In New York at night, the energy is palpable. Unlike small towns and sleepy cities, nightfall does not mark the end of the day in the Big Apple. Instead, it’s the start of a new chapter, the second part of the day when the streets come alive with people heading out to dinner, the latest Broadway show, or another event that marks the Big Apple as unique.
So after you fulfill your daytime itinerary, take a quick disco nap and then head out to harness the remarkable energy of New York City at night.
Read on for 12 awesome things to do in New York at night.
1. People-watch in Times Square
If you think Times Square is bustling during the day, check it out in all its nighttime glory! The lights are as bright and dazzling as the sun and the crowds, which seem to fill in every spare inch of space, positively buzz with energy. It’s the perfect spot for people-watching, for getting yourself acclimated to the big city, and for witnessing New York bursting with night life.
To best take in Times Square at night, I recommend sitting on the Red Steps above the TKTS ticket booth. Located at Broadway and W. 47th St., the Red Steps are a fabulous vantage point from which to view the throngs of tourists, costumed characters, ticket sellers, food vendors, street performers, and the generally chaotic (but somewhat orderly) adventure that is Times Square.
For a late night NYC activity, stay for Midnight Moment, a nightly digital display of contemporary art, synchronized to dozens of the massive electronic billboards that span the blocks of Times Square from 41st to 49th Streets.
2. See a Broadway Show
Seeing a play in New York City is one of the best ways to spend quality time in New York at night. There’s just nothing like losing yourself in the magic of Broadway!
Spectacular plays and musicals come and go but current long-running staples include: Wicked, Lion King, Book of Mormon, Hamilton, Chicago, Moulin Rouge, and Aladdin.
There are several reputable ways to secure Broadway tickets:
- TKTS ticket booth-Line up on the day of the performance for a chance at half-price tickets. The selection changes from day to day so don’t set your heart on seeing any one show. TKTS ticket booths are located at Times Square and Lincoln Center.
- Broadway Roulette-Leave your decision to chance and pay just $49-59 per show. You select the day you wish to go and the number of tickets you desire (maximum 6). You can cross off up to five you don’t want to see, and then Broadway Roulette will do the rest! You’ll be notified on the day of the performance which show was selected for you.
- TodayTix-Sells same-day or same-week tickets at discounted prices. You can also sign up for same-day Rush tickets and digital lotteries here.
- Rush, Lottery, and Standing Room Only–Find out all you need to know about securing discounted tickets for Rush, Lottery, and Standing Room Only options.
- 2-for-1 tickets-NYC Broadway Week takes place a couple times a year, offering the incredible deal of two tickets for the price of one.
- Buy online-If you have your heart set on seeing a particular show and your availability is limited, it’s best to buy your tickets ahead of time. Start by searching online for a particular show’s official website. From there, you’ll likely be directed to a ticket selling platform like Telecharge or Broadway Direct, depending on which platform the theater uses. A service charge will be added to each ticket.
- Buy at the box office-Avoid the service charge that comes with buying online by purchasing tickets in person at the box office, though that defeats the purpose of buying online ahead of time!
3. Discover Emerging Talent at the Apollo Theater
A New York City night is best enjoyed by checking out the profuse talent of up-and-coming artists who come to the city in search of fame. Find the best of that talent at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, a theater that strives to feature and promote African American talent and its importance in American culture.
Amateur Night at the Apollo is a famously popular competition that brings to the stage new performers who are hoping to follow in the footsteps of Ella Fitzgerald, Lauryn Hill, Luther Vandross, and others whose careers were launched at the Apollo.
Other than Amateur Night, visitors can also attend concerts, festivals, panel discussions, and much more at this world-famous theater in this beautiful Upper Manhattan neighborhood.
4. Take a New York City at Night Bus Tour
Disclosure: Please note the above link to this tour is an affiliate link, which means, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission if you make a purchase. Be assured that I only recommend products and companies I use and trust.
See NYC at night from the comfort of a bus as an expert tour guide provides information on the sights you’re passing by. The tour begins with a short walk on the High Line. Then you’ll hop on the bus and see Times Square, Rockefeller Center, SoHo, Greenwich Village, and more.
The 4-hour tour begins at 5:30 p.m., so depending on the time of year, at least part of it will take place after dark.
5. Scare Yourself Silly on a New York Ghost Tour
New York City has a long and storied past, which means the city has seen its share of mayhem, murder, and tragedy. You can learn much more on one of many guided ghost tours around the city. And while many of them are offered during the day, I personally Iike to add an extra layer of spookiness by taking tours in the dark of night.
