Curtain’s Up At Ellens Stardust Diner
The show will go on at Ellen’s Stardust Diner. Food, drink, and live performances from the famous singing waitstaff have returned. The 1950s-themed restaurant has been around since 1987 and brings back its retro vibes Catch intimate performances by staff on their way to joining a long line of Broadway actors who have made Ellen’s their launching pad.
Things To Do On A Rainy Day In Wny
Although it would be convenient, if not perfect, if the skies were clear and blue all year long, sometimes, the world calls for rain. On those days, it might be tempting to stay inside and curl up with a book or a movie but, in our opinion, rainy days are an opportunity to explore places you might not have considered in the past. So, if youre looking for an excuse to try a new restaurant, museum, or indoor phenomena, take a look at this list of rainy day activities, and keep them in mind for your next drizzly day in Western New York!
SATO Ramen / Step Out Buffalo
Visit The Botanical Gardens
LOCATION: 2655 South Park Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14218
HOURS: Every day from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
PRICES: Adults: $11 Seniors: $10 Students: $9 Children 3-12: $6 Children 2 and under: free!
What better way to remind yourself of all the natural beauty in the world than to visit the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens? Though outside the weather may be dreary, youll soon forget once you step inside the vivacious greenhouses. Even just acquainting yourself with the greenery and flowers may prove to be an inspiring experience in itself. If youre looking for something more interactive and social, perhaps check out a running exhibit or an event. For more information on different exhibits and events at the Botanical Gardens, visit buffalogardens.com!
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Cocktails & Culture: Day
Celebrate everyone’s favorite decade at the Museum of the City of New York. Day-Glo DecemberA Very 80s Holiday at the Museum takes inspiration from current exhibition New York, New Music: 1980-1986. There are holiday lights, an interactive Santa hologram, an ’80s arcade , and programming like family-friendly scavenger hunts.
Browse For Books At An Iconic Nyc Bookstore
Have you ever heard of the Strand Bookstore? It is one of the most iconic bookstores in NYC and often featured on TV and movies. If you love books and lingering in bookstores, definitely plan to stop at the Strand if it is raining in NYC. Other bookstores to consider visiting include Albertine and Rizolli Bookstore.
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Ride The Maid Of The Mist
LOCATION: Prospect Point, Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls, NY 14303
PRICE: Adults $19.25 Children $11.20 children under 5 get in free! *No group reservations allowed.
HOURS: Vary rides are offered from May until the 8th of November.
If youre going to get wet anyway, you might as well get soaked! As someone who has personally gone on the Maid of the Mist boat ride, I can promise you that paying $19.25 is an incredible deal for what you get to see. Not only is the ride surprisingly refreshing, but getting close to Niagara Falls, which is such a massive and distinct landmark, is an opportunity you should not pass up. Its a lot of fun, especially if you get tickets with your friends, cousins, or children! For more information, visit maidofthemist.com.
Grand Bazaar Nycgrand Holiday Bazaar
Grand Bazaar NYC is the oldest, largest, and most diverse curated weekly shopping market in NYC. Open every Sunday, you’ll find all kinds of creative makers and passionate dealers, vending one-of-a-kind, rare, and unique goods. This Sunday youll also find the markets annual Grand Holiday Bazaar. Explore unique gifts indoors and out from 150+ hand-picked independent local artisans and dealers. Come hungry! There are great artisanal food options as well. 10am-5pm.
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Ellis Island National Museum Of Immigration
The United States welcomed 8 million distressed immigrants through the doors of the New York State immigration station at Ellis Island. And, you can find out about the history of what made New York City the melting pot of culture it is today at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Afterward, you can head to the Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island to see the 1903 plaque about this historic migration. The plaque includes the famous words of Emma Lazarusemblazoned on it that reads, Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free
Explore The Innovative Food At Dekalb Market Hall
I always get tired when it rains, even though I just rolled out of bed after a good 8 hours sleep. The truth is that it has nothing to do with you but the lack of sunlight, which triggers the body to produce more melatonin, a hormone that makes you sleepy at night.
However, I find that eating helps me to recover. If that is the case for you, then head to Brooklyn DeKalb Market Hall.
Showcasing more than 40 vendors that include show kitchens, cocktail bars, and daily live programmings that reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of Brooklyn, DeKalb Market Hall is the go-to place for artists and street food lovers like us. Some of our favorites here are Doner Kebab from Hotti, a German restaurant, Mushroom Corn from Tacos, and Banana Chocolate Crepe from Eight Turn Crepe.
German Doner Kebab at Brooklyn DeKalb Market Hall.
