When you plan a trip to New York in winter, the obvious question is: what can you do in New York when it’s cold and rainy? Luckily, the city that never sleeps has plenty to offer even on the coldest, wettest days. New York winters are famous for the cold, and every now and then it snows or rains, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a winter city break. Quite the opposite: it’s a great chance to discover the warm, cozy side of the big city.
In this article we’ll explore the places that offer a great time even when a storm is raging outside, and New York has loads of them! Museums, theaters, experiences, special shops, covered markets, sports and more. New York in winter is a unique experience, and with a bit of advance planning and some good ideas you can enjoy everything the city has to offer, cold or rain. Join us on a winter journey through the streets, buildings and attractions of a city that never stops surprising.
In this article
Museums
Let’s start with the obvious: New York has so many museums – for art, science and nature, and also for things you might not expect to find in a museum, like ice cream and even sex! A museum is THE place to escape to for a few hours when it’s raining outside. One museum worth mentioning that is actually less suited to rainy days is the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. It sits on the Hudson and includes an aircraft carrier with planes on its deck, the Space Shuttle Enterprise and a submarine alongside. Kids and adults love it, but part of the visit involves walking outdoors between the aircraft. So on a stormy day, plan a different museum.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
This venerable museum was founded in 1870 and holds a huge collection of ancient and modern art from around the world. You won’t manage to see everything in one day, because the museum is enormous. Before you go, check which permanent and temporary exhibitions will be on during your visit and pick the ones that interest you most. The address is 1000 Fifth Avenue.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
As the name suggests, it shows art from 1880 onwards. It’s more compact than the Met and a chance to see works by Picasso, Van Gogh and many more. Don’t miss the museum shop, which is packed with treasures. The address is 11 West 53rd Street.
Click here for admission tickets.
For those who want the whole museum to themselves, click here to join an early-morning tour of the museum. The tour is led by an art expert and takes place before the museum opens to the public! It lasts about an hour.
American Museum of Natural History
For animal lovers: here you can see wildlife and plants from a range of continents and habitats. But the most impressive exhibition is without doubt the dinosaur hall, which takes up an entire floor. You can see huge, real skeletons of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. A colorful butterfly exhibition opened recently too, and it’s great for photos! Address: 200 Central Park West.
Click here for admission tickets.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The National Memorial and Museum were built to commemorate the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The museum is one of the most popular in the US, and it’s easy to see why. It offers a powerful insight into what happened on September 11, 2001 – something that must never be forgotten. The memorial itself is outdoors, but most of the visit takes place inside the museum. The address is 180 Greenwich Street.
Click here to buy tickets in advance – secure your spot and skip the line. Note that there’s a discounted family price (4 or more visitors).
You can also book a guided tour that covers the memorial and includes museum entry. Click here to book a guided tour. If you skip the guide, download the museum’s app. It offers a free audio tour narrated by Robert De Niro.
Madame Tussauds in Times Square
Located in Times Square and spread over five floors. At the museum you can “meet” and, of course, take photos with Brad Pitt, the Kardashians, Marvel characters, American presidents and many more. Some exhibits include special effects or interactive features, so you can, for example, walk the runway at New York Fashion Week, be interviewed on a TV show or play music at a party.
Click here to buy tickets for Madame Tussauds.
The Museum of Broadway
Close to Madame Tussauds and perfect for musical lovers. The museum presents a comprehensive exhibition on the history of Broadway shows, a peek behind the scenes of glittering productions, and costumes, props and other exhibits. You can step onto the sets of famous shows, see the masks used in The Lion King and even feel what it’s like to take a bow in front of a full house! Address: 145 W 45th Street.
Click here for details and tickets.
Museum of Ice Cream
A fun museum, especially for families. It’s interactive, very pink, and has a sprinkle pool, an underground passage, a three-story slide and a café. You can eat as much ice cream as you like from a range of flavors, both standard and unusual. Little kids will love the attractions and unlimited ice cream, and older ones will appreciate the Instagram-worthy design and won’t stop taking pictures. You can get there by subway on the A or C lines. The address is 558 Broadway.
Click here for opening hours and tickets.
