In the city that never sleeps, there is always something to do at night in New York City.
I know because I have more than three decades' worth of going out at night in this amazing city!
I’m excited to share with you the best things to do at night including awesome free activities and family-friendly options.
So read on and get ready for some fun after dark in New York City!
For more ideas, check out our in-depth post on things to do in New York City.
Go to a Broadway Show
Seeing a Broadway show is one of the experiences that so many tourists (and locals) look forward to.
I and my fellow guides here at Tours by Foot NYC try to see as many shows as possible (and as cheaply as possible), but no one has seen as many as Katie!
In this video, Katie explains some ways you can save money on tickets.
Some popular shows include:
- Hamilton
- The Book of Mormon
- Wicked
- Aladdin
- The Lion King
TIP: If you are here from mid-January to early February, take advantage of Broadway Week where you can get two-for-the-price-of-one tickets to many Broadway shows!
Celebrate the Holidays
Starting in early November with the Thanksgiving Parade, the city decks itself out in lights and decorations.
See the Christmas window displays at department stores around the city. They are astonishing!
Head out to Brooklyn to see the outlandish Dyker Heights Lights. They are so shockingly bright, they light up the night sky!
Shop at the festive Christmas Markets. They are open at night and a lot of fun to browse, shop and snack on winter treats and hot chocolate.
Find out more about the wonderful things you can do at night during the holiday season!
Go Ice Skating
This is one of the most fun things to do at night in New York City if you are here between November and March!
Of course, there's the iconic Rink at Rockefeller Center, which is open to 11 pm, and on some nights as late as midnight.
The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village is also open late and it's free if you have skates, but you can also rent some there.
I find this to be the best rink because of the charming Winter Village where you can shop holiday stalls and get delicious warm snacks.
Ice skating in Wollman Rink in Central Park is a classic New York experience.
It's been the location of scenes from great holiday movies, like Serendipity.
Artificial ice, called glice, is making it possible to ice-skate in all sorts of locations never thought possible.
Want to ice skate 100 stories above the city and get incredible views? Go to Sky Skate at the Edge observation deck!
Another unique skating experience is under the Brooklyn Bridge arches at Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Find out where else to go ice skating in New York City.
Take a Night Walking Tour
While you may be sightseeing during the day, a night tour is an opportunity to see the city in a different light.
We offer several night tours seasonally. Most of our night tours run from March through November.
Our Ghosts of Greenwich Village starts at 7 pm and our Across the Brooklyn Bridge Tour to DUMBO starts at 6:45 pm.
In December, we also offer a New York Holiday Lights Tour. NYC at night during the holidays is something very special.
You can also use our GPS Audio self-guided tours and self-guided tours to explore on your own after sunset.
Attend a Music Concert
New York City gets all the biggest names in music rolling into town.
With multiple arenas and venues in and around the city, you can find a great gig every night of the week!
Also, check these major venues to see their performance schedules.
- Madison Square Garden
- Barclays Center
- Prudential Center
- Beacon Theater
- Bowery Ballroom
TIP: In the summer, multiple free concert series take place around the city like Summerstage - I've been going to free shows every summer since 1987!
See our section on summer nights in NYC below.
View the City from an Observation Deck
What could be more magical than a 360-degree view of New York City glittering at night?
The top five city's skyscraper observation decks open at night are:
- Empire State Building (until 2 am)
- Top of the Rock (until midnight)
- Edge (until midnight)
- One World Observatory (summertime until midnight, until 8 pm (20:00) starting in September)
- Summit One Vanderbilt (until midnight)
All five are included for free in at least a few NYC tourist passes.
My favorite for a night visit is Top of the Rock as you get the other four buildings in your photos, like the view in the picture above.
Not sure which deck to go to? Read our detailed post discussing the pros and cons of each observation deck.
See a Sports Event
Sports fans rejoice! New York City is home to some of the best sports teams.
All year round you can attend a sports event at night.
The American Football season runs from September through January.
See the Giants or the Jets. I say see them both. You'll have a blast at both teams' games!
Ice Hockey runs from October to April. Catch the Rangers at Madison Square Garden, the Islanders at the USB Arean and the Devils, who play in nearby Newark at the Prudential Center.
Baseball runs from April to October. Choose from the Yankees and the Mets, or see both! It's the all-American pastime!
Basketball also runs from October to April. Catch a fast-paced basketball game with the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Soccer (what the rest of the world calls football) takes place from February through September and NYC has 2 teams, FC-New York, which plays at Yankee Stadium, and the Red Bulls, which plays in NJ.
