As you’ve probably heard, New York is the city that never sleeps! Thus, it should come as no surprise that there are an endless number of cool and fun things to do at night in NYC. But in this local’s guide, you will find the top recommendations by a Native New Yorker of the best things to do in NYC at night.
When we say “never sleeps,” you can take that quite literally, since many delis and grocery stores are open 24/7, and truly never stop serving New Yorkers or guests, even at 3am in the morning. As a New Yorker, I always love the convenience of having everything right there when I need it or when I want it, especially when I get hungry in the middle of the night or after going out.
There is nothing more New York than picking up some pizza after a night out and walking around proudly with that brown, greasy bag, usually looking for a place to sit and scarf it down before getting home. Or sometimes you crave diner food, so luckily NYC has many open 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Just not sure why their food is sooooo tasty, even after 4am. So many memories!
I do believe that there’s nothing more beautiful than my City in the daylight, but there’s something magnetic about NYC after dark. The lights, the excitement, it’s electric! Nighttime in NYC is the best time to look for an adventure, fall in love, or just test the strength of your inner self.
There’s no hiding and nothing but just plain fun in sight, with limitless things to do, see, and hear. If you’re a night owl, like myself and many others, New York City could easily become your new best friend!
However, be aware that while tons of fun is expected, also there’s some randomness, since you never know what to expect when you walk out of the door in NYC, even when you are for only 24 hours in New York City.
From ending up in a limo, to meeting a celebrity or new friends, to avoiding some of the more aggressive homeless people; New York is simply one of those cities that you just never know what could happen from one moment to the next, but that’s part of why I love it and miss it when I’m away!
At the same time, you must remember to always take the same safety precautions as you would in any big city and, if you are a solo female traveler, do not miss reading our guide for New York Solo Female Travel Tips.
So, let’s get started on the list of the best of the best things to do, after dark, in NYC!
Wondering where to stay while visiting New York City? Finding a great deal on a hotel in New York City can be challenging. As a Native New Yorker, I am going to include some suggestions below that I usually recommend to friends and acquaintances who are visiting NYC for the first time or who prefer to stay in a good location close to Manhattan.
- Budget: The Row | The Jane | Pod 39 |
- Mid-Budget: The Hudson | The James Soho | The Renwick | The Redbury
- Luxury: The Bowery | The Dominick | The St. Regis | The Plaza
Best Things to do in New York at Night in 2023
Fun things to do in NYC at Night: Manhattan
Birdland
New York definitely has an influential Jazz scene and Birdland is one of the top establishments in the City. It’s a small, intimate space with awesome Cajun comfort food, delicious cocktails, and top-notch performances.
Please don’t tell
Believe me, it’s always worth waiting in line to enter this fantastic speakeasy. But there’s a specific way to get in: You enter Crif Dogs (great for hot dogs!) and walk into their vintage phone booth. Once in there, you pick up the phone and your name is put on the list.
When ready, you go back to the phone booth, and there’s a magical door that will open up and let you in! You can also order hot dogs while in the bar, yay! Avoid weekends, but you might get lucky enough to get in quickly on a Monday or Tuesday night.
Recommended: The Perfect 5 Days in New York Itinerary
Sleepover at the Museum of Natural History
This only happens a few times a year, so check their schedule if you’re interested. As someone who’s done it, if you’re able to make one of these exciting sleepovers, go for it before tickets sell out! Your sleeping cot will be under the big whale, which is by far the best sleeping location imaginable.
There’s also a buffet that includes a delicious dinner, usually during the earlier hours of the evening, and then you can pick among ample exhibits and shows to attend throughout the night.
If you’d rather be a loner, take your flashlight and roam the halls yourself. Nothing says you can’t! It’s basically a once in a lifetime experience that I wish everyone could enjoy.
Tao Downtown
I will keep recommending Tao Downtown until it no longer exists (which, hopefully, never happens). It’s a gorgeous place that feels as if you’re in a forbidden Asian temple filled with people and great food.
