42 Best Things to Do in NYC at Night
New York City is well known as the city that never sleeps. Not just because the subway system never closes and it is constantly noisy, but also because you can easily find something fun to do all night long. To fully embrace the city’s lifestyle, you simply have to enjoy some of the best things to do in NYC at night.
Since we live in close proximity to the city, we love to spend our night out, strolling through the streets filled with dazzling lights, and exploring the rich nightlife. No matter the time of year you will find exciting activities for a girl’s night out or a romantic date night with your lover, there are plenty of options.
Exclusively for NYC fans, we collected our 42+ favorite things to do in NYC at night. Since New York City can be a tad pricey, make sure to also check out the different NYC sightseeing passes to save some extra bucks.
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Our Other Resources for New York City
- 4-Day New York Itinerary
- The Ultimate List of Things to Do in NYC in the Winter
- 59 Best Places in Manhattan to Visit
- 29 Best Views of NYC: Manhattan Skyline and More
- 100+ NYC Bucket List Items: Best Things to Do
- 40 Perfect Road Trips from New York City to Take
- Broadway Dress Code: How to Dress for a Show
- Green-Wood Cemetery: Visit Brooklyn’s Unique Attraction
- 25+ Best Non Touristy Things to Do in NYC
Helpful Travel Planning Tools
Travel Insurance: Feel safe on all your adventures around the world with simple and flexible travel insurance for all occasions. l World Nomad
Rental Car: Explore breathtaking landscapes on the endless road with your rental car to get a taste of unlimited freedom! l Rentalcars
Accommodation: After a day full of adventures, you deserve a good night’s rest. Hotels.com offers cozy accommodations which will make you feel at home. l Hotels.com
Experiences: Make unforgettable experiences on your next trip with Get Your Guide, the best company to compare and book Sedona activities, and fun tours. l Get Your Guide
NYC Travel Tip: NYC Sightseeing Passes
There are 2 main discount sightseeing passes for New York City, the Go City Pass, and the New York CityPASS. Before deciding on which pass to purchase, check out how each pass works, which attractions are offered, and how many you would like to visit.
Keep in mind that even though you will get free admission to your desired attractions in Manhattan New York, you might still have to make a reservation.
Go City – New York Explorer Pass or All-inclusive Pass
With the Go City New York Explorer Pass, you can choose from a 2-choice to 10-choice pass which ranges from $73 to $229. The pass is slightly cheaper for children ages 3 to 12. It is also less expensive than the New York CityPASS.
If you prefer to buy a pass for a day or multiple days, consider getting the All-inclusive Pass. You can explore as many attractions as you want from 1-10 days. The price ranges from $134 to $332.
New York CityPASS
With the New York CityPASS, you can choose from a 3 attractions pass or a 5 attractions pass. The 5 attractions pass costs for adults (18+) is $129 and for children (6–17) is $109. The 3 attractions pass is $87 for adults (13+)and $67 for children (5–12).
42 Things to do in NYC at Night
1. Enjoy a Dinner
Dine out in the large variety of restaurants and eateries throughout NYC. With the unlimited diversity of cuisine options, you will easily find something to eat which satisfies everyone’s cravings. New York City is by far home to some of the tastiest foods in the world.
With so much to choose from, it is hard to comply a list of the “best” restaurants or eateries. So we decided to guide you in the direction of where to find some fantastic dining options. Here is a list of areas you will want to check out.
- Chelsea Market
- Chinatown
- Little Italy
- Financial District
- Theater District
- SoHo
- Hell’s Kitchen
- Koreatown
- Harlem
2. Experience a Themed Restaurant
Dine out with a twist in one of the NYC-themed restaurants. This list of New York themed restaurants definitely take eating out to a whole new level. Once you step into the restaurant you will be immediately transported to a new world.
These restaurants take the saying, “go big or go home” very seriously. They think of every detail of the experience and atmosphere to provide their guests with a one-of-a-kind experience.
