16 Best Things To Do In NYC On A Rainy Day (2024)

Spring is right around the corner, and that means (March &) April showers bring May flowers! And while we wait for the sunny days ahead, we must admit there is something romantic about a rainy day, especially in New York City. From the stunning fog that buries the skyline, to little raindrops that fall onto your windowsill. Just because the weather isn’t on your side doesn’t mean there aren’t things to do! So, here are some of our favorite rainy day activities you can do to enjoy NYC when the weather’s a little disagreeable!

1. Visit an NYC museum

NYC is known for its incredible museums and exceptional art exhibits! From science museums to history museums, and everything in between, you can spend hours at one of the countless institutions across NYC. Heck, some of them are even free! Check out some of our favorites below and purchase tickets now.

• Museum of the City of New York
• Whitney Museum of American Art
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• The Museum of Natural History

2. Step into this colorful Bubble Planet

On a dreary, rainy day, what can be better than stepping into a colorful, pastel-hued world filled with bubbles? Bubble Planet has recently opened just under an hour from Midtown, and you’re not going to want to miss out! There are 11 themed rooms to explore, and a chance to discover every type of bubble imaginable, from soapy suds to the smokey variety. If you ask us, stepping into another reality is the perfect rainy day activity. Grab your tickets now!

3. Go indoor golfing

You may think as golfing is an outdoor sport, but you can definitely still play indoors when it’s raining! Get some reps in at the heated and weather protected driving range at Chelsea Piers, or challenge your friends and family to a game of mini golf at Swingers in Midtown. Either spot is perfect to grab some food and drinks while practicing your swing!

• Chelsea Piers, 59 Chelsea Piers
• Swingers, 35 W 29th St

4. See a movie

Nothing is quite like going to see a brand new movie when it’s dreary and gross out. Snuggling up with a box of popcorn and a large soda just hits different when it’s raining! Plus, depending on where you go in the city, you can even try out luxurious spots with recliners, full food menus, and a whole lot more. Make your next movies plan and buy your ticket here.

5. Grab a co*cktail at a secret speakeasy

There are endless hidden gems to discover in New York City, you just have to know where to look. From back rooms that were actually around in the 1920’s to hidden doors inside bodega’s, here are some of our favorite spaces we think everyone has to try at least once. Here’s our list:

• The Office of Mr. Moto, East Village
• The Woo Woo, Times Square
• Attaboy, Lower East Side (ranked no. 1 bar in North America)
• SAINT, East Village
• Paper Planes, Lower East Side

6. Check out a Broadway play

Broadway’s 41 official theaters across NYC are begging to be explored (at least for a few hours on a rainy day). Taking in one of these jaw-dropping productions that happens only here in New York is something you won’t find elsewhere. The best part is that there are so many to choose from, so there’s something bound to interest you. Check out all of the best Broadway plays coming this year here.

7. Hide away with a book in the New York Public Library

When its cold and rainy out, there’s nothing better to do than curl up with a good book at the library! And what better place to hide out than the New York Public Library? The Fifth Ave flagship’s beautiful Rose Reading Room provides the perfect spot to curl up and take in the gorgeous art and architecture.

Where:476 5th Ave

8. Head to this indoor adventure park in Brooklyn

Williamsburg’s Area 53 has always been known for paintball, but they also opened an incredible indoor adventure park in the massive warehouse next door! Located at 616 Scholes Street, the venue’s 40,o00-square-foot Indoor Adventure Park first opened back in May. It looks like the ultimate space for a fun date, hangout with friends, or even company get-together because it has practically EVERY fun activity you could be looking for…Oh — and you can enjoy it no matter what the weather is! Read more here.

9. Get work done at a coffee shop

Or await your always dreamed of meet-cute to happen as you sip on your latte! Either way cozy inside from the rain (at limited capacity of course) and try some of the best java the city has to offer! here are a few of our suggestions, but you can read the full list here.

• Intelligentsia, Chelsea
• Astoria Coffee, Astoria
• Ground Support, SoHo
• Hi-Collar, East Village
• Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Greenwich Village or Flatiron

10. Check out a sports game

If you’re a sports fan, be sure to check out one of NYC’s teams if it’s rainy. Of course, Madison Square Garden hosts the New York Knicks, New York Rangers and lots of college games, plus the Barclays Center, who hosts the Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty, Harlem Globetrotters, and a whole lot more! You may be able to see some of your favorite players while you’re in town.

11. Catch a comedy show

NYC attracts some of the largest comedians around, especially since many even started their careers right here in the city! Whether you’re looking for some laughs at the world famous Comedy Cellar, or nestle into a hole in the wall comedy show, you’re sure to find something near you! Check out our favorite comedy clubs in NYC here.

12. Eat your way through NYC’s yummy food halls

We have the best food in the world…and that’s a fact! Especially at our food markets, where congregations of different vendors serve their delectable creations on the daily, how could you say no? From Chinese food to sweet treats, these different food halls are stacked to the brim with whatever you may be craving that day! Check out some of our favorites below:

• Chelsea Market, Chelsea
• Urban Hawker, Midtown
• UrbanSpace, Union Square

13. Get a 30-minute facial at Glowbar

Just because the weather’s bad, doesn’t mean your skincare should be! Glowbar, known for their expert, 30-minute facials, brings customers incredible flat rate treatments in under an hour! When it’s grey and dreary out, it’s important to care for yourself, and a quick little facial is sure to bring your spirits up. Learn more about Glowbar and other favorite spas here.

14. Get all your frustrations out at a rage room

It’s no secret that rain can bring out some uncomfortable emotions. So instead of sinking into whatever feelings may arise, why not try releasing them in a rather healthy way…by smashing sh*t! Find some of our favorite rage rooms here.

15. Visit the New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden’s glasshouse roof makes it the perfect indoor retreat to celebrate spring. You’ll be able to hear the pitter patter of the raindrops above you while you stroll through their current exhibition The Orchid Show: Florals in Fashion. There’s nothing more picturesque than the juxtaposition of a cloudy day and the fresh bloom of hundreds of flowers.

16. Go bowling

Grab some friends and bowl the perfect strike at one of NYC’s bowling alleys! Reserving a lane or two for a few hours is a great rainy day activity that can foster a little friendly competition! Check out our full list of best bowling alleys in NYC here.