10 Best Things to Do when it Rains in New York

The American Museum of Natural History is the largest in the world. Nestled on the west side of Central Park, this vast labyrinth houses more than 30 million specimens in thoughtfully curated displays and intricate dioramas.

You certainly won’t see it all in a day, so start with the fourth floor to see the museum’s incredible collection of dinosaur and mammal fossils. Tour the universe at the renowned Hayden Planetarium and lie beneath the belly of a blue whale in the Hall of Ocean Life. Explore the dazzling displays at the renovated Halls of Gems and Minerals or watch a million leafcutter ants at work in the brand-new Gilder Center.

Chelsea Market is an ideal rainy-day hideout for foodies and shoppers. A large indoor marketplace housed in a former Oreo factory, this popular spot is packed with a wide variety of restaurants and artisanal shops for a taste of the city and beyond. It’s also home to a few notable shops. Bowery Kitchen Supplies sells every kitchen gadget imaginable, and Artists & Fleas gives space to young designers and artists to sell their crafts.

Restaurants offer everything from hand-pulled noodles to lobster bisque, and Amy’s Bread bakes some of the city’s best breads and pastries. For a surprising cuisine mashup, take a seat at the counter of Takumi’s Tacos and order tacos stuffed with Japanese curry or spicy tuna.

Standing smack-dab in the center of Midtown Manhattan is the flagship location of the New York Public Library. One of the largest in the world, this gargantuan library has more than 125 miles of shelving and is known for its humanities and fine arts collections.

Featured several times on the silver screen, you’ll recognize many sights at the library, from the stone lions flanking the Fifth Avenue entrance to the magnificent Rose Reading Room. Free guided tours stop at the Rose and other library highlights twice daily. Take some time to browse the recently opened Polonsky Exhibition, which showcases 250 of the library’s treasures including Charles Dickens’s writing desk and the stuffed toys that inspired Winnie the Pooh.

NYC’s Museum of Ice Cream is a 20,000-square-foot space in Downtown Manhattan devoted to the sweet that captured the world’s heart. You’ll be seeing pink for days after your visit to this Soho hideaway, where nearly every surface of the 13 playscapes is painted a new rosy shade.

The museum aims to reconnect you with your inner child through a series of multi-sensory installations. Step inside a dreamy subway car, wade in a pool of rainbow sprinkles and slip down a 3-story indoor slide. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of ice cream and enjoy an unlimited supply. The cherry on top of this delightful spot is the museum cafe, which serves up signature sundaes and creamy cocktails.

You are doubtless familiar with the iconic neon signage of Radio City Music Hall – but have you ever stepped inside? A designated New York City landmark, this historic venue has lit up the corner of 6th Avenue and 50th Street since 1932. Guided tours of the Art Deco complex give insight into its history and significance and include a peek into the Roxy Suite, which has hosted VIPs like Elton John.

Functioning as a movie palace for many years, Radio City now hosts the infamous Rockettes and a lineup of popular artists. Scoop up tickets for a performance and show up early to shop and dine at the Rockefeller Center.

Macy’s on 34th Street is the flagship of the longstanding department store chain. Host of beloved annual events like the Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Flower Show, Macy’s is an American institution. This location has over 1 million square feet of retail space spread over 10 floors, enough to please even the most avid shopper.

Macy’s selection focuses on apparel for all ages and occasions, but the flagship also sells furniture, linens, and dinnerware. The store offers top-tier brands like Calvin Klein, Levi’s, and Clinique. Take a break from your shopping in the food court located on the top floor.

The New York City Catacombs are well worth a visit for their unique window into the city’s history. Before the opening of the towering cathedral on 5th Avenue, the Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral served as the Archdiocese of New York. The Cathedral’s upper cemetery and catacombs are the final resting place of many prominent New Yorkers.

Candlelight tours of the Gothic Revival cathedral and its catacombs run 80 minutes and take visitors through off-limits areas of the 200-year-old church. You’ll explore the underground tunnels and learn the city’s history through the legacies of its former residents.

The Hall des Lumières is a new digital art center showcasing the works of renowned modern artists in immersive exhibitions. Located in the historic Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank across from City Hall Park, exhibitions are tailored to the grand interiors of the Beaux-Arts building.

Artists’ worlds are brought to life as their artworks are projected throughout the space while a custom musical score sets the tone. Exhibitions take about 1 hour to appreciate and have featured art-world icons Klimt, Chagall, and Kandinsky.

If you find yourself in search of evening entertainment on a rainy day in the city, consider the New York Philharmonic. Putting on some 14,000 concerts over 150 years, the Phil continues to bring top musical talent to New York City. Rush tickets for select concerts are offered same-day for just $22 – show up at the box office 1 hour before the performance to secure your spot.

The Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall, home to the Philharmonic, was renovated in 2022 and now features improved acoustics and a much smaller seating capacity for a more intimate experience. Come for a thrilling performance of one of Handel’s epics or a triumphant Beethoven violin concerto.

Summit One Vanderbilt is an immersive experience in one of the tallest buildings in Manhattan. The jagged, shining superstructure stands 1,401 feet tall, towering over Midtown’s skyscrapers. Ride the high-speed elevators up 91 floors and explore the 4-story observation complex designed by Norwegian firm Snøhetta.

Bring a friend for this 1-of-a-kind experience, designed to be enjoyed together. Wander the surreal glass infinity room, with reflections multiplying above and below you while the skyline stretches out around you. Sip a cocktail at the dreamy skyline cafe. Don’t worry too much about visibility because the view here is incredible rain or shine.