy day. From hidden bars and dreamy desserts to European-style shopping and creative escapes, this beachside suburb offers more than just surf and sand. Whether you’re a local or visitor, here’s your ultimate guide to spending a rainy day in Manly (and loving it).
1. Explore the Manly Art Gallery & Museum
Start your day indoors with a dose of culture. The Manly Art Gallery & Museum offers rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, design, and photography, along with fascinating insights into local surf history. Tucked just off the wharf, it’s a peaceful retreat from the rain—and it’s free to enter.
2. Get Competitive at Room Eight Manly Escape Room
For a fun and mind-bending activity, grab your crew and head to Room Eight Escape Room Manly. You’ll be racing the clock to solve puzzles and escape themed rooms—perfect for families, friends, or couples looking to bond over mystery and adrenaline (while staying dry).
3. Savour a Lazy Brunch or Lunch
Rainy days call for comfort food. Start with a hearty bite at Norma’s Deli, known for its stacked sandwiches and warm, European-style fare. Then wander over to Bottega — a charming little sandwich spot where crusty baguettes are filled with top-quality ingredients that feel straight out of Italy. Simple, fresh, and full of flavour.
4. Indulge in Boutique Shopping (and a Bit of Everything Else)
Manly’s shopping scene has a little something for everyone. If you’re after familiar brands, you’ll find several big-name stores along The Corso—similar to what you’d see at the mall. But what makes Manly really special is the mix of small, independent boutiques that offer something more personal.
Just steps from the beach, Ayatana Australia is a must-visit. This European-inspired boutique features a curated collection of bohemian-chic fashion, limited-edition pieces, and beautiful accessories sourced from France, Italy, and beyond. Everything is handpicked in small quantities—so you’re unlikely to see someone else wearing the same thing.
Next door, you’ll find Blush Shoes, a local shoe boutique offering stylish and comfortable options, perfect for walking the Corso in any weather. Nearby, This & That is another charming boutique filled with women’s fashion, while Bits of Australia offers authentic, locally made souvenirs and gifts—ideal if you’re visiting from overseas or looking to support Aussie artisans.
Whether you’re hunting for fashion, footwear, or something to remember your trip by, Manly’s shopping strip has plenty to discover—rain or shine.
5. Wine & Dine in Style
As the day winds down, Manly’s dining scene steps up.
- Hugo’s and Garfish are your go-to spots for a refined dining experience by the sea—perfect for a rainy date night or special occasion. Expect fresh seafood, top-tier service, and moody views of the harbour.
- For something more casual yet still special, head to Henry G’s Wine Parlour—just a few steps to the right of Ayatana. This chic and intimate wine and cocktail bar is perfect for sipping something exquisite in a stylish, relaxed setting. With its warm ambiance and carefully curated selection, it’s a hidden gem for unwinding after a day by the sea.
6. Find Manly’s Hidden Bar
Feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret? You have. Step into The Cumberland, Manly’s underground speakeasy hidden behind a fridge door. With velvet lounges, candlelit ambiance, and handcrafted cocktails, it’s the ultimate rainy-night escape.
7. Don’t Skip Dessert
No rainy day is complete without something sweet. Luckily, Manly delivers:
- Butter Boy Cookies: addictive, gooey, and available for takeaway.
- Churros 1500: hot, crispy churros with chocolate dipping sauce—yes, please.
- Messina & Anita Gelato: two gelato institutions serving up creative and classic flavours that taste just as good in the rain (if not better).
8. Relax and Reset with a Wellness Break
Rainy days are the perfect excuse to slow down and take care of yourself—and Manly offers plenty of ways to do just that.
If you’re craving deep relaxation, book a massage or spa treatment at one of the many trusted spots around town. Some local favourites include:
- Ingboon Massage & Day Spa Manly – calming, authentic Thai treatments.
- Sawatdee Thai Massage & Day Spa – great for tension relief and traditional techniques.
- Whitewood Wellness & Massage – a holistic sanctuary with beautifully curated interiors.
- Akasha Integrative Health – blending massage with naturopathy and healing therapies.
- Aqua Vitae Day Spa – Manly – ideal for indulgent facials, scrubs, and spa packages.
If movement is your kind of medicine, you’ll love the yoga options here too. Power Living offers heated vinyasa classes in a beautiful, energising studio. For a gentler and more holistic experience, Qi Health & Yoga provides a variety of yoga and pilates classes, along with wellness workshops and a warm, welcoming community.
Whether it’s a massage, a restorative class, or a full wellness day, Manly makes it easy to take care of yourself—even when the skies are grey.
Final Word: Embrace the Grey
Rainy days in Manly bring a different kind of magic—quieter streets, deeper conversations, and hidden treasures you might otherwise miss. So grab your umbrella, slow your pace, and explore the soulful side of Manly.
