When summer in the city turns steamy, savvy travelers and locals alike head indoors to beat the heat. While rooftop bars and outdoor festivals often steal the spotlight, some of the best things to do in NYC in the summer happen within the cool comfort of air conditioning.
If you're staying near Midtown East, there are numerous stylish, cultural, and entertaining indoor options within a short walking distance. Whether you're a museum buff, a shopper, or simply looking for a unique experience that won’t leave you sweating, here’s a guide to some of the best things to do in New York City this summer indoors.
A cultural powerhouse in Midtown, the Museum of Modern Art is an essential indoor destination any time of year, but it’s especially welcoming in the summer.
It’s about an 11-minute walk from the Concorde Hotel, where you can spend a few blissfully cool hours perusing works by van Gogh, Matisse, and Warhol, along with cutting-edge rotating exhibitions.
MoMA’s airy galleries and carefully controlled climate make it an ideal respite from the heat—and the museum shop and café offer extra reasons to linger.
If the idea of escaping into rare books, manuscripts, and art appeals to you, don’t miss The Morgan Library & Museum. This lesser-known Midtown gem is a peaceful, elegant indoor retreat located approximately a 22-minute walk or a 10-minute rideshare away from the Concorde Hotel.
Explore the lavish rooms of financier J.P. Morgan’s private library, filled with illuminated texts and Renaissance paintings. The air-conditioned reading rooms and rotating exhibitions offer a quiet respite from the bustling New York streets.
For many, summer is synonymous with sales, and there’s no better place to indulge in retail therapy than the iconic Bloomingdale’s flagship. Whether you're on the hunt for high-end fashion, accessories, or beauty products, this massive, multi-level department store is a luxurious, air-conditioned haven that’s only a 7-minute walk from the Concorde Hotel.
You can easily spend an entire afternoon browsing, sampling fragrances, and people-watching. Don’t forget to stop by Magnolia Bakery on the basement level for a cool iced latte and a cupcake.
This isn’t your typical observation deck. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, located a 18-minute walk from the Concorde Hotel, is an immersive, multi-sensory experience 1,000 feet above Midtown. The climate-controlled interior combines mirrored floors, art installations, and panoramic views for a dazzling, surreal indoor adventure.
It’s one of the best things to do in NYC in the summer when the city feels too hot to handle. Be sure to bring sunglasses—the reflections from the mirrors and skyline can be intense, even indoors.
When you want to relax, recharge, and escape into a cinematic world, the elegant Paris Theater is the place to go. An 11-minute walk from the Concorde Hotel, this historic, single-screen cinema, now operated by Netflix, features indie and foreign films in a plush, air-conditioned setting.
With its Art Deco architecture and upscale atmosphere, it offers a refined alternative to the typical blockbuster multiplex. It’s a hidden gem for things to do in New York for the summer when you need an indoor timeout.
Part museum, part interactive experience, Spyscape is a fascinating dive into the world of espionage, located just a 14-minute rideshare or around a 20-minute walk from the Concorde Hotel. Learn about real-life spies, test your lie-detection skills, and navigate a laser tunnel—all in a sleek, air-conditioned venue.
Perfect for both kids and adults, this museum feels more like a game than a history lesson. It’s ideal for those days when you want to be indoors but still want an active, engaging experience.
The Japan Society is a peaceful indoor escape that blends traditional and contemporary Japanese culture, about a 17- minute walk from the Concorde Hotel.
The rotating art exhibitions are curated with care, and the tranquil ambiance is a welcome change of pace from the busy city streets. Their indoor tea room and quiet garden views offer a meditative way to cool off and regroup.
Once a private office and salon, this speakeasy-style bar tucked inside Grand Central Terminal is perfect for an elevated afternoon cocktail in a grand, air-conditioned space.
With soaring ceilings, rich wood paneling, and plush seating, The Campbell is a swanky way to wind down or escape midday sun.
Order a classic gin and tonic, soak in the cool air, and imagine yourself in another era. It’s just a 17-minute walk from the Concorde Hotel, and it offers a welcome retreat from the midday heat.
Summer in New York is vibrant, but it doesn’t have to be sweltering. From museums and galleries to observation decks and hidden cocktail bars, there’s no shortage of things to do in NYC that keep you comfortably indoors.
And if you book a stay at the Concorde Hotel, you're perfectly positioned to enjoy all these indoor escapes within walking distance or a quick ride away. After a day of stylish summer adventures in the cool, retreat to your serene room at the Concorde and recharge for another day in the city.