Ask me what my favorite things to do in New York City are, and my answer will always be the same: indoor activities in NYC. Perhaps many tourists like to explore the rooftop bars, waterfront restaurants, and farmers markets in the bustling metropolis. But it’s not just the outdoor activities that have given New York its title of “The Big Apple.” The crackling scene of indoor activities in NYC spans museums, Broadway, and eye-popping amusement parks.
So, complaining about rainy days, heat waves, or snowstorms is futile, as there are so many exciting indoor activities in NYC. These indoor activities in NYC can include ziplining and roller skating in Area 53 or watching an evening show at one of the Broadway theaters. It’s all about visiting the most famous museums in the world or taking your friends to Escape The Room to geek out over puzzles and mysteries.
We do not have one type of entertainment, but there are countless indoor activities in NYC. So even though the topic of best NYC indoor activities is highly subjective, I believe that the following categories of indoor activities in NYC are top picks for every tourist and local.
Museums and Galleries
Most first-time visitors to NYC like to visit the museums first. These museums are perfect for checking out the best indoor activities in NYC.
Meet Art and Culture of Other Times At The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
Address: 1000 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10028, United States
I might be biased as The Met is the finest and largest art museum, but the art showcasing cultures and history of the world spanning 5,000 years has no competition throughout NYC. Keep all the other indoor activities in NYC on hold as you pursue this one. You can connect with the knowledge and ideas of people of different times, making it the best indoor activity in NYC.
Fuel Your Creativity At the Museum Of Modern Art (MoMA)
Address: 11 W 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019, United States
MoMA doesn’t hide that much of history but has the best indoor activities in NYC, from fine collections of modern evolving art to special exhibitions and more than 200,000 works of sculpture, painting, architecture, and much more.
Study Innovative Art At Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Address: 1071 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10128, United States
Pop into the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum at 1071 Fifth Avenue, and you will be stunned by the spiraling concrete architecture and the unique space showcasing the newest art and ideas. There are many things to do indoors in NYC within the oval, arched, circular, triangular, and square forms of the museum. The indoor activities in NYC seem even more thrilling as these structures give an eccentric look to the whole place.
See a Giant Dinosaur Skeleton In the American Museum Of Natural History
Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024, United States
Work your way to the Upper West Side of Manhattan to visit the American Museum of Natural History for a crazy indoor activity in NYC among dinosaur skeletons, a giant blue whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling, and ornate architecture. I’d love to tell you more about it, but this New York indoor activity is one you must see for yourself.
Performing Arts
Museums might be the nicest indoor activities in NYC, but wait till you see the performing arts, from Broadway shows to circus, theater, and media arts.
Catch A Show On Broadway
It’s not that I don’t think that museums are impressive, but Broadway is the beating heart of indoor NYC activities. After all, we are a city that never sleeps, so for me, Broadway tickets are always the most fun indoor activity in NYC at any time of the day. Clustered together, the theaters are famous for exciting shows like Hamilton, Aladdin, The Lion King, and Harry Potter.
Radio City Music Hall To Watch A Stage Show Like Nothing Else
Address: 1260 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10020, United States
If you are more of a stage show person, then I will point you in a completely different direction. For me, there is no other place to see a stage show like Music Hall. Enjoy the best of indoor activities in NYC within the “Showplace of the Nation” as it hosts concerts and stage shows and premiers some films as well.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Address: Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, United States
This 16.3-acre area in the Upper West Side of Manhattan is my Roman Empire. Whenever I am recommending things to do inside in NYC, I always mention this performing arts theater for music, dance, opera, film, and many other indoor activities in NYC while bringing artists from all over the world to perform. Don’t forget to grab the New York City Ballet tickets on your next visit – it’s my favorite one.
Seek The Power of Music With Carnegie Hall
Address: 881 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10019, United States
Think you’ve heard about all the indoor activities in NYC. It gets better than that. The Carnegie Hall can transform your evenings with its powerful music, incredible acoustics, stunning concert halls, and its prime venue in Midtown Manhattan. The voices of many prestigious artists like The Beatles and Billie Holiday have resounded through the halls in the past.
Meet Historical Art and Modern Technology At Hall des Lumières
Address: 49 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007, United States
Or, start tracing your history in the Historic Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank building with Hall des Lumières. This digital art space isn’t just for a pretentious Instagram post or ordinary indoor activities in NYC but is actually worth it. Sit tight for an exhilarating experience blending historical architecture with modern audio-visual technology. I always find myself immersed in art and music at this venue.
Food and Drink
Rain or sunshine, the food and drinks scene mixed with other indoor activities in NYC always keep the fun alive.
Day Or Night At Gotham West Market
Address: 600 11th Avenue, New York, NY 10036, United States
Forget Chelsea Market. Have you ever been to Gotham West Market? Fancy interiors with a mix of communal and counter seating are the perfect idea for indoor activities in NYC. The full-service food hall is my favorite spot to taste cuisines from all over the world with my foodie friends and family members when we are in the mood for inside things to do in NYC.