It’s not cheap, hence their celebrity clientele, but it’s just so magical that it’s worth the splurge. Their walking path to the main dining area is stunning! If you’re in the mood for it, afterwards, you can also go dancing at its nightclub next door. Again, not budget-friendly, but when in Rome, right?
Steamy drinks at The Sugar Factory
After dinner and a show maybe, how about a trip to Chelsea to share some steamy drinks at the Sugar Factory? They’re sweet, and also come in non-alcoholic form, if needed. It’s quite a sight when the drinks are being poured right in front of you.
It’s worth a video, to say the least! If you want a preview, take a look at one of the many YouTube videos that already exist. The drinks are enormous and can easily be shared among 3-4 people, so feel free to meet up with friends.
Tip: I suggest consider booking this fun night tour where you go hopping between three of New York City’s oldest Midtown bars and speakeasies. Throughout your tour, you will also learn about the city’s rich immigrant history, as well as the Prohibition Era.
Sleepover at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
Just like the sleepover at the Museum of Natural History, this one is an adventure for the whole family, and not just suitable for kids! This aircraft carrier is awesome during the day, but at night it feels magical!
Visit the Space Shuttle Pavilion and roam around the ship with a flashlight. Meals are included from dusk ’til dawn so you’ll have all that you’ll need for a fun evening away from home!
Check out our guide to The Best Museums in NYC!
Experience the City lights on a helicopter ride over NYC at night
Helicopter rides are not the most environmentally friendly but, honestly are one of the best ways to appreciate the perfect views of New York City from above. One of my favorite times to go on a helicopter ride is after dark because there is nothing like seeing all of the City lights generated by New York City during the night.
It is simply a priceless moment. I would suggest to anyone who’s considering booking a unique NYC experience like this one, here.
RECOMMENDED: The Best Views of NYC For Free
Watch a Broadway show
Of course, you should not visit NYC without planning at least one night out for a Broadway show! I would highly recommend seeing one of the classics, such as The Lion King, Wicked, or Phantom of the Opera, which has had the longest run of them all but it’s up to you.
I personally also love the musical Chicago, and West Side Story. In addition, if you are a Disney Fan, I totally recommend this awesome tour, where you get to go behind the scenes and experience the magic of Disney on Broadway at New York’s New Amsterdam Theatre.
There are so many different types of shows that you are bound to find one that’s interesting to you. Check for discounted tickets on TodayTix and make your pick among hundreds of shows, with plenty of new additions each season. If money isn’t an issue, then you can get tickets online or just go to the theatre’s ticket window.
A concert at Madison Square Garden
Got to love Madison Square Garden! What a venue! It’s another typical New York place that needs to be visited at least once, whether it is for a Knicks game, or a concert, which is my personal favorite thing to do there.
They also offer tours if you want to learn more about its history and some of the behind the scenes locations. Go, have fun, eat some hot dogs, and enjoy the crowds!
Fall in love with music at Carnegie Hall
The music here is beautiful and grand, as is the venue as a whole. Even if you’re not into live performances, this will change your mind in a heartbeat.
Make it an anniversary surprise, or treat your parents to the best of what New York City has to offer.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Join a night of spectacular panoramic views of the legendary New York City. This night tour is designed to fascinate all visitors – history, movie and photography buffs alike.
Attend the ballet at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center has stolen my heart again and again with their beautiful performances. The Nutcracker appears annually and it’s a spectacle that shouldn’t be missed. However, any of their ballet performances are amazing, regardless of theme or season.
They recruit the best classical dancers around the world and it shows. If ballet isn’t your thing, there’s always the opera! Great way to appreciate creativity and lift up your spirit!
Dessert at Spot Dessert Bar
This one is a neighborhood gem, with its original location on St. Marks. Their desserts are some of the best in the City, and perfect for a late-night carb explosion.
