As summer is winding down in New York City, we’re saying goodbye to outdoor picnics, days at the park, and trips to the beach. Thankfully there are endless things to do even as the days become colder and darker and nobody wants to spend any more time outside than they have to. We’ve rounded up a list of the 17 indoor things to do in New York City that’ll keep you happily entertained. You’ll want to save this list for the winter months or a rainy day!
1. See the City From Above at an Observation Deck
Have you seen the city from above? It’s a completely different experience than exploring it from the street. Get a birds-eye view from one of the city’s many observation decks.
For cold or rainy days, we recommend these indoor options:
- One World Observatory
- Empire State Building (head to the 102nd floor which is indoors, unlike the 86th floor which is outdoors)
- Top of the Rock (has one indoor deck and two outdoor decks)
2. Go to an Iconic Museum
Spend a day in one of New York’s state-of-the-art museums.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a classic option and the largest in the city.
If you prefer smaller museums or more contemporary art, check out the Whitney or The Guggenheim.
If you’re interested in design, the Cooper Hewitt (a Smithsonian Design Museum) is for you!
The American Museum of Natural History is a great place for families and is fun for all ages.
A museum many people haven’t been to is the Museum of the City of New York, where you can learn about the foundations and heritage of the city.
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3. Visit an Immersive Museum
If you’re looking for a more modern and casual museum experience, there are some really exciting immersive museums in New York City.
Check out the Museum of Ice Cream and get your fill of all types of ice cream (and enjoy a ride down the famous winding pink slide and a dip in the sprinkle pool).
The Color Factory is a super satisfying and Instagrammable celebration of color.
Artechouse in Chelsea is where art meets science and technology and always has really cutting-edge exhibits with fascinating lights, effects, etc.
4. Catch a Broadway Show
Leave the cold or rain and be transported to another world through a Broadway show! See a classic show like Hamilton, The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Moulin Rouge, or Kinky Boots.
For the best deals, check TodayTix, which often has lotteries for discounted tickets. Or head to the TKTS booth in Times Square for discounted day-of tickets.
5. Eat Your Way Through Chelsea Market or Eataly
This is a must-do activity for foodies. Check out Chelsea Market, one of the most famous indoor food markets in New York City. You can eat through the world with tasty options like German currywurst, French crepes, Chinese noodles, Italian pasta, Mexican tacos, Jamaican jerk chicken, and much more.
Another foodie paradise is Eataly, with a location near World Trade Center and one in Flat Iron. Here you can shop through a bustling market of Italian food and enjoy delicious fresh-made Italian food like pizza, pasta, and gelato and other desserts.
6. Go to a Pottery Studio
Roll up your sleeves and spend a day creating something at a pottery studio.
Choplet in Williamsburg offers a One Day Wheel class that teaches basic skills to comfortably work with a potter’s wheel in just a day!
Wilcoxson Brooklyn Ceramics offers hand-building classes where you use pieces of porcelain to fashion mugs. These are anything but boring and will make you feel like a true artist!
7. See the New York City Ballet
From the red velvet theater to the orchestra to the performance itself, everything about the New York City Ballet is elegant. There are over 100 dancers who put on a wonderful mix of classic and contemporary dances. It’s a lovely experience that will make you feel cultured and inspired.
P.S. Register for $30 tickets for those under 30 years old here.
8. Go Shopping at Bergdorf Goodman
What better way to spend a cold or gloomy day than shopping in a department store? It’s easy to spend an entire day getting lost in Bergdorf Goodman’s eight floors of treasures. Even if you don’t bring anything home, the displays are beautiful, and it’s a prime spot for people-watching. And if you need a shopping break, head to the iconic BG Restaurant on the 7th floor.
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9. Enjoy Afternoon Tea
Cozy up with a hot cup of tea and some bites.
For upscale options, visit The Plaza Hotel, The Crosby Street Hotel, or Lady Mendl’s.
For more casual options, visit Alice’s Cup & Saucer, Kings Carriage House, Ladurèe, or Tè Company.
10. Try an Escape Room
Are you looking for an indoor activity to do with a group of people? Try your luck at an escape room.
One of the most popular options is Mission Escape Games.
For a highly immersive puzzle, try Exit Escape Room.
If you want to spice things up, Beat the Bomb is an escape room with an added element of paint bombs.
11. Go to a Comedy Show
Sit back and enjoy some good comedy. There are so many comedy shows in New York but some of the most popular venues are:
12. Cozy Up in a Cafe With a Good Book
Cafes are the epitome of cozy, and in New York City they’re a great spot for people watching too. Some of the best cafes to spend a few hours in are:
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13. Go Rock Climbing
For those who love to do something active, try rock climbing. Bonus points, this a very non-touristy activity and will likely not be highly trafficked.
The Cliffs at LIC in Long Island City is the most popular option, with over 100,000 square feet of climbing. There are also options for classes and group events as well.
Check out Brooklyn Boulders and try climbing the 30-foot replica of the Brooklyn Bridge.
14. Explore the New York Public Library
You may have passed by the New York Public Library but have you ever been inside? It’s home to over 2.5 million books and many other sights and treasures. And it’s all free!
The Rose Main Reading Room is one of the main attractions and feels a little bit more like the Sistine Chapel or something out of Harry Potter rather than just a library. It’s jaw-droppingly grand and ornate. It’s a must-visit!
Head to the Map Division, where you can browse through a collection of nearly 500,000 maps.
The Children’s Center is a fun place to bring the little ones but also is home to the original stuffed animals from Winnie-the-Pooh.
Check out the McGraw Rotunda for some beautiful art and one of only 49 remaining copies of the Gutenberg Bible.
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15. Go Bowling
Did you know there’s a bowling alley in Times Square?
Round up your friends and enjoy a few games at Bowlero Times Square.
Or head to Brooklyn Bowl which is part bowling alley part concert venue.
16. Go to the Movies
Grab some popcorn, kick back, and enjoy a good movie. For New York’s best Indie movie theaters, check out:
17. Play Some Skee-Ball at Full Circle Bar
It’s quirky and nostalgic, Full Circle Bar in Williamsburg is all in on the skee-ball-theme. In the back, you’ll find a row of skee-ball machines where the competition can get heated. The bar is made from old Skee-Ball machines, and the TVs in the bar stream the games happening in the back. It’s a unique experience for sure!
And that wraps up 17 indoor things to do in New York City on cold or rainy days. As you can see, New York is a fun and exciting city regardless of the weather.