Whether you’re indulging in high tea at The Plaza, getting lost in a museum, or making pottery masterpieces, there’s no shortage of indoor things to do in NYC. The city’s vibrant energy doesn’t fade just because the skies open up. Instead, the indoors reveal another side of New York—one that’s warm and always full of surprises.
New York City can occasionally get a bit soggy, gray, or bitterly cold. But even when the skies are weeping or the temperatures drop to Arctic levels, NYC offers plenty of indoor sanctuaries that keep you entertained, cozy, and perhaps even a little cultured. From exploring world-renowned museums to treating yourself with some shopping or artisanal coffee, there’s plenty of indoor things to do in NYC that will keep you dry and entertained. Here’s your sophisticated yet delightfully ironic guide to surviving the elements with grace and flair.
1. Visit the Major Museums of New York
Let’s start with the obvious: New York is a museum mecca. You could spend days (or let’s be honest, lifetimes) navigating its halls of art, history, and scientific marvels. When it comes to museums, New York plays in the big leagues, so why not start with the Metropolitan Museum of Art (aka “The Met”)?
The Met is a journey through time, space, and, occasionally, existential dread when you get lost in the Byzantine wing. From Egyptian mummies to Renaissance masterpieces, you can wander its corridors for hours. (Pro tip: Find the Temple of Dendur and imagine you’re Cleopatra, because why not?)
Feeling modern? The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a sleek contrast to the Met’s classic grandeur, featuring everything from Warhol’s soup cans to Pollock’s splatter-fests. There’s a high chance you’ll leave convinced you can, in fact, start your own modern art career by dripping paint on a canvas—spoiler: you can’t, but it’s fun to think about.
And for those with a penchant for dinosaurs or celestial bodies, the American Museum of Natural History is a must. Not only is it packed with gigantic dinosaur skeletons (and who doesn’t love a T-Rex?), but it also has the Rose Center for Earth and Space, which will make you ponder the cosmos and your own smallness in the universe.
2. Explore Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal isn’t just a place to catch a train; it’s a cathedral for commuters and architecture nerds alike. When you’re inside, be sure to look up and marvel at the astronomical ceiling. It’s a glittering masterpiece that reminds us all that even when your subway’s delayed, the stars are (literally) aligning for you. Kind of.
If that’s not enough, there’s the famous Whispering Gallery, located outside the Oyster Bar. Grab a friend, stand in opposite corners, and whisper sweet nothings (or restaurant recommendations) to each other—the sound will travel across the arch like magic. Just be careful—someone eavesdropping might steal your romantic plans, or worse, your secret spot for dim sum.
Grand Central is more than just a train station, certainly one of the most iconic things to do inside in NYC, and don’t forget to stop at the old-fashioned clock at the center of the terminal. Legend has it that meeting under this clock has sparked countless romances—though whether those romances survived the Tribeca rent prices is another story.
3. Visit the New York Public Library and Other Historic Bookstores
Let’s be real—New York weather is unpredictable, and nothing is better on a dreary day than curling up with a good book. So why not start at the New York Public Library on 5th Avenue? This library is not your average book depository. With its grand Beaux-Arts architecture and the iconic lions, Patience and Fortitude, guarding the entrance, it practically demands you enter with reverence (or at least a selfie).
Inside, make your way to the Rose Main Reading Room, where the high ceilings and chandeliers will make you feel as if you’re in some literary heaven. You could pretend you’re a scholar hard at work, but let’s be honest, you’ll be scrolling through Instagram under the table.
When you’re done with the library, take a detour to The Strand. The self-proclaimed “18 miles of books” is a book lover’s paradise, packed to the brim with everything from rare first editions to the latest bestsellers. Don’t forget to peruse their fabulous tote bags—buying one is practically a rite of passage in NYC.
Or for a more intimate bookish experience, check out McNally Jackson in SoHo. This independent bookstore offers curated selections, cozy nooks, and an air of intellectual chicness. You’ll leave feeling smarter (and maybe slightly more pretentious, but that’s part of the fun).
4. Relax at the Lounge of the Plaza Hotel
New York is fast-paced, but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a little opulence now and then. Enter the Plaza Hotel, where the Palm Court offers an oasis of luxury. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from The Great Gatsby—just remember, you’re the guest, not the help.
It’s the perfect spot for afternoon tea, complete with dainty finger sandwiches and enough pastries to justify skipping dinner.
Not in the mood for tea? Opt for a classic cocktail and settle into one of the plush seats to watch the world drift by. The experience is pure indulgence, and even though you’re merely a guest, the grandeur of the setting will have you feeling like New York royalty.