One dessert comes disguised as a plant! And their classic molten chocolate cake is through the roof. It’s Asian influence makes it possible to also enjoy sipping on a bubble tea while enjoying your sweet treat. It’s a win-win situation!
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A visit to the Library Bar at Hudson Hotel
If you have a deep appreciation for books and old-style libraries, then this bar will give you everything you desire.
It’s dark wooden furniture, leather sofas, enormous mirror on the wall, and Beauty & the Beast olden times library-style makes for a perfect combination to enjoy a drink or two before dinner.
It’s a hidden treasure on the Upper West Side, right near Columbus Circle.
Attend a night court session
If you’re looking for something unique to do, then this just might qualify. New York has a night court that holds speedy sessions, open to the public, from 5pm to 1am. Regular court has finished for the day but small cases will be heard during those hours and you can listen in, if you’re curious.
You just never know what you’re gonna get but it’s usually a safe bet that it’ll be entertaining.
A dinner cruise on the river
Many companies offer cruises at night, and you can opt for a party-oriented one, one without food, or a very romantic one.
One of my favorites is the company Bateaux, which leaves from Chelsea Pier, and makes sure you have the night of your life. Not a party but, nonetheless, it includes live music, great food and drinks, and, hopefully, some meaningful conversations.
There is also a more casual sightseeing cruise for happy hour or if you are a beer lover, you can sail on the Clipper City, New York’s largest sailing vessel, including unlimited beer while enjoying live music and views of the NYC skyline.
Lastly, you can choose a 2-hour twilight cruise of New York Harbor and relax with your favorite cocktail as you enjoy the incredible sunset views of Manhattan.
View the Empire State Building from the Top of the Rock
It’s open until midnight and offers the best nightly views of Manhattan, including our precious Empire State Building, which is lit up in different colors and patterns, especially around the holidays.
If you go late during the off-season, chances are you will be quite alone up there, which only adds a certain magic to the experience.
In any case, it is best to get this flexible date ticket to allow you to plan your visit around the weather. Exchange your open ticket for a timed ticket of your choice upon arrival.
Open-air movies after dark
This is a summer activity only but, once those temperatures rise, you can attend a movie outing in the park. The most iconic one is at Bryant Park each Monday, but they also have them at Astoria Park, McCullen Park in Brooklyn, and some across the Hudson River, on the New Jersey side.
Check their schedules, bring a blanket, and your own popcorn. That should do it!
Need a good laugh, try a comedy club
New York has plenty of comedy clubs good for some laughs, and two of the best ones are Gotham Comedy Club and Comedy Cellar, places where many now-famous comedians got their start. Weekends can be packed and best to book tickets in advance when possible.
If you’re interested in doing your own stand-up comedy, then New York is the place to be, and you can even find small clubs that let newbies sign up to do their own skits, usually weekdays. So feel free to laugh it up and enjoy yourself!
Stroll through Times Square
Some say it’s cheesy, but I say it’s awesome and rocks. Especially if you’re not from the city, Times Square is that quintessential place that we all recognize from movies and shows. It’s New York!
It’s always crowded, overflowing with tourists, and hectic but, at night, it’s also lit up more than usual!
So, why not join in, sit on the newer iconic stairs, take pictures, and be yourself. It’s the perfect place to just be happy and live in the moment!
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Madame Tussauds
I know, if you’re short on time, Times Square should be avoided but, if you’re just looking for a unique excursion at night, to take fun pictures with some of your favorite celebrities, Madame Tussauds is the place to go.
Okay, so the celebrities are made of wax, and there are celebrities from past and present, but that just means that they are a captured audience. LOL
You can purchase your tickets in advance here.
Blue Man Group
This is such an epic show to attend and shouldn’t be missed! It’s interactive and you might even be pulled on stage if you’re lucky! Either way, it’s way more than just 3 bald men drenched in blue paint, I promise you. If you love music, especially percussion, you’ll definitely love it!
