Night Tours, Cruises, Rooftops, Clubs, Attractions
New York City Nightlife offers something for everyone, every day and every night. After all, this IS the city that never sleeps. The standard nightlife, of course, is a restaurant, bar, club, Broadway show or concert, but here we highlight some of the best "only in NYC’ nightlife experiences, including tons of things to do with kids at night in NYC. Skyline views, dinner cruises, which Museums and Attractions are open late, best rooftops, night tours, comedy clubs and more.
See the New York City Skyline
If I had to pick my #1 favorite thing to do in NYC at night, it would be anything with a skyline view. Whether you take it in from a rooftop, boat tour, bus tour, dinner cruise, top of a skyscraper or your friend’s apartment, you MUST see our skyline twinkle, sparkle and wink right at you.
Some of the top ways to see the NYC Skyline:
- Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
- Press Lounge @ Ink48 Hotel – my ALL time favorite rooftop
- Harbor Sunset Cruises (photo above)
- NYC Rooftop Lounge Tour – guaranteed access to exclusive nighttime hot spots as you sip cocktails under the sky
Keep reading for more awesome and interesting ways to see our skyline and experience New York City nightlife.
Sightsee from the Sky
Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or Summit? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.
- Empire State Building - (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
- Top of the Rock - (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
- One World Observatory - (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
- Edge - (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
- Summit One Vanderbilt - (91-93 floors) Opens Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building
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NYC Comedy Clubs
Comedy clubs are a cornerstone of the NYC nightlife scene. Almost all the great comics either got their start here, or at least perform regularly. Jerry Seinfeld, Rodney Dangerfield, Amy Poehler, Amy Schumer, Jon Stewart, Tina Fey and Louis C.K. are some of the comedy superstars who call NYC home.
More Comedy Schedules: Caroline's on Broadway - New York Comedy Club - Broadway Comedy Club - Greenwich Village Comedy Club
Almost every comedy club requires a reservation, has an admission cost and/or 2 drink minimum. Are they worth it? Yes, especially those who rarely announce their shows in advance…that’s when you know the big names and superstars may just make a surprise appearance…
- Caroline’s on Broadway – one of the oldest and most popular clubs in NYC, located in Times Square. Likely where you will see the most famous names on the schedule in advance.
- Greenwich Village Comedy Club – down the block from the Comedy Cellar, and sister club to Broadway Comedy and New York Comedy. Small, basement space underneath an Indian Restaurant, hosting regulars from Saturday Night Live.
- Stand Up NY – this classic Upper West Side spot has hosted Robin Williams, Chris Rock, Jon Stewart and Jerry Seinfeld.
- Broadway Comedy Club – one of the larger comedy clubs, located in Midtown West (right off Times Square) and often attracts talent who have been on Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, America’s Got Talent and Last Comic Standing.
- Comedy Cellar – a dark, tiny and cramped East Village institution, that consistently hosts top names in comedy and has a ton of surprise guests, like Louis C.K. and Aziz Ansari. You’ll also want to check out the Olive Tree Café upstairs, which has chalkboards for tables and silent films playing on walls.
Most clubs allow children ages 16+ in with an accompanying adult. See upcoming shows at: bestcomedytickets.com
Comedy Club Tickets in NYC
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NYC Dinner Cruises on the Harbor
A dinner harbor cruise is an excellent way to combine a lovely dinner and sightseeing. Most of the cruises depart at 7pm and run about 3 hours.
The price points are all pretty similar ($100-$150 pp) and it’s up to you to choose based on your preferences: family friendly, dress code, menu and music type. All the dinner cruises are high quality and these are listed from most casual to elegant.
- Spirit of New York Dinner Cruise – family-friendly buffet dinner with singing wait staff and an after dinner DJ
- Bateaux New York Dinner Cruise – all glass boat, live music from a vocalist backed by an acoustic trio, jackets for men, cocktail attire for women
- Lobster & Beer Lovers Sail – select Tuesdays, June to October
- NYC Holiday Cruises – Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving – check out all our special holiday cruises.
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New York City Night Cruises
See our beautiful Skyline from all angles – in any weather!
