There are so many different sides to New York according to the vibe you’re looking for. Known as the city that never sleeps, NY has an incredible selection of bars and restaurants worth your visit. You’ll love NYC’s party scene and night time activities that will intrigue you. Even in these unpredictable times, the party continues! We aren’t just talking about nightclubs, but also about after-hours sports and recreation. Get your best outfit on, and hit the town! Read our guide to New York nightlife!
Hidden bars
Speakeasies are hidden bars, full of intrigue and a huge part of New York nightlife. Tucked behind laundrettes, staircases, and other unlikely places, New York certainly has some surprises for you at night. Speakeasies ceased in 1933. But New York still has some bars in a speakeasy fashion to get you excited to go out. You’ll fall for the Jazz Age vibe and the relaxed atmosphere in New York’s most popular bars. Here are a few favorites from New York’s hidden bars:
Attaboy
It is located in the former Milk And Honey space and has a retro vibe. Tucked away in Chinatown, you’ll love the eclectic mix of made-to-measure cocktails. There is no set drinks list here. Instead, the bartender will ask what you enjoy and make a customized cocktail. You’ll never get the same thing twice! That’s the beauty of Attaboy!
Bathtub Gin
The clue is in the name – one of the unique aspects of this bar is the bathtub! Here, you can drink cocktails from one of the best mixologists, Sean Muldoon from Belfast, Ireland. His concoctions are unique and show-stopping. Plus, it’s the perfect place for a girls night out thanks to its chic 1920s’ decor and vintage furnishings.
La Noxe
La Noxe is new on the scene of speakeasies. It’s underground in the 28th Street subway station. However, you may have to wait a while to sip on a drink! There is a 1,500-person waiting list! Though the 500 square foot bar seems small, it is the place to be in New York! People have fallen in love with its location, making it accessible yet mysterious.
Comedy clubs
If you’re seeking laughs, then New York will be your dream destination. New Yorkers are known for their impeccable sense of humor, and Manhattan has some of the best! You are very spoilt for choice when it comes to comedy. So let us help you find your ideal comedy location! We can guarantee that you’ll be laughing out loud in these venues.
Gotham Comedy Club
Gotham Comedy Club is an institution in New York and was opened in 1996. Their opening night featured comedians such as Dave Chapelle, Mike Royce and Sara Silverman. Today, Amy Schumer and Marlon Wayans have graced its stage.
Want to try stand up for yourself? Then take part in Gotham’s comedy classes! Their workshops run for 8 weeks and covers every aspect of stand up comedy. There are even comedy writing classes if you want to practice writing sketches!
Broadway Comedy Club
Broadway Comedy Club is located in Times Square. It is the biggest comedy club in New York. For example, comedians that have held gigs here have later been seen on Letterman and Comedy Central. Al Martin is the founder of the comedy club and has been known for launching the careers of several top comedians. His clubs have been visited by the likes of Beyoncé and Jay-Z and Jimmy Fallon.
Nightclubs
If you love to party, then you’re in the right place! New York nightlife is the best, and the city is known for its clubbing scene. Whether you’re partying with friends or want to get out and meet locals, discovering the city’s nightclubs is the way to spend a night! Nothing beats going out on a Saturday night and dancing to your favorite tracks. Read on to find out about the best nightclubs in New York City, and get ready to party!
Avant Gardner
This nightclub in East Williamsburg has amazing plush rooms. It has a 15,000-square-foot Great Hall and a Kings Hall, which can hold over 800 people. It even has an outdoor venue, the Brooklyn Mirage, for the warmer months. The nightclub is huge on the electronic dance music scene, and you can see some of its biggest artists play here.
The Sultan Room
The Sultan Room is a music venue based in Bushwick, and features a state-of-the-art sound system. The nightclub combines great music and delicious food – you can dance along to the amazing live music or tuck into some delish Turkish food.
Moxy Times Square
Moxy Times Square is a hip hotel where you can enjoy its bar, even if you’re not a guest. The Moxy bar has a spectacular view across the city, and the copper-wrapped bar will take your breath away. The decor is romantic and chic, so it’s the perfect place to have drinks with friends or take your date to. Tuck into some delicious food and sip on some fancy cocktails while taking in the atmosphere. It has four innovative dining spaces for you to choose from and in the daytime, it also offers co-working spaces. Expect vibrance, fun and a touch of luxury in this beautiful venue!
Broadway shows
When you think of New York, of course you think of Broadway and its spectacular shows! We all know it’s entertainment central, so it’s no surprise that NY is the place to break when you’re an actor! It’s also a huge part of New York nightlife!
It is known as the theater district of New York City. Some of the world’s greatest shows have taken place here – Wicked and The Lion King are just some of the ones to tick off your bucket list. The program changes regularly so you can see plenty of new productions on each trip. There are 40 large professional theaters where you can stop and see a show, so you don’t need to worry about a lack of seats!
The bright lights and billboards from this theater are an important part of New York’s cityscape. Theater shows are one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city. In 2010, shows sold more than $1 billion dollars in tickets! Shows run for years and years because it is a highly profitable industry in New York. The longest-running musical is Phantom of the Opera which opened in 1988 and is still going strong today!
Live music
New York is a vibrant city full of energy, and that’s what makes it an amazing music venue. Radio City Music Hall is an institution in New York that opened in the 1930s and has been part of city life since. It is known for its Art Deco details and the Christmas spectacular that takes place every year. Many artists have graced its stage such as Lady Gaga, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder. Its striking neon lights are an important part of New York nightlife.
If you’re more into your indie music, than a hip music venue is what the doctor ordered! BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! in Prospect Park. Listen to the next up-and-coming band while surrounded by greenery in the summer months. The event takes place from July 31st to September 18th, and provides you with some amazing music from hip-hop to rock.
Of course, there is also the iconic Madison Square Garden, loved and known by people all over the world. It is one of the most famous sports arenas in the world, and you can also see singing sensations such as Adele and Beyoncé perform in this gigantic venue.
Night bus tours
If you want to see the sights but the walk at night doesn’t appeal to you, then New York’s night bus tours will be your go-to solution. This tour is ideal for all night owls that are restless when the sun sets! Enjoy the sights of New York nightlife from the comfort of these buses!
See all of the city’s bright lights, neon billboards and nightlife from the top of a double decker red bus. See the lights of New York’s greatest tourist attractions such as Broadway, Times Square and Greenwich Village. Travel across the city that never sleeps before crossing over Brooklyn Bridge. You’ll be mesmerized by the beautiful yet modern views of the Chrysler building and the Grand Central Terminal.
The night tour takes around an hour and a half. You can enjoy an audio guide or take in all the sights and sounds of New York. The tour has plenty of night time surprises for you, and you really get to see the city in its element. Hop on to the legendary red bus and admire the panoramic views of one of the world’s greatest cities!
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