Color Factory
The “competitor” of the Museum of Ice Cream in the colorful, sweet niche. The whole place is a fun experience of color and… lots of candy, so kids are sure to fall in love with it. It takes your senses by storm with color, touch, taste and smell, with surprising stations and plenty of photo ops. The ball pit is especially recommended. Don’t forget to scan the QR code at the entrance so you get the photos from your visit by email. The address is 251 Spring Street. Open every day, but hours vary.
Museum of Sex
Adults only. An intimate museum documenting the evolution of human sexuality in frequently changing exhibitions. It covers a wide range of sexual preferences, including the history and erotica of gay and lesbian culture, BDSM, pornography and prostitution. Entry from age 18! The address is 233 Fifth Avenue.
Click here for opening hours and tickets.
New York Botanical Garden
Not exactly a museum, but it acts like one in winter, when it’s best to stick mainly to the conservatories. The gardens are a bit far from Manhattan, in the Bronx, but well worth the trip! They’re best visited in spring and summer, but even in winter there are stunning displays of plants and flowers in the glasshouses. And if you’re lucky enough to arrive during the annual Orchid Show, you’ve hit the jackpot! It usually runs from mid-February to April. The address is 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York.
Click here for admission tickets.
The FRIENDS Experience in New York
The legendary series FRIENDS was set in New York, and the city has quite a few landmarks connected to it. This isn’t a typical museum either, but it’s one of the most popular experiences in town! It’s an interactive space recreating famous sets and elements from the show: you can sit on the famous couch at Central Perk, take photos in the friends’ apartments, see original costumes and props and more. For die-hard fans! Book tickets in advance.
Address: 130 East 23rd Street
Click here for details and tickets.
Views of New York City in Winter
New York has quite a few places offering views of the city from above. And unlike in many other cities, a New York viewpoint is not something to miss – it’s really worth every dollar! Try to arrive a little before sunset, which makes the experience even better: you’ll see New York from above in daylight, after dark and especially at dusk, when the twilight adds a stunning touch to your photos. The winter advantages: sunset is early so you don’t have to wait until late at night (which is hard to stay awake for with jet lag…). It’s also less crowded, because many people assume visibility is poor in winter or don’t want to face the cold and wind on an observation deck. But most observatories have an indoor section too!
Two things to keep in mind: on very cloudy or rainy days it’s really better to skip the observatory, because you’ll probably mostly see clouds. On the other hand, if it’s just cold and drizzling, you might get to see the city in a special moody atmosphere and your photos will come out extra special! Also, if you don’t want to find yourself shivering or getting soaked on an open deck, stick to these places (at the other towers much of the view is from a deck exposed to the weather):
One World Observatory
This is the highest enclosed indoor observatory in the Western Hemisphere! The experience starts with a thrilling ride in the “Sky Pod” elevators, which climb 102 floors in under a minute, accompanied by a stunning visual show of the development of the New York skyline. At the top, a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of New York and its surroundings opens up before you. The main space is surrounded by huge floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing a perfect view in any weather. There are several viewing areas, including interactive touch screens with information about the sights you see through the windows. One of the highlights is the “Sky Portal”, a round glass disc showing a real-time image of the streets 100 floors below you. There are also restaurants and cafés with amazing views. In short – a perfect place to visit on cold or rainy days. Access is through the main entrance of One World Trade Center. Opening hours vary by season, but it’s usually open from morning until late evening.
Click here for details and tickets, including skip-the-line entry.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
The experience actually begins with an elevator ride to the 91st floor, accompanied by lights and mirrors. At the top, spend as much time as you can in the first main space, which is the best for the view. It’s a large room with transparent walls and mirrors on the floor and ceiling – so be warned, a skirt isn’t the best idea. Through the glass walls you get a 360-degree view over large parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Then you continue through the other spaces, which include a room full of giant silver balloons, a spot where you pose standing on a glass floor above Manhattan, and a huge screen where clouds float by in the shape of the visitors. Finally, there’s also an outdoor terrace, but it’s really marginal compared to the rest of the experience and many people simply skip it. In short, it’s warm and cozy to take in the views of New York from here! You reach the building via Grand Central station. The observatory is open from 12:00 to 24:00 every day.
Click here for more details and tickets.
Shows in New York
New York is famous for its Broadway musicals, some of which have been running for decades. But stand-up comedy shows are a popular night out too. And if a sudden downpour catches you without musical tickets, you can always duck into a cinema and watch a movie while enjoying Manhattan’s luxurious theaters!