Tenement Museum on a Thursdays
This is a recent discovery of mine too. On Thursdays, the Tenement Museum stays open until 10:30pm, which means you can go for a late after-dinner tour.
Located on the Lower East Side, surrounded by restaurants and casual bars, you can combine your love for food with a history lesson on how immigrants used to live and breathe in very tight quarters. Be prepared to be shocked by what you learn!
Free evenings at the MoMA
It can sometimes be overwhelming having to spend your hard-earned money on multiple museum admissions and, in New York, this is especially true since the fees don’t come cheap and can add up to a tidy sum. But most museums have a day or certain hours where they allow free entrance and MoMA is no exception.
Every Friday night, from 5:30-9pm, you can visit free of charge. Of course, the crowds are there too because everyone wants to get in during those hours but, if you come early, you can usually get in and enjoy it without having to stand in line too long. It’s definitely worth it!
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Russian and Turkish Baths
Open until 10pm each day, these baths in the East Village allow for a nice, hot bath ritual after sundown. Take your time, and explore their pools and saunas until closing time.
Weekdays are the best time to go and offer the relaxation that’s just what you need after a long day working or walking.
Drinks and dinner at The Polynesian
Despite its touristy location in proximity to Times Square, this is a true hidden gem. The Polynesian ambiance and pina coladas provide you with a sense of vacationing somewhere tropical, despite being in the midst of the City.
Their rooftop bar is massive and very easy for groups to gather. The noises are somewhat subdued by their plants conveniently placed to shield you from the car honking and loud voices that can be so prevalent for NYC, especially in an area like Times Square.
Pizza crawl
Now, if that doesn’t sound like fun, then I’m not so sure about you! A pizza crawl is best accomplished with a few people in tow, since you want to try as many of the iconic pizza places in NYC as possible. And, unless you can eat for four people, you will need some assistance.
We also suggest that you hit a couple of different boroughs. Start out at Artichoke Pizza and share a slice with someone; they’re huge! Then, make your way to Lombardi’s, followed by a trip to either Brooklyn or Astoria. Finish it off with Roberta’s in Brooklyn, and/or the Milkflower in Queens.
NOTE: These are just a few suggestions but there are many delicious pizza places all around the City. You can do your own research and plan a route that works for you. Happy eating!
Check out Tipsy Scoop
Tipsy Scoop is exactly what you might have already guessed – a combination of alcohol and ice cream. Delicious! Best part is that you can buy it by the pint and take it to go.
Like with many artisanal places, their flavors are unique and tasty such as Mango Margarita, Raspberry Limoncello, and Tequila Mexican Hot Chocolate! Note: You still need to be 21 or older to purchase it. Sorry.
Tip for the Ladies: Join a Live a Sex and the City night out on the town, in real life. Visit the famous locations of the tv show, + enjoy two complimentary drinks and snacks.
Join a sing along at a Piano Bar
If you love musicals or just love sing alongs, then I recommend that you consider a night out in one of my favorite neighborhoods, The Village.
I’d recommend either The Monster or Marie’s Crisis. Actually, they are only two blocks or so apart so you can enjoy both in one night if you prefer!
Watch an artist perform at Joe’s Pub
A place that I totally love in NYC is Joe’s Pub, which is a part of the Public Theater programming. I personally look forward to checking their calendars to see who’s performing. I experienced a phenomenal night there when Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca performed. As a flamenco fan, I still get chills thinking about that night.
Btw, the best part is that you are supporting established, as well as non-established artists, since the public Theater is an independent, non-profit music venue, dedicated to supporting performing artists at every stage of their careers.
Rooftop Bar Hopping
So many great rooftop bars in New York City, so little time! Sometimes, it is just hard to pick one. I personally love 230 5th Avenue, Top of the Strand, Refinery, Arlo Roftop, Mr. Purple, Magic Hour, and the list can go on, and on.
