10+ Things to Do in New York When it Rains (Popular Indoor Activities)

By Katie Sagal

Visiting NYC, but feeling bummed that rain is forecast? Don't worry! There is a variety of great indoor activities in New York. Therefore, create an enjoyable weather-proof itinerary for the days it rains during your vacation. First, some tips: when it's raining in the city, you should try to plan your itinerary in advance. Visiting attractions by proximity means you won't have to spend too much time outside navigating between attractions. In New York City, many sidewalks will be prone to collecting puddles. You may find it difficult to navigate without waterproof shoes. Many museums and attractions will offer a plastic bag for you to carry your umbrella in, too. Alternatively, you can check your umbrella and coat. And finally, don't forget that rainy day activities in a city like New York can be just as fun, if not more so, than some of your traditional outdoor options. To help you plan your rainy day vacation activities, check out our list of these popular things to do in New York when it rains.

Looking for some fun things to do indoors?

Admission to a bunch of the below activities are available on the New York City Explorer Pass®. Choose as you go from dozens of fun attractions and save up to 50% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. A few of the available activities include...

  • American Museum of Natural History
  • The Met
  • Museum of Modern Art
  • Madame Tussauds New York
  • Ripley's Times Square
  • and many more!

The American Museum of Natural History

Image of Lamp, Indoors, Museum, Person, Head to the American Museum of Natural History, one of the largest natural history museums in the world. It's a perfect place to spend hours when the weather outside doesn't cooperate, with dozens of galleries, tons of exhibits, and plenty of things to see. Be sure not to miss the 94-foot whale model in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, the massive collection of dinosaur fossils, and their impressive array of gemstones. Fans of outer space won't want to miss the Rose Center for Earth and Space, featuring the renowned Hayden Planetarium. Getting In: Admission to the American Museum of Natural History is available on the New York City Explorer Pass.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)

Image of City, Road, Street, Urban, Person, People, Handbag, Walking, For the artsy folks, another option is to scope out the collections housed in the marble hallways of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As one of the most comprehensive art museums in America, you'll to cover just about everything, from Ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern day photography. Their extensive galleries are appealing to any fan of art, architecture, craftwork, and more. They also have specialty exhibits that vary seasonally. Even if you've been before you're sure to see something new on this visit. The Met also has some sister museums that offer indoor fun, like the Met Breuer (modern and contemporary art) and the Met Cloisters (medieval art). Bonus: Your admission to the Met means you'll get free admission to both of the other two museums for three consecutive days! Getting In: Admission to the Met is available on the New York City Explorer Pass.

The Museum of Modern Art (The MoMA)

Image of Art, Painting, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Art Gallery, Another option for the artistically-inclined is the world famous MoMA. The Museum of Modern Art is home to some of the most influential pieces of modern art in the world. It features works of art by artists such as Monet, Warhol, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Seurat, and lots more. You'll recognize some of the most iconic works in contemporary art history, from Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans to Vincent Van Gogh's The Starry Night. Like the Met, they also offer frequent special exhibits that focus on a particular period or artist, offering a more expansive view of some aspect of their collections. They've also got some superb gift stores that make for ideal souvenir-shopping. Getting In: Admission to the MoMA is available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Insider tip: Additional art museum options included the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Guggenheim Museum. Both of which are included as options with the New York City Explorer Pass.

Madame Tussauds New York

Image of Head, Person, Adult, Male, Man, Face, Image credit: Madame Tussauds New York.
Another great indoor attraction to visit on a rainy day in New York is a visit to world famous Madame Tussauds. Enjoy an entertaining way to interact with 200+ life-like wax figures of your favorite celebrities, movie stars, and more. There are multiple exhibits featuring all the hottest things in popular global culture. From Ghostbusters to Kong: Skull Island to the Marvel 4D Experience. You can even snap photos with British royalty! Getting In: Admission to Madame Tussauds New York are available on the New York City Explorer Pass.

Ripley's Believe it or Not! Times Square

Image of Animal, Fish, Sea Life, Shark, This is a fun attraction for kids that adults really enjoy as well. This quirky museum offers great opportunities to explore all the weird and wonderful things they've collected, plus some fun exhibits. For example, you'll see everything from shrunken heads and albino animals to an extensive, small-scale model of New York City. Getting In: Admission to Ripley's Times Square is available on the New York City Explorer Pass.

Popular Venue Tours

Image of Another great way to stay indoors while still exploring the city is try out a tour of a popular venue. There are tours of everything from famous concert halls to sports arenas. So whatever you're interested in, you'll be able to have some indoors fun while learning about the venue. For example, the Radio City Music Hall tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at this amazing musical venue. The Madison Square Garden Tour is perfect for sports fans of all stripes! (Even if you hate the Knicks, it's still pretty cool to see the transition from basketball court to ice rink.) Getting In: Admission to the Radio City Music Hall tour, Madison Square Garden tour, and Lincoln Center Tour are available on the New York City Explorer Pass.

