Prepared or not, rainy days in New York City throw a curveball into most travel plans. The weather is unpredictable and sometimes you need to come up with a Plan B, which is where I come in.
I’ve spent the better part of my last 6 years in The Big Apple coming up with various rainy-day activities for my out-of-town guests. Thankfully, the fun doesn’t (have to) stop when the forecast predicts rain.
Today, I’m going to share my personal list of the best NYC rainy day activities. This list is full of recommendations that are unique to the city (no movie theater recommendations here, folks). Let’s dive right in!
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The 10 Best Neighborhoods for First Timers & 3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
New York City Rainy Day Activities
NYC Rainy Day (Table of Contents)
Table of Contents: Things to Do on a Rainy Day in New York City
- New York City Rainy Day Activities
- Enjoy a Slow Evening at a Jazz Club
- Sign Up for a Whiskey Tasting (or Tour)
- Tour the New York Public Library’s Special Exhibit
- Wander the West Village
- Visit a Museum
- Take a Cooking Class (Yes, Really!)
- Catch Up With an Old Friend at a Charming Wine Bar
- Catch a Performance at the Lincoln Center
- See a Broadway Show
- Imbibe in Cocktails at a Cozy Speakeasy
- Explore Industry City
- Lighten Up at the Comedy Cellar
- Enjoy a Spa Day at Aire Ancient Baths
- Visit the Strand Bookstore
- Explore the Chelsea Market
- Reserve a Room at Sharks Pool Club
- Cheer on the New York Knicks
- Eat Your Way Through the Essex Market
- Tips for Spending Rainy Days in NYC
- List of NYC Rainy Day Activities (Post Summary)
- Map of the Best Indoor Activities in NYC on a Rainy Day
Enjoy a Slow Evening at a Jazz Club
Deeply rooted in American culture, New York City’s jazz scene dates back to the 1920s. Intimate and inviting, the city’s most famous jazz clubs were centered in Harlem and Greenwich Village where legends like Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane used to play.
From soulful ballads to exhilarating high notes on the saxophone, each night promises a unique experience. If you’re visiting New York City to mark a special occasion, make reservations at a famous jazz club (here are the 15 best jazz clubs in NYC). It’s the perfect NYC rainy day date night idea!
Sign Up for a Whiskey Tasting (or Tour)
One of my favorite NYC rainy day traditions is to sign up for whiskey tastings at various bars. I’m a big fan of scotch (after visiting Scotland) and love learning about the different whiskey-producing regions. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of great whiskey bars in NYC to choose from.
Great Jones Distillery (Manhattan’s only whiskey distillery) offers tastings and tours of the distillery, giving you a chance to learn more about this popular libation. Why not gather a group of friends and learn about Scotland’s greatest export during the next rainy day in NYC? Plan B is to get a whisky flight at a local bar, which is less expensive than a tasting and requires less planning.
Tour the New York Public Library’s Special Exhibit
When it opened to the public in 1911, the New York Public Library (NYPL) was the largest marble building ever built in the country. You can sign up for a free guided tour and learn more about one of NYC’s most iconic buildings.
Apart from books, the New York Public Library has an extraordinary collection of 56 million items. For the first time ever, the library is opening the collection to the public through the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures.
The exhibition is free to tour, which is mind-blowing, considering visitors can see Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence (one of 26 known copies in the world).
Other highlights from the Polonsky Exhibition include: The Gutenberg Bible, Charles Dickens’s Desk and Chair, Virginia Woolf’s Walking Stick, the original Winnie-the-Pooh dolls that inspired the beloved children’s story, and Malcolm X’s Briefcase and Diaries. All this to say, touring the exhibit is one of the best things to do in NYC on a rainy day.
Website: The New York Public Library Special Exhibit
Address: 476 5th Ave, New York, NY
Wander the West Village
The West Village is arguably the most charming neighborhood in NYC rain or shine. Every charming corner cafe and cozy little wine bar serves as an invitation to linger for a bit while waiting for the rain in NYC to pass. The neighborhood takes on a magical glow right after a rainstorm. My advice? Park yourself at a small bar for a relaxing afternoon of cocktails and light conversation (I recommend the Hot Toddy at Bar Pisellino). Don’t feel chatty? Pack a book instead.
You may enjoy reading: 22 Exciting Things to Do in the West Village (Local’s Guide)
Visit a Museum
If you’re you’re looking for tried-and-true rainy-day activities in NYC, it’s hard to beat visiting a museum. The Big Apple is home to more than 80 museums, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed by options. If helpful, here’s a roundup of the 15 best museums in New York City (in my opinion).
From the colossal Metropolitan Museum of Art (the 5th largest museum in the world) to the more intimate Frick Collection, there are endless opportunities to explore the city’s robust art scene. The perk of having so many options is that anyone can find something that piques their interest. Plus, many museums have cute cafes and restaurants, easily turning this activity into a leisurely day-long escape from the rain in NYC.
Local’s Tip: Show up early! Visiting a museum is the most popular rainy day activity in New York City, crowds are all but guaranteed.
Take a Cooking Class (Yes, Really!)