- Beetle House
Theme: all things Tim Burton, celebrate Halloween all year round
- Jekyll and Hyde Club
Theme: Haunted house
- Hard Rock Cafe
Theme: Music
- Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Theme: Broadway
- Rolf’s
Theme: German, best known for its holiday decorations
- Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
Theme: Victorian times
- The Cauldron
Theme: Witches and wizards
- All Nite Skate
Theme: Roller skate
3. Indulge in a Delicious Dessert
If you still have room for dessert after a one of kind dining experience, treat yourself to a delicious sweet. As we mentioned above, NYC is home to some of the most incredible restaurants in the world and it does not stop there. Finding a decadent dessert is also easy to come by.
Here are some top places to satisfy your sweet tooth:
4. See a Ballet
New York City is without a doubt home to some of the best ballet shows in the world. It also houses the American Ballet Theater, one of the greatest dance companies. If you are interested in seeing a ballet while in New York, it is perfect to add to your list of things to do at NYC at night.
There is a range of ballet shows to choose from, browse through the different shows to see which ones are available when you are in town.
5. See a Broadway Show
Attending a Broadway show has to be on your top things to do in NYC at night agenda. Seeing a show on Broadway is a unique experience while in New York. With a large variety of shows to choose from you will undoubtedly find one for yourself. Broadway shows showcase top performers from all over in world class and historic theaters.
We have been lucky to have seen a ton of Broadway Shows. It is actually one of our favorite things to do in NYC at night during the winter months.
Here are some of the tricks we use to save money when purchasing tickets for Broadway shows. The first place we head to is Broadway for Broke People which has a large selection of cheaper tickets, as well as, TodayTix. In order to get some of the tickets, you may have to enter a lottery system to win the tickets. You really can’t go wrong with seeing any Broadway show.
6. See an Off-Broadway Show
Besides seeing a famous Broadway show, you can see an Off-Broadway show. Off-Broadway shows are usually a tad cheaper in price and are located in venues outside of the Theater District with fewer than 500 seats.
So if you are into theater, we would recommend adding an Off-Broadway show to the list while thinking of things to do in NYC at night. It is a great way to support the arts, become part of the show, and avoid crowds. Plus, many of the popular Broadway shows came from the Off-Broadway stages.
7. Stroll through Times Square
This definitely tops the things to do in NYC at night. Times Square should be a place all visitors should stroll through in the daylight and evening hours.
Just stand still for a second, look all around, and take in the feel of Times Square. No matter how often you visit the square, it always looks different due to the changing displays on the screens. Also, be sure to check out some of the street performers while admiring the atmosphere around you.
8. Attend a TV Show Taping
Always wanted to be in a live audience to one of your favorite shows. Think about this as one of the things to do in NYC at night that is completely free and loads of fun. Not all shows happen during the evening, but here are a few you could attend.
Many of the shows require advance tickets, so it is best to research when to book your desired show taping in advance. However, there is sometimes the possibility to get tickets last minute.
9. Have a Drink at a Bar
New York has some out-of-this-world bars to have a drink at. You can go to a variety of historic bars and drink where many historic and/or famous people from the past enjoyed a drink. Or you can choose a bar for its unique theme, location, or view.
Can’t decide where to go from the numerous bars around NYC, plan a bar crawl for things to do in NYC at night.
10. Jam out at a Music Concert
As you could imagine New York City brings in all the big names from the music industry. With multiple venues across the city, you can easily find a fun concert any time of the year and any day of the week.
Here are some of the venues to check out to find great entertainment for things to do in NYC at night.
- Madison Square Garden
- Barclays Center
- Prudential Center
- Beacon Theater
- MetLife Stadium
- Radio City Music Hall
- UBS Arena
11. Hang out on a Rooftop Bar
New York City has tons of unique rooftop bars which showcase the one-of-a-kind city skylines in the world. For this reason, hanging out at a rooftop bar is one of the best things to do in NYC at night.
But with an abundance of rooftop bars to choose from it can be challenging to find the right one to visit. To help you find one to your liking, check out this list of NYC rooftop bars.
12. Be Entertained at a Piano Bar
A Piano bar is a lively way to be entertained in NYC at night. Even when the piano may not be your preferred choice of music, you may find trying out one of the Piano bars in NYC more enjoyable than you think.
