26 New York City Indoor Attractions for a Rainy Day in NYC

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Are you looking for the best things to do during a rainy day in NYC? Then keep reading! 

Rain or shine, NYC is a great place to be! There are endless things to see and do in this city. I know it can be a bit disappointing to have thunderstorms during your entire trip – but you’ll find no shortage of fun things to do.

I have been to NYC quite a few times now and the last time I visited it was pouring rain during the entire trip. So, I’ve curated this guide with the 26 best things to do in New York City when it rains. 

Looking for more New York travel guides? 

• How to Spend One Day in NYC 
• How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to The Hamptons 
• The Best Things to Do in East Hampton, New York

Keep reading to discover the best New York City indoor attractions for a rainy day in NYC. 

The Best Things to Do on a Rainy Day in NYC

1. Shopping in SoHo 

What better way to spend a rainy day in NYC than shopping? SoHo has some of the best shopping in the city, you could easily spend hours browsing all the cute boutiques. 

You can also visit the famous Fifth Avenue for even more shopping in New York City. You’ll find all sorts of high-end stores on Fifth Avenue. 

2. Coffee at LaColombe

While you are shopping in SoHo pick up a coffee at LaColombe Coffee Roasters. They have delicious oat milk lattes, the perfect mid-day pick-me-up. There are various locations around the city so check for your nearest one. 

3. One World Observatory

The One World Observatory is an observation deck in the city. Here, you’ll climb 102 floors in 47 seconds for the panoramic views of NYC. It’s located at One World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. There are also several dining options here so stop for some lunch or a mid-day snack at their cafe. 

4. Brunch! 

Looking for one of the best New York City indoor attractions? Head to brunch! There are endless amazing brunch options in the city but a few of my favorites are The Smith, Sarabeths, and La Mercerie.

5. Madame Tussauds 

Madame Tussauds in New York is a popular wax museum located in Times Square. It’s home to a massive collection of lifelike wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, sports icons, and more. 

There are several interactive experiences and themed galleries at Madame Tussauds. They also host events throughout the year. Visit for an entertaining and interactive experience in New York City! 

6. A Drink at Champers Social Club 

If you are looking for a delicious afternoon drink, head to Champers Social Club in SoHo. This is a boutique bar and cafe with a selection of appetizers and bubbles. The interior is beautiful and the drinks are delicious. 

7. Take a Tour of Grand Central Station

Visit the historic transportation hub in NYC, Grand Central Station. Here you can admire the renowned architecture and design, shop at its many boutiques, and take historical tours. 

Visitors can take guided tours of Grand Central to learn all about its history and significance. The tours are 90 minutes long. Book a tour below.

8. Have a Cocktail at Grand Central

After you tour Grand Central Station, head to the bar right in the center for a delicious cocktail. This is the best place for people-watching and it’s such a lively atmosphere. 

You can also visit the Campbell Bar, known for being featured in the series, Gossip Girl. It’s also located in Grand Central Station. 

9. Admire The Unique Architecture at The Oculus 

The Oculus is a transit hub and shopping center with the most unique interior. You can spend part of your rainy day in NYC browsing shops, and cafes, and taking photos of the distinctive architecture. 

10. Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is the perfect place to spend a rainy day in NYC. You could seriously spend an entire day here and still not see it all. 

Fun Fact: The Met is the largest art museum in the Americas and the 4th largest in the world.

Book your tickets to The Met here.

11. The Museum of Modern Art (The MoMa) 

The Museum of Modern Art (the MoMa) is another great place to spend the afternoon in NYC. There are endless options when it comes to museums in the city so choose your favorite and browse the art for a few hours. Explore exhibitions of modern and contemporary art at the MoMa. 

Book your MoMa entry ticket here.

12. Visit The Top of The Rock 

The Top of the Rock is an observatory on top of the Rockefeller Center offering the most amazing views of the city. Depending on how cloudy it is during your rainy day in NYC, may determine whether you should visit or not. If it’s super cloudy with limited views, I don’t think it’s worth the money. 

This observation deck is on the 70th floor offering panoramic views of the city and iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building. 

Book your Top of The Rock entry ticket here.

13. Sign Up For a Cooking Class

Cooking classes are one of the most fun activities to do while traveling! And the perfect thing to do during a rainy day in NYC.  There are so many options when it comes to cooking classes in New York. 