City Observatories

Image of City, Urban, Building, Cityscape, High Rise, Person, Office Building, Metropolis, Outdoors, Although your view admittedly won't be as clear as it might be on sunny days, you'll still get a good sense of the city layout at either of NYC's major observatories. The Top of the Rock offers excellent views of Central Park and the city beyond, with the most unobstructed views available. On the other hand, the Empire State Building is the more famous of the two, and has some pretty fascinating exhibits on the viewing floors. Either is a great option for a way to "tour" the city without getting wet! Getting In: Admission to the Top of the Rock and Empire State Building are both available on the New York City Explorer Pass.

Go Enjoy Some Shopping

New York City is a shopper's dream! With plenty of options to choose from, there is a store for almost everybody. We love to help save people money, so check out our thoughts on some of the best 'cheap' shopping in New York. With a little research you can find a bunch of your favorite brands for a fraction of the original price.

Quick Rainy Day Recap

All in all, there's a plethora of things to do in New York City when it rains. Rather than resent the forecast, take advantage of these indoor activities in NYC. We hope these ideas helped inspire you to create a fun-filled indoor itinerary.

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Climbing up to an iconic viewpoint and watching as the city unfurls before you is one of the most popular activities when visiting New York. Whether you're up there in the daytime or visiting at sunrise or sunset, you'll surely be spellbound.
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Best hotels in New York City 2019

Planning your next vacation to New York City? The Big Apple is the destination of choice for art aficionados and history buffs, sports fan and culture mavens, foodies and fashionistas alike. No matter what you seek, you'll find it in New York. If you're looking for New York hotels, the good news is, you've got plenty of choice. With so many activities and attractions scattered throughout the five boroughs, you can find cheap hotels in New York that make your stay even more convenient. Or, if you want to splash out, there are plenty of swanky options too. Here are a few of our favorite NYC hotels for 2019... Ace Hotel Chelsea Perfect for couples, the hip Ace Hotel Chelsea offers hardwood floors, vintage furnishing, original art, turntables, and minibars. For the budget-conscious, try a mini or bunkbed room. Enjoy dining at The Breslin, featuring a James Beard chef, and make the most of the on-site lobby bar and coffee shop. The Ace Hotel's location in Union Square makes it an ideal place to explore Chelsea and the Meatpacking District on a Highline Neighborhood Walking Tour, which is included on the Go New York Pass. Just south, you can take the Madison Square Garden Tour or marvel at the views from the top of the Empire State Building. Address: 20 W 29th Street, New York, NY 10001 Phone number: 212-679-2222 DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Times Square If hotels in Times Square New York fit the bill, look no further than the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton. Ideal for families, this comfortable hotel puts you right in the center of the action. You'll enjoy the convenience of being just steps away from popular New York attractions like the Broadway Theater District, which you can explore on the Inside Broadway Walking Tour before taking in a show, and Madame Tussauds New York on Times Square. It's also the perfect place to hop on the New York pass' Big Bus New York 1-Day Tour. The DoubleTree offers 612 rooms, some pet-friendly, equipped with Wi-Fi access and blackout curtains for a good night's sleep. The property also offers a business center, a fitness room, an on-site restaurant and a rooftop lounge with amazing Manhattan views. Address: 350 W. 40th Street, New York, NY 10018 Phone number: 212-607-8888 The Plaza New York Dreaming of luxurious hotels in Manhattan New York? Book a suite at The Plaza. This upscale hotel forms the perfect backdrop for a romantic stay with that special someone, thanks to views of Central Park. You can explore the park on foot on a walking tour or by bike. You'll also enjoy easy access to top attractions such as Radio City Music Hall and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). While staying at The Plaza, you can relax in the spa, explore high-end shops and boutiques, sip drinks at the champagne bar, and dine in style at one of many acclaimed eateries. Address: Fifth Avenue at Central Park South New York, NY 10019 Phone number: 212-759-3000 The Hoxton Williamsburg Stay in style at The Hoxton. This Williamsburg hotel features thoughtfully designed rooms complete with locally curated art and bespoke linens on every bed. Save a few dollars and choose a "Cosy" room, or choose the larger "Roomy" option. (Note: all rooms sleep a max of two guests, so this isn't a family-style hotel). Either way, you'll appreciate the views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines. Nearby, you'll find New York Explorer Pass attractions such as the Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour and the Museum of Food and Drink. Address: 97 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249 Phone number: 718-215-7100 New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge Bring the whole family for a stay at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge. This downtown hotel features access to Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO tours, as well as the Brooklyn Museum and Botanic Garden. Rooms feature views of the East River and the iconic bridge. You can swim in the indoor pool, work out in the fitness center, and dine at the Bar or Brooklyn Pantry. Address: 333 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Phone number: 718-246-7000 Don't forget to pick up a New York City Explorer Pass® if you're visiting the Big Apple. Save money on New York's most popular attractions and you'll have more cash to splash on a fancy hotel. Share your adventure with us Don't forget to tag us when you upload photos from your trip to Instagram @GoCity. We love to feature your amazing snaps on our social media pages.
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10+ Things to Do in Lower Manhattan During Your Trip to New York City