Check out these piano bars in NYC where you can enjoy an old-fashioned drink while listening to some classic music:
13. Sneak into a Speakeasy
Technically, most of the speakeasies in NYC stopped operating in 1933 when the prohibition ended and there was no need to secretly drink anymore.
But during the 2000s the unique speakeasy-style bars gained popularity again. People loved the idea of hidden entrances and a more exclusive experience. Having a classic cocktail in a semi-secretly location is definitely one of the things to do in NYC at night.
These are our top 2 speakeasy-style bars:
- Please Don’t Tell
This is most likely, the most popular speakeasy in NYC. You have to walk through a hot dog shop and through a telephone booth to find this cozy speakeasy bar looking like a hunter’s lodge. Better make a reservation in advance, it gets very crowded.
- Apotheke
Travel back in time to the 1920s when you visit this unique speakeasy that serves medical-inspired cocktails in the heart of Chinatown.
14. Have a Laugh at a Comedy Club
Love a good laugh? Then you have to check out the comedy club scene for things to do in NYC at night with the majority of shows scheduled for 7:00 PM and later.
New York City draws many of the most famous stand-up comedians in the world. Usually, the more well-known comedians will perform in theaters, while the up and coming comedians perform in various comedy clubs in NYC. But there is always a chance you may see a big timer performing at a smaller club too.
Here are some comedy clubs you may want to go to:
15. Sing Karaoke
Going to a bar to have a drink is too boring for you? Spruce up your things to do in NYC at night by going to a karaoke bar and sing it all out.
As the musical city of the world, it is no surprise that New York City is full of karaoke bars. No matter if you are looking for a private karaoke session with a group of friends, or if you want to perform in a cult bar in front of strangers, NYC has you covered.
Here are some karaoke clubs with a great atmosphere:
- Lion’s Roar Karaoke
- Insa
- Heaven or Las Vegas
- Winnie’s
- Planet Rose
16. Listen to Jazz
Claimed by some as the Jazz capital of the world, New York is a great city to listen to Jazz tunes. Even though it all started in New Orleans, Jazz spread quickly within America and New York City became an attractive location for musicians.
Jazz at Lincoln Center (with the iconic Dizzy’s Club) is one of the top organizers for Jazz music with tons of concerts during the season but you can also find several small Jazz clubs throughout the boroughs.
These are some of our favorite picks:
- Birdland
- Bill’s Place
- Minton’s Playhouse
- Blue Note
- Smoke Jazz Club
17. Attend a Poetry Slam
In this competitive art event, poets perform their self-written originals in front of an audience. Since every participant only gets a short amount of time for their performance, it is a very fast paced event where a lot of laughter is guaranteed.
We personally love Poetry Slams because you get to see a variety of artists performing other than visiting a Comedy Club.
The award-winning Nuyorican Poets Cafe hosts regular Poetry Slams along with other poetry, music, theater, and visual arts events. To find other events of the other poetry nonprofit organizations in NYC, check Eventbrite.
18. Head to a Drag Show
New York City is not just the best city to experience a drag show because of its tolerant culture but also because it is actually the birthplace of drag queens and drag kings.
No matter if you want to enjoy a delicious dinner, a great comedy performance, or something erotic, it is all more fun when combined with a fun drag show.
Here are some clubs to get your drag queen experience in NYC. Keep in mind that some drag queen shows just take place on certain days of the week.
- Barracuda Lounge
- Therapy
- Suite Bar
19. Go to a Nightclub
You’re feeling like dancing the night away? Then head over to one of the hottest nightclubs in the city which never sleeps.
These are our top picks for night owls:
- The Box
If you feel more like watching other people perform than getting some exercise yourself, check out the variety shows at the Box. Often compared to the Moulin Rouge of NYC, the performances in the Box will leave you speechless.
- 1Oak
Located in some of the biggest cities in the world, 1Oak is one of the best clubs for partygoers who want to be up to date with new album release parties and the newest music movements.
- Avant Gardener
This immersive indoor/outdoor event venue is the best destination for party people. The massive industrial warehouse with its spectacular light shows is open year-round whereas the outdoor Brooklyn Mirage is only open in the summer.
