New York, one of America's most famous cities, is known as the city that never sleeps: from late-night attractions to wonderful rooftop bars, from Broadway shows to all-night discos, here you will find entertainment for all tastes! The city is really big, but the best borough to stay in is definitely Manhattan.
Here are all our tips for enjoying New York nightlife to the full.
First time in New York? Take a tour of the cult venues with a local!
Throw yourself into New York nightlife with a tour of speakeasies and Prohibition history, including free shots and drinks and VIP access to New York's cult clubs. Info and cost here.
Where to go at night: streets, areas and neighbourhoods
In New York you will find clubs on every corner, even open 24 hours. Wherever you go there will be no shortage of pubs, bars or restaurants, as well as clubs or rooftop bars. Certainly Times Square and Broadway are the beating heart of Manhattan: here among the billboards and neon lights it seems to be daytime even at night. Other landmarks are the West Village, Soho, the Lower East Side and Chelsea, all located between Midtown and Lower Manhattan.
To get around you can rely on the underground: active at all hours, it covers the whole city. But if you don't feel like using transport, you can rely on Uber, which is very active in the city.
As for the hours, the clubs start filling up around 10pm and close around 4am, while the average admission varies from $20.00 (€20.40) to $40.00 (€40.80) depending on the club, often women get in free. Rooftop bars, on the other hand, are open during the day and close around 2:00 or 3:00. However, you will also find restaurants and clubs open 24 hours a day - there is always something to do in New York. But be careful about age: in many places you have to be 21 years old to get in and have a drink! Always carry an identity document with you, preferably your passport, as you may be asked for it by security when you enter the premises. Finally, be aware of the dress code: in most cases there is no dress code, but especially in rooftop bars the motto is'dress to impress', after all you are in New York.
Is New York City dangerous at night? New York is a big city, and as in all big cities, care must be taken especially at night. But in general it is quite safe, you can move around without any problems. Definitely avoid areas like the South Bronx or the southernmost part of Brooklyn. Better to stay in Manhattan.
Time Square and Broadway
Times Square is the beating heart of New York, a true symbol of the city that never sleeps. Definitely a place to visit both by day and by night, full of clubs of all kinds. Moreover, it is very easy to reach: almost all underground lines intersect here and you can easily reach it from any point in Manhattan.
In Times Square you will find clubs of all kinds and, above all, here you will find Broadway, one of the most famous streets in all of New York! Impossible not to attend at least one show, it is a truly unique experience. For example, you can catch the musical The Lion King, the musical Aladdin or Moulin Rouge! The Musical. What's more, there is no real time for nightlife: Times Square is crowded at all hours of the day, with restaurants also open 24 hours, shops open until late and clubs with live music all night long.
Thecult venues in the area are the renowned Birdland Jazz Club and Ellen's Stardust Diner. For those who tend more towards alternative and live music venues, we recommend The Rum House and the Hard Rock Café. For a quieter evening, we recommend the St. Cloud Rooftop Bar, the Skylark and Bar 54, and for an aperitif or romantic dinner, Friedman's At The Edison. If you're going at dinnertime, opt for the elegant STK Steakhouse Midtown NYC which also offers DJ sets.
Chelsea and Meatpacking District
We now move on to Midtown, where you'll find one of the key nightlife districts, Chelsea. Here you will find some of the city's most beautiful attractions, such as the High Line or the new Edge observation deck, from which you can also admire the city at night. To get there, you will have to travel by metro: the reference stop is Penn Station, where the A, C and E lines run.
Chelsea is a redeveloped neighbourhood that now enjoys a wonderful atmosphere and, above all, is home to the Meatpacking District, with a high concentration of nightclubs and rooftop bars. The district is frequented by people of all ages, including many tourists, and is the ideal area in which to stay up late, with clubs that close around 4:00 a.m. In addition, in Chelsea you will find Madison Square Garden, the famous stadium where the NBA's New York Knicks also play between events and concerts, a must-see for basketball lovers.
Cult venues in the area are the renowned Marquee New York and 230 Fifth. For those who tend more towards alternative and live music venues, we recommend TAO Downtown Nightclub and Le Bain. For a quieter evening we recommend the Gansevoort Rooftop, Sandbar Rooftop and Gallow Green, and for an aperitif or romantic dinner the RH Rooftop Restaurant New York and Catch NYC.
