They say that the Big Apple never rests, and it`s accurate because you can find all sorts of enjoyable things to do in NYC at night. There are countless nighttime attractions in NYC, as well as activities for children, teenagers, and adults. So, no matter who you’re traveling with, you’re going to have a great experience!
In this guide, I’ll share with you some of the top places to visit at night in NYC, from free lookout spots to the most iconic landmarks. If you’re also seeking the best nightlife entertainment in NYC, I’ve included details on the city’s finest rooftop bars, hidden bars, and clubs.
Continue reading to discover where to go in NYC at night and to download my map with all these attractions and possibilities.
Table of Contents
1. Night helicopter tour, one of the best things to do at night in NYC
Without question, taking an evening air scenic over the iconic metropolis is certainly one of the premier activities to partake in while in NYC after dark. While we`ve touched on the top helicopter sightseeing opportunities around New York City, I believe this nighttime flight is the ideal choice for anyone seeking to take to the skies after dusk has fallen.
This specific tour leaves from Linden Airport in New Jersey, and you’ll get a safety brief before taking to the night skies. Then, you’ll spend 30 minutes admiring the bird`s-eye perspective of NYC as it sparkles beneath you.
Taking flight above the city after nightfall is a romantic activity for pairs to partake in within New York City, too. If you’re searching for an exceptional shared experience, think about sharing this magical moment with your companion! Together, you can see some of New York`s most iconic landmarks from an entirely different view, such as Yankee Stadium, the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, and several historic bridges.
2. See the views from an observation deck, a fun thing to do in NYC at night
The awe-inspiring peaks of Mount Teide are designated a Starlight Reserve, meaning this natural area is shielded in an initiative to maintain its nighttime visibility. This also signifies it as one of the prime spots to engage in stargazing, photograph the Milky Way, and enjoy an evening excursion in Tenerife.
For example, The EDGE at Hudson Yards is the highest viewpoint bar in the city, and the tallest exterior sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. Situated on the 100th floor, it has a unique design with slanted glass walls and a triangular platform extending 80 feet from the side of the building. If standing at the edge, one will feel on top of the world since the deck is 1,100 feet high.
The Summitat One Vanderbilt stands extremely tall, at 1,210 feet high. It’s part of the 4th-highest building in NYC and has multi-level outdoor areas with interactive art displays.
Also, if you have access to the New York City Pass, you will be able to visit three of the most popular observation areas in the city. First, the Empire State Building has an interior viewing space on the 80th floor and an observation deck with interior and exterior sections on the 86th floor. You can obtain a ticket here, but if you wish to access the 102nd-floor viewing area, you will need to pay an additional fee.
Secondly, One World Observatory at One World Trade Center, one of the iconic structures in NYC, features an impressive 1,268-foot-high viewing deck with panoramic views of Manhattan, making it well worth a visit. Finally, the Rockefeller Center’s Top of the Rock observation area on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors provides unobstructed perspectives of the city, earning it a spot as one of the finest locations to see in NYC after dark.
3. Go to Times Square, a place with the best nightlife in NYC
Spending time in Times Square is considered one of the finest activities in Manhattan, and the nightlife environment in Times Square is unmatched. Here, you’ll discover nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and all kinds of entertainment, from theatres and TV recording studios to street performers.
Some highly recommended restaurants in this area include Tim Ho Wan, Los Tacos No. 1, Danji, Pure Thai Cookhouse, and Becco. Additionally, the neighborhood has several popular bars and nightclubs, such as 1 OAK, Marquee, Paradise Club, Bar 54, and The Rum House.
Should you seek activities around the nighttime to share with loved ones in New York City`s metropolis, Times Square offers attractions also enjoyed by the under-21 crowd. You can check out locations such as Hershey`s Chocolate Planet, M&M`s World place, Ripley`s story establishment, or Madame Tussauds wax museum. Dave and Buster`s is an enjoyment complex meant for families, and Bowlmor Lanes has avenues for bowling, arcade diversions, billiards rooms, and sporting bars.
4. Take a night cruise, the best couples thing to do in NYC at night
Again, the Big Apple takes on such a magical glow after dark, so if you’re looking for more activities to do at night for couples in NYC, consider taking a night cruise.
