What to do in Sydney when it rains - indulgence

Enjoy a movie and a buffet at Govinda's

At Govinda's, $28.90 gets you an all-you-can-eat vegetarian buffet, after which you just have to mosey upstairs to the cinema and let the inertia take hold on some super-comfy sofa seats.

Rained In? Satisfy your late-night sugar craving with a sweet cocktail served in a teapot at World Bar, 24 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point 2011. (02 9357 7700).

Where?Govinda's Restaurant, 112 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst 2010. (02 9380 5155).

Where else? Follow a King Street cheap eat with a screening atDendy Cinema Newtown, 251-263 King St, Newtown 2042. (02 9550 5699).

Hot chocolate at Adriano Zumbo Café Chocolat

Nothing hits the spot on a cold afternoon like a smooth, steaming cup of hot chocolate, and Zumbo's are arguably the best in town. Available in white, milk, dark, orange or chilli, these are choctastic drinks to linger over till the storm passes in the comfort of the café's large communal couch. 

Rained in? Select a plate of Zumbo's handmade chocolates from the cabinet and have your own decadent tasting session. Make mine a nougatine.

Where? Adriano Zumbo Café Chocolat, 5/308 Darling St, Balmain 2041. (02 9555 1199). 

Where else? Guylian Belgian Chocolate Café, 91 George St, The Rocks 2000. (02 8274 7500); Lindt Chocolat Café, 53 Martin Pl, Sydney 2000. (02 8257 1600).

If spending a day in the manner of a Russian oligarch appeals to you then head to the Observatory Day Spa where you can, and will, be treated like royalty with caviar facials, or perhaps a full body treatment with crushed diamonds and pearls.

Rained in? For an extra $45 you can get access to the Health Club and spend the rest of the day floating under the starry sky of the famous Observatory pool. 

Where? Observatory Hotel Day Spa, 89-113 Kent St, Sydney 2000. (02 8248 5250).

Where else? Zen Day Spa, 116-118 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst 2010. (02 9361 4200); Natures Energy, 105 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe 2039. (02 9660 8342).

Colour yourself happy with a manicure/pedicure at Miss Frou Frou

Rub shoulders with Sydney's elite, and the odd Hollywood starlet, while you get your phalanges buffed, polished and lacquered in custom colours such as Pink Venus, Green Envy and Red Hot.

Rained in? Allow your varnish some extra drying time and have a stickybeak at the current photographic exhibition at the Blender Gallery a couple of doors up. 16 Elizabeth St, Paddington 2021. (02 9380 7080).

Where? Miss Frou Frou Nail Parlour, 20-22 Elizabeth St, Paddington 2021. (02 9360 2444).

Where else? Versace Nails, 373 Darling St, Balmain 2041. (02 9555 2158); USA Nail and Foot Spa, 58-60 King St, Newtown 2042. (02 9516 1816).

More saviours for a rainy day

More festivals, fairs and large events in Sydney? Sign up to our weekly newsletter