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NYC Bus Night Tour
A family-friendly evening bus tour is a great choice allowing you to easily see our twinkling lights, especially after a long day of sightseeing. Since I see and hear these guys outside my window EVERY night, I can say for sure, everyone loves to sit on the top of the double-decker bus!
Night Bus Tour Choices:
- The Ride NYC Bus Tour - NYC's favorite bus tour! The Ride combines entertainment, hilarious improvisation and wild people-watching amusement on its one-of-a-kind New York City tour bus outfitted with stadium seating. Instead of facing forward, passengers sit facing the long side of the bus, so you can see tons more of NYC.
- NY Night Bus Tour - 4 hrs, Tues/Thurs/Sat eves. Includes a short nighttime stroll on the High Line, then hop on a bus for a ride through Times Square, Rockefeller Center, SoHo, Chinatown and short walk through Grand Central.
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Using Sightseeing Passes at Night
While a large portion of tours and attractions are only available during the day, there are still plenty of ways to use the sightseeing passes at night. This is great if you want to pack your NYC visit and want to see the most in a short time. If that is the case, you’ll want to know what to schedule during the day and which attractions and tours you can push to evenings and nighttime.
For example, enjoy a leisurely dinner and then head up to the Top of Rock or Empire State Building..why rush through your days when in the City that Never Sleeps?
New York Explorer Pass – Choose Your Nightlife
- Empire State Building, open until 2:00am
- Top of the Rock, open until 12:00am
- The Met Museum, open Fri/Sat until 9pm
- Madame Tussauds – last entry 8pm Sun-Thurs and 10pm Fri-Sat
- Ripleys Believe it or Not! – open until 1:00am
- Statue by Night Cruise – daily 7:30pm
- Night Time Bus Tour – last departure 8pm
- Twilight Sightseeing Cruise – 6pm or 7:30pm
- Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise – 6pm Fri-Sun
New York CityPASS – Nightlife Included
- Empire State Building, open until 2:00am
- Top of the Rock, open until 12:00am
- The Met Museum, open Fri-Sat until 9pm
- Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise – 6pm Fri-Sun
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Lincoln Center - Opera, Ballet, NY Philharmonic, Jazz, Broadway
You really haven't been to NYC until you experience THE beating heart of our Arts & Culture scene, Lincoln Center, home to the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, NYC Ballet, Julliard School, Broadway and so much more. See what NYC's (always amazing) classic cultural scene has to offer while you are here.
- Metropolitan Opera - Sept - May
- NYC Ballet - September - May; (Fall, Nutcracker, Winter, Spring)
- NY Philharmonic - Sept to June
- Jazz at Lincoln Center - all year
More: Lincoln Center Venue Guide
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A Night at the Museum
Just a few times per year, the Museum of Natural History lets you sleep over!!!! And yes, it's just like the movie! Evening and morning snacks, cots to sleep on, a flashlight fossil fact-finding mission, live animals, private museum tours and more.
Sleep Over at the Museum of Natural History
This is an authentic NYC experience you and the kids can't miss! Ages 6 - 13, + an accompanying guardian. Read More: Museum Sleepovers NYC
Broadway Shows NYC
Buy Great Broadway Tickets Today!
Broadway is BACK! Please note vaccination, mask and healthcare guidelines for your theater.
Top Picks for Broadway Tickets
- TicketNetwork - best selection and seats in the house! Very popular and trusted ticket company!
- Direct Tickets - all Ticketmaster shows original source tickets. See telecharge.com and seatgeek.com for theaters not covered by Ticketmaster
- Ticketmaster Deals - lots of shows with 2 For 1, Me+3 and 4-Pack deals.
- American Express Ticketmaster Deals - for cardholders.
- StubHub - great selection, NY's most popular ticket reseller
Note: All of our ticket partners are legitimate, recommended ticket sellers and guaranteed to sell you official NYC Broadway tickets.
NYC Hotels Times Square
The best NYC Hotels Times Square chosen by a NYC local! If you want to be in the heart of Broadway, all the tourist action, Restaurant Row, lounge by a pool, check out the best views from a rooftop or splurge on the live NYE Ball Drop, we will show you the best places to stay.