Complete Blackout And Dining in the Dark
Address: 111 N 12th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States
Stay warm inside New York City with Dining in the Dark – an indoor activity in NYC that seems crazy at first but swoops you off your feet. This unique restaurant has given me plenty of practice to stop judging food by its appearance. It’s a shame if you are still sleeping on this indoor thing to do in New York. It might be a difficult concept to get used to, but once you adjust, you’ll be surprised at how delicious the food tastes during this multisensory experience.
Icy-Cold Hot Chocolate at Serendipity 3
Address: 225 E 60th Street, New York, NY 10022, United States
You will be surprised to learn how popular frozen hot chocolate is in New York. Yes, even I couldn’t believe the irony of the name, but this old-school restaurant is enchanting guests left, right, and center with its decadent desserts. Enjoy the most exciting indoor activity in NYC, which has an ambiance that looks like Madhatter’s tea party.
Find Peace On the 18th Floor In Panorama Room
Address: 22 N Loop Road, New York, NY 10044, United States
The Panorama Room is like an open-air walk but with glass walls. I was there for an epic weekend brunch when the sunlight flooded in, changing the whole place into a bright, stunning ambiance. I must mention being so proud of choosing this wonderful spot for my indoor activity in NYC. The trendy rooftop bar is also the perfect indoor thing to do in NYC on a rainy day, with pattering raindrops obscuring the 360-degree panoramic city views beyond it.
Sports and Entertainment
Yes, history, museums, and Broadway are cool, but if you are looking for the best sports and entertainment-related indoor activities in NYC, it’s got to be these.
Feel The Rush At Area53 – Adventure Park
Address: 616 Scholes Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237, United States
Amusement parks are so commonplace here, but their indoor attractions in New York City are so irresistible that even adults find reasons to visit them often. I visited Area 53 Adventure Park when I was touring Williamsburg with my friends and told them that the heat wave wasn’t worth spending time outdoors. And so, we zip-lined, roller skated, and played laser tag, indoor paintballs, and so much more that I loved splashing out and splurging at this exciting indoor activity in NYC.
Reach Outside Your Comfort Zone With iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Address: 849 Ridge Hill Blvd., Yonkers, NY 10710, United States
I admit I go bonkers whenever I check out skydiving indoor attractions in NYC. You don’t need to bring lots of experience or equipment; just bring a little confidence and plenty of courage and get ready to fly in the vertical state-of-the-art wind tunnels. This indoor activity in NYC can also be a cool field trip suggestion for school children or family picnics.
Challenge Your Friends At Barcade
Address: 148 W 24th Street, New York, NY 10011, United States
These indoor attractions in New York City are for you and your crew’s arcade dreams. Book a party with your buddies and play Ms. Pac-Man, Punch-Out, Snow Bros., Star Trek, and other games as you enjoy what’s latest on the tap. This indoor activity in NYC is only available for those who are 21 or over.
Lose Yourself to Colors and Patterns at ARTECHOUSE
Address: 439 W 15th Street, New York, NY 10011, United States
If you are already in Chelsea Market, why not go all out and visit this interesting NYC indoor activity created within a boiler room space? This indoor activity in NYC is located under the market, far away from open skies. You will find lots of immersive art and technology experiences to help you get closer to science. Make sure to dedicate 45 to 60 minutes to explore the complete exhibition properly.
Run Before You Get Caught In Escape the Room
Address: 24 W 25th Street Floor 8, New York, NY 10010, United States
Call me a traitor to open skies, but the indoor activities in NYC cannot be beaten. The weather can be good or worse, but the indoor NYC activities remain the same. Escape The Room can be a concrete jungle at one moment and a submarine the next. Take your fellow crew members to solve puzzles and mysteries before time runs out.
Pub-Grub, Sports and TV At Bowlero
Address: 222 W 44th Street, New York, NY 10036, United States
After those late working hours, I fancy some local brews and cheesy burgers, and Bowlero has all my favorite indoor things to do in New York in one place. Find your league at this bowling alley with 50 lanes, billiards, an arcade, a pool, a sports bar, and a lounge area. Who needs to go outside when you have a great party and many exciting indoor activities in NYC under one roof?
Spas
The things to do inside in NYC can be relaxing and rejuvenating if you choose to spend your day at a sensational spa. Explore a different kind of ambiance with these self-care indoor activities in NYC.
Loosen Up At AIRE Ancient Baths
Address: 88 Franklin Street, New York, NY 10013, United States
I like to slip away into the spas whenever I receive my paycheck for some me-time, and AIRE Ancient Baths is one of my favorite indoor activities in NYC that lives up to my expectations. In the midst of downtown’s bustle, you will find this dark and serene ambiance in a historical building. The massages, thermal baths, and other treatments make this one of the best things to do indoors in NYC.
The Best Of Spa Treatments From All Over The World – WORLD SPA
Address: 1571 McDonald Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11230, United States
Day spas are indeed the best indoor activities in NYC, but especially when authentic and international treatments from all over the world are brought in one place. Within the 50,000 sq ft space, I always find myself losing to the dreamy mosaic, sauna rituals, and sensory scrubs with skilled hands. And, of course, when in NYC, you are spoilt for choice. Choose this unique spa experience as your indoor activity to do in NYC when the weather outside isn’t so pleasant.
