What are the Best Things to Do in NYC at Night
Looking for the best things to do in NYC at night? We have you covered!
New York City really needs no introduction. Everyone knows something about the city that never sleeps, and everyone has wanted to visit or live in the city at some point. There’s just something so special and magical about New York, and there’s something that draws every single person to it.
The city is considered by many to be the capital of the world because of its innovative and creative minds and its world recognized fashion, art, and entertainment industries. And as such, it is always a popular destination for its in vogue atmosphere, great food and restaurants, and of course amazing nightlife.
20+ Best Things to do in New York City at Night!
New York has been home for almost 9 years… it’s really crazy to think about it! It is the city I have lived the longest in (except for my birthplace of Havana) and it’ll forever be my all-time favorite destination around the world.
There’s always something to do in and around the Big Apple, and every other weekend night it will feel like you’re stepping into completely different worlds.
Obviously there are the main attractions and destinations that are very well-known, but the city has so much more to offer than that. And after many years of New York City life, of going out and having the best time with my New York friends and sharing with my family and friends from out of town, I think I’ve learned a thing or two that you might want to know about!
So today, I’m sharing the best things to do in NYC at night, including some popular destinations and many others that are more off the beaten path.
Broadway Show
Going to Broadway shows is one of the most iconic and fun things to do in NYC at night. There are over 30 productions every year, and more than 10 million people attend the musicals annually. Some of the most prestigious plays throughout the years have been the Lion King, Hamilton, Chicago, The Phantom of the Opera, Aladin … All of them have showcased some of the best performers and entertainers in the world!
The show's entrance fees are normally quite expensive, but the city and some art-related organizations offer initiatives like the TKTS Discount Booths, Broadway for Broke People and NYC Broadway Week. Depending on the option you choose, tickets can be half the regular price, sometimes even less. Just make sure you head to the booth location really early to avoid the 2 hours + lines. Since it’s indoors, a Broadway show is also the perfect thing to do on winter nights in New York!
Shakespeare in the Park
Another favorite artsy night-time activity of New Yorkers is enjoying a Shakespearan play in Central Park. Free Shakespeare in the Park runs in the Delacorte Theater every summer from July to September. To get tickets, theater goers can do one of two things: apply through the online lottery systems, or go to the park on the day of the performance when they distribute them in the Park.
For visitors who might have some time restrictions regarding when they can go see Shakespeare in the Park, I recommend the on-site distribution. This way, you’ll have higher chances to get a ticket, especially if you are among the first ones in line. The earlier you get there the better! You might have to wait an hour or two, but this is the best way to be sure that you’ll be able to attend the show.
Edge
New York's dramatic cityscape has gained a new golden child! Edge is the highest open-air observatory deck in North America. The building offers a combination of outdoor/indoor spaces boasting astounding panoramic views of New York City’s skyline. It’s open all day long, but the views are especially amazing during sunset and at night.
Daredevil visitors can now add City Climb to their Edge experience and go outside of the building attached to the harness, climbing up 1,000+ feet from the ground. Make sure you’re not afraid of heights before trying this one!
Edge Observation Deck is located just steps away from the Vessel in the Hudson area complex and opens daily from 10AM to 10 PM.
Lincoln Center
Among the most popular things to do in New York City at night are going to a concert, a ballet or an opera show. The Lincoln Center hosts hundreds of events and performances every year, as it houses emblematic art organizations such as the New York City Ballet, Juilliard School of Music, the Metropolitan Opera, and the New York Philharmonic.
Each individual company organizes its own calendar and sets up events, but the common denominator is the quality of art. Most productions offer accessible ticket options that can be found in the official website of the Theater Development Fund (TDF). Definitely check out the list and find out what will be on when you’re in town!
Outdoor Movies
It's no secret that spending more time outside is the goal of every New Yorker once the warmer summer months come along! Knowing this, the city organizes many festivals and events every summer, most of which are free. One that you won’t want to miss is Summer Movies!