A few great options in the city are Cozymeal Cooking Classes NYC, Taste Bud Kitchen, NY Cake Academy, and Atelier Sucré. Click below to browse cooking classes in NYC

14. New York Public Library 

This is one of the largest public libraries in the United States and is a prominent cultural institution in NYC. Here you can browse an extensive collection of books, admire its Beaux-Arts architecture, and more. 

RELATED POST: The Perfect 1 Day NYC Itinerary

15. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is an immersive NYC indoor attraction. Located in Midtown Manhatten, it’s the tallest commercial skyscraper in the area and among the top 30 buildings in the world. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is open every day aside from Tuesdays and tickets can be purchased below. 

16. Champagne and Cheese Pairing Cruise on The Hudson River 

This is one of the best experiences I’ve done in New York City. You can book a champagne and cheese pairing cruise on the Hudson River. 

Of course, this experience would have been better in the sunshine, but the boat is completely insulated so we still got to enjoy the river with beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty. This was such a unique and fun experience in New York. I highly recommend it, rain or shine! I linked the tour I did below.

17. See a Show on Broadway 

A show on Broadway is one of the best things to do in New York City no matter what the weather is like! There are so many amazing performances you can see, I suggest purchasing tickets ahead of time online. However, if you wait until the last minute you may be able to find some incredible deals depending on availability. 

I saw Moulin Rouge on Broadway and it was wonderful! The best way to spend an evening in the city. 

18. Get Work Done at a Cozy Coffee Shop 

I don’t know about you but I love to cozy up in a cute cafe with a yummy coffee to get work done on a rainy day. There are plenty of incredible coffee shops in New York City. 

A few great options include the cafe at the Public Hotel (I love the vibes here), Coffee Project New York, and Felix Roasting Co. 

19. Stop For a Cookie at Levain Bakery

Whether it’s raining or not, you need to stop for a cookie at Levain Bakery. This is truly one of the most delicious cookies I’ve had. There are a few locations throughout NYC. 

20. Visit Chelsea Market 

Chelsea Market is an indoor food hall, shopping mall, and office building located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. Here you’ll find some of NYC’s best vendors and eateries. 

Chelsea Market often hosts events such as cooking classes, art shows, and more – so you’re likely to find something you’ll enjoy! 

21. Spa Day  

What better way to spend a rainy day in New York City than at the spa? There are so many incredible spas around the city but one of the best is AIRE Ancient Baths. 

Located in TriBeCa, AIRE Ancient Baths is an oasis for relaxation and tranquility. Here, you can visit the thermal baths and book a massage. If you want to visit, you will need to make a reservation in advance on their website. 

Alternately, other great spas in NYC include Oasis Day Spa, Shibui Spa, and World Spa. 

22. New York Botanical Gardens

 The New York Botanic Gardens are located in the Bronx borough of NYC. It’s home to a diverse collection of plants from around the world and features a variety of themed gardens. You’ll also find the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, which is a Victorian-style glasshouse and a highlight of the New York Botanic Gardens. 

23. Sign up for a Creative Workshop

There are SO many amazing art workshops, painting classes, pottery classes, jewelry making, custom bag-making classes, and more. 

You can create a custom wallet at the Polene Paris in NYC, take a pottery class at Pottery Studio 1, craft jewelry at EatMetal, or book a painting class at Paint & Sip or The Paint Place. And of course, so many more options. 

24. Comedy Club 

One of the best New York City indoor attractions is the get tickets to a comedy club. There are many throughout the city such as Gotham Comedy Club and Greenwich Village Comedy Club. 

25. Visit a Cozy Bookstore 

What better way to spend a rainy day than to cozy up with a book? NYC has many bookshops and libraries. Check out Books are Magic, Housingworks Bookstore Cafe, and Greenlight Bookstore. 

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26. Radio City Music Hall 

You can take a guided tour of the iconic Radio City Music Hall while in New York City. Radio City Music Hall is an art deco entertainment venue located in Midtown Manhattan. It opened in 1932 and was designed by Edward Durell Stone. 

Now, it’s best known as the home of the Rockettes. You can also see a variety of other events that take place here. Keep an eye out on their website for details. 

I hope you enjoyed this post all about the best things to do on a rainy day in NYC! If you have any questions about New York City, comment below or DM me on Instagram.

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