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Finding Accommodation In Nyc
If you havent booked your accommodation in New York yet, thats totally fine! Here are some of our top hotel picks:
The Ludlow Hotel: This lovely hotel is extremely well decorated and has a rooftop patio that offers breathtaking views of the New York skyline.
Hardwood floors, handmade silk rugs, and artisan-crafted Moroccan lamps are featured in every room at The Ludlow Hotel.
The Langham: The Langham is edgy and modern. Located in Midtown Manhattan, between Bryant Park and the Empire State Building, it has great bedrooms and an on-site Michelin-star restaurant.
Park Terrace Hotel on Bryant Park: The Park Terrace Hotel has many amazing amenities such as a sauna, a fitness room, and floor-to-ceiling windows that face Bryant Park and the New York Public Library.
citizenM New York Times Square: This hotel is incredible. Located right in the heart of NYC, in Times Square, it is extremely unique and very comfortable.
Artezen Hotel: The Arteen Hotel is a classic Wall Street boutique hotel. It is very close to Battery Park and has great complete rooms.
Eat Dim Sum In Chinatown
Id never eaten dim sum before moving to NYC, and boy was I missing out! Dim sum is a meal thats made up of a bunch of small dishes. Depending on where you go to get dim sum, youll either be handed a long list of foods to choose from, or waiters will meander around the restaurant with carts laden with various dishes. Youll then have to flag the cart over, pick out what you want, and theyll mark down your order for you so you can pay later. Two of the best-known dim sum restaurants in Chinatown are Nom Wah Tea Parlor and Golden Unicorn .
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Lose Yourself In Nyc Book Shops
Bibliophiles will love NYC, regardless of the elements. Whether youre looking to get your hands on a New York Times bestseller or a signed copy of an out-of-print work, there are plenty of locations to find exactly what youre looking for. You can take a quick trip to the New York Public library to browse titles and marvel at the impressive architecture, or you can drop into Left Bank Books for rare finds or Strand Bookstore for popular and new releases.
Sony Wonder Technology Lab
Great Place to Spend A Rainy Day Activity Here In New York!You will definitely love it at Sony Wonder Technology Lab, where you will find interesting exhibits and amazing workshops. The place is simply fun and educational, it is where kids can learn and have interests in the field of science and technology and also a place for adults to explore the many possibilities of science. The admission is free, everyone is welcome to see the amazing exhibits and discover something new and amazing things.Visit Sony Wonder Technology Lab today and make it a fun and memorable experience with the family.
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Ride The Subway And Write A Poem
LOCATION: NFTA Metro, 181 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, New York 14203
HOURS: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. 6 p.m.
PRICE: Standard Fare: $2
Perhaps rainy days might make you feel downright introspective. Personally, something about the grey sky and the sound and smell of the rain makes me want to write in a journal, or sketch. There is a quiet romanticism to rainy days which allows for you to let your inner poet out. So, if you have time to kill, take a $2 ride on the subway, and just start writing. Who knows? You might come up with something great or, you might just end up people-watching and writing down your grocery list. Either way, a little introspection never hurt anybody!
Other artistic/crafty options: Makers Class, The Albright Knox Art Gallery, Castellani Art Museum, Burchfield Penney Art Center
Although there are plenty of activities to choose from, this list covers an array of moods introspective, adventurous, relaxed, sociable, curious, etc. Its hard to say how youll feel on the next rainy day that hits, but, after looking at this list, hopefully, youll find something that suits you: even if you just ride the subway and take some time to write a haiku. In any case, Buffalo has plenty of options to ensure that youll never waste a rainy day, ever again.
Wander Around Grand Central Station
The main hall of Grand Central is lovely to look at, but did you know the station has lots of shops and restaurants inside of it as well? Theres even a little market inside if you get hungry halfway through the day and want some quality eats. You cant spend the whole day here, but you can easily burn a few hours wandering around. Free Tours by Foot offers a walking tour of Grand Central, which I recommend checking out. This terminal has such a rich history, and there are so many unique architectural features that you wont notice unless someone points it out to you.
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Have A Magical Experience At The Harry Potter Store
Visiting the Harry Potter Store in NYC is a great thing to do on a rainy day. While this store is quite popular, you will most likely have to wait to get in, yet the line is virtual. While waiting in the virtual queue, you can stay dry by grabbing a cup of coffee or browsing nearby shops. Visiting the Harry Potter Store is an incredible experience. There is plenty of Wizarding World merchandise to check out. Additionally, you can sip on butterbeer and partake in virtual experiences.
