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The Best of New York · See and do · Things to do

The best rainy day things to do in New York City

Updated November 2026. 22 places.

Rainy days in New York City have a way of throwing a curveball into travel plans. Unpredictable weather can have you scrambling for a plan B. The good news is there’s actually lots of great things to do in New York City on a rainy day!

I’ve spent years coming up with various rainy-day activities for myself as well as out-of-town guests. Thankfully, the fun doesn’t have to stop when the forecast predicts rain. Let’s dive right in!

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best rainy day things to do in New York City, 2026

  1. Comedy CellarOther · West VillageRather than headliners, this comedy club offers 5-7 performers a night, each performing a 20-minute skit.
  2. Essex MarketMarket · Lower East SideThe Essex Market has been around since 1940 officially (unofficially since the 1880s) and has served as a food gathering place for New Yorkers for 80 years.
  3. Focal PointOther · Long Island CityA few of my favorites include Evil Twin, Other Half (especially their Domino Park location), and Focal Point.
  4. Grand Central TerminalLandmark · MidtownAveraging 750,000 visitors daily, the main hall of this iconic Beaux Arts building is quite a busy hub, and the star of the show here is the magnificent celestial ceiling.
  5. Industry CityOther · BrooklynSpanning 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.
  6. Keen's Pub BarBar · MidtownThankfully, there’s no shortage of great whiskey bars in NYC to choose from.
  7. Ludlow Lobby BarBar · Lower East SideThankfully, there’s no shortage of great whiskey bars in NYC to choose from.
  8. Madison Square GardenOther · KoreatownAs such, catching an NBA game at the Madison Square Garden (home to the New York Knicks) is a great call.
  9. ManhattaBar · Financial DistrictThankfully, there’s no shortage of great whiskey bars in NYC to choose from.
  10. Metropolitan Museum of ArtMuseum · Upper East SideFrom 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.
  11. New York Public Library (Polonsky Exhibition)Museum · MidtownThe exhibition is free 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).
  12. Platform by the James Beard Foundation at Pier 57Other · ChelseaMy favorite spot for cooking classes is the Platform by the James Beard Foundation at Pier 57.
  13. Strand BookstoreStore · East VillageFounded in 1927, the Strand is the city’s most famous bookstore.
  14. The Campbell BarBar · MidtownThe Campbell serves as an elegant bar with sky-high ceilings and great drinks including one of the most memorable martinis in New York City.
  15. Travel BarBar · BrooklynThankfully, there’s no shortage of great whiskey bars in NYC to choose from.
  16. Aire Ancient BathsOther · TribecaChanneling ancient Greek and Roman bathhouses, visiting the spa at Aire Ancient Baths is a rejuvenating experience to do in NYC on a rainy day.
  17. Bar PisellinoBar · West VillageI recommend the Hot Toddy at Bar Pisellino.
  18. Chelsea MarketMarket · Meatpacking DistrictToday, 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.
  19. Evil TwinOther · DUMBOA few of my favorites include Evil Twin, Other Half (especially their Domino Park location), and Focal Point.
  20. Frick CollectionMuseum · Upper East SideFrom 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.
  21. Grand Central Oyster BarRestaurant · Midtown
  22. Lincoln CenterTheater · Upper West SideSeeing a performance at the Lincoln Center, one of the world’s leading performing arts centers is a quintessential NYC experience.

On the map

Where they are

14 neighborhoods, Midtown and West Village most of all.

Midtown

Brooklyn

Lower East Side

Upper East Side

West Village

Chelsea

DUMBO

East Village

Financial District

Koreatown

Long Island City

Meatpacking District

Tribeca

Upper West Side

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 24 Fool-Proof Rainy Day Activities in New York City.