Anyone who visits New York City will quickly discover that the city becomes livelier at night. The city is renowned for its various attractions, such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and popular museums like The MET and MoMA. However, it is important to also explore the city after sunset when in New York. This could mean admiring the Manhattan skyline, attending a New York Yankees baseball game, or witnessing the vibrant lights of Times Square. You will surely be amazed by the city that never sleeps.
Is this the Best Spot to Experience the Nightlife of New York City?
In New York City, the most ideal location to be at night is typically Manhattan. This bustling area includes the Upper West Side where one can experience the edge of Central Park and explore neighborhoods such as Harlem. Midtown Manhattan boasts famous landmarks like the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings. On the other hand, Lower Manhattan houses the One World Center and serves as a starting point for the Staten Island ferry. For a lively evening, one can also head to Brooklyn, a neighboring district accessible from Lower Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge.
In this guide, we will cover all the top activities to enjoy in New York City during the nighttime. To provide a brief summary, here is a condensed version of the essential information you need to know.
A Quick Guide to Enjoying New York City at Night
- Recommended Sights: The illuminated cityscape of Brooklyn Bridge, the iconic Empire State Building, bustling Times Square, historic Grand Central Station, and the impressive One World Trade Center.
- Accommodation Options: Pod 51 Hotel (affordable), The Standard Highline (mid-range), and Park Hyatt New York (luxury). Check out our comprehensive guide on where to stay in New York City.
- Entertainment: Catch a Broadway or off-Broadway show, try to get tickets for the Jimmy Fallon Show, enjoy a movie night at Bryant Park, go ice skating at Rockefeller Center, and admire the city lights from a rooftop bar.
- Day Trips: Explore Sleepy Hollow, Woodstock, Boston, Beacon, or take a scenic cruise on the Hudson River. View the complete list here.
- Must-Try Cuisine: Sample some authentic Mexican street food, indulge in New York-style pizza, savor a classic hamburger, and don’t forget to try a famous hot dog.
Top Activities to Enjoy in New York City at Night
After gaining a quick understanding of the top things to do in New York City at night, it is now time to delve into the exciting and comprehensive details. The city offers a plethora of nighttime entertainment options, ranging from magnificent viewpoints to Broadway performances and comedy clubs. One can enjoy a refreshing cocktail at The Empire Rooftop or have a good laugh at Comedy Cellar.
Outlined in this article are the top 14 activities to enjoy in New York City during the evening. The perfect one-day itinerary for New York City leads to an exciting night filled with entertainment and additional sightseeing. Here is a guide on how to spend a night or two.
Construction of the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building, a well-known feature of the city skyline, is a beloved structure. It was built in 1931 and boasts two observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors. Rising 102 stories high, it stands as one of the tallest buildings globally and offers unparalleled nighttime views of NYC.
The construction remains open until 2 AM every night, offering one of the most enjoyable activities to partake in during the evening in New York. Just make sure to check the website for updated hours, as they may vary throughout the year and cause confusion. Through the observation decks, you can marvel at the city lights through expansive windows and explore exhibit rooms detailing the construction of the building.
You have the option to save money on tickets through the NYC Move, which offers different durations of 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10-day passes. This grants you access to certain attractions for a single fee instead of purchasing separate tickets. Depending on your desired sights in New York, this may be a more budget-friendly option.
Pro Tip: Visit at sunset to experience the best of both worlds – witnessing New York during the day and at night.
Important Information: It is necessary to make reservations in advance for a visit to the Empire State Building. Make sure to book ahead of time here.
What is NYC midnight
The iconic Times Square is a quintessential representation of the bustling city of New York. It boasts towering billboards and vibrant advertisements, while also serving as a hub for street performers and photography sessions. It is recommended to allocate extra time to fully appreciate the various performances and capture memorable pictures. A visit to Times Square should definitely be included in your itinerary, as it is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable activities to do in New York City at night.
One can visit Times Square during the day, but its shining lights are most impressive at night
What to see in times square at night
Experience the bustling energy of New York City at night with a visit to Times Square.
Exploring Instances Square does not require any admission fee, but you have the option to spend additional money on tipping street performers or paying for exclusive photoshoots. The busiest times in Times Square are during rush hour and just before Broadway shows begin. For a more peaceful experience, it is recommended to visit at a later time.
Expert Tip: If you want to enjoy street performers, be sure to bring some loose change with you.
Accessible Information: Available 24/7 and accessible at no cost.
3. Experience a Nighttime Cruise at the Harbor
According to our viewpoint, the most optimal way to experience New York City is through a water tour. This is especially true during the evening when the city is illuminated, allowing you to see iconic landmarks from a unique perspective. As Manhattan Island is surrounded by the harbor, much of New York City is situated along the water. A boat tour offers fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. Opting for an evening harbor cruise is a fantastic way to take in the stunning views of New York City at night.
One major advantage of booking an evening cruise instead of a day cruise is the onboard experience. Most evening cruises, such as the jazz cruise recommended by The Planet D, offer some form of dining or musical entertainment. Even the simpler sightseeing cruises provide a drink onboard. It can be observed that the evening cruises in New York City tend to be more luxurious.
One great way to combine your evening meal with entertainment is by enjoying a fresh perspective of the city. These tours typically last for about 3 hours and the waters of the harbor are usually peaceful, so you won’t have to worry about motion sickness. The sight of the lights glistening on the water is truly captivating, making it a lovely way to admire the city of New York in all of its nighttime splendor.
Pro Tip: To experience the best of both worlds, consider booking a sunset cruise.
Practical Information: The most efficient way to book a cruise is through online reservations and well in advance. Prices and schedules may vary depending on the company.
4. Music Hall of Radio Metropolis
A notable event space in New York City is the Radio City Music Hall, which has been standing since 1932. It exudes a sense of opulence with its bright orange and purple lights, ornate chandeliers, and intricate decorations. The exterior of the venue is a quintessential representation of New York City, adorned with neon signs. If you are seeking entertainment, the Radio City Music Hall offers a diverse line-up of concerts and performances on a regular basis.
The official website provides information on which events coincide with your visit. While the Radio City Rockettes are the main attraction, there are also numerous other performers scheduled. It is simply a matter of chance, depending on the dates of your stay in New York.
The interior of Radio City Music Hall at night in New York City.
Our suggestion is to approach the schedule with an open mindset. Viewing the interior of the corridor is a crucial part of the experience. Additionally, if you happen to be visiting during Christmas, make sure to attend the Rockettes performance.
One helpful tip: Keep an open mind when choosing which performances to attend.
Relevant Information: The opening hours vary depending on the event.
5. The Brooklyn Bridge
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-do activity for any New York City itinerary. It has a certain enchantment that will make you feel like you are in a dream. To experience a true “I can’t believe I’m in New York” moment, you must take a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge. This enjoyable activity only takes approximately 30 minutes one way, but the breathtaking views of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines are well worth it.
The Brooklyn Bridge was constructed in 1883 and is a magnificent blend of stone, metal, and wood. Its enduring walkway attracts numerous tourists and is a must-visit for anyone seeking breathtaking views of New York City at night.
Instead of joining the early morning rush to walk Brooklyn Bridge (which is a smart move to avoid the tourist crowds), we suggest walking at sunset so that you can experience the bridge in the evening. It is considered one of the top activities to do in New York City at night, and beginning at sunset allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. You will witness the skyline in a warm orange hue on your way, and on the return walk, you will see the vibrant lights illuminating the dark sky.
Pro Tip: Start your activity at sunset for the best combination of experiences.
Important Information: The walkway is available for leisurely walks at no cost.
