18 Things To Do In NYC At Night

In any city, even New York City, there’s always something new to do. It’s the lure of the unknown and the excitement of a new adventure. But what happens when it gets darker and darker outside? 

All the excitement and bustle of NYC nightlife can keep you busy for hours. But if it’s not enough to give you a challenge, then these amazing things to do in New York City at night will do that for you. From nightclubs, fashion shows, nightclubs, and spectacular restaurants to cultural events and off-the-beaten-path secrets. 

See The Sunset At The Top Of The Rock

New York City has a lot of great things to do at night. But sometimes, you want to go on a trip to the top of the Empire State Building and take the sunset. Or hang out on a rooftop bar.

The New York City skyline is a must; make a list of things to do in NYC at night, whether you’re visiting for an afternoon or an evening. It’s one of the most known buildings in New York City and has been featured in many films and television shows.

It is one of the most famous in the world, and Top of the Rock offers a fantastic view of it. At the top of Rockefeller Center, you’ll find this observation deck that offers 360-degree views of Manhattan and beyond. The walkway up to the top is fairly steep, so be prepared for some exercise.

Enjoy An NYC Broadway Play At Night

Broadway shows come to life after dark in New York City. You can have the best time of your life at one of the many clubs and bars open late. From hit musicals like Wicked and Hamilton to more off-beat fare like The Band’s Visit and Shuffle Along, there’s a show for everyone on Broadway.

You can see the lights from all over the city, hear the music, and feel like you’re part of the action. Broadway plays are perfect for this kind of activity because they’re not too long or too short but just suitable for a night out.

If you’re looking for something less conventional, check out one of the city’s many off-Broadway theatres. These smaller venues often have shorter seasons with fewer shows, so tickets are cheaper than the big-name theatres.

Experience A Comedy Show

Comedy shows are a fun way to spend your evening in New York City. They’re great for meeting new people and making new friends, and they’re also a great way to get out of the house and socialize with others.

From the legendary stand-up comedy club The Comedy Cellar to smaller, more intimate performances like The Stand, there are many ways to experience the art of stand-up comedy in New York City.

Sit in the theatre or at a table with friends and order food or drinks. You can even order some appetizers if you want something more substantial than popcorn or pretzels.

If you’ve never been to a comedy show before, don’t worry! There are plenty of free options that you can try out first. Check out this list of free comedy shows in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens!

Here are some of the comedy clubs you can visit:

• Broadway Comedy Club
• Comedy Cellar
• Carolines on Broadway
• The Famous Apollo Theatre
• The Stand NYC
• Gotham Comedy Club

Explore Times Square At Night

Address: Manhattan, NY 10036, United States

Times Square is filled with lights, noise, and crowds. It can be overwhelming at first, but it will grow on you.

One fun thing to do at night walks around Times Square and see all the different buildings lit up in different ways. You’ll see buildings that have neon signs on them that light up when they’re turned on, buildings with lights along their sides, or facades that are made out of mirrors on the sides of them so you can watch yourself walk by in a mirror reflection of yourself walking down the sidewalk next to your building.

There are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from and top-notch attractions such as the Empire State Building and The Top of the Rock observation deck. 

View Manhattan’s Skyline At Night From Summit One Vanderbilt

The best place to get the best view of Manhattan’s skyline is at Summit One Vanderbilt. It is located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and offers a unique perspective on New York City’s skyline. The observatory boasts floor-to-ceiling glass windows, glass areas, and glass floor elevators that you can enjoy as you stand over the streets.

The observation deck has a next-level skyline view that has amazed many people in NY. It gives its best view at night because you will experience the city when it is well lit. The best thing about Manhattan’s Skyline is less crowded hence you will have the best time of your life.

Enjoy One Of The Many NYC Rooftop Bars At Night

New York City rooftops are some of the warmest places in the world, with open views and bright lights. New Yorkers love to go up on their rooftops at night, enjoying the city’s amazing skyline while enjoying some great food and drinks.

These rooftop bars serve some amazing food and drink options, making them perfect places to enjoy a meal or even just an ice-cold beer after work if you want to experience one of these rooftop bars at night.

Here are just but a few choices:

• Magic Hour Rooftop Bar: Address: 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York, NY 10018
• 230 Fifth: Address: 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York, NY 10018
• Cantina Rooftop: Address: 605 W 48th St, New York, NY 10019

Walk On The Edge At Night NYC

 Walking on The Edge at Night NYC is a great way to take in the views while enjoying the crisp fall air. The walk starts at Pier A, where you’ll find an observation deck with views that stretch to Midtown Manhattan. Once you’ve finished checking out the view, continue along the promenade until you reach Pier 86, this is where you’ll find another observation deck with even better views.

You’re welcome to bring your food and drinks with you, but if you don’t have time for that, plenty of restaurants along with this route offer meal deals during certain hours of the day (usually late afternoon).

Fly Over New York City In A Helicopter

One of the most popular things in NYC at night is flying over it in a helicopter. Helicopters allow passengers to see so much more than they would from an airplane or plane window because they can see everything below them. You can see famous landmarks like Central Park, Times Square, and other areas around New York City from above without having to drive out there yourself. 

You can also choose between different flights depending on your needs and budget. You can do this at the top of One World Trade Center or any other skyscrapers in New York City. The views are stunning, and you’ll have a front-row seat for all the action as you fly over your favorite places in New York City.

Take A Cruise Around Manhattan At Night

New York City is a great place to visit at night. The city has so much to offer that you’ll never get bored. It’s a hub for art, fashion, and culture, so it’s never too early to start planning your trip.

Take a cruise around Manhattan at night. This is one of the best ways to see the city without spending too much time on the streets or subway stations. You can choose from one of many companies that offer cruises with multiple stops around Manhattan, including sights such as Madison Square Garden and the Empire State Building (there are even live music cruises). 

