As much as we all love a clear, sunny day, there's something to be said for a moody afternoon in New York City when the skies are gray and the rain drizzles outside your window. While it may not be the ideal time to go boating in Central Park or grab a drink on one of the city's many rooftops, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy New York when the weather outside isn't all sunshine and rainbows.

From cozying up with a latte in one of the city's best cafes to exploring the hidden gems in Grand Central Station, we’ve put together the ultimate list of indoor activities in NYC, so you'll never run out of things to do in NYC on a rainy day. 

 

20+ Rainy Day Activities in NYC

Spend a Day at Grand Central Station

Of course, you’ve been to Grand Central before, but have you ever really explored it? It’s one of New York’s most defining landmarks, and there’s so much to do and see besides catching a train. The stellar zodiac ceiling is breathtaking (it’s painted backward, so viewers see it from a divine perspective rather than a human one) and contains over 2500 stars. And the iconic information booth clock (valued at over 20 million dollars) is worth taking an up-close look at.

Grand Central is also home to dozens of restaurants and bars—including the only Danish food hall in New York and a secret sushi den—along with a fresh food market, museum gallery, tennis court, and the largest example of Tiffany glass in the world. In other words, it’s the perfect spot to go exploring on a rainy day—you never know what other hidden gems you might stumble across.

Where: 89 East 42nd Street, New York, NY
More information on Grand Central Station.

 

Explore the Museum of Illusions

Escape the dreariness of a rainy day and step into a world of wonder at the Museum of Illusions! You'll challenge your sense of perception through a series of optical illusions and interactive exhibits designed to ignite curiosity. From mind-boggling holograms to gravity-defying rooms, you can explore, play, and unravel the mysteries of perception—all while remaining nice and dry.

Where: 77 8th Ave, New York, NY
More information

 

Cozy up in a Café

New York is the city that never sleeps, and it’s no coincidence that there’s a cafe on just about every street corner in Manhattan. We’ll take a caffeine boost anytime, but few things are more picturesque than sipping a hot latte inside a cheerful café while listening to the rain outside. Check out our guide to the best cafés in NYC to find a coffee shop to cozy up in near you.

Where: Various locations.
More information on NYC Cafés.

 

Visit The FRIENDS™ Experience

Instead of staying home and bingeing your favorite sitcom reruns on your couch, head to The FRIENDS™ Experience, where you can actually step into your favorite sitcom and cuddle up on one of TV's most iconic couches. With two floors of immersive experiences, it’s the ultimate spot for FRIENDS™ fans. You can hang out at Central Perk, sit at Monica and Rachel’s kitchen table, kick back and relax in Joey and Chandler’s comfy chairs, and so much more.

Pro-Tip: Book through Bucket Listers for the lowest ticket prices available!

Where: 130 E 23rd St, New York, NY
More information.

 

See a Broadway Show

Yes, you’ll have to deal with the crowds in the theater district, but it’s a small price to pay to see world-class performances. Broadway is a staple of NYC culture, and seeing a show is a good excuse to escape the gray, soggy streets and enjoy a few (dry) hours inside.

Where: Various locations.
More information on Broadway Shows.

 

Duck Into a Hidden Speakeasy

Nothing feels quite as exhilarating as escaping the city (and the weather), and finding yourself in a secret plush lounge, sipping cocktails. From 1920s-style lounges to laid-back bars to glitzy venues offering jazz and burlesque shows, spending some time hidden away in a speakeasy is a great way to pass the time on a rainy day.

Where: Various locations.
More information on NYC’s Hidden Speakeasies.

 

Practice Spells at Harry Potter™: The Exhibition

Make some magic with a trip to Harry Potter™: The Exhibition. Adventure through iconic Wizarding World moments, come face-to-face with a Hungarian Horntail, and brew your own Skele-Gro in Potions class. You'll find dozens of photo ops, and behind-the-scenes information on the movies, plus choose your fave Hogwarts™ House, wand, and Patronus to begin a personalized journey through the experience!

Where: Herald Square, 50th W 34th St., New York, NY
More information.

 

Visit the New York Public Library’s Main Branch

There are libraries all over the city (and all of them are worth visiting on a rainy day), but if you’ve never taken the time to visit the main branch, here’s your sign to go. Located at the south end of Bryant Park, the Stephen A Schwarzman Building is free and open to the public and offers daily tours, stunning architecture, impressive exhibits, quiet study spots, and more. Make sure to check out the Rose Main Reading Room—the elaborate ceiling design and murals are reason enough to visit.

Where: Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, New York, NY
More information on the NYPL Main Branch.