20. Check out a Baseball Game
Join in on the fun and cheer on your favorite New York Baseball teams. Whether you decide to head to the Bronx to see the Yankees at Yankee Stadium, or Queens to experience the Mets at Citi Field, you will be in for an epic time.
Dana is not too keen on the baseball game itself, but still found it a fun experience you have to encounter at least once in your life. And there is so much more than just the game. Enjoy walking around the stadium, learn about the history of the team and its players, take part in promotional freebies, and of course spoil yourself with the infamous ballpark foods and drinks.
Baseball games run from April to October.
21. Watch a Game at Madison Square Garden or Barclays Center
Cheer on your favorite team at Madison Square Garden or the Barclays Center.
At Madison Square Garden you can see the New York Knicks (Basketball, NBA) or New York Rangers (Hockey, NHL). At Barclays Center, you can watch the Brooklyn Nets (Basketball, NBA) or New York Liberty (Basketball, WNBA). Basketball and hockey games run from October to April.
Even when you are not really into sporting events, seeing a game at one of these venues is a unique experience.
22. Sail around the Harbor on a Boat Cruise
Looking for an NYC water experience? Enjoy a relaxing, entertaining evening with beautiful views of the city on a boat cruise.
You can choose from a variety of tours and cruises which make their way around New York to see famous landmarks and sights from the Hudson and East Rivers.
It is up to you if you want to make the whole loop of Manhattan island on a 2.5-hour cruise, enjoy a romantic sunset sail, or dance on a party cruise for your ultimate NYC experience with a view.
- 1-hour cruise around the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
- Circle Line Best of NYC Cruise
- Circle Line Landmark Cruise
- Luxury Harbor Cruises
- Circle Line Harbor Light Cruise
- Manhattan Skyline Dinner Cruise
This is a great activity to add to things to do in NYC at night to see the city in a different light while enjoying a more romantic atmosphere.
23. Relax at a Spa
New York City offers a lot of luxurious spa treatments in various hotels but to be honest, as long as you don’t stay in the hotel, we are not too excited about those kinds of spa experiences.
Dana loves the European Spas where you can get your relaxing treatments but also have access to different saunas, pools, and resting areas where you can fully unwind.
One of these spa experiences you can find at the Spa Castle in Queens. Make sure to spend the full day at the spa to appreciate all their amenities and give yourself enough time to finally slow down.
On top of our couple’s bucket list is a visit to the AIRE Ancient Spa in Lower Manhattan. They offer various ancient bath experiences which can be combined with massages and other treatments. It is for sure a little pricey but will be one of those romantic date nights you will always remember.
24. Take a Helicopter Ride
If you are looking for a more exclusive view of the New York City skyline, take a helicopter ride.
This thrilling activity provides unlimited aerial views of the famous NYC landmarks. Even though it is a tad pricey, it is an experience that can not be beaten with iconic views of NYC.
25. Get Spooked on a Ghost Tour
We can’t get enough of spooky ghost tours. Wherever we go, we have to check available tours with real-life horror stories and paranormal sightings. New York City is an excellent place to encounter the dark side since the city is full of sinister history.
Ease in with some creepy ghost stories or dive deep immediately to find the ghost yourself on a real paranormal investigation with or without a real paranormal investigator in some of New York’s oldest mansions:
- The Ghostlight Tour: Haunted Broadway
- Greenwich Village Ghost Tour
- Morris-Jumel Mansion
- Merchant’s House Museum
26. Visit a Museum
Spend the daytime outside in NYC and end the day by visiting a museum which is one of the best things to do in NYC at night.
The evening is a perfect time to cool off or warm up, depending on the season you’re visiting, plus to slow down. Many of the NYC museums offer later hours. Waiting to go at night is also a great way to avoid large crowds.
Here are some museums you can go to at night in NYC:
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Museum of Modern Art
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- Guggenheim Museum
- American Museum of Natural History
- Museum of Sex
- SPYSCAPE
27. Try to Escape from an Escape Room
Less than 10 years ago, Escape Rooms became extremely popular and quickly spread across the world. The trend is still going on, offering more and more different themes for every kind of player.
