Don’t let the weather get you down – there’s still tonnes to do when it’s raining in New York City. Choose from dozens of museums and immersive experiences that educate and capture the imagination. Enjoy world-class performances of music, theatre, and dance. And when all else fails, eat your heart out in one of the foodie capitals of the world.

Whether you prefer to wander the storied halls of institutions like the American Museum of Natural History or sip a cocktail while enjoying breathtaking skyline views, New York has something for you. Here’s our shortlist of the best indoor activities in the city that never sleeps.

  • 1

    American Museum of Natural History

    Discover the wonders of the Earth and beyond

    American Museum of Natural History
    • Familias
    • Historia

    The American Museum of Natural History is the largest in the world. Nestled on the west side of Central Park, this vast labyrinth houses more than 30 million specimens in thoughtfully curated displays and intricate dioramas.

    You certainly won’t see it all in a day, so start with the fourth floor to see the museum’s incredible collection of dinosaur and mammal fossils. Tour the universe at the renowned Hayden Planetarium and lie beneath the belly of a blue whale in the Hall of Ocean Life. Explore the dazzling displays at the renovated Halls of Gems and Minerals or watch a million leafcutter ants at work in the brand-new Gilder Centre.

    Ubicación: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024, USA

    Horarios: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm

    Teléfono: +1 212-769-5100

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  • 2

    Chelsea Market

    All the flavours of the city under one roof

    Chelsea Market
    • Gastronomía
    • Ir de compras

    Chelsea Market is an ideal rainy-day hideout for foodies and shoppers. A large indoor marketplace housed in a former Oreo factory, this popular spot is packed with a wide variety of restaurants and artisanal shops for a taste of the city and beyond. It’s also home to a few notable shops. Bowery Kitchen Supplies sells every kitchen gadget imaginable, and Artists & Fleas gives space to young designers and artists to sell their crafts.

    Restaurants offer everything from hand-pulled noodles to lobster bisque, and Amy’s Bread bakes some of the city’s best breads and pastries. For a surprising cuisine mashup, take a seat at the counter of Takumi’s Tacos and order tacos stuffed with Japanese curry or spicy tuna.

    Ubicación: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

    Horarios: Daily from 8 am to 9 pm

    Teléfono: +1 212-652-2111

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  • 3

    New York Public Library

    Explore literary treasures at this iconic library

    New York Public Library
    • Económico
    • Historia

    Standing smack-dab in the centre of Midtown Manhattan is the flagship location of the New York Public Library. One of the largest in the world, this gargantuan library has more than 125 miles of shelving and is known for its humanities and fine arts collections.

    Featured several times on the silver screen, you’ll recognise many sights at the library, from the stone lions flanking the Fifth Avenue entrance to the magnificent Rose Reading Room. Free guided tours stop at the Rose and other library highlights twice daily. Take some time to browse the recently opened Polonsky Exhibition, which showcases 250 of the library’s treasures including Charles Dickens’s writing desk and the stuffed toys that inspired Winnie the Pooh.

    Ubicación: 476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018, USA

    Horarios: Monday from 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday–Wednesday from 10 am to 8 pm, Thursday–Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm

    Teléfono: +1 917-275-6975

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  • 4

    Museum of Ice Cream

    A Soho spot to treat your inner child

    Museum of Ice Cream
    • Familias
    • Exótico

    NYC’s Museum of Ice Cream is a 20,000-square-foot space in City centre Manhattan devoted to the sweet that captured the world’s heart. You’ll be seeing pink for days after your visit to this Soho hideaway, where nearly every surface of the 13 playscapes is painted a new rosy shade.

    The museum aims to reconnect you with your inner child through a series of multi-sensory installations. Step inside a dreamy subway car, wade in a pool of rainbow sprinkles and slip down a 3-story indoor slide. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of ice cream and enjoy an unlimited supply. The cherry on top of this delightful spot is the museum cafe, which serves up signature sundaes and creamy cocktails.

    Ubicación: 558 Broadway, New York, NY 10012, USA

    Horarios: Monday, Wednesday–Friday from 11 am to 7 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 8.30 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm (closed on Tuesdays)

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  • 5

    Radio City Music Hall

    Visit a living entertainment landmark

    Radio City Music Hall
    • Parejas
    • Vida nocturna

    You are doubtless familiar with the iconic neon signage of Radio City Music Hall – but have you ever stepped inside? A designated New York City landmark, this historic venue has lit up the corner of 6th Avenue and 50th Street since 1932. Guided tours of the Art Deco complex give insight into its history and significance and include a peek into the Roxy Suite, which has hosted VIPs like Elton John.

