What to Do on a Rainy Day in New York

Checking the weather just before a trip is a travel ritual for anyone. And when we see it’s going to rain, our heart sinks a little. No matter what time of the year you travel, we always recommend having a plan B for what to do if it rains in the city you’re visiting.

In this case, we’re off to New York. If you’re expecting rain during your stay in the Big Apple, Civitatis has got you covered, with various ideas for making the most of a rainy day. Let’s not let rain ruin your trip to New York!

Visit a New York Museum

This is the perfect go-to option to take refuge from the rain in any city. New York offers an endless number of museums, from the best-known and most important ones like the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Guggenheim Museum and the American Museum of Natural History and the 9/11 Museum, to the many small art galleries in Chelsea.

They’re all fairly centrally located and display some of the most important and valuable works of art in the world. We’re sure you’ll find museums that interest you if you don’t know what to do on a rainy day in New York. What’s more, some of them are even free!

Go Shopping When It’s Rainy

One of the most typical ways to escape the rain is going shopping. Naturally, New York is a city full of a wide variety of stores and large shopping malls. You can visit the stores in Herald Square and Times Square, or explore the shelves in iconic places like Macy’s, Century 21, Manhattan Mall and Westfield Mall.

In need of even more options? Join us on a shopping tour of the outlets!

Check Out New York City’s Historic Buildings

Our next suggestion for what to do on a rainy day in New York takes us to the city’s historic buildings. Avoid a downpour by exploring Grand Central Terminal and its market, the New York Public Library, the lobby of the Plaza Hotel or The Oculus train station and shopping center. However, these stops should be on your itinerary even if it wasn’t raining!

Watch a Show on Broadway

If you’re in New York, walking down Broadway, even with an umbrella, is a must. This famous avenue is known worldwide for its theaters and for showing some of the world’s best musicals.

Are you still looking for that perfect rainy day plan? Get your hands on some tickets and attend one the shows currently on Broadway, such as The Lion King, Aladdin, Chicago, Moulin Rouge, and Wicked, among many others. You’ll never forget watching a show on Broadway!

Attend a Sporting Event in New York

Many sports fans have dreamed of attending an NBA game at some point in their lives. Now it’s your chance! Take advantage of the rainy weather during your trip to the Big Apple and be captivated by the energy of the New York Knicks or Brooklyn Nets at one of their games.

Whether you’re a fan of these teams or not, being at the Barclays Center or Madison Square Garden and experiencing the incredible atmosphere firsthand is priceless. So, add this plan to your list of things to do on a rainy day in New York!

Find a Charming Bookstore or Coffee Shop

Books, coffee and rain… can you think of a cozier combination? Add this to the city of skyscrapers, and you’ve got a winning plan. New York has hundreds of charming bookstores where you can find some true gems. The Strand, Barnes & Noble, McNally Jackson, Three Lives & Co. and Idlewild Books are some of our personal favorites.

The city that never sleeps also offers cozy cafes where you can enjoy a tasty coffee as you read, like Housing Works. If you’re looking for a charming coffee shop on a rainy day in New York, we suggest indulging yourself at Sarabeth’s or visiting the emblematic Magnolia Bakery, in true Sex and The City fashion!

Hopefully, now you have plenty of ideas of what to do on a rainy day in New York! Don’t let the weather ever get in the way of your fun and travels. Have a great trip!