Check Out One World Trade Observatory

One World Trade Center is the tallest building in New York City, and it’s a great way to start your night out. The observation deck at One World Trade Center has spectacular views of Manhattan, from Central Park to the Hudson River, plus a rotating restaurant and bar.

The restaurant on top of One World Trade Center rotates between three different restaurants each night, so you’ll always have something new to try. The restaurant also offers views of the Empire State Building and is open late every night until 10 p.m. You can also admire the stars with a telescope on top of this famous building, but they’re often booked up by locals who want to catch a glimpse of New York City at night. If you want to see what your city looks like from up high without waiting in line, check out their website for more information about booking your time slot online.

Enjoy An Outdoor Movie

New York City offers a wide variety of outdoor movie screenings. The city’s biggest event is undoubtedly Times Square, where crowds gather in the summer months to catch a free screening of popular films. In winter, you can find screenings at Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center.

In addition to these popular outdoor events, many smaller movie theaters in New York City don’t necessarily have the same draw or crowds, but they’re still worth checking out. If you want to ensure that your favorite movie is playing at an outdoor theater near you, check their website before heading out.

Test Yourself At An Escape Room

If you’re looking for something new and exciting to do in New York City at night, the escape room is a perfect choice. There are several different styles of escape rooms, but the most popular one is a timed game where players must solve puzzles and riddles within a certain amount of time. It’s like a puzzle, and it only requires more thinking than just logic!

Escape rooms are the best part of any action movie. You’re locked in a room with other people who also want to escape. Everyone has their strategy; some people work together, some try to out-think each other, and some wait for someone else to make a mistake to swoop in and take advantage of them. It’s fast-paced and fun for everyone involved!

See A NY Sports Game

If you’re in New York City, the best way to see a sporting event is by attending one of the many events that take place on a regular basis. Many of these events occur at night because they are held outdoors, and it’s easier to see them from outside.

You can watch the games on a weekend when the Yankees are playing; you’ve got to see a game. Even if it’s not a great time for baseball, there’s no way you can miss out on the atmosphere and history of a ballgame at Yankee Stadium.

If you are an avid sports fan, then NY Sports Game tickets will be something you cannot afford to miss out on. 

Wear your favorite team’s jersey or hat if you want to get into the spirit of things. You’ll be part of an incredible experience, not just because you’re seeing one of your favorites play. If they win, your night will have been even more entertaining; if they lose, well, at least they tried.

Visit A NY Museum At Night

New York City is home to some of the best museums in the world, and many of them are open late. Many museums have free admission on Monday nights, a great time to explore and discover new things.

If you’re the type to love museums, then you’ll love New York at night. Many cultural institutions in this city offer free admission on Friday nights and Saturdays so that you can plan your weekend around it.

Here are some museums to choose from:

• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, United States
• Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met): Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States
• Sculpture Center: Address: 44-19 Purves St, Long Island City, NY 11101, United States

Enjoy An Incredible Dinner

One of the best ways to experience New York City at night is by sitting down for an incredible dinner, preferably with a view. You can’t go wrong with some award-winning cuisine from one of the city’s top chefs, and there are plenty of options for tourists and locals alike. From high-end restaurants like Daniel and Per Se to casual spots like La Grenouillere or Maialino, there’s something for everyone. 

We recommend stopping by one of New York’s most famous ice cream shops, Chelsea Market Ice Cream! This shop specializes in making hand-scooped ice cream cones with unique flavors like “spinach” or “chocolate peanut butter.” You’ll leave feeling satisfied with every bite—and you’ll get great views while doing it too!

Here are some other options to choose from:

• Catch
• The Old Homestead (Steakhouse)
• Tutto il Giorno Tribecca
• Peter Lugers Steakhouse in Williamsburg

Hit The Driving Range At Chelsea Piers

Address: 59 Chelsea Piers New York, NY 10011

If you’re looking for a fun place to spend time with friends or family at night, then the driving range at Chelsea Piers is an excellent choice. The facility features multiple driving ranges, including one that’s carpeted. This makes it easier for beginners to learn how to swing a golf club and improve their skills.

If you’re interested in playing another game of golf, then two other courses are available at Chelsea Piers. These include the River Course and the Meadow Course. Each of these has its distinct look and feel, so it’s easy to tell which one you’ll enjoy more.

Hang Out In Coney Island

While Coney Island is one of New York’s best-known amusement parks, it also offers a great place to hang out at night. If you’re visiting the area for the first time, there are plenty of things to do in Coney Island at night, including

Hang out in Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. This annual event brings thousands of people together worldwide to watch competitive eaters attempt to consume as many hot dogs as possible within 10 minutes. The contest typically takes place on the July 4th weekend, but if you miss out this year, there will be another contest on July 5th.

Attend A Live TV Taping

The best way to experience New York City at night is by attending live TV taping. The whole city comes alive as thousands of fans show up to watch their favorite shows being taped live on the streets of New York City.

If you want to watch a show or movie, but it won’t be on until later, then take advantage of the live TV taping. These are usually held in Times Square, where all the significant networks set up their equipment and show off their latest shows. They also have free food and drinks there, so make sure you get there early enough to get some food before the show starts!

• Saturday Night Live (SNL) 
• The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
• Late Night With Seth Meyers 
• The Daily Show With Trevor Noah

New York City at night has so much to see, do and experience all over the place that you’ll want to spend hours wandering around which one to start with. The lists of fun activities are endless whether you are a sports fan, a party goer, a culture enthusiast, or just an explorer.

If you are planning for nightlife in New York City, we advise you to prepare for a night full of excitement and memories that will live with you forever!