What to do on a rainy day
Boston, Massachusetts skyline

Massachusetts

What to do on a rainy day in Boston

Cold rain is half of Boston's calendar — the museums, taverns, and library halls are built for it.

Boston, Massachusetts is one of the most-visited destinations in the United States, and a wet forecast doesn't have to ruin a trip. This guide collects 20 hand-picked, fully indoor things to do in Boston when it rains — everything from world-class museums to neighborhood food halls, working theaters, and quiet bookstores where you can wait out the weather over a cup of coffee.

Every recommendation below is something you can do entirely under a roof — no walking tours, no open-air piers, no rooftops. We've grouped them by 12 museums and cultural institutions, 2 theaters and performance venues, and 2 indoor food and drink spots, with direct links to each venue's official website so you can check hours, ticket prices, and current exhibitions before you head out.

20 indoor things to do in Boston when it rains

Grouped by what kind of afternoon you're after.

Museums & galleries

Big, ticketed collections you can lose half a day in — perfect when the forecast says all-day showers.

  1. Tour the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
  2. Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
  3. Explore the Boston Public Library McKim Building
  4. Tour the New England Aquarium
  5. Visit the Museum of Science
  6. Tour the Old State House Museum
  7. Tour the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library
  8. Tour the Mary Baker Eddy Library and Mapparium
  9. Visit the Harvard Art Museums in Cambridge
  10. Tour the MIT Museum
  11. Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
  12. Tour the USS Constitution Museum

Theaters, music & film

Matinees, jazz sets, and indie cinemas — the most reliable rainy-day plans in any city.

  1. Catch a show at the Boston Symphony Orchestra
  2. Catch a film at the Coolidge Corner Theatre

Food halls, markets & tasting rooms

Indoor markets, distilleries, tea rooms and dim sum — eat slowly while the storm passes.

  1. Eat through the Quincy Market food hall
  2. Eat clam chowder at a Faneuil Hall tavern

Shops, bookstores & workshops

Independent bookstores, indoor boutiques, and hands-on classes that turn a wet afternoon into a souvenir.

  1. Browse the indoor Harvard Coop bookstore

More indoor ideas

Workshops, classes, and one-of-a-kind interiors that don't fit a tidy category.

  1. Browse Trident Booksellers & Café
  2. Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art on the waterfront
  3. Catch a Bruins or Celtics game at TD Garden

Frequently asked questions about rainy days in Boston

What can you do in Boston when it rains?
Plenty. Boston's strongest rainy-day options are its museums, theaters, and indoor markets — this guide lists 20 curated spots, all fully indoor. A reliable starting point is to the museum of fine arts, boston.
Are these activities good for families with kids?
Most are. Aquariums, science museums, food halls, and bookstores work well for all ages. For families, prioritize ticketed museums with hands-on exhibits and indoor markets where kids can move around freely between bites.
What's the best rainy-day plan in Boston if I only have a few hours?
Pick one anchor — usually a museum or a covered market near your hotel — and pair it with a nearby café or bookstore. Most venues on this list are clustered in walkable, transit-friendly neighborhoods, so you can string two or three together without spending much time outside.
Do I need tickets in advance?
For major museums, popular Broadway-style shows, and ticketed tours, yes — rainy days are when locals and tourists alike crowd indoor attractions, and walk-up availability can disappear by lunchtime. Use the official links in each listing to book before you go.

More rainy-day guides

Heading somewhere else next? These city guides pair well with Boston.