Many ghost tours are offered by a wide variety of tour companies. You can learn about the elegant actress that haunts a Broadway theater on a Ghostlight Tour. Or the railroad worker that haunts the High Line on the Dark Side of the High Line tour. And perhaps during the East Village Haunted Manhattan Tour, you might spot the ghost of Harry Houdini holding court at a table in one of the oldest bars in New York!
Read a full description of these and more ghost tours!
6. Cruise Around the New York Harbor at Sunset
As NYC night tours go, a sunset cruise to see the Manhattan skyline is about as spectacular as they get! A sunset cruise is the perfect way to watch the city transform from day to night.
First you’ll see iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty at the magic hour. Then you’ll witness the skyline at its best as millions of lights flicker and illuminate the city’s skyscrapers.
Whether you want a no-frills experience, or an excursion that includes wine or live music, there are sunset cruises to accommodate every taste! Read my recommended sunset cruise options in more detail here.
7. Experience Nights at the Museums
One of my favorite things to do in NYC at night is to check out a new-to-me museum. Some open late every day, while others offer extended hours once a week or once a month. No matter which one you choose, you can’t go wrong!
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art–Enjoy drinks and live music as part of Date Night at the Met, which takes place every Friday and Saturday from 5-9 p.m. 1000 Fifth Ave., New York, NY
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum–View world-famous works of art in the spiral rotunda designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Open until 8 p.m. on Saturdays. 1071 Fifth Ave., New York, NY
- Museum of Modern Art–Enjoy free entry and later closing hours on UNIQLO NYC Nights, which take place on the first Friday of every month. Free entry offered from 4-8 pm. 11 W. 53rd St., New York, NY
- Fotografiska–Take in five floors of photography located inside a historic building that was built in 1894. Open until 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday. Open until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 36 E. 21st St., New York, NY
- Museum of Sex–View exhibits that celebrate human sexuality. See different perspectives on sexuality through immersive and educational exhibits. Open until 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Open until midnight Friday and Saturday. Must be 18 years old to visit. 233 Fifth Ave., New York, NY
- Whitney Museum of American Art–See American art and take in views from various outdoor viewpoints. Open until 10 p.m. on Fridays. 7-10 on Fridays is pay-what-you-wish. 99 Gansevoort St., New York, NY. TIP: The Whitney is located at the southern end of the High Line, making it convenient to pair the activities together.
8. Get a New York Night View from an Observation Deck
Seeing the Manhattan skyline at sunset is an almost religious experience. And afterwards can be just as dazzling! Once the sun descends, the lights of New York skyscrapers begin to flicker and dance. If you’re watching this nightly ritual from up high, it is a mesmerizing and enchanting moment.
New York has five observation platforms. All are open late and offer captivating views of New York City at night. Each one offers something a little different in terms of location, views, and amenities, so read on to find the one that’s best for you and your crew!
- Empire State Building-Offers an outdoor platform on the 86th floor and an indoor platform with floor-to-ceiling views on the 102nd floor. See panoramic views that include the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Central Park. Tickets start at $44 (adult), $38 (child), $42 (seniors). 20 W. 34th St., New York, NY
- Top of the Rock-enjoy 360-degree views of New York City from three different levels including an open-air deck on the 70th floor. Top of the Rock is known for their spectacular view of sprawling Central Park. Tickets start at $40 (adult), $34 (child), $38 (seniors). 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
- One World Observatory-located in Lower Manhattan, visitors can take in views from the highest point in New York City. Indoor observation decks on the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors offer views that stretch up to 45 miles in every direction. Tickets start at $39. 117 West St., New York, NY
- Edge-Located at Hudson Yards, Edge holds the honor of having the tallest outdoor sky deck in the Western hemisphere. Visitors can marvel at the Manhattan skyline and beyond from 100 floors up, looking out through angled glass walls. A portion of the deck is made of clear glass, so adventurous visitors can get views straight down to the street. Tickets start at $36. 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY
- SUMMIT One Vanderbilt-the newest observation deck in New York, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is an experience for the senses. In addition to taking in breathtaking views from the 91st, 92nd, and 93rd floors, visitors will enjoy an immersive experience that includes mirrored floors, suspended glass ledges, and—if you select the option—a glass-bottomed elevator that rises up the exterior of the building. Tickets start at $42. 45 E. 42nd St., New York, NY
9. Laugh Your Face Off at a Live Comedy Show
Nothing says New York at night like a hilarious stand-up comedy show.
New York is a training ground for up-and-coming comics and when they make it big, they often return to their roots, which means you never know which celebrity might show up unannounced!
