You’ve come to New York to explore everything the city has to offer — and, of course, it’s raining today. But don’t let a little weather ruin your plans! There’s still plenty to see, do, and experience while staying warm and dry.
Here are some great ideas to make sure your day in New York is anything but wasted. Some are well-known favorites, others are hidden gems — all are part of the authentic New York experience.
🖼️ Museums, Galleries & Cultural Spaces
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Easily Manhattan’s most iconic museum, The Met is one of the largest and most famous museums in the world, spanning over 5,000 years of human history. With over 1.5 million works of art from around the globe — from Ancient Egypt to Renaissance Europe, Asian sculptures, Islamic art, Impressionism, and Contemporary America — it’s a must-see for any art or history lover.
If you’re stuck indoors, this is where you’ll want to be.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
When the rain starts to fall, take shelter at one of NYC’s premier art museums — the Museum of Modern Art on 53rd Street near Central Park. For more than 80 years, MoMA has showcased some of the world’s most celebrated works by artists like Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Dalí, Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet.
Its permanent collection includes paintings, sculptures, photography, architecture, film, and prints — plus rotating exhibits that highlight emerging contemporary artists.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
A solemn, powerful tribute to the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001 (and, lesser known, February 26, 1993), this poignant museum is an important stop on any visit to New York City.
Located underground, it features artifacts from the 9/11 tragedy — firefighter uniforms, personal items, building debris, and moving firsthand accounts. The exhibition unfolds across three sections: Events of the Day, Before 9/11, and After 9/11, each offering deep insight into the tragedy and resilience of New York.
The Tenement Museum
Step back in time with immersive, historical tours of immigrant life in NYC. This nonprofit institution welcomes visitors into historically recreated homes of immigrants, migrants, and refugees who lived on the Lower East Side between the 1860s and 1980s.
Interactive guided tours reveal how diverse families helped shape the city — and the nation — making this one of the most meaningful museum experiences in New York.
🎭 Theater, Shows & Performances
Catch a Broadway or Off-Broadway Show
A classic rainy-day activity! The lights still glow in Times Square, the marquees shine through the drizzle, and the moment you step inside a theater, the weather no longer matters.
Comedy Clubs
If you’d rather laugh the rain away, check out one of New York’s many comedy clubs — like Second City NYC. With shows running nightly across the city, you’ll find everything from established headliners to rising stars performing improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy.
📚 Shopping, Browsing & Cozy Spots
The Strand Bookstore
Eighteen miles of books! Wander through the towering stacks, hunt for hidden gems, and enjoy the literary charm of this iconic bookstore near Union Square.
Food Halls & Markets
Rainy days are perfect for exploring NYC’s indoor food markets — like Chelsea Market, Eataly, and Essex Market. You can wander, snack, and people-watch without ever needing an umbrella.
Department Stores & Boutiques
Stroll along 5th Avenue or duck into boutique shops throughout SoHo and Midtown. Whether window shopping or splurging, it’s all part of the New York experience.
Need a Custom Rainy-Day Plan?
If you tell me what area you’re in — Upper West Side, Midtown, or Lower Manhattan — I can map out a custom rainy-day walking route filled with indoor stops near you so you don’t get soaked.
Want a personalized itinerary?
👉 Email me at ben@bensbageltours.com and I’ll help you plan the perfect indoor adventure in New York City.
