What to Do in NYC When It’s Raining

A rainy day in New York does not have to turn into a wasted day indoors. In fact, it is one of the best excuses to try the city’s more intimate experiences.

Paint something

Painting is ideal rainy-day entertainment because you can settle in for a couple of hours, bring drinks, listen to music, and leave with something you made yourself.

Spend time at a museum—but pick one area

Instead of trying to conquer an entire museum, choose one wing or exhibition and make the day feel relaxed.

Book a cozy creative class

Pottery, painting, cooking, floral design, or candle making all work well when the weather is bad.

Do a café-and-bookstore afternoon

Pick a neighborhood with several indoor stops and turn bad weather into part of the mood.

See a matinee

Broadway, off-Broadway, independent cinema, and comedy are all strong last-minute rainy-day options.