    Functioning as a film palace for many years, Radio City now hosts the infamous Rockettes and a lineup of popular artists. Scoop up tickets for a performance and show up early to shop and dine at the Rockefeller Centre.

    Ubicación: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020, USA

    Teléfono: +1 212-465-6000

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  • 6

    Macy’s

    Find it all in this ten-floor department store

    Macy’s
    • Ir de compras

    Macy’s on 34th Street is the flagship of the longstanding department store chain. Host of beloved annual events like the Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Flower Show, Macy’s is an American institution. This location has over 1 million square feet of retail space spread over 10 floors, enough to please even the most avid shopper.

    Macy’s selection focuses on apparel for all ages and occasions, but the flagship also sells furniture, linens, and dinnerware. The store offers top-tier brands like Calvin Klein, Levi’s, and Clinique. Take a break from your shopping in the food court located on the top floor.

    Ubicación: 151 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA

    Horarios: Monday–Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm

    Teléfono: +1 212-695-4400

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  • 7

    New York City Catacombs

    Journey beneath the city's surface

    New York City Catacombs
    • Historia
    • Exótico

    The New York City Catacombs are well worth a visit for their unique window into the city’s history. Before the opening of the towering cathedral on 5th Avenue, the Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral served as the Archdiocese of New York. The Cathedral’s upper cemetery and catacombs are the final resting place of many prominent New Yorkers.

    Candlelight tours of the Gothic Revival cathedral and its catacombs run 80 minutes and take visitors through off-limits areas of the 200-year-old church. You’ll explore the underground tunnels and learn the city’s history through the legacies of its former residents.

    Ubicación: 266 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012, USA

    Horarios: Monday–Sunday from 10.30 am to 4.15 pm

    Teléfono: +1 212-226-8075

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  • 8

    Hall des Lumières

    An immersive experience where art takes on new life

    Hall des Lumières
    • Familias

    The Hall des Lumières is a new digital art centre showcasing the works of renowned modern artists in immersive exhibitions. Located in the historic Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank across from City Hall Park, exhibitions are tailored to the grand interiors of the Beaux-Arts building.

    Artists’ worlds are brought to life as their artworks are projected throughout the space while a custom musical score sets the tone. Exhibitions take about 1 hour to appreciate and have featured art-world icons Klimt, Chagall, and Kandinsky.

    Ubicación: 49 Chambers St, New York, NY 10007, USA

    Horarios: Sunday–Tuesday from 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesday–Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm

    Teléfono: +1 332-242-8810

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  • 9

    New York Philharmonic Orchestra

    Elevate your evening with classical music

    New York Philharmonic Orchestra
    • Parejas
    • Vida nocturna

    If you find yourself in search of evening entertainment on a rainy day in the city, consider the New York Philharmonic. Putting on some 14,000 concerts over 150 years, the Phil continues to bring top musical talent to New York City. Rush tickets for select concerts are offered same-day for just $22 – show up at the box office 1 hour before the performance to secure your spot.

    The Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall, home to the Philharmonic, was renovated in 2022 and now features improved acoustics and a much smaller seating capacity for a more intimate experience. Come for a thrilling performance of one of Handel’s epics or a triumphant Beethoven violin concerto.

    Ubicación: 10 Lincoln Centre Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA

    Teléfono: +1 212-875-5656

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  • 10

    Summit One Vanderbilt

    A singular experience of the city's skyline

    Summit One Vanderbilt
    • Parejas
    • Familias

    Summit One Vanderbilt is an immersive experience in one of the tallest buildings in Manhattan. The jagged, shining superstructure stands 1,401 feet tall, towering over Midtown’s skyscrapers. Ride the high-speed lifts up 91 floors and explore the 4-story observation complex designed by Norwegian firm Snøhetta.

    Bring a friend for this 1-of-a-kind experience, designed to be enjoyed together. Wander the surreal glass infinity room, with reflections multiplying above and below you while the skyline stretches out around you. Sip a cocktail at the dreamy skyline cafe. Don’t worry too much about visibility because the view here is incredible rain or shine.

    Ubicación: 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA

    Horarios: Wednesday–Monday from 9 am to 12 am (closed on Tuesdays)

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