West Village
Some of New York's liveliest neighbourhoods are to be found in Lower Manhattan, and one of the landmarks is the fashionable West Village. It is also home to some iconic locations from well-known American films and TV series, such as Carrie's flat from Sex & The City and the iconic flat from Friends. To reach the neighbourhood you have to take the metro: the reference stop is Christopher St Station, lines 1 and 2.
The West Village mainly attracts fashionable people and a trendy nightlife, thanks to its boutiques, high-end restaurants, jazz clubs and lounge bars. The clubs fill up as soon as the offices close and the party continues all night long. In addition, this district is one of the landmarks of the LGBT community. Finally, there is also no shortage of cabarets, piano bars and theatres to satisfy all demands.
Thecult venues in the area are the renowned Village Vanguard, Café Wha? and Stonewall Inn. For those who tend more towards live music and entertainment venues, we recommend the Blue Note Jazz Club and the Comedy Cellar. For a quieter evening we recommend The Ready Rooftop Bar, and for an aperitif or romantic dinner the St Tropez West Village.
Soho
Soho is Manhattan's artistic and shopping district, an area to discover by day and by night! The most characteristic area is definitely the Cast Iron District, where most of the famous cast-iron buildings with exterior fire escapes are located. To reach the district, you have to take the underground: the reference station is the Broadway-Lafayette Street Station, served by the B, D, F, M and 6 lines.
Soho is full of exclusive restaurants and nightclubs in which to spend the evening. It is also definitely one of the places to visit in the evening, losing yourself among its many bars. Again, the district is frequented by a clientele of all ages, from New Yorkers to tourists, from youngsters to adults. The main nightlife street is Greene Street, where you can both stop for dinner and continue your evening.
Thecult venues in the area are the renowned Jimmy at the James and Club Room at Soho Grand. For those who tend more towards alternative and live music venues, we recommend the Special Club and The Django. For a quieter evening we recommend The Ship, and for an aperitif or romantic dinner The Crosby Bar. If you go at dinnertime, opt for Soho Room NY, which also offers live music.
Lower East Side
Finally we move on to the Lower East Side, Manhattan's eclectic neighbourhood. It overlooks the East River and is connected to Brooklyn by the Williamsburg Bridge. Then it is impossible not to make a stop at Pier 35, with its beautiful views and giant swings for relaxing. Again, you can get around by underground: the area is served by several stations, the main ones being East Broadway, served by the F line, and Grand St, served by the B and D lines.
Lower East Side is frequented by a mainly young and trendy crowd. Here you will find live music venues, trendy bars, trendy restaurants but that's not all: many venues host up-and-coming rock, indie and hip hop bands, who knows if you will attend a concert of a band that will be world-famous in the next few years. Finally, there is no shortage of venues where you can watch bourlesque shows.
Thecult venues in the area are the renowned Pianos and 169 Bar. For those who tend more towards alternative and live music venues, we recommend The Mercury Lounge, Mr. Purple and Parkside Lounge. For a quieter evening, we recommend The Back Room, The Roof and Verlaine, and for an aperitif or romantic dinner, Beauty & Essex. If you go at dinnertime, opt for the rooftop bar The Delancey, which also offers DJ sets.