Broadway Musicals
One of the things most associated with New York City is its glittering, larger-than-life Broadway shows. Until you’ve seen a Broadway musical, you won’t really understand what it’s about: grand productions where every little detail is done to the highest possible standard, including sets, lighting and of course actors who sing, dance and act brilliantly! And on freezing, rainy winter days, it’s even more fun to forget the weather outside for a few hours and step into the magical, cozy world of theater!
Here’s the link to the official site for buying tickets to all Broadway shows: Click here to buy tickets.
A New York Stand-Up Comedy Show
For those who prefer this genre to Broadway, here you can see top comedians who have appeared on MTV, HBO, The Tonight Show, Comedy Central and more. The show lasts about an hour and a half of non-stop laughter, and the club has an intimate atmosphere with every seat close to the stage, so you’ll really feel part of the show. Note that there’s a two-drink minimum per person and that the line-up may change – sometimes there are even surprises when famous comedians drop in spontaneously! The show is suitable for ages 12 and up.
Holiday Season Activities in New York
The festive months of November and December in New York bring sparkling decorations, Christmas trees, markets with hot chocolate and a special atmosphere. So if you’re visiting the city at this time of year, take the chance to enjoy festive activities that simply don’t exist in any other season!
A Cruise in New York
Manhattan is an island surrounded by river and sea, so there are lots of chances to go out on the water. During the holidays there are special cruises with a decorated yacht, cozy heating against the cold, hot chocolate, cookies, carols or a jazz band – all while sailing past famous sights such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Financial District and more. It’s a great way to celebrate the holiday season in true New York style! The cruise departs from Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, on one of two yachts – Northern Lights or Manhattan II – and lasts about an hour and a half.
Click here for more details and tickets.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour in Brooklyn
Dyker Heights is a small, quiet neighborhood in Brooklyn that has become a world-famous attraction at Christmas. Since the 1980s, residents have decorated their homes for the holidays with spectacular lights and ornaments, turning the tradition into an unofficial competition over who can create the most impressive display. Today the neighborhood draws thousands of visitors every year who come to see this amazing show. The streets of New York do fill with decorated buildings ahead of the holidays, but what happens in Dyker Heights is on a completely different scale! Residents hire production companies to do the decorating, and if you’re in the city in December, don’t miss a visit.
The catch is that it’s a fairly remote neighborhood in Brooklyn and not that easy to reach. One way to make it simple is to join a bus tour from Manhattan to Dyker Heights: you ride in a comfortable bus with a guide who tells you about the history and traditions of the neighborhood’s holiday decorations. In Dyker Heights you set off on a walking tour of about an hour among the dazzling decorations. On the way back you stop for a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge, and the tour ends at Bryant Park, where you can visit the famous winter market. The tour takes about 4 hours.
Click here for more details and tickets.
New York’s Magical Winter Markets
In winter New York boasts magical markets where you can stroll with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine and enjoy crafts, hot dishes and pastries, souvenirs and more. Here are some of the top markets to visit:
Bryant Park Holiday Market
This is one of the most popular winter markets. It’s in the heart of Manhattan and has more than 170 stalls with unique gifts, local food and crafts. Don’t miss the ice rink next door! The stalls are small covered kiosks, but note that you may get a little rain on you between one kiosk and the next… The market is open from mid-October to early January, daily from 11:00 to 20:00.
Union Square Holiday Market
Another major attraction. Here you’ll find more than 160 stalls selling everything from jewelry to fresh pastries. The festive atmosphere is complete with beautiful lighting and live music. The market isn’t covered, so avoid it on a particularly rainy day. It runs from mid-November to the end of December, daily from 11:00 to 20:00.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
This vast building has served as a city transport hub since 1913, and today it’s the largest train station in the world by number of platforms! Even if you’re not catching a train from here, it’s worth visiting to admire the grand concourse and enjoy the many shops and restaurants – especially in winter! Inside the magnificent historic station you’ll find a European-style experience with stalls selling crafts, souvenirs and quite a few food stands. The fair runs from mid-November to the end of December during station hours.
A Special Winter Spa Experience in New York
If you’re looking for the perfect escape from the New York cold, QC NY spa offers a unique spa experience on Governors Island, a small green island next to Manhattan. The island has a stunning panoramic view of the city skyline, and the spa complex includes heated outdoor pools open all year round, so you can enjoy a snowy view while soaking in warm water – or even little raindrops blending with the steam from the pool! It’s definitely a unique experience. There’s also a wide range of treatments and spa experiences inside a heated building, including saunas, steam rooms and relaxation areas.
