Last Updated on April 8, 2022
Rainy days are never the best for exploring. Thankfully, New York City offers an abundance of options to entertain locals and visitors regardless of what Mother Nature is up to. Here are some rainy-day things to do on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Rainy Day Things to Do on the Upper West Side:
The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
Address:
1047 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10025
Nearby Subway stations:
- 1 – Cathedral Parkway 110 Street
- B/C – 110th Street – Cathedral Parkway Station
Check here for the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine’s hours and information.
This beautiful catholic church is worth a visit rain or shine. The architecture is absolutely stunning and will transport you to Europe as you wander the beautiful grounds or tour the inside of the cathedral.
Note that there is an admission price to go into the church – at the time of this post it costs $5.50 per person.
Wanting to save a few bucks and stay dry inside? You can now take a virtual tour of the cathedral right here or check out some of the previous sermons right here.
The Strand at Columbus Avenue
Address:
450 Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10024
Nearby Subway stations:
- 1 – 79th Street
- B/C – 81st Street – Museum of Natural History
Check here for The Strand’s updated hours and information.
Take some time to wander through New York’s beloved bookstore, The Strand. Their main flagship store is further downtown near Union Square Park, which is a must-see if you haven’t been. Though, this smaller Columbus Avenue store is quaint and cozy – perfect to wander through on a rainy day.
Be sure to seek out their staff picks for a great selection of these avid readers’ favorites.
Tip: Even if you can’t get to The Strand, their website is an excellent place to find your next read.
American Museum of Natural History
Address:
200 Central Park West
New York, NY 10024
Nearby Subway stations:
- 1 – 79th Street
- B/C – 81st Street – Museum of Natural History
Check here for the American Museum of Natural History’s updated hours and information.
Rain or shine, this is a must-see New York City attraction perfect for the whole family. You’ll have the chance to see dinosaurs, endangered species, ocean life, rain forest creatures, as well as learn about the earth, climate change, space, and so much more!
Tickets vary in pricing based on how many exhibits you would like to visit, as well as various pricing for adults, children, seniors, and students. You can check here for updated pricing.
Been to the museum before? It’s worth another visit! The museum has special exhibitions that they change out frequently.
Hayden Planetarium
Address:
200 Central Park West
New York, NY 10024
Nearby Subway stations:
- 1 – 79th Street
- B/C – 81st Street – Museum of Natural History
Check here for Hayden Planetarium’s updated hours and information.
Connected to the American Museum of Natural History, the Hayden Planetarium offers an amazing experience that’s out of this universe.
You will still pay the general admission for the Museum of Natural History, so you can go explore the museum after the show.
AMC Movie Theater
There are two AMC Movie Theater locations on the Upper West Side – one on 84th Street and Broadway, and one on 68th Street and Broadway.
Address:
AMC 84th Street 6
2310 Broadway
New York, NY 10024
Nearby Subway stations:
- 1 – 86th Street
- B/C – 86th Street
OR
Address:
AMC Lincoln Square 13
1998 Broadway
New York, NY 10023
Nearby Subway stations:
- 1 – 66th Street – Lincoln Center
What’s a rainy day without a movie? Head to one of the two AMC Movie Theaters on the Upper West Side for a screening of a new movie and, of course, some popcorn.
Note that the 84th Street location has been upgraded with AMC Signature Recliners so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the movie.
The Lincoln Square location offers Dolby Cinema and IMAX theaters.
You can check out the current movie showing and purchase tickets here. If you are a military member, senior, or student, be sure to show your ID for a discount!
Lincoln Center
Address:
Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023
Nearby Subway stations:
1 – 66th Street – Lincoln Center
Check here for Lincoln Center’s upcoming schedule and information.
Although it may be difficult to plan to see a show at Lincoln Center on, specifically, a rainy day, you can sometimes find last-minute ticket deals.
Lincoln Center is home to the New York City Ballet, The Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and more! Whatever you see, you’re bound to be entertained and impressed.
Turnstyle Underground Market at Columbus Circle
Address:
1000 S 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Nearby Subway stations:
1/A/C/B/D – 59th Street – Columbus Circle
Check here for Turnstyle Underground Market’s updated hours, shops, food, and information.
What better place to be than underground on a rainy day in Manhattan?
The Turnstyle Underground Market at Columbus Circle is a quirky stop to shop and grab some gourmet bites. Along with permanent shops and kiosks, you will find pop-up shops filled by up-and-coming brands wanting to make their presence known within the Big Apple community.
Rainy Day Food on the Upper West Side:
Absolute Bagels
Address:
2788 Broadway
New York, NY 10025
Nearby Subway stations:
- 1 – Cathedral Parkway 110 Street
- B/C – 110th Street – Cathedral Parkway Station
Check here for Absolute Bagel’s updated hours and information.
There’s a good chance you may be standing out in the rain waiting in line to get your hands on one of these scrumptious bagels, so be sure to bring an umbrella! The wait is absolutely worth it, plus the line moves fairly quickly.
*Be sure to bring cash! Absolutely Bagels does not accept credit card.
My order recommendation? A toasted Everything or Onion bagel with Chives & Garlic cream cheese and make it a breakfast special with egg and bacon on the bagel. Messy but so good!
Unfortunately, you may not be able to find a seat inside to enjoy your bagel. Plan to take it back to your hotel/home or find a cozy coffee shop nearby to sit and eat. Worst case scenario: find some scaffolding nearby to hang out and eat your bagel so you can continue exploring afterward.
Zabar’s
Address:
2245 Broadway
New York, NY 10024
Nearby Subway stations:
- 1 – 79th Street
- B/C – 81st Street – Museum of Natural History
Check here for Zabar’s updated hours and information.