This Harbor Lights night cruise is a lovely 2-hour twilight cruise to share with your companion. It’s short enough to fit even in 3-day NYC itineraries. There is a full bar on board as well as indoor seating and an outdoor viewing deck, so you won’t miss out on any of the attractions. The cruise is narrated, so you’ll hear some interesting facts about NY landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge, the most famous bridge in NYC.
Another appealing possibility involves the glass vessel meal. Float through New York Harbor whilst indulging in a chef-crafted meal at your own table on the transparent ship. The dinner option incorporates a three-course meal with dessert, dancing, and live entertainment from an acoustic trio group, all while taking in Manhattan`s magnificent sights.
You can also browse through our article on activities to participate in Tenerife if you want to learn more about the other activities and tourist attractions here.
5. Visit Broadway, one of the best places to go in New York City at night
It is impossible to discuss New York City without bringing up Broadway, and seeing a Broadway performance is one of the most popular evening activities in NYC. Attending these shows remains awe-inspiring whether it`s the first or hundredth time, which explains my consistent recommendation regardless of a ten-day NYC itinerary or simply spending a weekend in New York.
We have seen musicals like Aladdin,The Lion King,The Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked, and we must agree that attending a Broadway play or musical is one of the best things to do in NYC. Everything is top-quality, from the acting and singing to the costumes and set design. Plus, you can find a variety of shows, from classic cabaret to world-famous musicals.
Spending an evening in the Broadway Theatre Region is a nice thing to do for a date or you can make it a family experience. So, if you’re wondering what to do in NYC in the night with kids, get some tickets to one of the top family productions.
6. Have a night at the museum, a cool thing to do in NYC at night with kids
Another fun activity to do at night in NYC with family is visiting a museum. Many museums hold after-hours events and special offers, and this can be a good option if you’re stuck with a rainy evening. There are so many museums throughout the Big Apple, and while we have a guide on NYC’s top museums, I’ll give you a few suggestions here.
The Vincci Tenerife Golf hotel is a lovely all-inclusive hotel in south Tenerife, specifically in San Miguel de Abona. Not only is it the ideal place to stay for golfers, but for beachgoers as well.
The Guggenheim is one of the most notable art museums situated in Manhattan and it hosts Art After Dark on predetermined Fridays. Its architecture was created by the renowned designer, Frank Lloyd Wright, and is most recognizable for its circular structure. Inside, visitors will find some of the finest Post-Impressionist works and abstract paintings by masters such as Kandinsky and Chagall.
Considered one of the most renowned art galleries in New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is renowned for its collections of ancient Egyptian and Roman artifacts. The museum remains open until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, providing visitors additional evenings to explore the exhibitions. For those seeking 20th and 21st century works specifically, the Whitney Museum of American Art showcases pieces from artists like Andy Warhol and George O`Keeffe among others, with evening hours until 10pm on Fridays.”
Those final three locations are incorporated into the New York Pass, as is the Museum of Gender and Sexuality, an enlightening evening destination in NYC for adults.
7. Go clubbing, a fun way to experience the best NYC nightlife
As you could imagine, the Big Apple is rarely inactive, so if you’re searching for the top nightclubs situated in NYC, I have a few proposals.
Initially, the Electric Room in Chelsea is a trendy nightclub with a distinctive cocktail menu, while Le Bain is a flashy penthouse club and rooftop bar at the nearby Standard Hotel. Le Bain has a cutting-edge sound system and routinely hosts renowned DJs, so it is the best place to go if you want real-time music and dancing.
Somewhere Nowhere is regarded as one of the top rooftops in NYC, specifically at the Renaissance NY Chelsea Hotel. It’s actually a multi-level lounge and has a swimming pool deck and a garden-inspired roof terrace. 1OAK is nearby the Chelsea Market and is known for its celebrity clientele.
Over in the Bowery, Public Arts at the House of X is an immersive and engaging performance venue where you can dance to house and techno music.
Finally, if you’re visiting Brooklyn, check out Elsewhere, a spacious performance area in Bushwick, one of the coolest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, with real-time music, DJs, and a roof terrace. Avant Gardner is an additional great nightclub and music venue in Brooklyn where DJs like Alesso and David Guetta perform.