See All: NYC Hotels Times Square
More New York City Nightlife
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NYC Nightclub Experience
Skip the lines, walk past the doorman and be escorted to your VIP table at several NYC nightclubs
Your NYC club host meets you in Times Square and takes you to several clubs, where you sit at VIP tables and receive 3 free drinks with your ticket. Possible club venues include Lavo, Marquee, 1Oak, Griffin, Hudson Terrace, Pink Elephant, Kiss and Fly, Highline Ballroom, Catch, Sky Room, and Gansevoort. All of these have been very ‘in’ clubs at some point and all have hosted celebrities, though on any given night, you never know who might be there. All are upscale, so dress to impress!
More Info: NYC Nightclub Experience (Fri-Sat, 21+)
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More Things to do in New York City
Fun Things to do in New York in Fall
- Best things to do in NYC in Fall
- Things to do in NY in September
- Things to do in NY in October
- Things to do in NY in November
- US Tennis Open
- Halloween
- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
- NYC Fall Festivals, Fairs and Parades
- Tennis in New York City
- Biking in New York City
- Best NYC Hotel Rooftops
- Free Things to Do in New York City
Hot Sellers Right Now
Explore and Indulge Like a Real NYC Foodie
There is no shortage of pizza, bagels, street vendors, cupcakes, craft beer and cocktails, rooftops and mini food parks to explore and so many more food choices in the five boroughs, along with wonderful guides who can't wait to show you them all!!!!
Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
NYC Hotel Rooftops offer some of the best skyline views in the whole City, along with cocktails and food, views, pools, cabanas, sundecks and retractable roofs. Our top picks for the most surreal views and cocktails include:
- Ink48 Hotel - right next to the Intrepid Museum and my ALL time favorite rooftop!
- Sky Room @ Fairfield Inn Times Square - 'the city's highest rooftop lounge' on 34th floor (photo)
- The Empire Hotel - year-round indoor/outdoor rooftop with seasonal pool and cabana rentals
See More: Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
Museums
Museums and attractions are open, some with reduced capacity, safety protocols, reservations and vaccination proof. Check out the new Museum of Ice Cream (SoHo), Guggenheim, MoMA, Whitney and so many more NYC Museums from which to choose.
Attractions & Sightseeing
NYC attractions are open, some with reservations required. Whether you want to sightsee from the sky or selfie with celebs @ Madame Tussauds, you can be safe and explore.
Go HIGH or Go Home
Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or the new SUMMIT? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.
- Empire State Building - (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
- Top of the Rock - (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
- One World Observatory - (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
- Edge - (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
- Summit One Vanderbilt - (91-93 floors) Opened Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building. One of the hottest tickets in town
Secret NYC Insider Tours
Explore our subways secrets with a local guide, go behind-the-scenes at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, uncover surprising gems and historical tales of Grand Central Station, cocktail your way through Manhattan’s best and most secretive speakeasies and much more!
Fun Things to Do in NYC
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Sightsee from the Sky
Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or Summit? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.
- Empire State Building - (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
- Top of the Rock - (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
- One World Observatory - (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
- Edge - (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
- Summit One Vanderbilt - (91-93 floors) Opens Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building
See All: Top New York City Tourist Attractions
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New York City Night Cruises
See our beautiful Skyline from all angles - in any weather!
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Take in ALL the Tours, Landmarks and Attractions and SAVE
NY Sightseeing Pass, New York Pass, NY Explorer Pass, CityPASS Compared
- Sightseeing Pass - Unlimited Hop on Hop off Buses, One World Observatory, Edge
- New York Pass - 80+ tours and attractions, Choose 1-10 Days
- Explorer or Go Select - Choose from 55+ sights or Build your Your
- New York CityPASS - 6 top attractions, good for 9 days from first use
See All: New York City Pass Comparison Chart
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Secret NYC Insider Tours
Explore our subways secrets with a local guide, go behind-the-scenes at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, uncover surprising gems and historical tales of Grand Central Station, cocktail your way through Manhattan’s best and most secretive speakeasies and much more!
Things to do in New York with Kids
One of the best parts of NYC is that what is fun for kids is usually just as much fun for adults. If you are joining us in NYC for a family vacation, then please read all about our local kid's favorites, along with special tips just for visitors.