Never played an Escape Game before? The idea is to have a group of people (ideally 2-6 players) who get locked up in a themed room. Within 1 hour, you have to find all the clues and solve puzzles to escape.
Trust us, it is a lot of fun and absolutely addictive. Once you’re done with one, you want to play again and again. But to have a great experience, make sure to find a good quality company!
Here are our favorite Escape Games in NYC:
28. Go Underground into the New York Catacombs
At one point you will most likely find yourself underground to use the metro, but to see the more authentic underground, you have to go to the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral and visit their catacomb on a candlelight tour.
St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral is the oldest church in NYC and buried mainly wealthy people, one of the most notable being Abraham Lincoln’s advisor Thomas Eckert. On this 90-minute tour, you will learn about the city’s history and get access to some hidden places which are not open to the public.
Make sure not to get lost in the labyrinth of vaults!
29. Visit the 9/11 Memorial
Take in the 9/11 Memorial with fewer crowds by visiting in the evening hours. The memorial is located in Lower Manhattan on the site of the World Trade Centers. It is a wide open space that allows visitors to remember the lost lives on a tragic day.
The memorial is comprised of massive twin fountains. During the evening hours, you will be able to see these fountains light up. It is quite a different experience than visiting during the daylight hours, so think about adding it to your things to do in NYC at night activities.
Top Tip: Before checking out the Memorial, we highly recommend visiting the stunning 9/11 museum. It vividly showcases the happenings from 9/11/2001.
30. Hop on a Walking Tour
We are huge fans of Free Tours by Foot which offers walking tours in cities all over the world. They are well-known for their pay what you want tours, where you only pay the amount of money you can afford and/or think the tour was worth.
In the past years, they really stepped up their game and added self-guided audio tours, specialty tours like food tours, and even bus tours. Don’t expect all of those tours to be on a pay what you want basis. Don’t worry though, everything is very affordable.
In regards to exploring NYC, we can highly recommend the following tours:
- Greenwich Village Food Tour
- Bushwick Graffiti and Street Art Tour
- Twilight Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights & DUMBO Tour
31. Take in a View at an Observation Deck
Seriously, what is better than a 360-degree view of New York City in lights? We can promise you it is a one-of-a-kind vista you will want to add to your things to do in NYC at night list.
It can be challenging to figure out which one to go to because they all offer a unique view of New York City. To help find the one best for you, we suggest taking a look at the location, price, and view you will have.
Here is an overview of NYC observation decks you will want to visit at night:
- Edge NYC
Hours: Open to Midnight (last elevator ride up 50 minutes before closing)
Price: starting at $38 and up
Location: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10112
Highest Point: 1,271 feet, The highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere (100th floor)
Best View of: New Jersey and East River
- Top of the Rock
Hours: Open to 11:00 PM, Last Entry 10:10 PM
Price: starting at $34 and up
Location: Midtown Manhattan, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
Highest Point: 850 feet (70th floor)
Best View of: Central Park and Empire State Building
- Empire State Building
Hours: Open to Midnight
Price: starting at $44 and up
Location: Midtown Manhattan, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
Highest Point: 1,250 feet (80th floor, 86th floor, and 102nd floor)
Best View of: Chrysler Building and Flatiron Building
- One World Observatory
Hours: Open to 9:00 PM
Price: starting at $43 and up
Location: Lower Manhattan, 285 Fulton St, New York, NY 10007
Highest Point: 102nd floor, The highest observation deck in NYC
Best View of: Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge
- SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Hours: Open to 10:30 PM on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Open to Midnight on Friday and Saturday. Closed on Tuesdays.
Price: starting at $49 and up
Location: Midtown Manhattan, 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Highest Point: 1,210 feet (91st, 92nd, and 93rd floor; glass elevator option to the 105th floor)
Best View of: Empire State Building and Lower Manhattan
32. Watch the Sunset
Take a minute to slow down and enjoy the view of a New York City sunset. This is a simple, easy, free, and romantic thing to do in NYC at night.
