A Rainy Day in Brisbane: Cosy Cafés, Culture & Indoor Gems

Brisbane might be known for its sunshine, but even on a rainy day, this city knows how to turn on the charm. So grab your umbrella, throw on your favourite coat, and get ready for a cosy day packed with art, eats, and warm, dry adventures.

Highlights

• Agnes Bakery

• Queensland Museum & Science Centre

• Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)

• Brew Café & Wine Bar

• Brisbane Arcade

• Wintergarden & Queen Street Mall

• City Hall Clock Tower Tour

• Riverbar & Kitchen

• The City Winery

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Breakfast

Start your day right with a moody, delicious breakfast at Agnes Bakery in Fortitude Valley. The wood-fired pastries here are straight-up heavenly. Think warm kouign-amanns, sticky morning buns, or the fluffiest sourdough you'll ever taste. It’s the kind of place you don’t mind lingering in while the rain patters outside.

Bonus points: the scent of baked goods and woodsmoke = instant hug.

Morning Culture Fix

Time to dive into Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct—rainy days were made for it. Head to South Bank, brolly in hand, and explore:

• Queensland Museum & Science Centre – fun, educational, and perfect for all ages. Dinosaur skeletons? Yes, please.

• GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) – stunning contemporary exhibitions, installations, and comfy gallery lounges for a mid-morning sit and ponder.

• Queensland Art Gallery – more traditional but just as inspiring, with a killer gift shop and peaceful water features.

All free entry = all-day win.

Lunch

Cross over to the city (by foot if the rain lets up, or hop a bus) and stop at Brew Café & Wine Bar, a tucked-away laneway spot that’s perfect for a drizzly day. Cosy up with a loaded toastie or steaming bowl of soup, paired with an excellent coffee or cheeky midday vino.

Afternoon Browsing & Historic Vibes

Escape the wet with some beautiful indoor browsing at:

• Brisbane Arcade – heritage architecture, elegant boutiques, and a very good excuse to buy yourself a rainy-day treat.

• Wintergarden & Queen Street Mall – covered shopping for everything from fashion to tech.

Then, pop into Brisbane City Hall (just around the corner) for the Clock Tower Tour—a short, free ride in a vintage lift that takes you up behind the iconic clock faces. Free but book ahead if you can, as spots fill up quickly!

Pre-Dinner Drinks

Need a dry spot to recharge? Duck into Riverbar & Kitchen, just off Eagle Street Pier, for a cocktail with river views (yes, even with rain—somehow it’s extra pretty). The covered outdoor seating is perfect for feeling connected to the elements without getting soaked.

Dinner

End your rainy adventure at City Winery in Fortitude Valley. Indoor wine barrels, warm lighting, and the smell of slow-cooked meats—it’s basically a warm hug in restaurant form. Book a wine tasting or just dive straight into dinner. Either way, you’ll be feeling toasty and very Brisbane.

Don’t let a little rain dampen your plans. Brisbane has just as much soul indoors as it does under the sun—so embrace the mood, chase the smell of coffee and rain-soaked streets, and let the city show you its softer, cosier side.