If you’re visiting New York and only have a few days in the city, bad weather can threaten your trip. Typically, a rainy day in the summer sends everyone running for the Met. I love the Met as much as the next girl, but if you don’t want to stand in the rain waiting to get in and then be pushed around once you actually get inside, check out my suggestions for some (hopefully) less crowded and interesting alternatives!
Learn something new: Although the Met is a popular choice, there are so many other great museums to check out as well! I tell anyone who will listen that the 9/11 Museum is an absolute must, whether you’ve been a long time resident or are a first time visitor. It’s incredibly sad but so moving and so worth the visit. However, if you were really set on art, there’s also the Museum of Modern Art in Midtown and the Whitney Museum of American Art on the West Side!
Grab a bite: If you haven’t been to Chelsea Market, put it on your list right now. It’s an indoor market filled with shops and food stands at every turn. While they have a million and one incredible options for lunch, I always end up at Berlin Currywurst. Currywurst is a Berlin street food – a sliced sausage topped with spices on top of a bed of French fries. At Berlin Currywurst you get your pick of sausage and they have delicious fries and soft pretzels you can get as sides. I usually get the very mild spice level and dip the fries in the extra sauce!
If you’re looking for something sweeter I’ve always wanted to try the milkshakes at Creamline and Doughnuttery always smells amazing, or the tacos always have a crazy line (presumably because they’re worth it!)
Shop ‘til you drop: SoHo is my go-to for shopping, but walking around Spring and Prince Streets in the rain is less than ideal. If you don’t want to miss out on shopping in New York City but don’t want to be outside, check out Brookfield Place and the Oculus at the World Trade Center (right near the 9/11 Memorial and Museum if you’re already down there). Brookfield is like they took 5th Avenue and put it all into one mall. There’s Burberry, Tory Burch, Gucci, Hermes, and more. There are even Bonobos and Suit Supply for the guys! The real highlight of Brookfield though (in my opinion) is the food court. If you’re there at lunchtime on a weekday expect lines, but they move quickly. Dos Toros Taqueria is one of my favorites but Dig Inn and Skinny Pizza are also great options! If you’re looking for a real sit-down meal, P.J. Clarke’s is one of my favorite burgers in the city. From Brookfield, take the escalator at the entrance down and it’ll lead you right into the Oculus. The Oculus is more typical mall-like shopping, but it’s in the most beautiful and expensive train station in the world. Right now they have a special exhibit in the middle of the building, which features almost full-size replicas of walls from Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. So far I’ve only seen pictures of the exhibit but it looks awesome, especially considering you don’t get to see the up-close detail when you’re actually in the Vatican.
Stop for Afternoon Tea: If you’ve been following along, you’ll know I’m already partial to Alice’s Tea Cup (and they have three locations depending on where you are in the city), but tea at the Plaza has been on my list for ages. I’ve also always been intrigued by the Russian Tea Room, not far from the Plaza! For a cheap and less-traditional afternoon tea, try Cha-An for a Japanese infused tea experience with Earl Grey scones and Matcha drinks.
Bake a cake: One of my cousins loves baking and everything she makes is incredible and beautiful. Even if you don’t aspire to be a professional baker, you can still learn the basic techniques at a decorating class and get some sweets to bring home. I’ve been dying to take an icing class at Magnolia’s bakery. They offer fun classes like BYOB: wine and cupcakes, and advanced flower decorating techniques! I would also love to learn how to make macarons!
If you have any other suggestions for a rainy day in the city let me know in the comments! I’m always looking for new things to do here!
Leave a Reply