New York City's most popular venues: pubs, discos and nightclubs
230 Fif th (Chelsea, 5th Avenue - Get directions)
One of New York's most famous rooftop bars, with a great view of the Empire State Building. Popular with New Yorkers and tourists. Minimum age for entry 21. There is no dress code, but avoid shorts, flip-flops and tank tops, opt for more casual attire. Free entry, cocktails €10.00;Birdland Jazz Club (Time Square area, West 44th Street - Get directions)
A short walk from Times Square, this is one of Manhattan's historic jazz clubs, open since 1949. This venue has made jazz history. Frequented by an older crowd and lovers of the genre. Admission costs on average €25.00 to €50.00 depending on the event;Marquee New York (Chelsea, 10th Avenue - Get directions)
One of New York's most popular clubs, open Wed, Fri and Sat 23:00-4:00 and frequented mainly by young people. International DJ sets, good but very expensive drinks. Dress code required. Average cost of admission €40.00, table of 8 minimum €2,000.00;The Rum House (Time Square area, West 47th Street - Get directions)
One of the best cocktail bars in New York. Informal atmosphere, live music with mainly jazz and blues concerts, great cocktails. Free entry, rums from €15.00, cocktails from €15.00;St. Cloud Rooftop Bar (6 Times Square area - Get directions)
Rooftop bar with an incredible view of Times Square. Open from mid-afternoon, frequented by people of all ages, New Yorkers and tourists alike. Many customers wear nice clothes, with the motto'dress to impress'. Free entry, cocktails from €15.00;Café Wha? (West Village, MacDougal Street - Get directions)
Historic venue in the heart of Manhattan, where important artists performed at the beginning of their careers, such as Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen and Bill Cosby. Average admission cost for events €15.00;Top of the Strand (Midtown, West 37th Street - Get Directions)
New York Rooftop ranked among the 10 most beautiful in the world. It's located at the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse and offers great views of the Empire State Building. Open from mid-afternoon. Smart casual attire. Free entry, cocktails from €15.00;Village Vanguard (West Village, 7th Avenue South - Get directions)
Legendary jazz venue, a true cult of the genre. Open since 1935, it has seen major artists such as John Coltrane perform. Frequented mainly by adult clientele and lovers of the genre. Average admission cost for events €40.00;The Mercury Lounge (Lower East Side, East Houston Street - Get directions)
One of the best known venues on the Lower East Side, especially popular in the 1990s. Live music concerts by newcomers and artists are held here. Frequented by a varied clientele. Cost of admission depending on the event, on average €10.00 to €25.00;The Skylark (Time Square area, West 39th Street - Get directions)
Stylish cocktail bar located on the 30th floor of a skyscraper. Interior design by Abigail Kirsch, wonderful terrace with views over New York. Open from the afternoon. There is no dress code, but polished clothing is appropriate. Free entry, cocktails from €20;Pianos (Lower East Side, Ludlow Street - Get directions)
Popular venue mainly frequented by young people and hipsters. Extensive programme with live music by independent artists, dance performances and also DJ sets upstairs. Average cost for events €15.00, if there are no events free entry and drink payment;Ellen's Stardust Diner (Time Square area, Broadway - Get directions)
One of New York's most distinctive dining establishments, right next to Times Square. Fifties-style and multi-storeyed, here the waiters dance and sing on the tables. Always very crowded, you need to arm yourself with a little patience. Free entry, average dinner cost €30.00;Jimmy at the James (Soho, Thompson Street - Get Directions)
One of Soho's most famous nightlife hotspots. It is located inside the James Hotel and has a terrace with a wonderful view of Manhattan. Also popular with tourists. Free entry, cocktails from €20;The Django (Soho, 2 6th Avenue The Roxy Hotel - Get directions)
Jazz Club housed inside The Roxy Hotel New York. On weekends open until 3am, it is mainly frequented by adult clientele and genre lovers. Average cost of admission €25.00;Le Bain (Chelsea, Washington Street - Get directions)
Popular rooftop bar located inside the Standard Hotel, on the High Line. Great views over the city, good cocktails, mainly adult clientele. Dress to impress, so avoid sportswear and prefer something more polished. Free entry, cocktails from €15.00;Stonewall Inn (West Village, Christopher Street - Get directions)
As well as a club, this is a National Historic Landmark. This gay bar is where the '69 riots began to demand rights for the LGBT community. Free entry, cocktails from €10.00;Bar 54 (Time Square area, West 45th Street - Get directions)
