New York City Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in New York City.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for New York City! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that New York City has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in New York City. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- New York City offers over 57 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
The Dead Rabbit
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.7 stars from 8198 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 30 Water St, New York, NY 10004, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Campbell
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.5 stars from 2560 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 15 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Haswell Green's
Highly rated American in New York City with 4.7 stars from 2167 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 240 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Tanner Smith's
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.4 stars from 3276 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 204 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Death & Co East Village
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.4 stars from 2071 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 433 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Sir Henry’s
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.8 stars from 1149 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 795 8th Ave 1st Fl, New York, NY 10019, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Attaboy
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.2 stars from 1897 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 134 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Katana Kitten
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.5 stars from 1156 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 531 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Apotheke Chinatown
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.4 stars from 2261 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 9 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Old Town Bar
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.4 stars from 1756 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 45 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Madame George
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.7 stars from 491 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 45 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Whiskey Tavern
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.6 stars from 2182 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 79 Baxter St A, New York, NY 10013, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
Somewhere Nowhere NYC - Lounge, Nightclub & Rooftop Pool
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 3.5 stars from 1592 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 112 W 25th St Floor 38 & 39, New York, NY 10001, USA
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Delancey Rooftop
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4 stars from 2221 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 168 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Outer Heaven
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4 stars from 356 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 191 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Le Bain
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 3.4 stars from 1948 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 The Standard, High Line, 848 Washington St, New York, NY 10014, USA
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
House of Yes
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.5 stars from 3879 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Paradise Club
Highly rated International in New York City with 3.6 stars from 218 reviews.
📍 20 Times Square, 701 7th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The DL | Best Rooftop Lounge NYC
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4 stars from 2115 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 95 Delancey St 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10002, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Space Karaoke Bar & Lounge | Koreatown NYC
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.8 stars from 2962 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 34 W 32nd St Floor 11, New York, NY 10001, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Highkey Rainforest Rooftop
Highly rated Restaurant in New York City with 3.8 stars from 662 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 6 Platt St 29th floor, New York, NY 10038, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Retroclubnyc
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4 stars from 239 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 9 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
Pier 17
Highly rated Restaurant in New York City with 4.7 stars from 12066 reviews.
📍 89 South St, New York, NY 10038, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Red Lion | NYC
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.4 stars from 1882 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 151 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Village Vanguard
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.6 stars from 2008 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 178 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Radio City Music Hall
Highly rated International in New York City with 4.8 stars from 27106 reviews.
📍 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Webster Hall
Highly rated International in New York City with 4.2 stars from 3082 reviews.
📍 125 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
Birdland Jazz Club
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.7 stars from 4741 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 315 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Blue Note
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.2 stars from 5463 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 131 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Bitter End
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.5 stars from 993 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 147 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
Gramercy Tavern
Highly rated American in New York City with 4.6 stars from 4754 reviews.
📍 42 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Boucherie Union Square
Highly rated French in New York City with 4.7 stars from 4583 reviews.
📍 225 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10003, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic French cuisine
The Smith
Highly rated American in New York City with 4.4 stars from 6166 reviews.
📍 1150 Broadway, New York, NY 10010, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
The Dead Rabbit
Highly rated Bar in New York City with 4.7 stars from 8198 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 30 Water St, New York, NY 10004, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Eataly
Highly rated Italian in New York City with 4.2 stars from 6211 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 101 Liberty St, New York, NY 10007, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Italian cuisine
OLIO E PIÙ
Highly rated Restaurant in New York City with 4.7 stars from 9790 reviews.
📍 3 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Minetta Tavern
Highly rated French in New York City with 4.5 stars from 2702 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 113 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic French cuisine
Cipriani Downtown
Highly rated Italian in New York City with 4.1 stars from 1426 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 376 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Italian cuisine
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
Comedy Cellar
Laugh the night away at this popular New York City comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Comedy Village
Laugh the night away at this popular New York City comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Stones Comedy Club
Laugh the night away at this popular New York City comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Gotham Comedy Club NYC
Laugh the night away at this popular New York City comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Village Underground
Experience unforgettable entertainment at this New York City venue, offering shows and performances for all tastes.
- •Book tickets online in advance
- •Check show duration and intermissions
- •Arrive early to find parking
- •Review venue policies before attending
- •Check for package deals
New York Comedy Club - East Village
Laugh the night away at this popular New York City comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
Slate
Explore New York City's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Delancey Rooftop
Explore New York City's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Somewhere Nowhere NYC - Lounge, Nightclub & Rooftop Pool
Explore New York City's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Dead Rabbit
Explore New York City's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Le Bain
Explore New York City's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
Explore New York City's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- 🌃Check dress codes before heading out
- 🌃Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- 🌃Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- 🌃Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- 🌃Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- 🌃Research cover charges and drink prices
- 🌃Make reservations for popular venues
- 🌃Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- 🌃Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- 🌃Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in New York City varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in New York City range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
New York City offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in New York City cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
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