Tennis comes to town with the Grand Slam tournament the U.S. Open in late August through early September.
Some matches go as late as 1 am! How's that for a nighttime activity!
Take a Night Bus Tour
One way to discover the city at night is by bus. It's a relaxing way to sit back and witness NYC's vibrancy.
Many bus companies offer nighttime versions of their day tours. The most popular are double-decker bus tours.
These tours are not hop-on-hop-off but rather complete one loop and almost always have a tour guide providing live commentary.
There is at least one company that makes a few photo stops.
Read our detailed comparison of NYC night bus tours you can take.
Hang out in Greenwich Village
The 'Village', as we locals call it, is a 'round-the-clock" neighborhood.
It has dozens upon dozens of inexpensive restaurants and bars and beautiful leafy side streets to stroll down at night.
My favorite place to go at night for free fun is Washington Square Park, the best place to people-watch both day and night.
You'll see impromptu sing-alongs with loads of people singing to a mix of instruments. Anyone is welcome to join in!
The park is safe and well-lit in the evening, but for those new to New York City, I suggest not straying into unlit areas.
The West Village is THE place to see live jazz late into the night at places like the Blue Note, the Village Vanguard and my favorite, the intimate Smalls.
Use our Greenwich Village Neighborhood Guide to find the fun.
Take a Cruise around New York City
For gorgeous views of the city as the lights sparkle off the water, consider a night cruise.
There are many to choose from like dinner or jazz cruises, sailboat sunset rides and cruises around the Statue of Liberty.
Prices typically range from $30-$40, but dinner cruises can cost quite a bit more.
Be sure to read our night boat tour comparison post.
For those on a budget, I suggest you take the free Staten Island Ferry at night for fantastic views that are priceless.
You can also take the NYC Ferry for $4.50 (formerly called the East River Ferry).
The Astoria route offers the best great skyline views of the city. See our self-guided NYC ferry tour.
Try New York City's Food Scene
You are going to work up an appetite during your busy days and you have to eat sometime!
What's so awesome about NYC is that you don’t have to spend lots of money to eat some of the world's tastiest foods.
There are too many great restaurants to list here, but the neighborhood posts (listed below this mouthwatering pizza pie) include restaurant recommendations.
I beg of you --- make the time to have New York thin-crust pizza. It's so good.
See where to go for our post on the best pizza in NYC!
TIP: Twice a year, in the winter and the summer, you can dine at top-rated restaurants for a fraction of their normal prices during Restaurant Week. It's a pretty fantastic deal.
If you are in NYC from late January to early February or from late July to early August, you can take advantage of this phenomenal opportunity.
Museums with Late Hours
You don't have to spend your daylight hours inside museums when some of the city's finest have evening hours.
In some cases, entry at these times is pay-what-you-wish. This means you can enter for free though small donations are always appreciated.
Here are a few of the best with evening hours.
- Metropolitan Museum of Art (open until 9 pm Fridays and Saturdays)
- Madame Tussauds Wax Museum (open until 10 pm on the weekends)
- Whitney Museum of American Art (open until 10 pm on Fridays, free starting @ 5 pm)
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not (open until 11 pm Sun-Wed and until 1 am on Thurs, Fri, and Saturday)
- 911 Museum (open until 7 pm, free starting @ 5:30 pm on Mondays, reserve online at 7 am)
- Museum of Modern Art (open until 7 pm on Saturdays)
When I go to the Whitney late hours, I set aside time to go for a stroll on the High Line since the entrance is next to the museum.
See our full list of late-night attractions for dozens more things to do after the sun sets.
These combo tickets cost less than what you would pay for each attraction individually. It's a good deal worth checking out.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Drinks at a Historic Bar or on a Rooftop
Not surprisingly, New York City has a massive number of bars.
Many other cities do too, but what NYC has that many other cities don't are historic and rooftop bars.
Combine your love of history with your love of imbibing a good cocktail or pint of ale by visiting the 10 Oldest Bars in New York City.
I'm a big history buff and I won't turn down a drink so when I am in nearby SoHo, I love going to the Ear Inn.
It's unpretentious and the prices are reasonable. Plus, the sign (above) always makes me laugh!
Check out one of these affordable rooftop bars with skyline views.
It's one way to bypass the costs of the city's observation decks and enjoy a drink with an unforgettable backdrop.
See a Stand-up Comedy Show
Many famous stand-up comedians are drawn to perform in NYC throughout the year.