There are so many great comedy clubs in New York. Many of them feature comedians who have been on the scene for decades. Read on for some recommended New York comedy clubs.
- Caveat-Billed as a cabaret comedy theater, Caveat hosts a line-up of hilarious acts, from stand-up comedy to improv, game shows, and more. 21A Clinton St., New York, NY
- Comedy Cellar-See stand-up comedy from seasoned performers with impressive experience under their belts. Many have written or starred in popular sitcoms, late-night TV, and comedy specials. Shows take place in two locations: 117 MacDougal St., New York, NY and 130 W. Third St., New York, NY
- Comic Strip Live– See stand-up seven nights a week in a club that’s hosted the likes of Eddie Murphy, Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, and a star-studded list that goes on and on. Open since 1975, the venue is a fixture on the NYC comedy scene. 1568 Second Ave., New York, NY
- Gotham Comedy Club-Sarah Silverman and Dave Chapelle were among the line-up on May 10, 1996, the night Gotham Comedy Club opened its doors. Since then, they’ve launched countless careers and have been featured in numerous film and TV productions. The club continues to host comic heavyweights along with up-and-coming talent. 208 W. 23rd St., New York, NY
- New York Comedy Club-Two locations host no-frills stand-up shows with nightly showcases that feature some of New York’s best comics. Open since 1989, New York Comedy Club hosts performers who are veteran stand-ups, comedy writers, podcast hosts, and more. Midtown: 241 E. 24th St., New York, NY. East Village: 85 E. 4th St., New York, NY
10. Roller Skate the Night Away
To experience one of the most fun things to do in NYC at night, head to these local roller rinks and lace up your skates. Both venues have added their own New York City flair but worry not–you can still embrace your inner child as you roller skate your heart out!
Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace at Rockefeller Center is a retro-styled rink that originated in 1979. DJs spin tunes while the skyline surrounds you. Open daily from 12-10 p.m., from April-mid-September. Tickets start at $22, not including skates. Adult + Skate Rental: $32. 600 Fifth Ave., New York, NY
The Roller Rink at The Standard, High Line is a 1960s Mod-inspired rink with regular skate nights, as well as special events like disco parties, burlesque shows, and drag shows. The ringside restaurant offers fuel in the way of Disco Fries, fried chicken, and more. Cocktails are available in wearable, hands-free pouches, so you don’t have to break your skating stride when you’re in need of a drink.
The rink is seasonal and weather dependent. Open Monday-Friday noon-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Skate rentals start at $10. Skating is free. 848 Washington at 13th St., New York, NY
11. Find Cuisine, Culture, and Community at Open-Air Night Markets
When you’re hungry in New York at night, you have excellent options!
Two seasonal open-air night markets provide the ideal opportunities to sample delicious, locally made dishes in uniquely different neighborhoods.
Uptown Night Market takes place in Harlem, every second Thursday from 4-10 p.m., April-October. Enjoy this outdoor food and music festival. Select food and beverages from more than 60 local vendors, who whip up cuisine representing countries from all over the world.
Uptown Night Market is located under the beautiful Harlem arches at 12th Ave. and 133rd St. If you’re seeking an interesting non-touristy activity in Manhattan, this is it! 701 W. 133rd St., New York, NY
Or hop on the 7 train and head to the Queens Night Market. Both the food and music reflect the fact that Queens is New York’s most diverse borough. More than 100 vendors selling food, beverages, art, and merchandise are on hand.
Plan to fill up on international cuisine and also pick up your only-in-New-York souvenirs here, too! known for being extremely affordable., with dishes coming in at around $5-6 each. Open Saturdays 5-midnight. April-August and September-October. Location: New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens.
12. Watch Outdoor Movies on Summer Nights
Can you even say you’ve been to New York City in the summer if you haven’t seen an outdoor movie? Whether in a public park, on a city rooftop, or aboard an aircraft carrier that served in World War II, spending a summer evening with hundreds of other movie-goers in the great outdoors is one of the most iconic things to do in New York at night.
Summer movie nights vary but typically run from May-August. Here are some favorite summer movie series to add to your itinerary.
- Movie Nights at Bryant Park-Bryant Park (Manhattan)
- Summer on the Hudson: Pier I Picture Show-Riverside Park (Manhattan)
- Film Works Alfresco-The Hudson restaurant in Inwood (Manhattan)
- Intrepid Museum’s Movie Night-aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum (Manhattan)
- Free Outdoor Films on Governor’s Island-Governor’s Island
- Rooftop Films-Various locations
- Movies with a View at Brooklyn Bridge Park-Brooklyn
- Cinema LIC-Hunters Point South Park, Long Island City (Queens)
