While we’d all love to vacation in perfect, sunny weather every time, we all know this isn’t always the case.
Rainy season in New York is roughly from April to June, so if you find yourself here within those months, you might experience showers here and there!
Luckily, there are still plenty of things to do in the city that never sleeps — even on a rainy day. Remember, just because the sun isn’t out doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be. 😉
To help you out, we’ve rounded up our favorite indoor New York attractions below. Keep reading to find tickets to Broadway, museum passes, and more!
See a show on Broadway
Photo Credit: Sudan Ouyan on Unsplash
One of the best things to do in New York on a rainy day is to see a show on Broadway. At the time of writing, you can catch these ongoing productions:
Your first time visiting Broadway? Here’s what you need to know: You can buy tickets directly from the theater’s website, or for last-minute deals, check apps like TodayTix or visit the TKTS booth in Times Square for discounted same-day tickets.
On the other hand, if you prefer to have your seats secured in advance, you can also book your Broadway tickets on Klook. You’ll get instant confirmation and receive a digital ticket, which you’ll use to enter the venue.
Every theater has its own layout, so check the seating chart before purchasing. Even “cheap seats” in the mezzanine can offer a great view, but avoid seats with “partial view” labels unless you’re willing to miss part of the stage action.
Klook Tip: When in doubt about what to wear to the show, business or smart casual is the way to go. Broadway doesn’t have a strict dress code per se, but it’s still a theater performance. We recommend dressing up a little more, especially when attending an evening show!
Broadway is an iconic New York experience, and it’s definitely worth venturing out into the weather even just for one show.
If you’re interested in getting a behind-the-scenes look at this famous strip, you can also consider this walking tour. With a guide, you can head to each theater along Broadway to learn more about its history — and even visit a private rehearsal studio.
Take yourself on a museum day
When the weather isn’t so great, it might be a challenge to invite friends out. After all, some people prefer to cozy it up in bed with a good movie — not head out!
Luckily, museums in New York are the perfect place to spend some quiet time by yourself, all while learning a thing or two in the process.
Here are a couple of museums to check out:
Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met Museum)
The establishment behind the iconic Met Gala, the Met Museum has one of the most extensive art collections in the world.
Here, you can find pieces from the Renaissance up to the contemporary period from countries around the West.
(And yes, the iconic Met Gala red carpet takes place on the staircase outside of the 5th Ave. Museum. Don’t forget to snap a photo!)
You can book your ticket on Klook to skip the queue and have more time to go around the museum. While the ticket includes a 2-hour guided tour, you’re more than welcome to stay longer.
Crowds can get pretty intense, so we recommend going as early as you can!
Guided small group tours are also available if you’d love more information on the pieces as you go from exhibit to exhibit.
American Museum of Natural History
If you’ve ever seen the Night at the Museum movies, this is exactly where it takes place. And what sets the American Museum of Natural History apart is how interactive the place is.
With 40+ exhibits to explore, you’ll get up close and personal with different topics in science, history, and nature.
Popular exhibits include the dinosaur halls, where you can see a towering T. rex skeleton, and the Hall of Biodiversity, which showcases the variety of life on Earth. A favorite for many is the Butterfly Conservatory, home to hundreds of live butterflies.
The museum is located on the Upper West Side, adjacent to Central Park, so if you find yourself in the park when it pours, consider taking shelter here! You can spend at least 2-3 hours in this fantastic museum.
Madame Tussauds New York
With locations around the world, Madame Tussauds is a popular photo spot for all ages. In Madame Tussauds New York, you get access to 5 floors of your favorite celebrities and public figures including the Obamas, Rihanna, and even the Marvel Cast!
You can also check out the Marvel 4D Cinema Experience for an immersive ride as you watch your favorite superheroes save the world.
Plus, Madame Tussauds is located in Times Square, so there’s plenty to see before or after your visit. Sunshine or not, it’s still the heart of New York City.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Another world-class museum, a trip to the Museum of Modern Art (also known as the MoMA) is well worth your time. Some of the biggest pieces in Western art are housed here including Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Monet’s Water Lillies, and Warhol’s Soup Cans.
Apart from the exhibits, the MoMA’s sleek interiors and unique architecture also make for some great photos. The views of NYC from inside the establishment are also amazing!
Klook Tip: The museum is only open to its members on Mondays, so plan your visit on other days of the week.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Located right beside the Grand Central Terminal Station, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is the tallest commercial tower in Manhattan measuring around 1,401 feet tall. If the name sounds fairly new, that’s because it just recently opened in 2020.