Well-known comics generally perform in large venues like Madison Square Garden or at the smaller Beacon Theater.
But there are loads of places to catch some of the up-and-comers.
Now and then, famous comedians will pop into these small venues to perform and try out new material!
No matter when you're visiting NYC, chances are you'll be able to find a great comic to watch.
I always like to mention budget-friendly and free options.
Our post, Stretching Your Dollar at the Best NYC Comedy Clubs, is worth a look.
Take a Helicopter Tour around Manhattan
This is not a cheap adventure, but an adventure it is!
Helicopter rides are available for 15 minutes, 20 minutes and 30 minutes with prices starting just over $200 per person.
Fly higher than the Empire State Building's observation deck, over Manhattan bridges, past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and see it all from a bird's eye!
Read our post about helicopter rides in NYC.
FREE THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT
Many of the above items are free like taking a free self guided walking tour or going to museums with pay-what-you-wish admission on some evenings.
We've included some cheap items as well.
Be sure to read our posts on free things to do, free late-open museums, and NYC on a budget.
Below are some suggestions on how to spend your evening in NYC for free.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge in the evening is a great idea for two reasons.
First, the bridge lit up is magnificent. Then there are the 360-degree skyline views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and New York Harbor.
You can even see the Statue of Liberty off in the distance!
Next, there are fewer people on the bridge (though still enough to feel safe).
You'll have space to take pictures and be able to walk more leisurely as the crowds will be gone.
While sunsets are beautiful, I like to go a little bit later, when the city is all lit up across the night sky.
Use our guide to walking the Brooklyn Bridge for a smooth journey from Manhattan to Brooklyn or check out our GPS-enabled audio tour.
If you'd like a guided experience, look into joining our Across the Brooklyn Bridge Tour to DUMBO.
From sunset to twilight, your guide will lead you across the bridge, then take you through DUMBO.
You'll finish your tour with a ferry ride back to Manhattan with spectacular views of the bridge as you pass under.
Visit the 9/11 Memorial
This memorial to the lost lives of 9/11 is located in a simple, spacious wide-open plaza in Lower Manhattan. It's open from 8 am to 8 pm.
Its massive twin fountains are an architectural wonder. Read here to learn about the Memorial and how to visit it.
You can visit with us on our combined night tour of the 9/11 Memorial and the Brooklyn Bridge Tour.
Or use our GPS-enabled audio tour of the Memorial to learn about the site and what you will see there.
Note: If you plan to visit the 9/11 Museum, they have free hours on Monday evenings. Find out more here.
Walk the High Line
The High Line is one of the most unusual city parks in the world, built on an abandoned elevated railroad that runs parallel to the Hudson River.
A stroll during the day is lovely but it also attracts crowds.
At night, it's simply wonderful with its expansive views of the city all lit up!
The park has late hours most of the year.
- June 1 until September 30 - open until 11 pm (23:00)
- April, May, October, and November - open until 10 pm (22:00)
- Dec-March - open until 7 pm (19:00)
We offer a sunset tour of the High Line twice a week in the summer.
You can also use our GPS-enabled audio tour at other times, day or night.
TIP: If you walk the High Line, I suggest stopping by Chelsea Market for food. There are some excellent eateries and the market is open late enough to grab dinner.
The huge indoor market is open Monday - Saturday 7 am to 9 pm (21:00), and Sunday 8 am to 8 pm (20:00).
Better still get food to go and eat on the High Line!
Explore Little Island
A few blocks south of the High Line Park is this small park with a unique design. Read about it here.
It's open until 8 pm, with later hours in spring/summer. In the evenings there are performances, many of which are free.
While the views of Lower Manhattan are great, the best picture is of Little Island itself.
It's a marvelous Instagram image at night!
Stroll through Times Square
This is one place you should visit at night. That's when the bright lights and billboards are buzzing with energy.
This is a great place to people-watch, so have a seat on the red TKTS steps and watch the world whizz by!
If you are up late, catch the "Midnight Moment".
Every night from 11:57 pm until midnight, you can witness the world’s largest digital art exhibition. This is extremely cool to see!
The huge billboards in Times Square are synchronized resulting in three fabulous minutes of the same whimsical imagery.
See this short short video.
Our post Things to Do in Times Square lists many other things to do in the area at night.
Explore Grand Central Terminal
From its massive celestial ceiling to grand marble staircases and huge chandeliers, Grand Central is one of New York's greatest landmarks and most certainly worth a visit.
Nighttime is the perfect time to explore Grand Central.
The later you go, the emptier it will be so you can get a sense of how massive this cavernous space is.