The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation offers free movie screenings in different parks around the city. Some of my favorite locations to watch are Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park and Bryant Park. There are other year-round locations where you can go watch a movie while also looking at the iconic city view and the stars.
My new favorite is Skyline Drive-In, where the panoramic Manhattan views are on the house all night long!
The Meatpacking District
The Meatpacking District and neighboring areas are one of the most happening and hottest streets in NYC at night. It's full of fun places to eat and drink, great rooftops, stylish bars, awesome clubs, and other unique things to do!
The Standard Biergarten, Le Bain, and Bagatelle are just a few of the most visited destinations in the area every night. Walk around the exhilarating streets and explore some really fun bars like The Tippler (right below Chelsea Market) before making your way to another of the most amazing things to do in NYC at night…
Gallow Green Rooftop and Sleep No More
Gallow Green is one of the coolest rooftops in the city. They have a year-round terrace that changes decor seasonably, and they also host the interactive theatrical Shakespearean play Sleep No More. The tickets are a bit expensive but the experience is one of a kind and it's a very famous activity among the locals. If you can manage to fit it into your budget, I highly recommend it!
Rockefeller Center: SNL & seasonal events
The Rockefeller Center and its plaza complex runs all the way from 48th to 51th St., and is a famous destination that has some of the greatest tourist attractions in New York City.
Two fun activities to do in the area are to head to the Top of the Rock and experience the city landscape at night, and to go to one of the live tapings of Saturday Night Live. Travelers who choose to visit the Top of the Rock will be rewarded with 360 views of the city from its 3 decks.
Free tickets for SNL, along with some other popular shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers, are offered through a lottery system or on the official website of the show.
During the holiday season, a few things you won’t want to miss are the 5th Avenue/Saks lights show that happens every night, the ice skating rink, and the Christmas tree lighting.
Speakeasies
One of the most amazing experiences to have in any given NYC night is going to a speakeasy. Taking inspiration from secret prohibition era bars, New York has several establishments that transport you back in time while trying to keep it “hidden”.
Choosing some favorites is hard, as pretty much every speakeasy in New York has a super cool vibe and an incredible list of cocktails!
If you have never been in a speakeasy bar before, the The Back Room has the perfect setting, history and colorful experience for you! Located in the Lower East Side, on Norfolk St, behind a small gate with a sign that reads LOWER EAST SIDE TOY COMPANY, the Back Room is a great introduction to speakeasy life if you’ve never been to one before.
When you first step in, you’ll immediately think you're heading into a really sketchy underground space and you’ll probably find yourself imagining Jack the Ripper. Instead, you’ll arrive at a heavenly bar covered in red velvet and serving cocktails in teacups. There’s some awesome history too: the Bar was actually running back in the 1920s. Amazing!
Arguably the founding father of all the new wave speakeasies in New York is Attaboy. The place is small, with a long narrow bar and lots of high stools to sit at. Cocktails are often personalized, and the place is IT if you want to impress your date!
Bathtub Gin is another super fun bar that’s hidden at the back of a working coffee shop. In the main bar, a copper bathtub takes the center of attention and serves to give this establishment incredible vibes!
Some other speakeasies worth checking out if you have time (or want to indulge in some hide and seek games) are: Employees Only and The Garret and Angel Share’s.
Sport Events and Games
If you have visited the city a few times or have lived in New York for a few months, you’ll quickly learn that sports are a big part of the city's culture. There’s always a sports event going on in New York, so for a sports fan New York is literally heaven on earth.
Baseball connoisseurs will want to visit the iconic Yankee Stadium to see arguably the most famous baseball team in the world. Baseball season takes place every year from March to October, and it's the perfect night time activity to do during the summer!
Going to a basketball game is among the top fun things to do in New York at night, but there are other sports as well. Basketball season is from October to April (although play-offs may be happening in June) and there are two main teams in the city. The New York Knicks play in Madison Square Garden, and the Brooklyn Nets in the Barclays Center.