Remember during the pandemic when everyone was taking up new hobbies (DIY haircuts, anyone?), well, a rainy day in NYC is a perfect excuse to keep learning new skills. My favorite spot for cooking classes is the Platform by the James Beard Foundation at Pier 57.
The James Beard Foundation is like the Oscars of cooking, so it’s a huge deal when a restaurant or chef earns one of these prestigious awards. The Platform at Pier 57 hosts events and classes with award-winning chefs that are so much fun! Sign up (here’s the event’s calendar) to enjoy a meal made by famous chefs, or — better yet — take a cooking class instead. This is a great date idea for a rainy day in New York City.
Catch Up With an Old Friend at a Charming Wine Bar
Wine tasting on a rainy day? Groundbreaking, I know. But if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? I’ve been getting more interested in wine lately, so my roster of charming wine bars is slowly growing. Admittedly, I enjoy this activity more on a sunny day, but hey — there’s something oddly romantic about a gloomy- weathered wine date. Here’s a roundup of my favorite wine bars in NYC (spoiler alert: The West Village has the lion’s share, all the more reason to visit).
Catch a Performance at the Lincoln Center
Seeing a performance at the Lincoln Center, one of the world’s leading performing arts centers is a quintessential NYC experience. Home to 11 resident art organizations, including the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and the New York City Ballet, this iconic complex hosts thousands of performances annually.
Whether you’re captivated by the soaring arias of an opera, the mind-boggling movements of a ballet, or the moving performances of a drama, Lincoln Center is a top choice for a rainy day activity in New York City.
Website: Lincoln Center
Address: Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY
See a Broadway Show
It’s hard to think of a better way to spend a rainy day in NYC than by seeing a Broadway show. Every year, the theaters on Broadway draw millions of visitors from around the world, everyone eager to experience the thrill of seeing a live performance (ranging from comedies and musicals to dramatic plays). A Broadway show not only offers an escape from the rainy streets but also a chance to enjoy an iconic New York tradition, it’s the best of both worlds!
Further Reading: Need help deciding which show is worth it? Here is our round-up of 10 Brilliant Broadway Shows in New York City You Won’t Soon Forget.
Imbibe in Cocktails at a Cozy Speakeasy
You can go to a cocktail bar if you please, but where’s the fun in that? Speakeasies offer a more intimate atmosphere with a dash of intrigue (getting in through a telephone booth? Say less). Wait, what’s with all the hushed tones and secrets? Well, speakeasies are a byproduct of Prohibition, which occurred in the 1920s.
Being the most populous city in the country, New York was hit especially hard. But New Yorkers are a resilient sort, so secret bars (called speakeasies) started cropping up. Today, there’s a handful of great local spots to choose from. If helpful, here’s a roundup of my favorite speakeasies in NYC.
Explore Industry City
Spanning an impressive 35 acres, Industry City is a cool waterfront complex of abandoned buildings that have been transformed into a dynamic mix of shops, breweries, and great restaurants. Known for hosting tons of seasonal events, the area is ripe for exploration!
Between the charming bookstores, incredible food, and top-notch sake brewery, you’ll find yourself occupied for an entire day. Any way you slice it, visiting Industry City is one of the best things to do in Brooklyn on a rainy day, so don’t miss it!
Website: Industry City
Address: 220 36th St, Brooklyn, NY
Local’s Tip: Check out Japan Village is you’re interested in Japanese culture! It’s a bustling indoor market with Japanese food stalls and a popular grocery store.
Lighten Up at the Comedy Cellar
I understand that not everyone is a fan of comedy clubs (like yours truly), but even I’ll admit that visiting the Comedy Cellar in the West Village is a great thing to do in NYC on a rainy day. Rather than headliners, this comedy club offers 5-7 performers a night, each performing a 20-minute skit.
As such, you never know who to expect on stage, but you’re guaranteed to have a good time because the Comedy Cellar always attracts top-notch talent to this day. The roster of past comedians includes some big names, like Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, John Stewart, and Kevin Hart. Shows sell out nightly, so book tickets in advance.
Website: Comedy Cellar
Address: 117 MacDougal St, New York, NY
Enjoy a Spa Day at Aire Ancient Baths
Channeling ancient Greek and Roman bathhouses, visiting the spa at Aire Ancient Baths is a rejuvenating experience to do in NYC on a rainy day. Cell phones are prohibited, and there’s a limited number of people allowed in the bathhouse, so it’s never overcrowded. And yes, massages are also offered. Hard to beat a relaxing spa day while avoiding rainy days in NYC.
Website: Aire Ancient Baths
Address: 88 Franklin St, New York, NY
Visit the Strand Bookstore
Founded in 1927, the Strand is the city’s most iconic bookstore. In fact, it’s the only remaining bookstore from “Book Row” which was a coalition of 48 bookstores that lined Fourth Avenue in the East Village. Every single bookstore, except the Strand, closed during the Great Depression. Today this large NYC bookstore is home to 2.5 million books and serves as a safe haven for insatiable bookworms far and wide.
