This article was updated on October 9, 2025.
In New York on a Rainy Day? Here’s What to Do.
Let’s face it –– New York loses an inch of its romance when the weather is crappy. I’ll be the first to admit that I prefer to hibernate when arctic air takes over Gotham, or a damp, rainy day headlines the forecast. Luckily, this city offers a host of indoor activities that can be almost as much fun as exploring the streets of Williamsburg, touring major sights, or decompressing in Central Park, all of which are more apropos when the sun is shining and the temperature exceeds 50 degrees. Since Mother Nature doesn’t fully cooperate 24/7, let’s take a look at things to do in New York on a rainy day.
Museum-hop.
Cultural institutions exist all throughout the city, but there’s no better place to spend time during a downpour than at the American Museum of Natural History. Get in touch with your inner scientist and astrologist when you browse permanent exhibitions such as the Hall of Dinosaurs and the amazing Rose Center for Earth and Space. Plus, the museum shows exciting temporary and seasonal exhibits like the National Parks Adventure and the famed Butterfly Conservatory. Avoid the rain for hours because the museum is open from 10 a.m. until 5: 45 p.m. daily.
Other museums nearby include the the New York Historical Society, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art straight across town on Fifth Avenue. You could dedicate an entire day to The Met and still not see it all. My favorites? The 20th and 21st century art in the Modern and Contemporary Galleries and the art of ancient Egypt, which includes the iconic temple of Dendur, a gift from Egypt to the United States. I could stand in this gallery for hours, especially in rainy weather. It’s one of my happy places in New York City.
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See a matinee performance.
On a rainy weekend, offerings like Broadway, Off-Broadway, Carnegie Hall, BAM, the Joyce Theater, and Lincoln Center give both locals and visitors countless entertainment choices. Choose from classical ballet , opera, or live jazz – no matter which, you won’t regret staying inside. Should the foul weather continue through the evening hours, that’s a terrific reason to see another performance. Try TodayTix for last-minute tickets.
Spend time at Grand Central Terminal.
Commuters and tourists come and go every single day, but how many actually spend time shopping or even browsing the dozens of shops or eating in any of the establishments in Grand Central? I bet you didn’t know that Cafe Grumpy, Magnolia Bakery, Shake Shack, the Apple Store, Swatch and Banana Republic have locations in the station. Plus, history buffs won’t want to miss the opportunity to take a tour of this iconic landmark.
Shop at the Strand Bookstore.
If you think you can’t peruse a bookstore for more than 30 minutes, I’d say you’ve never been to The Strand. Even if you’re not a bookworm, you’ll find it almost impossible to leave empty-handed after perusing its 18 miles of new, used, rare, and out-of-print titles. Hungry after skimming all of those pages? Try Ribalta for pizza or Jack’s Wife Freda for comfort food favorites. Both are nearby. More on food next.
Eat. A lot.
In case you don’t know me well enough by now, no matter the weather, food is always on my agenda. Brunch is the most popular meal on weekends, but some restaurants provide all-day menus, meaning you could go for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or perhaps sometime in between.
Lavagna in Alphabet City has been doling out delicious Tuscan fare since 1999. The dimly lit dining room is enough to keep you coming back for more, whether you’re in the midst of a romantic rendezvous or dining with your BFF. On on a chilly rainy night? This East Village mainstay checks all the boxes. I recommend the octopus carpaccio and the roast pork chop with borlotti beans. Heaven. Pair that chop with a Barolo.
For something more upscale, I recommend Gramercy Tavern. Depending on your budget and the vibe you prefer, you can eat lunch or dinner in either the restaurant or tavern, (the tavern is more casual and doesn’t accept reservations, so be prepared to wait).
Chef Andrew Carmellini’s Lafayette is open all day and serves different menus –– they even have an in-between mid-day lineup if you happen to be hungry after lunch but before dinner. And there’s nothing like and old-fashioned New York diner, or a Jewish deli. I recommend Katz’s on the Lower East Side for the food and the experience. Get the corned beef!
No matter the forecast, be sure to pack an umbrella. Those afternoon showers can pop up at any moment.
Do you have any other ideas what to do in New York on a rainy day? Please share!
A bar is also a fun place to be on a rainy day in New York. You could also leave Manhattan and venture to Brooklyn.
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