MSG in particular is a world renowned stadium, so it might be worth a trip even if you’re not a huge fan of the sport! There are also tons of concerts and other events in the venue, so check the schedule before your visit.
Going to an ice hockey game is a mandatory winter activity for many New Yorkers. You’ll be in for some fast paced action, and it’s always fun to cheer for the home team with the crowd. The season starts in October and ends in June! Go Rangers!
Tribeca: Grand Banks
Exploring some of Tribeca is another of the best things to do in New York at night. Among all of the really good restaurants in the area, one place always comes to mind when talking about Tribeca evenings and NYC after dark highlights: Grand Banks!
Grand Banks is a docked restaurant-boat with an exquisite design, unique outdoor space, and dramatic views of the river that will immediately transport you to summer in the Mediterranean. It is open all year-round, and its main area has a bar with high stools as well as table seating all across the ship’s deck.
Seafood and oyster oriented meals are served 7 days a week, accompanied by maritime inspired cocktails. It's a simple yet elegant place, and there’s no greater destination in the city to be during sunset, or even to celebrate the 4th of July!
Craving some oysters, a glass of rose, and some summer breeze in your hair while in Brooklyn? Grand Banks’ sister boat Pilot is docked at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6 and opens seasonably during the warmer months. If you enjoyed climbing aboard Grand Banks, Pilot is the perfect way to keep the party rolling!
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is without a doubt one of the most iconic bridges in the world, and it’s one of the most spectacular places you’ll visit in all of New York City. Walking or biking across the bridge is always a great idea, but doing it at night will give you a new perspective of the city and also let you beat the heavy crowds.
Some other good times to go across the bridge are either during early morning hours (to watch the sunrise) or during sunset. The best way to experience it is to go from the Brooklyn side to Manhattan. The views from the bridge are simply heart-stopping! Crossing the bridge by foot takes approximately an hour.
Ferry Ride
A great way to see some of the incredible lights of NYC at night and get to some of the best downtown attractions is to ride on one of the many New York ferries.
The Staten Island Ferry is free, and will take you close to classic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
The NYC Ferry is a great means of public transportation in the city. It costs the same as a bus or subway ride, but you’ll get the incredible views and a pleasant and enjoyable ride on the house. NYC ferries also offer on board refreshments, snacks, and alcoholic beverages like beer and wine.
A win-win situation for everyone who wants to go on a river dinner cruise for a steal of the regular price!
My favorite route to take whenever I want to go cruising is the Soundview route. It lasts approximately one hour and goes from Pier 11 (Downtown Wall St) to 90th St (UES nearby Central Park) and vice versa, navigating all the way up or down the East River. Go check it out any time of the day, but especially at night. You can thank me later!
Governors Island
Governors Island is a small island and public park located just offshore Manhattan, and is open all year round. A super fun thing to do on the island at night is going to one of the glamping retreats that they host during the late spring and summer.
You’ll get to stay in a fancy tent and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city “at rest.” And if you don't want to stay the night, you can still head to the island to have a fun dinner or drinks while watching the sun set. Ferries to get to the island are free of cost, and depart from several different downtown stations.
Dead Rabbit
For drinks enthusiasts and cocktail lovers, a visit to the famous Dead Rabbit bar is among the top ten things to do in NYC at night. Dead Rabbit is a can’t-miss stop when visiting downtown Manhattan, Battery Park and the FIDI area. With a variety of whiskey-focused drinks, from Irish Coffee to Old-Fashioned cocktails , this vintage inspired bar and restaurant offers unique drinks that will transport you back in time.
Acclaimed Guinness and rum and vodka mixed drinks are also part of the menu... the place has a bit of everything for everyone, all of it!
Seaport
Seaport is one of the oldest neighborhoods in New York City, dating back to the 17th century. It is the kind of cool New York City destination that draws visitors back to the area over and over. The neighborhood is located right next to the Brooklyn Bridge, so it boasts awe-inspiring views of the river. And there’s always so much to explore in the area!