Just a short walk from Times Square, this rooftop bar has a great view of the Chrysler Building. Elegant interior and excellent cocktails, mainly frequented by an adult clientele. Dress code preferred. Free entry, cocktails from €20.00;The Back Room (Lower East Side, Norfolk Street - Get directions)
Bar speakeasy, New York's secret bars harking back to the Prohibition period. Dim lights, 1920s atmosphere, vintage decor, great cocktails. Free entry, cocktails from €15.00;Blue Note Jazz Club (West Village, West 3rd Street - Get directions)
One of the most important jazz clubs in all of New York. Performances by the world's best jazz artists, intimate atmosphere, great cocktails and American cuisine. Popular with lovers of the genre. Average cost €40.00;Club Room at Soho Grand (Soho, West Broadway - Get directions)
One of Soho's most popular clubs. Inside old and new mix, it has a vintage yet modern feel. Great cocktails, frequented by a varied clientele. Free entry, cocktails from €18.00;McGee's Pub (Midtown, West 55th Street - Get directions)
3-storey Irish pub known for being the inspiration for MacLaren's Pub in the popular TV series How I Met Your Mother. Great beers, wooden interior and real pub atmosphere. Free entry, cocktails from €15;The Delancey (Lower East Side, Delancey Street - Get Directions)
One of Downtown's most popular rooftop bars. Open in the afternoon, you can have a drink, dine and then dance to DJ music. Excellent cocktails and great views. Fashionable clientele, wear nice clothes. Free entry, cocktails from €15.00;The Roof (Midtown, Chrystie Street - Get directions)
Stylish rooftop bar inside the PUBLIC Hotel, which also houses other bars and restaurants. Modern and stylish interior, great views across Manhattan to One World Trade Center. Elegant and well-groomed attire recommended. Free entrance, reservation required as it is always full, cocktails from €20.00;STK Steakhouse NYC (Time Square area, 6th Avenue - Get directions)
A truly scenic restaurant with spectacular interior architecture. Great for dinner, with meat and also fish dishes. Then it turns into a club with DJ sets. Frequented by fashionable people, smart dress is preferable. Average cost for dinner €90.00 per person;Mr. Purple (Lower East Side, Orchard Street - Get directions)
Rooftop bar on the 15th floor of Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York. Great views of the city, great cocktails, unique atmosphere with also a large outdoor terrace. Free entrance, cocktails from €15.00;LAVO Nightclub (Turtle Bay, East 58th Street - Get directions)
One of the most famous nightclubs in New York. DJ sets with international artists and guests, dancers and events. Dress code required, though not fancy. Admission depending on event and guests, average €20.00 to €50.00;The Ready Rooftop Bar (West Village, East 11th Street - Get directions)
Another spectacular rooftop bar, located inside the Moxy NYC. Neat and cozy place, lots of plants that make it almost look like a garden, great cocktails. Open from afternoon. Free entry, cocktails from €15.00;RH Rooftop Restaurant New York (Chelsea, 9th Avenue - Get directions)
Very trendy and fashionable restaurant located on the terrace of RH New York. Spectacular views of the city, plants and green spaces, American cuisine. Ideal for both dinner and cocktails in the evening, frequented by a varied clientele. Free admission, average cost of dinner €50.00 per person;Hard Rock Café (Time Square area, Broadway - Get directions)
Finally, it is impossible not to mention the Hard Rock Café, which overlooks Times Square. Ideal for lunch or dinner, a cocktail or just discovering the memorabilia inside. Numerous live music performances. Free admission, average burger cost €20.00.
What to do: ideas and tips
New York Harbour Evening Cruise - book online
Dinner cruise with live DJs overlooking the Manhattan skyline - book online
Sunset cruise to the Statue of Liberty - book online
See a Broadway show - book online
Attend an NBA game at Madison Square Garden
Evening at one of Manhattan's rooftop bars, such as 230 Fifth with a view of the Empire State Building
Dinner and evening at Ellen's Stardust Diner, with waiters dancing and singing
Evening at one of the themed venues, such as McGee's Pub, which inspired the TV series "How I Met Your Mother"
Show at Radio City Music Hall, like the Christmas shows - book online
Jazz show at the Village Vanguard, Birdland or Blue Note
Admire the city lights from above with an evening helicopter ride
See the city at night from above. Climb the Empire State Building(book online), Top of the Rock(book online) or One World Observatory(book online)
Watch the sunset over the Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn
Spooky tour of Greenwich Village - book online
Manhattan Evening Bus Tour - book online
Brooklyn Christmas Magic Tour - book online
Prohibition History and speakeasy tour - book online
Visit museums at night. Check their schedules, every museum at least one night is open until 9pm or 10pm