- Things to Do in New York With Kids - best NYC activities, tours, attractions and Insider Tips for kids and families
- Broadway and Off Broadway Shows for Kids - choose a dream show, like Aladdin, Wicked or Lion King, see the latest Kids shows, or save BIG and entertain kids and little ones under 4 with an awesome Off Broadway Show
- Best Family and Kids hotels in NYC - special perks, freebies, larger rooms, kid-focused concierges
See All: Visiting New York with Kids.
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FREE Things to do in New York City
There are tons of free things to do in New York all day, every day! Tours, attractions, museums, events, shows, sports, movie and more. Kids, adults, outdoors, indoors, active, lazy...you name it!
- NYC Museums Free Days and Times - weekly guide to free museum admissions
- Free New York City Walking Tours - guided or downloadable free NYC walking tours
- More Things to Do in New York City - kids, by month, by season, free, budget
See All: Free Things to Do in NYC - weekly calendar of all free walking tours, free museum admissions, free things to do by season and more
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New York City Shopping Guides
- New York City Shopping Guide
- Shopping in NYC Department Stores
- Discount Budget Shopping in NYC
- Resale and Consignment Shops
- Shopping Guides by Neighborhood
- NYC Designer Sample Sales
- New York Outlet Malls
- New York City Gift Shopping
- Holiday Markets in NYC
- New York City Shopping Tours
- Add YOUR NYC Shop,Tour, Sample Sale
New York City Nightlife
How do you make the most of your time in the city that never sleeps?? Some of the best 'only in NYC' nightlife experiences include skyline views, dinner cruises, Museums and attractions open late til 2am, rooftops, night tours, comedy clubs and more. Some of our top NYC Nightlife picks:
- NYC Rooftop Lounge Tour - guaranteed access to exclusive nighttime hot spots as you sip cocktails under the sky
- InviteOnly Party @ the Hottest NYC Clubs - VIP access to NYC Clubs with Bottle Service and dancing.
- New York Dinner Cruise - family-friendly and/or romantic cruise with excellent service, spectacular sights and delicious menu offerings.
- Broadway Comedy Club - laugh out loud all night long
- The Ride Bus Night Tour - Let the city wink and twinkle at you with our street lamps, skyscrapers, and bridge lights that make the city truly come alive after the sun goes down
See all our Top Picks: New York City Nightlife
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Save HUGE $$$$ in NYC
- New York City Coupons Guide
- Save on NYC Hotels
- Half Price NYC Tickets
- Ticketmaster Deals
- NYC Museums FREE Days
- Free NYC Printable Maps
- NYC Restaurants and Food Discounts
- New York Attractions Discount Passes
- Free New York City Walking Tours
- Free Things to Do in New York City
- NYC Designer Sample Sales
- Visiting New York on a Budget
Romantic Things to Do in NYC
There are tons of things to do on your romantic New York City vacation. Attractions open late with skyline views, Central Park Tours, VIP Experiences, a helicopter ride. Some of the most popular romantic ways to see NYC include:
See more romantic things to do at: Romantic New York City Vacation and Valentine's Day in NYC
Explore and Indulge Like a Real NYC Foodie
There is no shortage of pizza, bagels, street vendors, cupcakes, craft beer and cocktails, rooftops and mini food parks to explore and so many more food choices in the five boroughs, along with wonderful guides who can't wait to show you them all!!!!
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Spot Celebrities in NYC
Where to find celebrities in NYC or which celebrities are living in NYC today are common questions by all, but celebrity sightings in NYC are way easier than you may think and happen all the time. You will, of course, see them on the subway, in Central Park, at the gym, in restaurants, at all the current hotspots, at shows and more. But here are some unique ways to see celebrities all over the city.
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Get Out of Town for a Day
NYC is within 3 hours of so many other cities and areas you can visit for just one day. Easily head to Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls, the Hamptons, Woodbury Common Shopping Outlets and more. Whether you live in NY or are visiting, and no matter how much you love NYC, escaping for a day is a treat for everyone. Top choices for 1-day Out of Town:
See All: Day Trips Out of New York City
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