There are cute boutiques, cool cafes, and plenty of different things to do in and around the characteristic historic cobblestone streets of Seaport.
Among some of my favorite activities to do during the day are: going on one of the free historic ship tours, visiting the South Street Seaport Museum, or heading to one of their many seasonal art exhibitions.
At night, there are also plenty of cool things to try! At night, there are also plenty of cool things to try! Some of our top recommendations include: the IPIC cinema to try the whole restaurant and movie experience, or The Greens rooftop for either a cozy cabin rooftop weekend in the winter or a fun concert in the summer.
House of Yes
House of Yes is one of the coolest, wildest, and liviest clubs in New York City, and it’s a prime night time destination if you want to dance the night away or just go to see some really cool performers.
Fridays and Saturdays are for dancing, fun, and even getting blown away by Cirque du Soleil style performers! On weekdays they host many different events and live performing artists and singers.
Spend the Night in a Museum
Have you ever spent a night in a museum? Many of New York City's most famous museums offer late closing hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Visiting a museum at night is among the coolest experiences that New York art institutions offer to both locals and visitors!
Out of all of the museums in New York, The Whitney Museum has the latest closing time. The art institution closes at 10pm on Fridays, making it an awesome destination for night owl art lovers. Other options include the New Museum of Contemporary Art, which closes on Thursdays at 9PM.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest (and my personal favorite) museum in NYC. They close on Fridays and Saturdays at 9PM. This gives you enough time to not only explore the main exhibits and admire the world-renowned pieces after dark, but also to head to its amazing rooftop wine bar (which closes at 10PM) to admire the views of Manhattan and Central Park at night.
Probably one of the top 10 coolest things to do in NYC at night is a sleepover in the American Museum of Natural History. The museum offers different sleepovers depending on your age group (6-13, 6-16, 21+) so we can all go on a nocturnal dinosaur fossil finding mission. I have heard it's quite amazing!
Costs are on the high side ($150 per kid and $350 per adult) but if you are celebrating your young child's birthday in New York and you can afford it this might be the way to go!
Another museum offering sleepovers, slumber parties, and overnight stays is The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum!
One World Observatory
The One World Observatory is the tallest building in New York City, and as such the views from the top of the One World Trade Center Complex are nothing short of visually incredible!
They offer several tours and experiences, including VIP touring, drinking, and shopping. It is also one of the greatest things to do in NYC at night if you want to dine with a spectacular view in a very romantic setting!
Chelsea Piers
Looking for a few things to do in New York at night with a group of your closest friends? Chelsea Piers might just be your place! Here you can do almost everything and anything, although most options do involve some kind of fun active sport like rock climbing, batting cages, or ice skating.
The complex is also popular for its golfing area and its bowling alley. There aren’t many places in the world where you can hit tee shots with an incredible city view, so round up some friends and make the trip over to Chelsea Piers!
Food Markets: Time Out Market, Eataly, Mercado Little Spain
Time Out Market is one of my favorite places to go and have a simple and fun night in the city. This food hall is located in Brooklyn and its main area features more than 20 local vendors. The riverfront market first opened its door in 2019 and it has since then served as a popular hangout for both locals and tourists.
Time Out guarantees not only amazing food flavors but also incredible drinks and entertainment. The creators of the market also host local musicians on the rooftop almost every weekend!
Other great NYC indoor and outdoor food markets that we recommend are:
Mercado Little Spain in the Hudson Yards area serves mostly tapas and Spanish-oriented dishes. The market is run by well-known Michelin star chefs and Spanish food connoisseurs, so you know that what you get will be pretty authentic and totally amazing!
Eataly NYC is the Italian sister of Mercado Little Spain. They have several locations throughout Manhattan, but we always recommend the Flatiron one. If your in the mood for pasta and cheese, this is definitely your kind of place!