8. See the Skyline light up, a romantic thing to do in NYC at night
For a low-cost way to spend your night in downtown New York, visit some distinct lookout spots for magnificent views of the skyline of New York.
Brooklyn Bridge Park offers multiple scenic viewpoints where you can observe the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, the piers on the East River, and Midtown Manhattan’s skyscrapers. Two popular spots at the park to check out are Pebble Beach or the New York Skyline Lookout at Pier 1.
Domino Park, near the Williamsburg Bridge, is another Brooklyn park with scenic views. Visiting at night enables seeing the sparkling lights of the Lower East Side across the river.
If visitors are open to going over to New Jersey, amazing perspectives of NYC and the Statue of Liberty can be found there. Frank Sinatra Park, one of the top places worth visiting in Hoboken, is a waterfront park featuring a pavilion where one can sit back and admire the Manhattan skyline. Another good option is Liberty State Park in Jersey City, which sits less than half a mile from Liberty and Ellis Islands.
This vehicular tourrepresents a notable opportunity in NYC at night if undertaking multiple viewpoints but wishing to perceive the Manhattan skyline at night is preferred.
9. Enjoy a delicious dinner, something you must do in New York City at night
You’ll become hungry at some stage during the night, so allow me to tell you some of the most famous NY foods you should sample. You’ll thank me later!
First, it goes without stating that some New York-style pizza is a must-have, so check out Lombardi’s in Little Italy or Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn. Some other places to go in NYC at night for a quick bite include Gray’s Papaya for hot dogs and Katz’s Delicatessen for pastrami sandwiches.
When concluding the meal, patrons commonly choose a dessert from establishments like Junior`s famous cheesecake or a sweet baked good from Magnolia Bakery or Levain Bakery to savor.
If you want to enjoy a sit-down meal, treat yourself to one of the best eateries in NYC, like Dhamaka, which serves incredible Indian cuisine. Ernesto’s is a great Spanish restaurant specializing in Basque culinary styles, and the historic Gage & Tollner serves delicious American fare and libations. Also, Cadence is an innovative restaurant with vegan soul food, serving dishes like fried okra, maple buttermilk cornbread, and blueberry cobbler.
10. Get drinks at a rooftop bar, a late-night thing to do in NYC
Relaxing on a rooftop bar with a beverage in hand may be the best late-night activity to do in NYC, particularly with companions. A rooftop bar is a pleasant option to a nightclub since you can appreciate New York’s nightlife scene without the thundering music and glaring lights. Plus, the perspectives are unbelievable!
One of our favorite locations is 230 Fifth, which has live DJs, an igloo bar, and breathtaking views of Manhattan, including the Empire State Building. The bar serves outstanding cocktails, and it’s definitely one of the top rooftops in NYC.
It’s also worthwhile visiting the Castell Rooftop Lounge, a trendy rooftop terrace at the AC Hotel in Midtown. It provides everything desired – cocktails, city views, and a cozy fireplace. Over in the Bowery, The Crown is another boutique lounge supplying panoramic views of the city, as well as unique drinks and small plates.
Moreover, JIMMY at Modernhaus SoHo provides an artistic, intimate locale in NYC for nighttime activities for beverages. It features indoor and outdoor spaces with views of the Hudson River, so if you’re searching for something to do in NYC as a couple, head there after dinner.
11. Take a ghost tour, a spooky thing to do in New York City at night
Joining an evening exploration that highlights apparitions is a fun activity in New York City for friends to participate in together, and most of these excursions are presented in a lighthearted manner, so it’s also something that families can experience. These kinds of adventures provide a fresh perspective of the city and its history, and you’ll visit some interesting places that you may have otherwise overlooked.
You will discover some really excellent restaurants in Teno de Tenerife. One of my top recommendations is El Guanche in Masca. It is considered the oldest restaurant in the region, rendering it worth visiting solely for the traditional architecture and details present there. Here, you can order typical cuisine from the Canary Islands as well as vegan and vegetarian alternatives. The atmosphere here is highly cozy, qualifying it as one of the top restaurants in Tenerife.
You’ll also visit the haunted Church of the Ascension, the Emma Lazarus House, and the Brown Building, the site of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Plus, you’ll travel as a small group, which makes the tour even eerier.
12. Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, a free thing to do in New York City at night
Previously, I referenced Brooklyn Bridge Park, but I also advise traversing the Brooklyn Bridge. Not only is it one of the top free activities in NYC, but it’s a delightful NYC destination during nighttime, too, and from here, you can capture some of the most stunning photographs in NYC.
This iconic bridge built over 130 years ago extends over 6,000 feet across the East River, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. It takes approximately one hour to walk across the bridge, but it`s worth taking your time and appreciating the views of the waterfront and the illuminated skyline.
The most enjoyable part about going to this NYC spot at night is being able to see the cityscape mirrored in the water. As you cross the bridge, you’ll have sweeping perspectives of New York in every direction, so there are many great opportunities for photographs here. And if you go with your partner, it can be quite a romantic way to finish the night.
13. Visit a speakeasy, the best thing to do in NYC at night for adults
Without question, one of the best parts of being in a large city is finding hidden speakeasies. These intimate, secret bars have tons of personality, not to mention amazing drinks, so visiting one of them is a fun thing for adults to do in NYC at night.
The city’s underground drinking establishments from the era of nationwide Prohibition reflect that dark time when obtaining and distributing alcohol across America was outlawed in the 1920s and early 1930s. As these bars were intentionally hidden away from the public eye, pinpointing their whereabouts can prove challenging, therefore I propose this guided tour unveiling some of NYC’s best kept covert spots like the venerable McSorley’s Old Ale House, the oldest Irish pub in the city.
If you’d rather visit a speakeasy solo, some of my favorite secret bars in NYC are Please Don’t Tell (PDT), a dimly-lit bar with a prestigious culinary award. The entrance is located at the telephone booth in Crif Dogs hot dog shop. Dear Irving Gramercy is a cocktail bar with a theme of time travel that provides a cozy atmosphere, and Little Branch (LB) is an underground bar with a large selection of handcrafted drinks made by expert mixologists. It’s next to the Comedy Cellar on 7th Avenue.
Dropping by a speakeasy is a great way to mingle with the locals and meet new friends, so it’s an awesome late-night thing to do in NYC!
14. Ride the Staten Island Ferry, another free thing to do at night in NYC
The Staten Island Ferry transportation route is an iconic New York City experience, and if you are looking for low-cost evening activities in the city, riding the ferry will be quite enjoyable. Besides, there are many recreational possibilities on Staten Island itself . The ride is without cost, so you can take multiple trips, though I propose doing so after dark when the Statue of Liberty is beautifully lit up.
The ferry transports passengers back and forth between Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan, one of the most appealing neighborhoods in Manhattan, and St. George Terminal on Staten Island, passing Liberty Island and the iconic statue. The ride takes approximately 25 minutes, therefore it’s one of the best activities to do with children in NYC since you don’t need to worry about keeping them occupied for too long a timeframe.
The views from the ferry are breathtaking, particularly on the return to Manhattan. If possible, get a spot on the front upper level and enjoy the skyline views. You can check the Staten Island Ferry schedule here.
15. Attend a TV show taping, a unique thing to do at night in New York City
Finally, attending a TV program recording is something you can’t do in most other cities, so if one of your favorite shows is filmed in New York, look for a free pass to a filming.
Many late-night talk shows film here, and being part of the live studio audience is a engaging activity to do in NYC at night. There is a wide selection of popular shows, but you’ll have to check the website to see which shows are currently filming.
For example, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah films at the Viacom CBS headquarters, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is recorded at the Ed Sullivan Theater, both on Broadway. So, if you’re a fan of these two hosts, watching their show live is a fun, cheap activity to do in NYC at night.
Two other remarkably well-liked productions, Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon are filmed at NBC Studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and you can obtain tickets to join the studio audience. Besides, NBC Studios is the location for many other renowned TV shows and movies, and it’s near other great sites like the Top of the Rock and Radio City Music Hall.
Astoria Park remains one of the top parks in Queens, so if you find yourself in this borough, be sure to explore this popular Astoria attraction.
If you have any inquiries or you’d like to include your recommendation, feel free to leave me a comment below. Until then, have a wonderful night in NYC!