This popular gourmet grocery store on the Upper West Side is so fun to walk around and browse at the large selection of cheeses, olives, meats, and more.
Stop by Zabar’s and pick up some scrumptious bites to take back to your home/hotel. Grab some tea or coffee from Zabar’s or head across the street to grab a bottle of wine.
Although, not as fun as a picnic in Central Park, lay out a blanket on the floor or on your bed and have your own little rainy day indoor picnic instead!
Jacob’s Pickles
Address:
509 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10024
Nearby Subway stations:
- 1 – 86th Street
- B/C – 86th Street
Check here for Jacob’s Pickles’ updated hours, information, and reservations.
If you’re in need of some rainy day comfort food on the Upper West Side, Jacob’s Pickles is your spot.
Jacob’s Pickles offers the most mouthwatering, delectable southern comfort food in Manhattan (according to me at least). Although you may find yourself ordering one of everything, make sure to prioritize the Chicken & Pancakes!
Rainy Day Cafes on the Upper West Side:
Chalait Matcha Cafe
Address:
461 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10024
Nearby Subway stations:
- 1 – 79th Street
- B/C – 81st Street – Museum of Natural History
Check here for Chalait Matcha Cafe’s updated hours and information.
If you’re a matcha lover like myself, Chalait Matcha Cafe is a must-try! They offer a variety of matcha drinks (along with regular coffee drinks) as well as matcha powder and accessories you can take home to make yourself!
Bluestone Lane Upper West Side Cafe
Address:
417 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10024
Nearby Subway stations:
- 1 – 79th Street
- B/C – 81st Street – Museum of Natural History
Check here for Bluestone Lane’s updated hours and information.
Bluestone Lane is a charming Australian cafe with locations around the city – one of which being on the Upper West Side.
Stop in on a rainy day to treat yourself with some delicious bites or a cup of hot coffee. The bright, airy feel to the space will still allow you to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the streets outside, while you stay warm and dry inside.
Gong Cha
Address:
2810 Broadway
New York, NY 10025
Nearby Subway stations:
- 1 – Cathedral Parkway 110 Street
- B/C – 110th Street – Cathedral Parkway Station
Check here for Gong Cha’s updated hours and information.
I first discovered Gong Cha when I was living in South Korea – I am absolutely obsessed! Fortunately, they have a few locations scattered throughout the United States, some of which in NYC!
While exploring New York’s Upper West Side, stop by this yummy bubble tea store for a refreshing beverage that’s perfect for the wanderlust who wants to stay on-the-go.
Tip: Get the unsweetened Jasmine Green Tea with coconut jellies – so good!
Rainy Day Sweets on the Upper West Side:
Levain Bakery
Address:
351 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10024
Nearby Subway stations:
- 1 – 79th Street
- B/C – 81st Street – Museum of Natural History
Check here for Levain Bakery’s updated hours and information. (You can also order shipping to anywhere in the U.S.!)
If you haven’t delighted your tastebuds with a Levain Bakery cookie yet, this is a must-do on a rainy day on the Upper West Side (Who am I kidding? These cookies are perfect for any day!).
Levain Bakery offers five flavors of cookies: Chocolate Chip Walnut, Two Chip Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip, and Oatmeal Raisin. I suggest going with the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip if you’re a PB-lover like me!
P.S. You can now find these cookies in select Whole Foods stores in their freezer section!
Magnolia Bakery
Address:
200 Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10023
Nearby Subway stations:
- 1 – 66th Street – Lincoln Center
- B/C – 72nd Street
Check here for Magnolia Bakery’s updated hours and information.
Another one of Manhattan’s must-try bakeries on the Upper West Side is Magnolia Bakery.
Come for the mouthwatering selection of fancy desserts – stay for the banana pudding. That’s right, Magnolia Bakery’s ultimate dessert is their banana pudding. The original is to die for, but they also offer special flavors of the month, such as peanut butter chocolate banana pudding (yum!).
Wanting to stay warm and cozy inside on a rainy day? You can order your sweet treat for delivery or nationwide shipping!
Rainy Day Drinks on the Upper West Side:
The Gin Mill
Address:
442 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10024
Nearby Subway stations:
- 1 – 79th Street
- B/C – 81st Street – Museum of Natural History
Check here for The Gin Mill’s updated hours and information.
The Gin Mill is a great place to catch the game and sip on an affordable drink while you’re waiting for the rain to pass.
Despite the name, The Gin Mill offers a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as a large variety of food (all day breakfast, appetizers, wings, burgers, sandwiches, salads, pizza, and more).
Vanguard Wine Bar
Address:
189 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10023
Nearby Subway stations:
- 1 – 66th Street – Lincoln Center
- 1/2/3 – 72nd Street
Check here for Vanguard Wine Bar’s updated hours and information.
This French-inspired wine bar is the perfect place to be on a rainy day on the Upper West Side. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, and the food and beverage selection will make you want to stay and graze all day long.
Vanguard Wine Bar offers a variety of red and white wines, along with classic cocktails. To accompany your beverage, choose a few small plates to share – I suggest the wine & cheese board!
Tavern on the Green
Address:
W 67th Street
New York, NY 10023
Nearby Subway stations:
- 1 – 66th Street — Lincoln Center
- A/C/B/D/1 – 59th Street – Columbus Circle
Check here for Tavern on the Green’s updated hours, information, or to make a reservation.
Although this infamous Central Park West spot can be on the pricey side, it’s a great spot to go for a drink and/or dessert.
They have a cozy lounge area with a bar and comfortable seating throughout. There’s even a fireplace to warm up by on those cold rainy days.
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