The whole experience is reminiscent of the teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets museums in Tokyo, with lots of unique and interactive art installations. This 3-level building also boasts glass-enclosed skyboxes that give you a birds-eye view of the city, as well as food and beverage options — including cocktails!
If you’re looking to show off your travel fits and experience art in a new way in NYC, this one’s for you! No worries if you’re traveling with the family as kids are most definitely welcome in this facility.
9/11 Memorial Museum
The 9/11 Memorial Museum is a moving tribute to those who lost their lives during the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001.
There are different exhibits in the museum, each with its unique story to tell. Some recount the events of that day, while others pay homage to the victims, first responders, and their families.
All in all, this museum is a meaningful way to learn more about one of the most historically significant events in the world and is a testament to the value of human life.
You can pair your visit here with a half-day trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty if you’re interested in learning more about American history.
Visit famous movie spots and iconic locations
New York is the backdrop of many Western TV shows and films — and for a reason! This bustling city is full of personality and diversity, with new things to discover every day. If you’re a pop culture fanatic, you’d be pleased to know that you can visit locations from media like the Marvel franchise and more on guided tours.
While some of these tours involve walking outdoors, there are plenty of indoor New York attractions to explore. You can just save the outdoor ones for later. 😉
Comic Books and Superheroes Tour
Calling all comic buffs! The Super Tour of NYC brings you to over 40 iconic locations from your favorite superhero movies.
We’re talking about the neighborhoods where your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man lived, the NY Daily News Building where Clark Kent worked, and even where Thanos launched his last attack on Greenwich Village in Avengers: Endgame.
While getting to visit all these places is already pretty sweet in itself, another plus is that you’ll be able to embark on the tour with fellow comic and superhero fans!
Klook Tip: On walking tours, don’t forget to wear your comfy shoes and bring your own bottled water.
Grand Central Terminal Station
Grand Central Terminal (also known as GCT) is one of the most iconic landmarks in NYC and a trip to the city isn’t complete without it.
If you want to level up the experience, you can go on a guided tour of GCT. Your trusty local guide will bring you to hidden spots of this huge terminal that you might otherwise miss on your own. We especially recommend this if you’re into American architecture!
Shop at New York’s biggest outlet center
On the hunt for designer goods? You can shop ‘til you drop on this day trip to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. With over 220 stores including Gucci, Fendi, Valentino, Nike, and Calvin Klein, this massive outlet center is located in upstate New York. While about an hour away, it’s still worth the trip for the items and deals you can get!
You can book round-trip transfers from a convenient meet-up location in Manhattan on Klook, so there’s no need to worry about getting an Uber back home. It can be difficult to book one back to the city once your shopping day is complete, so having your return trip covered with a bus transfer makes everything easier. Your sore feet will thank us later! 😉
Go on a historical speakeasy bar tour
In the early 1900s, the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages was prohibited in the United States. Nonetheless, many bars and drinking spots continued to operate in secret.
This speakeasy bar tour brings you to those hidden bars (yes, the same bars from the 1920s!) so that you can experience drinking in the atmosphere of America’s Jazz Age.
This tour comes with a licensed guide and complimentary drinks at the bars you’ll visit, so you can expect great drinks and stories of famous gangsters in US history in safe environments!
Stay connected with the Travel eSIM USA
Before you enjoy these indoor New York attractions, don’t forget to have your travel essentials, including WiFi access, covered.
eSims are a popular option these days since they work just like a traditional SIM card — just without the hassle of swapping a physical card in and out of your phone!
You can get a Travel eSim for the USA and enjoy 7 days of high-speed data. Just make sure your device can accommodate eSims.
Klook Pass New York City — enter multiple attractions with just a single pass!
Beyond indoor New York attractions, the city is overflowing with different experiences and things to do that it definitely takes at least a few days to visit all the top spots! To make sightseeing easier, you can consider grabbing the Klook Pass New York City.
Here’s how it works: You can select up to 6 attractions of your choice (options include the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the American Museum of Natural History among others).
Upon purchasing the package, the voucher that you receive from Klook is the only ticket you need to enter all the attractions you’ve chosen. No more need to queue in long lines for tickets or entry, you’re good to go.
More guides and ideas for your trip to New York City
What is Klook?
Klook is a world-leading travel activities and services booking platform, covering over 400 destinations and over 100,000 travel services! Klook’s mission is to empower travelers around the world to discover, book, and experience the best things to do anywhere, anytime - including attractions, activities, car rental, tours, local transfers, wifi, and SIM cards.
✨ Follow us for more deals and inspiration for your upcoming travels