The Sunset is always a special and beautiful time of the day. But what makes seeing a sunset in NYC even more extraordinary is watching the transformation of the city from daylight to night as the city lights take over.
Here are a few great places to catch a sunset in NYC:
- Brooklyn Bridge + Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Staten Island Ferry
- NYC Observation Decks
- Roosevelt Island Tram
- Rooftop Bars
- The Battery
- Little Island
Above are just a few suggestions as there are many great views around the city for sunset.
33. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
The most famous bridge walk in Manhattan is over the Brooklyn Bridge. As one of the oldest suspension bridges in the country, you could just imagine how many visitors a day this bridge receives.
If you are planning to take the iconic walk over the bridge, don’t expect to do it alone. The stroll over the bridge is just over a mile, but in reality, you will have to walk over 1.5 miles from each side’s pedestrian entrances. Similar to the Williamsburg and Manhattan Bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge will provide you with beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline.
The bridge is open to pedestrians 24 hours a day.
From the Manhattan side, you will enter the pedestrian walkway at the northeast corner of City Hall Park along Center Street. From the Brooklyn side, enter the pedestrian walkway at Tillary Street and Boerum Place.
34. Visit Coney Island – Luna Park
Coney Island is a true landmark of NYC. The first enclosed amusement park on the peninsula was opened in 1895 and since then offers seaside entertainment, like movie nights, concerts and the Mermaid Parade, and exciting rides for the whole family.
The amusement park itself is usually open from the beginning of April to Labor Day but the beach and the boardwalk with New York City’s only aquarium and the famous Nathan Hot Dog stand are open year-round.
35. Spend the Night at the American Museum of Natural History
Are you a huge fan of the movie ‘Night in the Museum’? Then one of your dreams is about to come true.
One of the best things to do in NYC at night is to have a sleepover in the American Museum of Natural History, where the original movie takes place. On certain nights of the year, you can spend the night with your kids or with other grown-ups in the museum and explore the halls with a flashlight.
This once in a lifetime experience lasts from the evening (around 6 PM) to the next morning (around 9 AM). Even food and sleeping cots will be provided, so you don’t have to pack a lot.
36. Sleepover on the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
Not only does the American Museum of Natural History offer overnight stays, but the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum also host sleepover events for the whole family.
You can sleep among aircrafts, participate in flashlight guided tours, admire the stars in the planetarium shows, enjoy unlimited simulator rides, eat delicious food, and enjoy many more fun activities for all ages.
37. Wander through Chinatown & Little Italy
New York City is a mecca for international cuisine. You can most likely find any food you want but some of the most represented cuisines in the city are Chinese and Italian.
If you are interested in those types of food, where else would you go than Chinatown or Little Italy themselves? Their authentic restaurants offer high-quality meals, and delicious desserts, and the best part is they are affordable.
Even if you are not in the mood to grab a bite to eat, Little Italy and Chinatown are worth a visit. Once you enter these neighborhoods you will totally forget that you are still in the city. Get drifted away by the hustle and bustle of Chinatown with its fresh food stands, exciting stores, and street vendors who try to sell you whatever you can think of.
Top Tip: Especially during the Lunar New Year celebration at the beginning of the year, it is a lot of fun strolling down the beautifully illuminated streets of Chinatown.
38. Catch a Movie at Skyline Drive-In
Drive-In theaters belong to the summer like sand to a beach. There is nothing better than watching a movie under the stars on a warm summer night.
There are actually a couple of drive-in theaters in the different boroughs but the one we can highly recommend is the Skyline Drive-In NYC in Brooklyn. It is located on the East River and offers splendid views of the Manhattan skyline. So when the movie is boring, you know what else to look at!
Since NYC is a city for walkers and bikers, the Skyline Drive-In even offers seating for people arriving without a car.
39. Explore Grand Central Terminal
You can’t take a trip to Manhattan and not see Grand Central Terminal. It is the famous commuter rail terminal in the city and is located in Midtown Manhattan. There is no other “terminal” of its kind in the world.