I just simply enjoy chasing the best views in NYC while sipping on a delicious cocktail. Directions: Just sip and enjoy the view!
Cool Things To Do At Night in NYC – Brooklyn
House of Yes
You want to dance it up? Then, the House of Yes is your next stop! A unique entertainment venue that invites artists, amateur dancers, and the curious to attend a night full of adventure.
It’s not for the faint of heart since many nights easily become more and more scurrilous as the night draws on… just a warning but it’s still a lot of fun (in my opinion).
Have a dine-in movie experience at Nitehawk
The Nitehawk, located in Williamsburg, is a wonderful place to combine two great loves: Food and movies. They show the rather unusual, as well as independent and classic movies, often in the horror genre.
Meanwhile, you can enjoy a juicy burger while sitting back and watching the big screen. They also host midnight screenings and their brunch seating often showcases movies from the 80’s. Watch out for a screening of the hilarious cult film “The Room.”
Brooklyn Bridge Park walk
If you’re lucky, on New Year’s Eve or 4th of July, you might spot some fireworks from just this vantage point! Otherwise, it’s just a great night walk, seeing the whole city in all of its glory, lit up brighter than the stars in the sky.
Check out this list, including the best parks in New York City
Dinner at The River Café
The River Café is THE place for the most romantic dinner of all time. It comes with a pre-fixed menu and you can expect to spend an average of about $400 on dinner for two, but it’s worth it.
Located right by the river, the views of Brooklyn Bridge and the skyline are straight out of a movie.
Brooklyn Bowl
Who doesn’t like bowling? Even if it’s not your favorite, Brooklyn Bowl isn’t your average bowling alley. You can listen to live music and dance the night away, with rotating artists throughout the week. It feels like a party-venue on the weekends, with many more things to do than just bowl.
Bar-hopping in Bushwick
Bushwick had a major transformation during the past decade and now you can actually bar-hop, safe and sound, which seemed unthinkable not too many years ago before the hipsters arrived.
Start at Heavy Woods, a Cajun joint with a large bar at its entrance, then hop on over to Mesa Azteca for a margarita (and maybe an appetizer), and end the night at Artichoke Pizza for beer and Pizza – voila!, you’ve checked out three of the best of Bushwick in one night.
Trapeze lessons for the adventurous
Only in New York, I imagine, can you take trapeze lessons at night, at Brooklyn’s Trapeze School. Whether you’re training to be a stunt double, love the circus, or just want to learn the basics of an unique art form, you will be received with open arms (literally and figuratively) for an adventurous beginner’s course on how to fall without actually falling.
Watch the sunset from the East River State Park
Williamsburg is a lively neighborhood and it makes for a great night-out. To start the evening off on a quieter, romantic note, watch the sunset while enjoying Manhattan’s skyline in its full glory.
It is breathtakingly beautiful and can be conveniently followed up with drinks at the Williamsburg Hotel.
A sporting event at Barclay’s Center
If you like hockey, then you have just found the perfect excuse to pay a visit to Barclay’s Center to attend a game of the New York Islanders.
The Center is fairly new, and a fantastic place for a night out with friends. They also hold concerts, but I think the hockey games are the best!
Ride a rollercoaster on Coney Island
The beach will be dark and deserted, but the fun rides don’t stop running just because the sun has set. Make a fun evening excursion to Luna Park, where the old, wooden Cyclone rollercoaster is found and ride it until you feel dizzy. You can get here an all-day pass to Luna Park.
Best Things To Do In NYC At Night – Queens
Trivia night
Queens is a very neighbor-friendly borough, which explains why people are encouraged to mingle and make new friends at almost any of its local bars. Many of them offer fun, weekly trivia nights, which invite team-work and collaboration, sometimes even among strangers.
I usually head to Queens Room in Astoria Ditmars Boulevard on Tuesday nights. It’s a great crowd and I usually like the trivia categories.
