Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City on a Windy Day
Top Things to Do in New York City on a Windy Day
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Two million square feet of galleries let you wander from ancient Egypt to modern masters without ever facing the elements. Quiet courtyards and grand halls feel like a city within a city.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the ultimate wind-proof culture fix—hours of world-class art, cafes for warm-ups, and endless nooks to explore at your own pace.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings at opening for calmer galleries; late afternoons are also gentler and great for lingering in the European Paintings wing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use coat check so you can roam comfortably; start at the Temple of Dendur and loop through by era to avoid backtracking.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it awe-inspiring and surprisingly cozy on stormy days, praising the breadth of collections and welcoming staff.
2. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
A sleek, light-filled sanctuary where you can stand face-to-face with Van Gogh, Warhol, and contemporary installations while the wind howls outside.
✓ Why Go:
Immersive galleries, design objects, and film programs provide a full day of indoor discovery steps from Midtown hotels.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive right at opening or in the last two hours of the day for more breathing room around the most famous works.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head straight to the fifth floor for the hits, then work down; grab a window seat in the cafe to watch the city gust by.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the clean layout and say even non–art buffs are won over by the variety and thoughtful curation.
3. American Museum of Natural History
Dinosaur halls, the Rose Center for Earth and Space, dioramas, and immersive shows make this a wonderland where the only gale force is the imagination.
✓ Why Go:
It’s engaging for all ages and fully indoors, with plenty of benches and cafes to break up a long, blustery day.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning after school groups disperse; weekdays outside holidays are most relaxed.
✓ Insider Tip:
If it’s howling outside, pick a wing (Fossils or Biodiversity) and do it thoroughly rather than trying to cover everything.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families rave about the planetarium and say the exhibits are both educational and magical in bad weather.
4. New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Beaux-Arts grandeur meets book-lover bliss. Marble corridors and the Rose Main Reading Room create a hushed, wind-free retreat beside Bryant Park.
✓ Why Go:
Free exhibits, architectural splendor, and quiet spaces make it perfect for slowing down when gusts make outdoor strolling tough.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday to mid-afternoon for the calmest reading room ambience; mornings can be busier with programming.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pop into the Treasures exhibition for a compact, world-class dose of history without committing hours.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors describe it as serene and inspiring—an oasis that feels quintessentially New York on blustery days.
5. Grand Central Terminal
A cathedral to commuting with a starry ceiling, bustling market, and plenty of food options—all under one magnificent roof.
✓ Why Go:
You can spend hours people-watching, dining, and exploring historic corners without stepping into the wind.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into evening for golden light across the concourse and a lively but comfortable vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Seek out the Whispering Gallery near the Oyster Bar for a fun acoustic surprise that kids and adults love.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers praise its beauty and convenience, calling it a must-see landmark that doubles as a cozy indoor hangout.
6. Chelsea Market
An indoor food hall and shopping arcade in a former factory—perfect for grazing on tacos, noodles, pastries, and browsing local makers while the wind whips the Hudson.
✓ Why Go:
Warm up between bites, sample global flavors, and pick up unique NYC gifts without venturing outdoors.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late lunch (2–4 pm) to dodge peak crowds; evenings are festive if you don’t mind a buzz.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start at the Ninth Avenue entrance and loop clockwise; many of the best dessert spots are tucked mid-market.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Foodies gush about the variety and ambience, calling it a one-stop, weatherproof taste of the city.
7. The Shops at Columbus Circle
A polished indoor mall with upscale boutiques, cafes, and Central Park views from warm, wind-free vantage points.
✓ Why Go:
Shop, sip, and linger with scenery—ideal when strolling the park isn’t in the cards.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning to early afternoon for relaxed browsing; sunset brings pretty light over the park.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head to upper floors for quieter seating and great photo angles through floor-to-ceiling windows.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests appreciate the calm, curated selection and say it feels like a refined refuge from the elements.
8. Brooklyn Museum
Expansive, light-filled galleries house everything from Egyptian artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary art, away from Manhattan’s gusty avenues.
✓ Why Go:
Less crowded than some Midtown icons but equally enriching—and fully indoors with cafes and lounges.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for a mellow pace; first and last hours of the day are especially peaceful.
✓ Insider Tip:
Don’t miss the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art for impactful, conversation-starting works.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the space to breathe and reflect, calling it a cultural anchor worth the quick subway hop.
9. One World Observatory
Floor-to-ceiling windows on the city’s highest enclosed deck deliver jaw-dropping views with zero windchill.
✓ Why Go:
You get the drama of the skyline and harbor on a blustery day without battling the elements.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into sunset for moody clouds and city lights; check visibility if low clouds are moving in.
✓ Insider Tip:
Timed-entry tickets help you breeze past lines; bring a lens cloth—fast-changing weather can leave window condensation.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers describe it as seamless and exhilarating, praising the smooth elevators and immersive exhibits.
10. New York Transit Museum
Set in a decommissioned subway station, this engaging museum dives into NYC’s transit history with vintage cars and hands-on displays.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a uniquely New York indoor experience—nostalgic, kid-friendly, and fascinating for design and history fans.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-morning on weekdays for easy access to vintage subway cars and photo ops without crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for exhibits on historic signage and maps—great souvenirs in the gift shop echo the originals.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests call it a hidden gem that’s fun, informative, and perfect when the weather sends you underground.
