New York Rain: Rainy Day Activities in NYC

A city skyline with a rainbow in the sky

Who is this for?  Travelers looking for the best things to do on rainy days in New York City.


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Have you ever seen New York in the rain? The moody skyline pushes against the heavy clouds, the sidewalks glistening with water, reflecting the warm glow of store lights, and umbrellas add pops of color in the gray cityscape. New York doesn’t slow down for any weather. Rain or shine, the Big Apple offers unique experiences to anyone willing to look. Whether you are dodging summer storms or embracing an autumn drizzle, here are some of the best things to do in New York when it rains.

A man and a woman are kissing under an umbrella in the rain.

Take a Walk in the Park


Yes, even in the rain. Especially in the rain. With a good umbrella and the right attitude, a walk through Central Park or Prospect Park can feel magical. Rain brings a sense of calm that’s hard to find when the sun is bright and the parks are packed with people.  Watch ducks paddle across the ponds, breathe in the earthy scent of wet trees and soil, and listen to the soothing pitter-pat of raindrops falling. Far from being dark and gloomy, the parks are especially peaceful in the rain. 

A man and a woman are sitting at a table in a restaurant.

Enjoy a Warm Meal:


Whether you are waiting out a storm or drying off after a surprise shower, grabbing a bite to eat is a great way to pass the time. New York has no shortage of restaurants and eateries catering to any (and every) taste. Here are a few of our favorite spots to indulge while the rain falls.

Cafes


Coffee tastes best when it rains. That’s a fact. Imagine sipping from a steaming mug, surrounded by the comfortable chatter of other patrons, and watching raindrops stream down the cafe window. If that sounds like paradise, here are a few neighborhood cafes that are worth the risk of wet shoes.



  • PlantShed Cafe: A cafe and florist shop offering high-quality coffee, tea, and flowers in the heart of Greenwich Village.
  • Kobrick Coffee Co.: Enjoy fresh, hand-roasted coffee in a vintage setting at this stunning (and cozy) cafe. 
  • The Chipped Cup: This cafe is what you get when you add Mad Hatter energy to New York wit: great coffee, artistic flair, and a fantastic atmosphere. 
  • The Monkey Cup: A jungle in the middle of the concrete jungle of New York, this cafe serves delicious coffee in a treehouse-like setting.
A person is taking a picture of food with a cell phone.
A red awning on the side of a building that says arthur & sons

Restaurants


If you need something more substantial than a cup of joe, you won’t have a hard time finding somewhere to eat. A restaurant with warm lighting and comfort food is perfect for a dreary day. From traditional Italian fare to hot ramen and more, NYC has the perfect meal to warm you up.



  • Arthur & Sons: A family-owned restaurant, dedicated to keeping traditional Italian cuisine and hospitality alive. 
  • The Edge: Choose your meal by region at this Harlem restaurant offering Jamaican, English, and New York-style cuisines.
  • Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill: Fill up on warm ramen and unique drinks, while enjoying the lively floral decor. 
  • Luncheonette: a touch of home in the bustling city, this place feels like a classic roadside diner, serving all the American classics.


Bookshelves behind a wet window, filled with aging books in a library setting, creating a blurred, muted aesthetic.

Look for Books


Rain creates the perfect ambiance for reading, which means that browsing for books is the perfect rainy day activity. Whether you prefer to borrow, browse, or buy, the city has books to fit every reading taste. Here are a few ways to enjoy a bookish New York day.

New York Public Library


One of the biggest benefits of visiting a big city is the libraries. The New York Public Library is famous for both its size and its architecture. The main branch at Bryant Park is a must-visit, rain or shine. Step into the historic Rose Main Reading Room and admire the Beaux-Arts architecture while thumbing through a classic.

A large building in the middle of a city with people walking in front of it.
A man and a woman are looking at books in a bookstore.

Bookshops


Independent bookstores of all sizes thrive in NYC, offering a variety of literary experiences to bibliophiles. From cozy and sweet to dark and mysterious or bright and sophisticated, New York Bookstores have it all. 