To learn about Grand Central's secrets and what makes it special, use our GPS-enabled audio tour or Self-Guided Grand Central Station Tour and Visitors Guide.
We also offer a daytime tour.
TIP: Be sure to go to the Lower Level so you can try out the Whispering Gallery. The acoustic trickery will delight you. I never get over it!
Attend a TV Show Live Taping
You can be a member of the studio audience of one of your favorite late night comedy shows!
I've been to many TV tapings and it's both fun and free!
While many are taped during the day, here are the shows that tape in the early evening or take place live at night.
- The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon begins taping at 5 pm.
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert tapes between 5:30 pm to 7 pm.
- Saturday Night Live - go to the dress rehearsal at 8 pm or the live show which airs at 11:30 pm.
Several shows require you to reserve in advance, but you never know, you may be able to get a seat in an audience at the last minute.
Read more about the many New York TV show tapings along with how you can get tickets and other important information.
Enjoy a Free Manhattan Skyline View
Going to one of NYC's observation decks is likely on your must-do list, but you can also enjoy free skyline views.
Fantastic free views of Manhattan's skyline can be had from Brooklyn, especially from Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO.
My favorite? The view from the Brooklyn Promenade in the charming neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights.
To get 360-degree aerial views, take the Roosevelt Island Tram, a gondola that runs between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island and crosses the East River.
It's the same price as the subway, but if you have an unlimited MetroCard, think of it as free!
Take a Self-Guided Tour
Of course, we would love to have you join us on our daytime walking tours, but your schedule may not allow for it.
For in-depth commentary from our tour guides, you can use our GPS guided audio tours.
We also have more than 30 self-guided neighborhood tours to explore on your own.
Here are some neighborhoods perfect to explore in the evening:
- The Brooklyn Bridge
- Times Square
- Midtown Manhattan
- Lower Manhattan
- Greenwich Village
and so many more!
Ride the Free Staten Island Ferry
Not only is the Staten Island Ferry free, but it also runs 24 hours a day and makes a great nighttime option, especially to see the Statue of Liberty up close.
You will have unparalleled views of Lower Manhattan, just like in the picture below!
This is just about the best free thing you can do in NYC. It won't take up much of your time (about 40 minutes round-trip).
Think of it as a night cruise that doesn't cost you anything.
TIP: If you come at night, remember that the 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center is open until 9 pm, as is the 9/11 Museum and One World Observatory (a.k.a. the Freedom Tower).
FAMILY-FRIENDLY NIGHT ACTIVITIES
Many suggestions above are appropriate for families, but there are plenty of other fun things for kids in NYC at night!
Many of the activities in our post are great for night owls since many of them stay open until 10 pm (22:00) or later.
Head out to Coney Island
In the warm weather months, head to Luna Park for a ride on the famous Cyclone roller-coaster and play the many boardwalk-style games.
Get hot dogs at world-famous Nathan's and stroll the boardwalk which will have plenty of lively activity.
Read our post, Things to do in Coney Island, for information about getting there and things to see and do.
Madame Tussauds
The world-famous wax figure attraction has over 200 wax figures of famous musicians, A-list stars, sports legends, world leaders, and more.
There is a Marvel Super Hero 4D ultra-sensory superhero film and the popular Ghostbusters Virtual Reality Experience.
Madame Tussauds is open until 10 pm (22:00) on weekdays and midnight on weekends.
See our post on Madame Tussauds for all the details.
The Escape Game
Get everybody involved in solving the puzzle at The Escape Game!
Each room is full of clues you must use to escape in under one hour to win the game.
You can choose from multiple adventures with varying levels of difficulty.
Rooms have themes, like Special Ops, Playground, The Heist, Gold Rush, and Prison Break.
The last slot you can reserve is 11:30 pm, so you will be out after midnight -- provided you can escape!
The New Victory Theater
In the heart of Times Square is the New Victory, New York City’s first and only full-time performing arts theater for kids and families.
Evening shows are usually at 7 pm (21:00).
They have a full show calendar with a rotating array of plays, circus acts, dancing, puppets, and more.
You can filter your search by age or date.
Check their website for more information.
Sleepover at the American Museum of Natural History
This very popular and unique event gives children and their accompanying adults the chance to sleep next to T. Rex!
The sleepover is much more than just sleeping. The flashlight fossil search is one highlight of this fun and educational tour.
After a snack, it's time to find a spot to sleep, perhaps under the blue whale or at the base of a volcano.