Go To The Un Headquarters
Located alongside the East River on 18 acres, is the United Nations Headquarters. Over 1 million people visit the UN annually, and if you are a history or architecture buff the spot is a must-see. Tickets are required for a visit, but you can usually score some with relatively short notice. During the weekdays, there is usually a guided tour, and as part of it, youll get to see the Economic and Social Council Chamber, Security Council Chamber and the Trusteeship Council Chamber.
Youll also find out how the UN deals with world issues as disarmament, peace, human rights and security. Lastly, a lot of New Yorkers havent set foot in UN Headquarters, so youd be one up on them if you visit.
Note: as of 4/22/21, the UN Headquarters is temporarily closed to the public.
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Take The Nbc Studio Tour
This was the very first thing my mom and I did on our first visit to NYCmainly because it was too cold outside to walk around.
The NBC Studio Tour is a must for anyone who wants to learn about the networks history.
Youll get to check out the world-famous studio 8H where SNL films, plus the studio Jimmy Fallon tapes in, and see behind the scenes where they film the nightly news.
Locals Tip: If you want to score tickets to a taping, check out this guide on how to apply early for your chance to win tickets. Youll want to apply well ahead of your visit to the city for most tapings.
Best Things To Do In Nyc On A Rainy Day
You just got to New York City and got surprised by not-so-amazing weather?
Dont worry! Luckily, there are many fun things to do in NYC when it rains, and in this post, you will find a good selection of them.
From gorgeous art museums to things such as adventure rock climbing, you will be sure to have a lot of fun even if its pouring outside.
In this post, you will find the best things to do indoors in New York on a rainy day.
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Test Your Strength At An Indoor Rock Climbing Spot
Unlike my exercise-obsessed friends, I have never hit a gym, not even once in my life. However, living in New York where people spend most of their free time seeking fit lifestyles, I should squeeze one or two physical activities into my life so that I wont regret it when I get older. This how I came across indoor rock climbing and became obsessed with it.
You can find this growing sport at the top climbing gyms in New York at the price of $10-$15 per session. Some of the popular ones that worth your visit are:
The Spa At Mandarin Oriental
For those who spend most of the time hunched over their laptops, go to this luxury spa snuggled in the 5-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel for a neck, shoulder, and hand-focused treatment.
If you are looking for a more luxurious retreat, try one of their wellness rituals like the three hour Thai Yoga Journey that uses Thai yoga massage to help you find balance inside and out.
After the SPA, if you are in the mood for some fine food, take the elevator to the 35th floor and try Asiate. It is a Michelin restaurant that offers delicious and elegant modern American cuisine.
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Visit Grand Central Terminal
What to do in new york when it rains? When its raining in NYC, make sure to stay inside as much as possible. Protect yourself from the rainy weather by taking a tour through the Grand Central Terminal. I highly recommend booking an official self-guided tour with headsets to explore every corner of Grand Central.
All you have to do is putting on your headset and get ready for an informative 1-hour tour of the world-famous Grand Central Terminal. You will learn about the history of the terminal and its architectural features, and how it has featured in many popular movies and TV shows. Sure you can also just walk inside and check it out yourself, but the tour will take you behind the scenes and show you parts of the terminal that you probably would have never seen by yourself.
Experience Vr At Vr World Nyc
If you havent tried this rising technology, which brings you into a world of supernatural creatures or gives you the thrill of roller coasters while sitting on a chair, you must have been living under a rock!
An attraction by day and an entertainment lounge by night, VR World, the U.S. largest mixed reality entertainment center showcasing over 50 unique experiences from art and film to gaming and multiplayer features is the perfect spot to hit during a rainy day to jazz up your routine.
There are two types of tickets. One is a two-hour pass priced at $44, and the other one is an all-day pass, which is $64. Each ticket is valid for 30 days after purchase.
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Visit The 9/11 Museum
The 9/11 Museum and memorials arent for the faint of heart, but I really think you should visit them whether youre American or not. The terrorist attacks on September 11th occurred when I was in first grade, so I dont remember them at all. As such, I had no idea what to expect when I first visited this museum. I was completely overwhelmed by it all the personal items rescued from the rubble, the voicemail messages left by people in the hijacked planes, the play-by-play videos describing exactly what happened inside the Twin Towers after the planes hit them.
Although I left the museum with a heavy heart, Im so happy I went. Having not lived through it myself, Ill never fully understand what exactly happened on 9/11, but I think its so important that you visit this museum once in your life. This is one of the best, but most challenging, things to do in NYC when it rains. Give yourself at least four hours to see everything, and bring tissues.
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