Rainy days in New York: what to do when it rains?

Unfortunately, New York also has its rainy days. But don't worry: here are 6 ideas to keep you entertained during rainy days!

1/ Discover New York’s Museums

New York has an impressive number of museums with something for every interest. They’re perfect for rainy days.

Art lovers will find paradise at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York’s answer to the Louvre. Also explore the outstanding collections at the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Aviation enthusiasts should head to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, housed in a decommissioned US Navy aircraft carrier. Explore the flight deck and corridors to learn about aviation and space exploration.
Rainy days are also a chance to explore the history of September 11, 2001. Visit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, built on the site of the Twin Towers. You can also visit the Ground Zero Museum Workshop, a private museum dedicated to 9/11.
For lighter entertainment, take selfies at Madame Tussauds on Times Square, where you can pose with wax figures of US Presidents. For more fun, try the Color Factory, an interactive museum about color, or the Museum of Ice Cream.
Friends fans will love the Friends Experience, which recreates sets from the TV series and lets you take unique photos.
If you enjoy spy thrillers and contemporary history, visit the Spyscape Museum. It reveals famous espionage cases while offering interactive exhibits.
Other major museums worth visiting: the American Museum of Natural History, which deserves several days on its own, and the National Museum of the American Indian, which is free.

Find the complete list on our page about museums in New York.

Beyond museums, several landmarks are worth your time. Don’t miss Grand Central Terminal, New York’s stunning main train station. The main hall is an incredible sight. Be sure to test the famous whispering gallery.
Another station to see: the Oculus, at the base of the World Trade Center. The World Trade Center station includes a massive shopping mall with striking futuristic architecture.
At the corner of Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, step into the New York Public Library’s main branch. The reading rooms are architectural masterpieces. Film fans will recognize the setting from The Day After Tomorrow.
Also worth visiting: the Morgan Library, an impressive library that once belonged to JP Morgan, the wealthy banker and founder.
You can also book paid guided tours. Consider visiting the NBC studios, the Radio City Music Hall, and the United Nations headquarters in New York. Note: these tours must be booked in advance.

Use rainy days to pick up souvenirs and do your shopping. New York offers an incredible range of stores. Find our top recommendations in our shopping in New York guide.
Don’t miss the iconic department stores: Macy’s, Saks, Bloomingdale’s, and Century 21. Find addresses and directions in our section on department stores and shopping in New York.
You’ll also find unique shops, including the M&M’s Store, the Harry Potter New York store, and the quirky Christmas Cottage, which celebrates Christmas year-round. See our article on the most unusual shops in New York.
Kids and adults alike will be amazed by the creations at the Lego Store. The brand has two locations in Manhattan.
Don’t overlook independent boutiques either. You’ll find all kinds, including specialized shops like On Stage Dancewear for dance enthusiasts.

When it rains, spend time at a table or over a drink. Find our favorite spots in our sections on restaurants in New York and bars in New York.
Rainy days are perfect for discovering speakeasies, the hidden bars from Prohibition times. Try Please Don’t Tell at 113 St Marks Place, between Avenue A and 1st Avenue in the East Village. Enter the restaurant, find the phone booth inside, and you’ll gain access to the secret bar. Another discreet spot: Little Branch, at the corner of 7th Avenue and Leroy Street in Greenwich Village. Look for the brown door from the street, go down the stairs, and enter this old-fashioned bar with servers dressed in Prohibition-era style.
Want to discover hidden gems that even New Yorkers don’t know? Join a guided speakeasy tour in English.

When it rains on New York, the sun always shines on Broadway! Step into the magical world of musicals, a New York specialty.
Current hits include The Lion King, Wicked, MJ The Michael Jackson Musical, Chicago, and Aladdin. New shows open every year. See our section on Broadway musicals.
Multiple performances run daily, so you can easily spend an afternoon warm and dry at Broadway. Prepare to be dazzled!

Here’s one more idea for a productive rainy day: explore the amazing American Dream shopping mall in New Jersey. It’s not just a place to shop with reduced taxes and outlet prices—it’s also a massive entertainment complex.
There’s something for everyone and every age. Enjoy the largest indoor water park in the United States, the DreamWorks Water Park. When the weather is bad outside, relax in the tropical pool.
American Dream also features a giant aquarium, SEA LIFE Aquarium. Touch starfish and walk through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks. It’s one of the finest aquariums on the US East Coast.
The outlet is also home to the Nickelodeon Universe theme park, featuring characters from Nickelodeon shows, including SpongeBob SquarePants. This theme park is designed for families, with attractions everyone can enjoy together.
Finally, have a blast at the Tilt Museum. Step into immersive sets and take original selfies. Perfect for laughs while you wait for the rain to stop!