This activity is great for kids ages 6-13.
The cost is $145 per person and includes an evening snack and light breakfast, cots for all participants, and a goody bag to take home.
Visit their website for sleepover dates and more information.
See our post on the American Museum of Natural History for more information on visiting the museum and also how you can get deals if you prefer to visit during the daytime.
Chinatown and Little Italy
These adjacent neighborhoods are relatively small and are a feast for your kids' eyes and stomachs.
Restaurant signs are lit, and the streets are filled with locals and tourists alike, dining out or doing some nighttime shopping.
Lots of shops sell Sanrio goods like Hello Kitty and all her friends. You'll find goods from cute items for kids and grown-ups.
Check out our posts on Little Italy and Chinatown to find out where to shop, dine, and what to see in these fun neighborhoods.
Nintendo World
This 10,000-square-foot store in Rockefeller Center has both merchandise and loads of Nintendo games available to play.
Check their calendar for special events and to find out when special characters will be stopping by the store like Mario & Luigi or Pikachu!
Hours: Mon-Thurs until 9 pm (21:00), Fri/Sat until 11 pm (23:00), and Sunday until 8 pm (22:00).
For other information, see their website.
M&Ms World
Conveniently located in Times Square, the M&M store is fun for kids and grown-ups.
It has 3 floors with every color of M&M you can imagine.
But the store is much more than just candy.
You can customize your M&Ms by personalizing them - choose a color, text, or even a picture and you've got your unique M&M.
You can select from an array of clip art images, including the “Big Apple,” “I Love NY,” and the Statue of Liberty, among others.
It is at the corner of Broadway and 48th Street in the heart of Times Square and is open till at least midnight every night.
Check the website for hours.
Dylan's Candy Bar
This unbelievable candy store in Hudson Yards is open pretty late, especially on the weekends.
If your kids are still up at 10 pm, they are in luck!
The hours are Mon-Thurs until 9 pm (21:00), Fri/Sat until 10 pm (23:00), and Sunday until 7 pm (19:00).
Visit their website for information to make sure your kids’ favorite candy is in stock.
Blue Man Group
A highly interactive, jaw-dropping funny, psychedelic, rockin' explosion of bright colors, synchronized sounds, and zany antics.
Entertaining for all ages, but best for kids 6+ and up.
They perform in the Astor Place Theatre at 434 Lafayette Street in the East Village, between Astor Place & East 4th Street.
Purchase tickets or learn more.
Find out about getting low-cost tickets to the show here.
Go Bowling
There's plenty more fun to be had in Times Square at Bowlero Times Square.
With 48 bowling lanes, there's room for the whole family at this Midtown Manhattan bowling alley.
There's also a huge arcade with old and new games, like Jurassic Park Arcade and Mario Kart as well as classic pinball machines.
The menu is also kid-friendly, with wings, burgers, pizza, and more.
Note that Bowlero is 21+ on Fridays and Saturdays after 9 pm.
Sleepover on the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
During Operation Slumber, your family gets to spend the night in this incredible museum.
You’ll also get a tour by flashlight along with exclusive access to the ship and Space Shuttle Pavilion.
There is a pop-up planetarium show and unlimited rides in a flight simulator. Dinner, Breakfast, and snacks are included.
This activity is perfect for 8 to 12-year-olds. For all the information, see the museum’s website. Dates vary and can sell out quickly.
For a daytime visit, see our post on Deals for Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum.
NIGHT ACTIVITIES SEASONALLY AND BY MONTH
On top of all the great things to do at night year-round, there are seasonal night events as well as special events happening each month.
Here are just a few of the activities that happen seasonally every year.
Below this is a list of months. To see what is happening at night when you are here, click on the month.
Winter Nights
Starting in November, the holiday season takes over NYC.
The nights are brighter with the city decked out with lights.
- Go ice skating.
- See the Holiday window displays and the Dyker Heights Lights.
- Browse the city's Christmas Markets.
- Go to a Christmas Show.
- If you are in town on December 31st, spend New Year's Eve in Times Square.
Find out about more night activities in Winter and during the holiday season!
Summer Nights
Warm weather brings so many festive outdoor nighttime activities - and most of them are free!
Just to name a few:
- Shakespeare in Central Park free performances (pictured above)
- SummerStage free concert series all summer long
- Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City free performances
- Bryant Park free movies and concerts
See our guide to Summer in NYC for a list of dozens and dozens of great things to do at night.
Things to Do at Night Every Month
If you haven't planned your trip yet, you may find our post on the best times to visit NYC informative.
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