Essex Market is the most historic market in the city. There you can not only buy fresh food and produce to have a dinner party at home, but you can also order some burgers and beer to enjoy sitting down while overlooking Delancey St. There are also some good cafes inside, so get your caffeine fix while you’re at it!
Travelers visiting during late December/ January and spending the Christmas holidays in the city should go to Bryant Park and explore their popular Christmas holiday shops and market.
Empire State Building
The Empire State is a force in the city sky, and is always one of the most visited tourist destinations in New York. It’s located in the midtown area, and after its completion in 1931 it was for a long time one of the tallest buildings in NYC. Its Art Deco style makes the tower one of the most grand structures in Manhattan.
Travelers can visit until 9PM and they have the opportunity to go up to the 86th and 102nd floor and their respective observation decks. Express VIP tickets will allow you to skip the long lines and make the best of your time, so you can start your visit during sunset and finish after dark. Truly iconic!
DUMBO
Did you know DUMBO stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass? DUMBO is among my favorite neighborhoods in New York City, and it’s a great place to explore some of Brooklyn. The area boasts iconic views of Manhattan, the Manhattan and the Brooklyn bridges, and more. So for photography enthusiasts, this is one of the best things to do in NYC at night.
The nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park, River Cafe, and 1 Brooklyn Hotel Bridge Park’s rooftop are some incredible places to spend a fun NYC night.
Local’s Tip: If you are spending a few days in New York City during the peak season (spring and summer months) and want to take an insta-famous picture in front of the Manhattan bridge, a great way to beat the crowds is to head to the area after dark! It’s harder to take a pic in the dark of course, but if you can pull it off you’ll get a unique look and fewer crowds!
Jazz Clubs
Jazz Clubs have been a staple in the New York City nightlife for many years now. The city hosts some of the best artists around the world every weekend, and going to one of the clubs is a must while in New York. Three of my favorite places that I always recommend are:
Village Vanguard has been bringing the best Jazz performances to New Yorkers since the 1960’s and they are very well known in the city music scene. Not only do they host some of the best individual Jazz players in the world in their small basement, they also bring a Jazz Orchestra that sounds like no other. Check out one of the regular appearances every Monday, rain or shine!
Fine & Rare is a famous jazz venue in the city that also serves delicious food and cocktails. The roster of Jazz musicians and artists changes every day, but they always have talented performers such as Brian Newman.
Another funky and fun basement establishment, Zinc Bar has counted names like Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday among its regulars. The vintage themed bar not only has great taste in music, but also great decadent decor! African and Caribbean rhythms are often incorporated into the jazz that you’ll hear in Zinc Bar, giving it a somewhat unique sound and definitely making it worth checking out!
Soho & Nolita Restaurants
Soho is undoubtedly NYC's most famous shopping quarter, housing almost every high-end boutique in the planet as well as popular stores like Zara and H&M. Nolita is in my opinion the cooler, unpretentious neighbor. The trendy “North of Little Italy “ neighborhood is the place to go shopping for smaller, independent and refreshing brands, the kind that young celebrities love. The Nolita and Soho areas are famous not only for stores and boutiques, but also for celebrity beloved restaurants and bars.
Some very well known restaurants in these neighborhoods and nearby include Balthazar, Carbone, and Lure Fishbar. Head there for a chance to be starstruck while in New York, just make sure to make your table reservations in advance!
Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is the perfect laid-back nighttime destination in New York City. Locals of the area love to spend their casual evenings people-watching, listening to the street performers, and taking pictures in front of the Arch. Feeling like some romantic Parisian nights while in New York? Washington Square Park just might be the closest you can get in the city!
Comedy Clubs
Comedy Clubs are such a big part of New York, and spending a few hours in one is another of the funnest things to do in NYC at night. Some always great destinations for those looking for a good laugh are:
The iconic Comedy Cellar is probably the IT place in the city if you are into Comedy Clubs. Every night features a different lineup, always filled with super talented local comedians. If you want more established comedians, big names in the industry often come in and perform as an unannounced surprise. If you are heading there on the weekend, expect some lines and a very full venue.