 

Book a Private Omakase Experience

While the rain comes down, cozy up inside the world's first hotel room turned restaurant. This unique experience lets you enjoy a 90-minute, 17-course progressive Omakase from your own private sushi chef. Check in at the front to get a key to your private room and enjoy an intimate evening of high-end cuisine.

P.S. This experience also makes for a great date night!

Where: Hotel 32|32: 32 E 32nd St Suite 1001 Suite 1001, New York, NY
More information

 

Learn to Tattoo

If you've ever wanted to see if you have what it takes to be a tattoo artist, now's your chance. Get your creative juices flowing at this learn-how-to-tattoo experience in Brooklyn. You'll design and plaster your own original tattoo and apply it to synthetic skin or a melon. When you're done, you can kick back and celebrate your accomplishments with a cold beer.

Where: FIB Tattoo Bar: 1051 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY
More information on Learn How to Tattoo Experience.

 

Go Rock Climbing

The rain may make climbing outdoors less than ideal, but you can climb all the walls you want at places like Central Rock Gym, Manhattan Plaza Health Club, and Brooklyn Boulders. Each spot offers thousands of square feet to climb, lessons for beginners and experienced climbers, comprehensive fitness classes, and more. In other words, it’s the perfect way to get active when you’re stuck indoors.

Where: Various locations.

 

Explore the Turnstyle Underground Market

When you can’t enjoy the outdoors, go underground. Beneath 8th Avenue, at the Columbus Circle station, there’s a sprawling market with 39 unique eateries, pop-ups, and retail shops. Shop everything from fresh flowers and handmade soaps to statement jewelry and baked goods. Plus, enjoy an array of delicious food options like dumplings, empanadas, paella, and more.

Where: Beneath 8th Avenue, between 57th and 58th Street. There are seven street-level entrances to the market.
More information on the Turnstyle Underground Market.

 

See the Knicks Play

Visiting the historic Madison Square Garden is an experience in and of itself, and catching a Knicks game is a must-do NYC activity, whether you’re visiting or have lived here for years. It’s also a great way to stay dry when the weather is less than ideal. Grab some concessions, sit back, and soak up the energy in the arena.

Where: Madison Square Garden: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY
More information on the Knicks.

 

Book a Cooking Class

Instead of sitting inside going stir-crazy, up your culinary game and sign up for a cooking class. In this fun, hands-on, interactive class, you’ll learn how to make a classic potato dough from scratch. Your chef instructor will demonstrate how to make a basic red sauce and brown garlic, onion, and herb sauce to enjoy with your handmade gnocchi.

Where: Bat House Brooklyn: 459 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY
More information on Handmade Gnocchi Making Classes.

 

Spend a Day at the Spa

A rainy day is a perfect excuse to relax and rejuvenate at one of NYC’s luxurious spas. Naturophatica Spa & Healing Center in Chelsea offers a bevy of wellness options. Choose from three different sessions offering facials, massages, tea rituals, guided meditation and journal sessions, and more. Every experience is designed to promote wellness inside and out, connecting your inner radiance to your outer glow.

Where: 127 W 26th St, New York, NY
More information

 

Check Out a Museum You’ve Never Visited Before

Everyone knows New York is home to world-class museums, and more than likely, you’ve spent some time at the MET, MoMA, and the American Museum of Natural History. But have you ever explored the Skyscraper Museum, the Museum of Food and Drink, or the Houdini Museum of New York? With dozens of niche and out-of-the-ordinary museums across the city, there’s a spot to explore for every hobbyist and enthusiast out there.

Where: Various locations.
More information

 

Visit Madame Tussauds

Speaking of unusual museums, there’s nothing quite like Madame Tussauds. The famed wax museum is the greatest of its kind, and if you’ve never stepped inside, it’s high time you check it out. Perfect for meandering through on a rainy day, this indoor activity is full of hyper-realistic wax replicas of your favorite celebrities and characters, from Marvel superheroes to POTUS himself.

Where: 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY
More information on Madame Tussauds.

 

Get Lost in a Bookstore

Few things are better than curling up with a good book on a rainy day, but one thing that might beat it is getting lost in a bookstore. As one of the most literary cities in America, New Yorkers have access to some pretty great bookstores like Argosy and Strand—New York’s two oldest bookstores—to newer favorites like Books are Magic and Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn.

There are even specialty shops like Albertine Books on the Upper East Side, devoted primarily to French literature, or Rizzoli in Flatiron, known for its vast collection of large, illustrated coffee table books.

Where: Various locations.

 

EXPLORE MORE:
The Best Broadway Shows to See in New York Right Now
30 Fun Activities In NYC That Don't Involve Alcohol or Food
The Best Places to Work Remotely in NYC