I must say, rain is not something really common in NYC. I feel that it doesn’t rain a lot in the Big Apple (maybe because I’m from a tropical country? lol) and even when it rains it is not all day long. Not to mention that the weather forecast is very accurate. However, rain can happen, you know. And if you are visiting the city, you need some flexibility for these unforeseen weather conditions. So, what to do? First of all, no discouragement. Rain is normal. You need to know what are your options for days like these. For this, I suggest some things to do. I’m sure these ideas are enough to fill one or even more rainy days.
The first tip is basic, cliché, or even obvious, but I need to include it here: museums! The most famous museums among tourists are the Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum. But, contrary to what many people think, the city has many, many museums. I confess that I’m not the biggest fan of these places, but New York has some interesting museums (and they’re not going to make you bored) as the FIT museum (for fashion lovers) and Musem of Moving Image. Look on Google Maps for museums near me – I’m sure you’re gonna find great museums. It is probably smart to avoid the obvious options on a rainy day – because everyone will have the same idea.
Chelsea Market (75 9th Avenue) is also another cool place for a rainy day. It is a food market, with a fantastic architecture – it housed an old Nabisco factory. There are shops, crafts, and, of course, food. Sushi, Thai food, bakery, pasta, lobster, and tacos are among the options. Oh, and remember that New York City has several other food courts, like Gansevoort Market and Food Plaza.
Rain or shine, Grand Central (89 E 42nd St) will always be a fantastic place to visit, even if it’s your tenth time in the city. This subway and train station was opened in 1903 and is considered the largest railway station in the world, with 44 platforms, on two levels, with 41 lines at the top and 26 at the bottom. On average, more than 700,000 users pass through it every day. Also, this place has already been a scene of movies and tv series. Make sure to check the food court with Magnolia Bakery, Shake Shack, and more.
Opened in 2016, Westfield World Trade Center Mall (185 Greenwich St) is also great choice on a rainy day. Also known as Oculus, the WTC Transportation Hub’s concourse conveniently connects visitors to 11 different subway lines, the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) rail system, Battery Park City Ferry Terminal, the World Trade Center Memorial Site, WTC Towers 1, 2, 3, and 4, the World Financial Center and the Winter Garden. It represents the most integrated network of underground pedestrian connections in New York City. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Santiago Calatrava, is the third-largest transportation center in New York City. In addition, the place has several shops and also an Eataly location.
Not far from Westfield is Brookfield Place (200 Vesey St) – by the way, there is a connection between both, something very convenient on a rainy day, right? Just follow the signs. This is a luxury shopping mall – there are brands such as Burberry, Michael Kors, Gucci, Saks Fifth Avenue, and also the Le District, a French gastronomic market.
When it comes to Mother Nature, we need to know that she has a mood. Even that we dream about perfect days during our trip, we have to remember that, yes, it can rain. The rain gets in the way when we have a lot of outdoor things to do – but, fortunately, New York offers many options for programs that do not depend on perfect weather. I already wrote a post here on the blog with tips of what to do on rainy days – and you can click here to check it out. Today, I bring together more suggestions! Oh, and remember: do not stick to early rain forecasts! Just believe in rain forecast a day or two before!
Gulliver’s Gate is located in Times Square and is an attraction that appeals to people of all ages, from children to adults. And why is the place so incredible? Simple: it reproduces cities and scenery from various parts of the planet in miniature. They are landscapes of 50 countries in 1:87 scale, divided into 5 sectors: Metropolis (a mini-New York), Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Russia. Rio de Janeiro, Paris, and Rome are just some of the many cities that have landscapes reproduced there. The details are impressive: the subway, the people at the station, the ambulances, and even Macy’s Parade. Six teams worked for one year to complete the project, which cost $40 million. Tickets $36 (adults), $27 (kids and seniors). Buy your tickets.
Address: 216 W 44th St – Times Square.
VR World is the first permanent high street venue independent from any event or festival offering to the public Virtual Reality games and content all year-round in a uniquely designed space. The operation is simple: you get a pass – it’s a bracelet, just like an amusement park – which gives you access to the games and experiences for a particular time. Each game/experience has an instructor. With the help of the instructor, you put on the glasses and the headphones. The instructor also gives a brief explanation of the commands for you. VR World has more than 50 experiences in virtual reality on two floors! There are fighting games, races, experiences for kids, and even a The Walking Dead game! Each experience lasts 5 to 10 minutes. Visitors should be at least 7 years old. The 2-hour pass – which is enough to take advantage of the location – is $39. There is also an all0day pass for $59. You can buy online.
Address: 4 East 34 Street.
Dekalb Market, in Brooklyn, is a Food Hall with 40 vendors, who reflect the neighborhood’s cultural and ethnic diversity, further enhancing the region’s reputation for bringing together innovative cuisines and experience. Among the options, there are arepas, burgers, pizzas, tacos, barbecue, sushi, seafood, paella, and even vegan options! For those who want something sweet, there are churros, ice cream, crepes, and cakes. Besides, there is also a coffee place and brewery. One of the highlights of Dekalb Market is the presence of Kat’s Deli – which has the city’s most famous pastrami sandwich. Another highlight is the Home Frite, which serves craft fries – it’s one of the most famous vendors in Smorgasburg, with huge lines! You can also buy meats, fish, cheeses and fresh bread. You can click here and check the vendor’s list. Dekalb Market is located at City Point, a shopping mall featuring Target, a two-floor Century 21 (super quiet, organized and not crowded), a Flying Tiger, and a Trader Joe’s, my favorite grocery store here in New York, with wonderful products and prices.
Address: 445 Albee Square W.
Tours – Another great option for rainy days is to take a guided tour! Have you thought about visiting the UN building? Or the secrets of Madison Square Garden? And how about exploring more about the history of the Yankees? These are some suggestions for tours that can be done on rainy days – and you can click on each link to see more details about the tours.
New York Public Library’s main building is one of the most iconic places in the city and has been featured in several movies – Sex and the City and The Day After Tomorrow remind you of something? It is one of the most important libraries in the United States. The building is called the Schwarzman building and has incredible rooms – like the Rose Main Reading Room. In addition, you can explore the place through free tours. Free one-hour tours of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building begin at 11 AM and 2 PM on Monday through Saturdays, and at 2 PM on Sundays.
Address: 476 Fifth Avenue.
And the last suggestion is … shopping! Even if your main purpose visiting the city is not shopping, we always end up buying something, right? New York has so many cool stores!
Content creator and journalist in New York City. Here, I share lifestyle, beauty, NYC tips, thoughts, and the struggles about living in the most amazing city in the world! I’m not gonna pretend to be another person: I’m a Brazilian immigrant and I think this is my soul, it is part of who I am. I hope you enjoy my content! Follow me on Instagram!
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