Looking for more independent bookstores to explore during a rainy day in New York City? Check out 12+ Charming NYC Bookstores You Can’t Help But Love.
Explore the Chelsea Market
Nestled in the heart of the Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market is an indoor market that’s housed inside the historic Nabisco factory, where the Oreo cookie was invented in 1912. Today, Chelsea Market is home to over 35 vendors, serving up an eclectic mix of artisanal foods, from fresh seafood to gourmet cheeses and international delicacies. Beyond the food options, the market features local boutiques, art installations, and seasonal events. Plus, they go all out with holiday decorations.
Highlights at the Chelsea Market: Warm donuts from the Doughnuttery (who can resist), tacos from Los Tacos No. 1, and souvenirs from the Pearl River Mart.
Website: Chelsea Market
Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY
Reserve a Room at Sharks Pool Club
You don’t have to be a pool shark to enjoy a round or two. Considered one of the best indoor activities for a rainy day in New York City, Shark’s Pool Club gets packed quickly. It’s a great concept though, you can rent a private room and play pool with a group of friends for a few hours.
Each room comes equipped with a TV, couch, and Bluetooth speakers. Oh, and the best part? It’s BYOB. Pick up a six-pack, grab some pizza, and make your way over with a group of friends for a unique rainy day activity in NYC.
Website: Sharks Pool Club
Location: 4 Locations in NYC
Cheer on the New York Knicks
The NBA season runs from October to April, aligning perfectly with the rainy season in New York City. As such, catching an NBA game at the Madison Square Garden (home to the New York Knicks) is a great call. Admission varies by game, but you can often score a decent deal.
Local’s Tip: If you’re catching a show or game at Madison Square Garden (MSG), take advantage of the great food scene in the area! MSG is located in Koreatown, which has some of the best Korean BBQs in NYC (I love Jongro).
Eat Your Way Through the Essex Market
The Essex Market has been around since 1940 officially (unofficially since the 1880s) and has served as a culinary gathering place for New Yorkers for 80 years. The three-story market was revamped in 2019 and is home to 30+ vendors that span the gamut, from food stalls to groceries and handmade goods.
So, if you’re looking for a fun rainy day activity in NYC, swing by the Essex Market. Order a meal or grab a light bite and make your way to the seating area upstairs. The floor-to-ceiling windows are perfect for watching the stormy weather outside while you warm up with a hot coffee or tea.
Tips for Spending Rainy Days in NYC
Comfortable Walking Shoes are a Must
You will be doing a lot of walking in New York City, and during a rainy day, you’re going to want shoes that will keep your feet dry and comfortable. Here’s my go-to pair of weatherproof shoes. Better yet, you might want to read: 10 Best Shoes for Walking Around New York City (By Season).
Expect Crowds
New York City averages more than 63 million visitors per year, meaning crowds are all but guaranteed rain or shine. That’s a lot of people trying to eat at the same popular restaurants and do the same popular thing. Show up early and bring an umbrella in case there’s a line out the door.
Treat the Sidewalk Like a Highway
Nothing bothers a New Yorker more than a person who stops smack-dab in the middle of the sidewalk. It’s inconsiderate and you’re guaranteed to garner eye rolls. There are two ways you could inadvertently hog the sidewalk: walking side-by-side in a large group and stopping in the middle of the sidewalk, effectively preventing access. Make sure you step to the side of the sidewalk if you need to stop.
List of NYC Rainy Day Activities (Post Summary)
- Catch a Broadway show
- Visit a museum
- Visit the New York Public Library
- Warm up with a flight of whiskey
- Enjoy a bowl of ramen
- Enjoy an NBA game
- Sign up for a cooking class
- Hang out at your local cafe
- Play at Sharks Pool Club
- Enjoy a jazz club
- Watch a performance at the Lincoln Center
- Shop the Strand Bookstore
- Aire Ancient Baths
- Laugh at the Comedy Cellar
- Visit a speakeasy
- Get lost in Industry City
- Explore the Chelsea Market
- Explore the West Village
Map of the Best Indoor Activities in NYC on a Rainy Day
Frequently Asked Questions: Rainy Day in New York City
On average, New York City experiences a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, averaging between eight to ten rainy days a month.
The rainiest month in New York City tends to be July, but there isn’t a big difference from month to month.
Yes, it does rain in New York City during the summer months, typically experiencing occasional showers and thunderstorms.
Exploring New York City on a rainy day can still be worthwhile, as the city offers numerous indoor attractions, museums, restaurants, and cultural experiences to enjoy.
When it rains in NYC with kids, you can explore indoor attractions like museums such as the American Museum of Natural History, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, or visit indoor play spaces like Chelsea Piers or the Brooklyn Children’s Museum.
More Helpful Articles
- How to Get to New York City From the Airport
- 20+ Irresistible Coffee Spots in New York City (Guaranteed to Satisfy)
- 10 Memorable Manhattan Bars Everyone Should Visit
- The Best Time to Visit New York City (And The Season to Avoid!)
- 15+ Epic Things to Do in New York City With Kids
And there you have it, folks! My roundup of the best things to do during a NYC rainy day. I hope you found it useful.
Cheers!
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