What to do in NYC on a Rainy Day

So the weather sucks, now what?

Don’t let the rain ruin your day, there is still so much this city has to offer! I wanted to write this blog specifically because, in New York, you never know when it’s going to rain. It seems like the weather here is impossible to predict, so you have to be prepared for anything. If it ever really were going to start raining meatballs, it would surely happen in NYC.

You have two options when it comes to rainy day activities in the city:

1. You can brave the elements and hit up some of the popular tourist spots that would normally be crowded

2. You can stay indoors and still do some awesome things! Lets talk about those.

My favorite thing to do on rainy day is go to Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s such good way to spend a few hours and you can get in for as little as $1 if you are a New York City resident. Just bring your NYC library card and a small donation and you and your friends are set. Make sure to check out the Egyptian and Asian art exhibits, they’re my personal favorites. Plus, you’re right next to Central Park if you want to grab your umbrella and take a nice walk afterward.

Another definitely not-so-hidden-gem of the city is Strand Bookstore. I have spent hours in this place, it’s massive! Browsing the 18 miles of books can take up half of your day if you let it. They even have a “banned books” section with books like the Go Ask Alice, The Handsmaid’s Tale, and Fahrenheit 451. Even some random ones like Green Eggs and Ham can be found in the section because they were banned somewhere at some point for some odd reason or another. In other areas of the store, you’ll find books no longer sold online, used books, books for $1 and so much more. It’ll probably be packed on a rainy day though, so go early.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum is an absolute must-see when in New York. You can spend 4-5 hours in this museum and still not see it all. It’s a chilling experience and will give you some incredible insight into what happened on that fateful day. Be sure to spend some time listening to the voicemail recordings, they’re unforgettable. Also check out the memorials outside the museum featuring the names of every victim from the tragedies of 9/11.

While you’re in the area, check out the Oculus in the Westfield World Trade Center. They have some fun stores and it’s basically the only indoor shopping center in Manhattan, aside from Hudson Yards - but let’s be real, no one actually buys the things from Dior and Rolex there.

Something relatively unique to do when it’s raining is hop on the New York Water Taxi and head to IKEA. The IKEA Express Ferry leaves from Pier 11 on Wall Street in Manhattan and takes you to the IKEA store in Brooklyn. It only costs $5 to ride during weekdays and is free on the weekends. And if you spend $10+ at IKEA, you get $5 off when you present the Water Taxi ticket at the checkout counter. I don’t know about you, but I think IKEA can be a lot of fun!

You can also see a Broadway musical, go to 30 Rockefellar to catch a live show, hang out at Grand Central Station, go to SoJo Spa Club across the way in New Jersey and so much more. This city doesn’t sleep, even when it’s raining.