New York Comedy Club, Gotham Comedy Club and Greenwich Village Comedy Club are also always a great idea. Depending on which is closer or more convenient to you, choose one and enjoy the cool basement spaces that fill up with laughter everyday after 7PM.
Times Square
There’s no place in New York City as iconic as Times Square. I still remember how I felt the first time I went to Times Square and saw the big screens, the billboards and the yellow cabs. Talk about the classic New York City atmosphere!
The area is always a bit crowded, although the crowds tend to thin out during the night, but the effects of the lights and the energy of the city become even more powerful and beautiful after dark. That’s why I always include it as one of the things to do in New York City at night for first time visitors.
Even though the area is not necessarily a favorite for local New Yorkers due to the amount of tourists and the craziness of the streets, I think it is something everyone should experience at least once. It can hardly get more New York than that!
TWA Airport Hotel
If you are flying out of New York City from the Kennedy International Airport(JFK), you have to experience one of the coolest new additions to the airport. The TWA Hotel and terminal complex is a step back in time while maintaining all the best modern amenities.
If you choose to spend a night in one of the newly renovated rooms you’ll get to see some dramatic runaway views and spend some time at the rooftop pool and observation deck. A dinner at the Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant in the premises is also a must!
A Few Additional Tips On Things To Do In NYC at Night
Regardless of what adventures you choose and places you visit, New York City is such a fun and upbeat destination that you’ll always have the time of your life! Below, we are sharing a few more recommendations and additional tips for your list of best things to do in NYC at night. Hopefully you’ll find them useful and they’ll help you to organize your schedule easier.
Transportation Tips
New York City has three major nearby airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) , and Newark International Airport (EWR). You can easily commute from any of them to the city via via taxi, Ubers, subway, bus… (even a helicopter tour) all of which are very reliable.
Prices vary depending on the means of transportation. Taxis have a flat fare that runs around $55 from Manhattan to JFK, including taxes and surcharges. Uber and Lyts used to be the more economical option but have recently increased their fares considerably. Buses and subways take longer but have the most reasonable prices.
New York City is an amazing walkable city. You can get almost anywhere in New York by walking or biking, though don’t underestimate the distance! The city is designed for the use of public transportation: subway and buses are reliable and run frequently. There are also apps and information booths on many of the subway stations in case you find it confusing to navigate at first.
Best Time To Visit
Visiting NYC is always a great idea no matter the season! Every month has something fun and interesting to offer. With that said, my favorite time of the year in New York is late Spring. Late April and May brings blooms all over the city, and you can enjoy the really nice temperatures and the weather benefits.
Fall is a close second, and summer is also a great season to go to fun rooftops and enjoy all the outdoor activities that the city offers. Winter revolves around holiday and Christmas celebrations, while January and February are among the most affordable months to visit New York!
Hotel Recommendations
There are plenty of options to choose from when visiting New York. It all depends on which area you want to make your home base and what the budget you allocated for stay is.
Booking a hotel is always a great idea; it's hard to beat the comfort, amenities, and safety that they offer, but New York also has plenty of apartment listings as well that are a great alternative. Just make sure to book your stay in advance, as places tend to sell out fast during key dates and peak season.
Some hotel options to consider are:
General Travel Tips
If you are visiting New York and planning to explore several of the better known tourist attractions, options like the New York Pass and the Explorer Pass offer discounts on admission fees to popular sights, tourist destinations, and museums. A few offers include places like The Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, Edge, Luna Park at Coney Island and The Statue of Liberty. If you’re planning to visit multiple of the city’s iconic sights, definitely look into getting one of these passes!
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I hope you have a fun time while in the city! Let us know in the comments which of the activities we shared was your favorite!
Besitos from New York City,
Laura
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