  • Bibliothèque: We mentioned cafes earlier, and now books. Hit two birds with one stone at this coffee shop and bookstore rolled into one!
  • The Strand: A true NYC landmark, this bookstore has every kind of book you can imagine, from popular bestsellers to the rare and obscure. 
  • The Corner Bookstore: A quiet, sophisticated atmosphere awaits in this little nook that specializes in adult fiction and & nonfiction books.
  • Sweet Pickle Books: Looking for a cute spot with a large book selection and a friendly staff? This bookstore has it all, even selling pickles by the pound. 
  • Mysterious Book Shop: Who doesn’t love a good mystery, especially on a stormy day. This shop sells new and gently used mystery and crime books in Lower Manhattan. 
A street sign for museum mile and 5 av

Visit a Museum


An unexpected downpour may put a damper on your plans for the day, but there’s still so much you can do! The city is home to some of the world’s best collections of art and artifacts. And the best part is, most of these museums are indoors and dry. Here are some notable collections to explore.

A large building in the middle of a city with people walking in front of it.

Iconic Museums


The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the American Museum of Natural History are top-tier destinations. Lose yourself among masterpieces or ancient artifacts while the rain pours outside.


  • American Museum of Natural History: Spanning four city blocks and thousands of years of history, this museum isn’t just one of the best in the city– it’s one of the best museums in the world. 
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Often referred to as “The Met”, this temple to the arts is the largest art museum in the Americas. You can spend many rainy days here, and still never see it all.

Small Museums


Try niche gems like the Tenement Museum, the Museum of the Moving Image, or the Rubin Museum of Art for a quieter and more personal experience.


  • The Frick Collection: A personal favorite, this small museum displays a small, tasteful collection of European paintings and sculptures.
  • Museum of the City of New York: Did you know that New York City has a museum dedicated to its history? It does, and it’s worth a visit. 
  • 9/11 Memorial Museum: rainy days can make us pensive, which sets a somber mood to commemorate one of the biggest events to shape the city in our lifetime. 
  • Museum of Broadway: Take a peek backstage when you visit the Museum of Broadway. Get a glimpse of theater life, performances, and history you won’t soon forget.
The word museum is on the top of a building

Catch a Show


If the Museum of Broadway isn’t enough, how about you experience the real thing? A rainy evening in New York practically begs for a show. No matter the weather, the show must go on, whether it’s a musical, play, recital, or even a comedy show. Here are a few authentic ways to enjoy the city’s rich theatrical tradition.

A sign for the broadway theater in new york city.

Broadway

Snag tickets to a classic musical or a hot new production. The energy of Broadway is unmatched, and a rainy backdrop only makes it feel more cinematic.


Off-Broadway

Explore smaller stages for bold, intimate performances. You’ll often find unexpected gems and tickets that won’t break the bank.


Comedy Shows


What's a better way to brighten a gloomy day than with some laughter? New York is riddled with comedy clubs waiting to welcome you in for a good time. 



  • Comedy Cellar: It’s famous for a reason. You can catch some of your favorite comics in the lineup if you manage to get a ticket.
  • Gotham Comedy Club: Another famous location, this club has been featured in several movies and TV shows, making it an iconic part of the comedy scene.
  • Comedy Village: For a more intimate experience, check out this little spot for a drink and laugh. 
  • Living Room Laughs: another lesser-known club, this location has a fun, laid-back atmosphere, perfect for an evening out. 


A man is singing into a microphone in front of a crowd at a concert.
A brick building with a sign that says ' incentra village house ' on it.

Stay at Incentra Village House

Rainy days in New York highlight the cozier side of city life, and there’s no better place to experience it all than at Incentra Village House. 


Located in the heart of the West Village, our small hotel has 11 private suites that combine historic charm and modern comfort. Enjoy private bathrooms, modern air conditioning and heating, gas fireplaces, and antique furniture steps from the city’s best attractions. 


Whether you are experiencing April showers, summer storms, autumn mists, or winter snow, we’ll show you an authentic New York experience when you Book Now!

About the Author


Bozhidar Bachvarov (aka “Boz”) is the manager of Incentra Village Guest House in historic West Village. As a city local and a frequent traveler, Boz knows how to give guests an authentic New York experience.