One of the main attractions in the Terminal is the four-faced opal clock, which is in the center of the Main Concourse above the information booth. But be sure to check out the Whispering Gallery next to the Oyster Bar and Restaurant in the dining concourse. When you whisper into one of the ceramic arches in the corners, you can hear it in the parallel corner. Try this acoustic phenomenon yourself.
Waiting to do this as an activity of things to do in NYC at night can sometimes be a bit more enjoyable without the hustle and bustle of commuters rushing around during the day.
40. Go Glamping on Governors Island
Governors Island is a 172-acre island in New York Harbor which lies a few hundred yards south of Manhattan. It attracts many visitors for its 43-acre public park, art and cultural exhibits, recreational activities, and breathtaking view of the New York City skyline.
You can visit this fun-filled island during the day or add its unique glamping experience to your best things to do in NYC at night bucket list.
Staying in the luxury tents and shelters is a pure retreat from the hectic city life. You can indulge in island explorations, wellness activities, wine and spirit tastings, or simply enjoy the magnificent views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan from your comfortable bed.
41. Ride the Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is one of the top free things to do in NYC at night because it runs 24 hours a day which makes it very convenient.
What makes the ride special is the fact that you will get up close to the Statue of Liberty while enjoying the grand views of the New York Harbor, and the NYC skyline.
The ferry is a 5-mile, 25-minute ride which takes passengers from St. George on Staten Island to Whitehall Street in Lower Manhattan and vice versa.
42. Experience Seasonal Activities in NYC
Besides the best things to do in NYC at night listed above you can enjoy all year round, it is also a great idea to check the seasonal activities in the city that never sleeps.
Here are some of our favorite seasonal activities during the year:
Winter:
- Go Ice Skating in Central Park
- Watch the Holiday Lights in Dyker Heights
- Visit a Holiday Lights Show (e.g. in the Bronx Zoo)
Spring:
- Eat at the Bronx Night Market
- Have Dinner at the Met
Summer:
- Shakespeare in the Park
- Rollerblade at DisOasis
- Visit Queens Night Market
Fall:
- Watch the Village Halloween Parade
- Dine in a Halloween decorated restaurant
- Investigate paranormal activities in an old mansion
Where to Stay in New York
Manhattan is a great area to stay in when you are visiting New York City. It is right in the heart of the city and all of the attractions and famous landmarks will be in close proximity.
Unfortunately, this big advantage comes with a huge price tag. It is very difficult to get a reasonable price for accommodation in New York’s most famous neighborhood. If you don’t mind treating yourself to a nice hotel/hostel in the heart of New York, we can highly recommend staying in these accommodations:
- HI New York City (Hostel)
Especially when you are traveling alone, staying in a hostel is a great way of finding new travel buddies. This clean and modern hostel is located in close proximity to Central Park and offers a garden with barbecue grills and a picnic area and a beautiful hang-out area inside. For a quick bite, grab something from the snack bar/ deli. - Dream Midtown
The 4-star Boutique hotel Dream Midtown is also located right next to Central Park which makes it the perfect base to explore the best places in Manhattan. The real crown jewel is the stunning rooftop bar. Enjoy some delicious drinks surrounded by the iconic New York skyline before getting back to your beautifully designed room which is just minutes away. In these beds, you will get the best rest possible. - The Time New York
The Time New York lets you stay in the entertainment district itself, Times Square. This stylish hotel is your perfect choice when you want to indulge in luxury (for a reasonable price) and be located in the perfect spot for all your NYC adventures.
If you are like us and rather spend money on adventures and experiences, take a closer look at the more affordable accommodations in neighborhoods like Hoboken across the Hudson River or Newark. We listed some great options which are just a little more far away below:
- The Holland Hotel (Jersey City)
43 minutes to Times Square by public transportation - Fairfield Inn & Suites Newark Liberty International Airport (Newark)
1h 5min to Times Square by public transportation
Which things to do in NYC at night are you excited to experience on your next trip? Do you have any other insider tips?
Let us know in the comments below!
Our Other Resources for New York City
- 4-Day New York Itinerary
- The Ultimate List of Things to Do in NYC in the Winter
- 59 Best Places in Manhattan to Visit
- 29 Best Views of NYC: Manhattan Skyline and More
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