Sip and Paint event
This activity can be done at various locations all over the City, but the Queens location of The Paint Place is one of my favorites.
It’s more intimate than some of the city events, and enables you to bring a bottle of cheap wine while perfecting your artistic skills at copying a painting, which you can take home and proudly hang in your living room.
Drinks on the rooftop of Luna Bistro
This place is almost hidden, on the top floor of a building located on Steinway Street, which would be easily overlooked, if it weren’t for the radiant lights coming from their rooftop on occasion.
They serve Asian-fusion cuisine (yum) and, when the weather permits, you can enjoy their drinks outside. Great spot for group get-togethers!
Late night ice cream at Ample Hill
You can’t call a neighborhood complete without an ice cream parlor that enables you to eat flavors like salted caramel or Mexican chocolate at 10pm. It’s sweet, it’s the best, no more words needed!
Play Pool
Astoria has a ton of places to play pool and air-hockey, and one of the more popular ones is Break Bar and Billiards on Broadway. It’s relatively affordable and you can sip a few drinks even while concentrating on the game.
Music night at Sweet Afton
It’s one of the most famous bars in Astoria and with its weekly jazz music night, draws large crowds into a small, but pretty space.
The food is great, but you mainly go for the hand-crafted drinks. If you’re in the mood for classic drinks instead, the bartenders know how to get them just right too.
Top Things to Do in NYC At Night – Bronx
Mausoleum Moonlight Tour at Woodlawn Cemetery
This is one of their bestselling tours, during which you can see the cemetery’s impressive mausoleums illuminated at night. Tour starts before 8pm and combines wonderful insight with a touch of creepiness, it being nighttime. But can’t think of a better way to explore the city’s most popular burial ground.
Orchird nights at the New York Botanical Garden
The Botanical Gardens have an array of activities year round, but their orchid nights each spring are especially insightful and beautiful.
It’s such a sophisticated event, with music, food, and drinks, which are the perfect accompaniment to exploring the orchids in their natural habitat. The different colors make for a surprising sight!
Coolest Things to do in NYC at Night – Staten Island
RollerJam US
Let’s time-travel and reinvent the rollerblading culture at this Staten Island spot. They hold nightly DJ sessions for adults to cruise around and listen to their favorite music, while its lights and décor make you feel like you’ve traveled backwards a few decades. It’s great fun!
Special Wine Tasting at Vino di vino winery
Vino di vino winery is a cool place on Staten Island that not only offers wine tasting on Friday nights, but what’s really unique about this spot is that they have their own school of wine, where you can learn how to make and barrel your own wine. How awesome is that?!
Directions: Bring your best smile and your eagerness to learn about wine and, of course, be ready to exercise your taste buds.
Ride the Staten Island Ferry at night
As you’ve probably heard, riding the Staten Island Ferry is one of the best ways to get the best views of NYC for free. And that’s still true during the nighttime as well.
If you are traveling to New York on a budget, this is an excellent way to still appreciate the lights and panoramic views, along with a beautiful view of lady liberty, without paying one cent.
Keep in mind that the Ferry does run 24/7 but they are less frequent after prime work hours, on weekends and holidays, so do check their schedule.
If you do want to do something while on Staten Island, rather than ride the ferry back and forth, I would suggest that you visit their Little Sri Lanka and enjoy some tasty Sri Lankan food (a short subway ride away (yes, SI has a small subway system) or about a 15 minute walk from the Ferry. My favorite spot is called Lakruwana and don’t forget to ask about their museum in the basement. You’re welcome!
The City will stay up all night with you!
New York will always be a powerhouse at night and, as you’ve learned, there’s no shortage of things to do. Every neighborhood has something unique to show for it and the best thing you can do is explore each, at your own pace and hour of the day or night, to see for yourself how great the City really is!
Roam around like a local (if you aren’t one already!) and soon you may even feel right at home. You’ll be amazed at how a place can transform with just the setting of the sun!
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