15 Fun Things to Do in NYC on a Rainy Day

A rainy day in The Big Apple can be an unpleasant and miserable thing to deal with, but we’re hoping to put a positive spin on that with our list of 15 fun things to do in NYC on a rainy day.

I (and I’m sure most other New Yorkers) dread a rainy day in the city. It’s no secret that the New York City streets are not the cleanest places you can find, and everything is mad that much worse when it rains. On top of that, we do a lot of walking around this city, so regardless of if you have an umbrella, boots, or a raincoat, you are bound to get wet. And on top of all that, it feels as if all transportation all but comes to a halt when it starts raining, making for a dreaded commute.

With New York’s five boroughs and vast expanse, you wouldn’t assume it would be such a mess on a rainy day. The city has a lot of outdoor activities to offer, yes, but there are just as many indoor activities awaiting to be discovered. The city is overflowing with theatres, museums, stores and other places to occupy your time while staying warm and dry. Not only can you walk through historic buildings, but active and sports-related activities await you. The activities that we have could also be the things you can do when it is snowy or the weather is scorching hot. The main objective is to get you away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s crowded streets, to discover something new. If you have kids and are looking for more indoor places to take them, take a look at our list of 20 Things to Do in NYC with Toddlers.

For a rainy day, you might want to avoid the splashy streets and avoid getting soaked in the rain and that is why we have these suggestions that you can enjoy and relax at the same time. What can you see and do in New York City? The possibilities are endless! This place is rich in history and culture. It has a diverse community where you can experience people, food and cultures from all around the globe in one place. It is a mix of classic and modern in one. You can go classy or low-key, it’s all up to you. New York is also a fashionista’s destination. From accessories, makeup, clothes, and shoes, you’ve got it all here. As you can see, rain may be annoying, but it won’t hold you back from having fun in this city.

To come up with our list of fun things to do in NYC on a rainy day, we relied on the database at Class Curious to find all things New York City. Since this article doesn’t focus on the “best” or “most popular” activities, you will find that our list is ranked in no particular order. It is up to you to decide which activities may be the best fit for you.

Let’s get moving and take a look at 15 fun things to do in NYC on a rainy day, so the next time there is a downpour, you won’t be stuck, bored in the house.

15. Stroll through Museums

You have a lot of choices here in New York when it comes to museums. You will get to learn history in some, see odd things showcased, or see art and creativity in others. Abstract art can be seen at the Museum of Modern Art.  However, art from over 5,000 years is exhibited in The Metropolitan Museum of Art.  For scientific and cultural exhibits, you can stroll through the American Museum of Natural History.

14. Treat Yourself to a Spa

There are different establishments here and there in New York and a spa is one of the best places you can find yourself in the city. If you are tired from work or going crazy at home, just go out and head to one of the nicest spas you know in NYC.  This will regenerate you and you will feel beyond relaxed. You can get facials, a massage, a manicure, and pedicure, and even detoxify and cleanse. A variety of choices like Great Jones Spa and Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa are some of the best.

13. Have a Book at the Library

Read a book at The New York Public Library and indulge your mind into the many things a book can bring you. If not, you can borrow a book, and read it at home with a cup of chocolate drink or coffee. You can also walk to the library to check on events you want to see and try.

12. International Express

Hop on to the New York City Transit Express 7 train and explore the multicultural gem in the neighborhoods of Queens.  The 7 train is well known as the International Express.  Andean South America, Central America, China, India, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, and Vietnam’s immigrants are what you will discover riding this subway train. It is pretty much a global trip in one place.

11. Shop ’til You Drop

Fashion is one of New York’s best industries. You won’t get bored on a rainy day with elegant and large shopping malls here in NYC. Whether you go shopping for clothes or food, you will have no problem finding what you need.

10. Movie Marathon

Grab some popcorn and brace yourself for a movie marathon in the theaters of NYC.  There are a lot of movies coming out with great story lines and screenplays, ranging from action to even cartoons. These days there are even the really nice theaters where you can order food & drinks, while enjoying the movie in a reclining, leather chair.

9. Take Unique Classes

Enroll yourself into one of the many unique classes in NYC, definitely making for a good activity for our list of fun things to do in NYC on a rainy day. You can attend beginner classes and discover a new skill hidden within you or improve on your skills with higher level classes. Enroll in something exciting like photography or painting.

8. Go to an Observatory

Discover New York City from a different perspective by going into one of the many observatories they have. At One World Observatory that ranks 8th on our list of the fun things to do in NYC on a rainy day, you can see the sensational views of New York City.

7. Visit Historic Houses

Get a blast from the past when you visit the historic houses in NYC.  Not only will you learn some of the history of the city, but each story of the house as well as people who lived there will come alive. One stop can be the Merchant House Museum where it has been turned into a museum, and the previous owners were wealthy merchants.

6. Be Active with Rock Climbing

If you are an active person and want to get some exercise on a rainy day, head over to Chelsea Piers New York where they have all kinds of indoor sports for you. Almost all of the activities you want to do are here in one place. So you can switch from one sport to another in just a jiffy. Also, you’ll be able to work on your upper body strength with their rock wall.

5. Restaurant or Coffee Shop Tour

Well if you are already full you can’t actually go restaurant hopping but maybe you can book for a long meal in one of the fancy restaurants in NYC. Then you can go for a cup of delicious, hot coffee after it. That would be nice right?  You can visit Gramercy Tavern for a sumptuous dining experience and have coffee at Stumptown Coffee Roasters.

4. Indoor Ice Skating

We are continuing our list of fun things to do in NYC on a rainy day with the another indoor activity you can do at Chelsea Piers New York is ice skating. This place is not only for adults but for kids as well. So this is a great place for a family on a rainy day or terribly cold day, when you don’t want to be whipped by the winds at one of the city’s outdoor ice skating rinks.

3. Visit Grand Central Terminal

A tour in Grand Central Terminal is a great idea on our list of fun things to do in NYC on a rainy day. The terminal has a number of great places for food, its architecture is beautiful to look at, and you can also spend quite a bit of time people watching. On top of all that, there are also a number of stores located in Grand Central, so you can do all the shopping you want.

2. Go Indoor Swimming

Indoor swimming classes for all levels are available as well at Chelsea Piers in New York. There are some for beginners and one that will encourage your competitive spirit in swimming which is at a higher level than the beginner class. You can also opt for private lessons.

1. Bowling

Last but not least, you can always enjoy a bowling game or two on a rainy day. At most bowling alleys, you can also eat and drink while you bowl. You can visit Bowlmor Lanes in Time Square or go to Lucky Strike but don’t forget your socks since you will need to rent a pair of shoes!

Next time the weather calls for excessive rain, you don’t have to worry since you are now equipped with our list of 16 fun things to do in NYC on a rainy day.