Manhattan is incredibly diverse, with a wide variety of neighborhoods and regions with distinct character. Because there’s so much to see and do throughout the city, it can often be useful when planning a trip to New York to narrow down your options by neighborhood. If you’re looking for things to do in Lower Manhattan and nearby areas during your trip to New York, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including... Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island 9/11 Memorial & Museum Circle Line Cruises Clipper City Tall Ship Sail And more! Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry No visit to New York City is complete without a trip out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Disembark from the ferry at Liberty Island for a chance to tour the country’s most famous statue, and then head over to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum for a unique look at a very special time in American history. If you have family that came through Ellis Island in the early twentieth century, you may even find an ancestor’s name on the wall! 9/11 Memorial and Museum Visitors to Lower Manhattan simply have to pay a visit to the moving and insightful 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Come here to learn all about the 1993 bombing and the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, see relics that survived the wreckage, and hear about the lives that were lost. This poignant record of one of the nation's greatest tragedies is an important monument in NYC and is something everyone should experience. 9/11 Tribute Center Hands-On Tour If you want a different take on this sad event in American history, you can take a self-guided tour through multiple galleries showcasing the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks on NYC. Learn all about the heroism of the first responders, the lives lost, and the legacy they left behind. Hear personal stories from the volunteers who staff the Tribute Center, and leave with a better understanding of this horrible event in American history. The main difference between these two attraction is the focus on first-person survivor experiences in the 9/11 Tribute Center. Shearwater Classic Schooner Sail If you want to mix in some outdoorsy fun with your cultural explorations, you may be interested in a cruise. For a relaxing venture out onto NYC waters, the Daytime Statue Sail from Manhattan by Sail is a delightful option. See the sights from a glorious 82-foot schooner known as The Shearwater and enjoy a peaceful cruise with full narration. Harbor Lights Cruise Take an evening Harbor Lights Cruise down the Hudson River for unique NYC views at sunset. Sail past the impressive skyline of Manhattan, and then to the main attraction herself, with the chance for that postcard-perfect shot of the Statute of Liberty. A few of the highlights you'll see along your cruise include: USS Intrepid Pier Ellis Island Wall Street Brooklyn Bridge Empire State Building and more... Clipper City Tall Ship Sail Set sail from Lower Manhattan on the historically inspired Clipper City Tall Ship. Although the original ship that shares its name was built in 1854, this recreated vessel offers much of the same historical charm with many modern amenities. Plus, you’ll get a chance to see all the can’t-miss sights of NYC, from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Statue of Liberty and beyond. National Museum of the American Indian For all the great museums in NYC, it can be hard to find one with totally free admission. The National Museum of the American Indian – a Smithsonian Institution museum – is a perfect choice for those interested in the arts, culture, and heritage of American Indian peoples. With permanent and special exhibits, performances, and events, there’s plenty to do at this top cultural destination. Nearby Attractions in BrooklynBrooklyn Museum & Brooklyn Botanic Garden While there’s no shortage of beauty to be found in New York City, there’s a special kind of natural and artistic wonder to be found in the Brooklyn Museum and the nearby Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The Brooklyn Museum boasts collections from around the world, with holdings as diverse as Ancient Egyptian pottery and modern feminist artwork. After you’ve roamed their galleries, stroll the 52-acre botanical garden outside for some natural inspiration. Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour This amazing sightseeing ride begins in Manhattan and takes you across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Explore the many landmarks and sights available on both sides of the bridge, and take some unbeatable photographs of and from the bridge itself. A great way to be active while touring! Barclays Center This popular arena is a Brooklyn hotspot. Home to the Brooklyn Nets and host to a multitude of concerts and special events, the Barclays Center is a great place to experience some real NYC culture. Check the schedule while you’re in town to see if you can enjoy a game or a show – it’s worth a visit to this trendy venue. Save on Lower Manhattan Attraction Admission So there are our top recommendations for things to do in Lower Manhattan and nearby areas during your trip to New York City. Admission to many of these top New York City attractions and activities and more are included with Go City®. Choose as you go from many top attractions and save on combined admission vs. paying at the gate.
Katie Sagal

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