The Best UWS Things To Do On a Rainy Day

When visiting New York you just might find days where the weather is uncooperative. Typically, New York City has 119 days of precipitation annually, so it makes it sensible to have a list of rainy-day activities at hand. From exploring the city’s art culture to experiencing the very best of local cuisine, there are countless ways to enjoy your time during a rainy afternoon. Check out the following list, add some items of your own, and enjoy all NYC has to offer in the rain.

Visit One of the Many UWS Museums

The Upper West Side has long been a haven for museum lovers. Whether you’re interested in art, science, history, or technology, check out our List of Museums.

Enjoy a Cup of Tea at Alice’s Tea Cup

Whether you are in town to celebrate a bridal shower or entertain a child in an “Alice in Wonderland” space, you will find Alice’s Tea Cup a great way to enjoy an afternoon. Located 102 W. 73rd Street (between Columbus & Amsterdam Avenue) 212.799.3006

Catch a Performance at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Lincoln Center offers a range of indoor activities and venues that make it a perfect destination when the weather is not ideal. Lincoln Center has something to offer if you’re a fan of the performing arts, interested in cultural institutions, or simply looking for a cozy place to spend a rainy day. 70 Lincoln Center Plaza serves as the gateway to Lincoln Center at Columbus Avenue and W. 64th Street.

Enjoy a Cookie at Levain’s Bakery

Take a break and enjoy one of the finest bakeries in the country. Anyone who has experienced biting into their first Levain cookie will understand the need to return to the original Levain at 167 W. 74th (between Columbus & Amsterdam Ave.) and enjoy their selection of some gourmet delights. Be sure to try their famous 6-ounce chocolate chip walnut cookie.

Indulge with a Pastrami Reuben at Barney Greengrass

Since they opened their doors in Harlem in 1908 this food establishment has become a legend in New York. They relocated to their present location in 1929. Barney Greengrass’s success as “the food store for those who demand the best” led Barney to be known in New York as “The Sturgeon King.” They are also known as “the Upper West Side temple of Jewish appetizing”. Be aware that they don’t take credit cards. Located at 541 Amsterdam Ave. (between W. 86th & 87th Streets) 212.724.4707.

Find a Great Book to Read

Ever long for a day when you can kick back and enjoy the solitude of reading a good book? Make today the day to make that a reality. Indulge yourself for an afternoon immersing yourself in racks and racks of literature in many forms and genres. Check out one of the UWS bookstores in your area.

Hang Out at a Local Cafe

No visit to the Upper West Side is complete without stopping by to enjoy the ambiance and savor the delectable pastries at legendary The Hungarian Pastry Shop. In addition to strong coffee, you can expect to find a selection of fresh pastries, including lemon tarts, tiramisu, cream puffs, cheesecake, cherry strudel, and carrot cake. The Hungarian Pastry Shop is located across the street from the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine at 1030 Amsterdam Avenue (between W. 110th & 111th Streets) 212.866.4230

Climb Aboard the Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum

While outside the Upper West Side, this rainy-day activity is close by and should be included on any traveler’s to-do list since over 75% of the museum is indoors. The Intrepid Museum spans three decks; they are the flight, hangar, and gallery decks. Most of the museum’s collection is composed of aircraft, which are exhibited on the flight deck. The hangar and gallery decks contain a theater, and flight simulators, as well as individual objects like a cockpit and an air turbine. Located off the West Side Highway at Pier 86, W. 46th Street.

Cruise the Cuisines at the Turnstyle Underground Market

The Underground Market is a 30,000-square-foot subterranean dining and shopping hall located in the bustling Columbus Circle subway station. The market takes up a full city block featuring around 40 eateries and pop-ups connected to Manhattan 59th Street – Columbus Circle Station. Located beneath 8th Avenue between 57th & 58th Streets (no need to swipe your MetroCard to enter).

Socialize on a UWS Pub Crawl

Organize a group of friends along with their friends, and you’ve got yourself and an activity that will allow you to meet some new like-minded friends! Check out this list of the “Best Upper West Side Bars” for places you might not have visited, for the chance to try some new drinks or have some laughs.

Play some board games

Located on the Upper West Side at 2911 Broadway between 113th & 114th Streets, Hex & Company has built a steady following since its opening in 2018. With over 4,000 sq. feet, the UWS location is the largest game board cafe in Manhattan and one of the largest on the East Coast. The cafe has a library of over 1000 games. All can stop by, enjoy their cafe, and grab a game.