In the winter months, from December 15 to March 8, the spa offers a series of shows on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 17:00 to 20:30, featuring fire artists, light shows and more, which add a special magic and a warm atmosphere. The ferry to the island is included in the spa entry price.
It’s the perfect way to warm up, relax and enjoy New York’s spectacular views even on the coldest winter days.
Click here for details and tickets.
Shopping and Covered Markets
Of course, New York has much more than Christmas markets to satisfy your shopping cravings! And what’s nicer than spending a rainy day at the mall? Here are a few recommended places:
The Oculus
A beautiful building inside and out, serving as a transport hub at the World Trade Center. Don’t hold back on the photos! Inside there’s a range of luxury stores and some more affordable brands and stalls, and next to it a branch of Eataly – the famous giant store for everything Italian food, including several restaurants inside and ready-made food to eat in or take away. Address: 185 Greenwich Street, LL3110.
The Mills at Jersey Gardens Outlet
The best reason to leave the city for a bit is a trip to the shopping paradise in New Jersey, by a dedicated bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal at 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue. Take line 111 or 115. The ride takes about 40 minutes and at the end you’ll find a huge outlet mall with all the brands you know and some you don’t, at discounted prices.
Note that Jersey Gardens’ main competitor is Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, about an hour’s drive north of Manhattan, with more than 220 brand and luxury designer stores at reduced prices. But! It isn’t covered – it’s an open-air shopping center with stores spread over a huge area, so it’s actually less suitable for a rainy day. If you still want to check it out, here’s the link to buy tickets for a bus that takes you there directly from Times Square.
Chelsea Market
An indoor market next to the High Line park (the park itself is less suited to a rainy day). So if the rain catches you halfway through your walk on the High Line, run here! There’s an artisan fair and a range of restaurants, including one by Israeli chef Eyal Shani! Don’t miss the huge Starbucks Reserve Roastery here, which offers not only quality coffee from around the world but also food and pastries, and of course lots of branded products to take home.
Stores Where You Can Spend an Hour or Two When It’s Cold and Rainy
These aren’t giant malls, but if you’re with kids (or even if you’re not) and need to wait for the rain to stop, you have plenty of options: FAO Schwarz, packed with toys and visitors (30 Rockefeller Plaza); the LEGO stores (200 Fifth Avenue and another at 636), which have activities like building funny LEGO figures; the Harry Potter store, where fans can spend hours (935 Broadway); the Microsoft Experience Center, where you can play and try out various simulators (677 Fifth Avenue); and the Nintendo store, with plenty to see and do for big and small (Rockefeller Center, level 1).
Watching a Sports Game
New York City doesn’t usually top the tables of the various American leagues, but it has a respectable fan culture, with home teams in basketball, football, hockey and more. Why not use your winter visit to New York to get to know a sport you may not know well, like ice hockey? Or a familiar one, like basketball? You’ll experience what it’s like to be a home fan for a day, see the huge arenas and enjoy all the crowd entertainment during the game.
The New York Rangers play ice hockey at Madison Square Garden, on 31st–33rd Streets and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan, above Penn Station. The New York Islanders play at UBS Arena in Elmont, just east of Queens on Long Island. It’s easy to get there on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Penn Station. Hockey may be new to many visitors, and that’s exactly why it’s worth spending a few hours watching a game known for its speed, power and chilly atmosphere. The games are also famous for their passionate, loud crowds, so they’re fun even if you don’t know the rules, thanks to the unique atmosphere.
And if you’re a basketball fan, Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center in Brooklyn host the home games of the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, respectively. You can also join a guided tour of Madison Square Garden, which has seen many historic moments in sport and entertainment over the past 150 years. On the arena tour you’ll get a close look at the iconic suspended ceiling, visit a luxury suite and more.
Click here to book a spot on the tour.
As for other sporting events – baseball isn’t played in winter, and the football season ends around February, but games are held at the open-air MetLife Stadium and many visitors will struggle with the harsh weather conditions, so if you’re visiting New York in winter, it’s less recommended.
Now you have all the information you need, so head off to New York in winter too – and when you’re back, we’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments.
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