5. Visit the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chelsea
Speaking of coffee, New York isn’t short on your standard cafes, but if you’re looking for something more grandiose than your run-of-the-mill cappuccino, make a pilgrimage to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chelsea. This massive, multi-level coffee wonderland feels like the Willy Wonka factory of caffeine.
It’s a space dedicated to the art and science of coffee, complete with on-site roasting, rare coffee beans, and brewing techniques you didn’t even know existed. The experience is equal parts education and indulgence for both casual coffee drinkers or those of you weirdos who swear by single-origin beans. And yes, you’ll pay more than usual for that cortado, but just think of it as an “experience fee.”
6. Join a Ceramics or Painting Workshop
For those who feel the urge to unleash their inner Picasso, New York offers a bevy of workshops where you can try your hand at painting or ceramics. If you’ve ever dreamt of recreating that scene from Ghost (minus the actual ghost part, hopefully), head to Choplet Ceramic Studio in Brooklyn for hands-on pottery classes.
Not in the mood to get your hands dirty? Try your artistic talents at Color Me Mine, where you can paint pre-made ceramics. It’s a low-pressure, high-reward way to create something custom, and when you’re done, you’ll have a cute mug or plate that you can proudly display (or give as a gift if it turns out better than expected).
Feeling a bit more social? Head over to Paint & Sip Studio in Chelsea or The Painting Lounge in SoHo for a painting party with a glass of wine in hand. It’s basically art therapy, except with a little more liquid courage. Whether it’s throwing pottery or splashing some color on a canvas, these workshops offer fun, hands-on things to do inside in NYC on a rainy day.
7. Go to a Historic Cinema
Streaming movies at home is all well and good, but why not experience cinema in a way that harkens back to the golden age of film? New York has some seriously iconic cinemas that still capture the magic of moviegoing.
Film Forum in Greenwich Village is a beloved institution that showcases everything from indie films to classics, often with special programming that dives deep into the history of cinema. Then there’s The Metrograph on the Lower East Side, an elegant, retro theater where you can watch cult films and forgotten gems in a setting that feels like a throwback to old Hollywood glamour.
And let’s not forget The Angelika Film Center in SoHo, which specializes in indie flicks and documentaries. It’s perfect for those rainy days when you feel like supporting smaller filmmakers (and getting away from the latest superhero reboot). Lastly, if you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious, head to The Landmark at 57 West, where you can recline in plush seats while enjoying a carefully curated selection of films. The only problem? You might get so comfortable, you’ll doze off before the opening credits.
8. Explore Indoor Observation Decks
Who says you need a sunny day for breathtaking views of the city? New York’s indoor observation decks offer panoramic sights that are just as stunning in the rain, snow, or fog. The One World Observatory at the top of One World Trade Center provides a 360-degree view of the city, and you can take in the majesty of Manhattan while staying warm and dry.
For a slightly more vertigo-inducing experience, head to The Edge at Hudson Yards. Yes, technically there’s an outdoor part, but the inside areas offer equally stunning views without the wind threatening to mess up your hair. These observation decks give you the chance to see New York from a whole new angle—no umbrella required.
9. Shopping at Macy’s Herald Square, Chelsea Market, or Time Out Market
New York is the city of shopping, and if you’re seeking shelter from the elements, retail therapy is always a solid option. Macy’s Herald Square is a classic choice—a full city block of everything you could ever want (or need) in the way of clothes, accessories, and home goods. Plus, it’s one of the few places where you can fully embrace the chaos of department store shopping without judgment.
Looking for something more artisanal? Chelsea Market is an indoor food and shopping haven, where you can spend hours sampling local eats and discovering one-of-a-kind products. For the ultimate foodie experience, head to the Time Out Market in Brooklyn, where you can indulge in curated dishes from some of the city’s best chefs—all under one roof.
10. Relax in New York’s Luxury Spas
Sometimes, the best remedy for a gloomy day is a little self-care. New York boasts some of the most luxurious spas where you can escape the cold and indulge in a bit of pampering. The Well offers a modern wellness retreat with holistic treatments ranging from massages to acupuncture.
Or, for something more zen and exotic, visit Shibui Spa at The Greenwich Hotel. With its Japanese-inspired ambiance, this spa feels like a world away from the bustling streets of Tribeca. Whether you’re soaking in a candlelit pool or indulging in a facial, it’s the perfect way to relax, recharge, and emerge ready to face whatever weather New York throws your way.
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