NYC Entertainment | Nightlife in New York City

Entertainment and Nightlife in New York City
Bartenders in NYC have an uncanny talent for remembering faces. Make sure to tip

Bartenders in NYC have an uncanny talent for remembering faces. Make sure to tip

Entertainment and Nightlife in New York City

Are you looking for the best in NYC nightlife? Well, you're in the right place. Here at NYCTourist.com, you'll learn everything you need to know about entertainment and nightlife in NYC, including how to get in to the most popular NYC clubs, where to find the best bars in NYC, and what cheap NYC hotels are close to New York nightlife hotspots. Whether you're looking for cool, kooky NYC bars or trendy NYC clubs, you're sure to find what you're after.

Here are a few beginner's tips:

  • Dress to Impress: Most popular clubs in NYC enforce strict dress codes. If you don't look like you belong, you won't get in. Check club websites for dress codes.
  • Tip Your Bartender Well: Bartenders in NYC have an uncanny talent for remembering faces. If you stiff them on the tip, they'll note it, and you probably won't get a drink again. Of course, if you tip them well, they'll remember that, too, and they'll pour stronger drinks and take your order first. This is especially true in upscale NYC clubs.

To learn more about nightlife in New York City, continue reading below!

Located in the Midtown West neighborhood of Manhattan, The Royalton New York stands right in the center of it all

Located in the Midtown West neighborhood of Manhattan, The Royalton New York stands right in the center of it all

Hotels Close to Nightlife in NYC

If you plan on doing your share of partying in NYC, do yourself the favor of booking a room in an New York hotel close to nightlife in NYC. Here are a few of our top New York City hotels for partying:

  • The Royalton New York: Located in the Midtown West neighborhood of Manhattan, The Royalton New York stands right in the center of it all, close to popular NYC attractions and the best nightlife in NYC (the world-famous Pacha Club NY stands just steps away). This 4.0-star luxury hotel boasts a lively on-site bar, a 24-hour fitness center, and a breathtaking lobby with an enormous cast-bronze fireplace.
  • The GEM Hotel Chelsea: For those who would rather spend their money on signature NY drinks than on trendy NY hotel rooms, there's the GEM Hotel Chelsea, a cheap NYC hotel close to New York nightlife. This popular NYC hotel stands just minutes away from many of New York City's hottest clubs, including Marquee NYC.
Are you looking for fun things to do in New York City after dark?

Are you looking for fun things to do in New York City after dark?

NYC Nightlife - Cool Bars in NYC

Are you looking for fun things to do in New York City after dark? Do you want to learn about NYC nightlife and nightclubs in NYC? Are you on a quest for the coolest, hottest, swankiest bars in NYC? If so, you're in the right place! Below you'll find two of our favorite NYC nightlife hotspots.

  • The Rum House: Located in Manhattan's Times Square, just steps away from New York City's Theater District, The Rum House is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail before or after a Broadway show. This upscale bar in NYC is sure to delight music lovers and cocktail purists alike with its leather upholstery, piano players, and high-end drinks.
  • Smith & Mills: One block east of the Hudson River lies the small, pocket-sized bar known as Smith & Mills. At this eccentric Tribeca bar, which occupies a mere 450 square feet, food is served on antique flatware and beer in Mason jars.

To hear more about NYC nightlife, keep reading below!

NYCTourist Travel Info
  Nightlife Info Price
1. GILT Bar
at the The Palace Hotel NYC

Rated one of the best business bars in America, the GILT Bar is the perfect place to talk shop over cocktails after a long day on the job. This sophisticated yet relaxed bar is great for business-travelers and tourists alike.

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
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2. Palace Gate
at the The Palace Hotel NYC

The Palace Gate in the classic Villard Mansion Courtyard is an outdoor lounge offering sophisticated pub fare and tons of signature wines and cocktails to choose from.

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
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3. The Tavern
at the JW Marriott Essex House New York

The newly-renovated Lobby Lounge at the JW Marriott Essex House offers guests a sophisticated and convenient environment to take a break from sight-seeing over afternoon tea and cocktails.

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
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4. Harrys Bar NYC
at the New York Helmsley Hotel

Featuring signature cocktails, classic New York ambiance and a 60" LCD projection TV, Harry's New York Bar at the Helmsley is the perfect place for guests to relax and take in the famous culture of New York City.

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
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5. Whiskey Blue
at the W New York

Whiskey Blue is the premier hotel bar in Midtown East. Located in the W Hotel New York, Whiskey Blue combines an upscale, cozy atmosphere with a mature crowd looking to kick back with evening cocktails.

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
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6. Liquid Assets NYC
at the Hilton Millenium NYC

The Liquid Assets Bar at the Millenium Hilton New York offers a relaxing, casual atmosphere to enjoy one of their signature cocktails while checking your email or kicking back after a long day in the City.

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
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7. Rooftop Bar and Lounge
at the Empire Hotel NYC

The Rooftop Bar Manhattan at the Empire Hotel New York serves signature cocktails and small plate meals, but is best known for its status as one of the best NYC rooftop bars.  With private cabanas situated beneath the famous Empire Hotel sign, a fireplace, a deck, a smoking patio and a convertible glass roof that retracts in the event of inclement weather, the Rooftop Bar NYC at the Empire Hotel is one of the best NYC rooftop bars in Manhattan.

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
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8. Empire Hotel Lobby Bar
at the Empire Hotel NYC

The Empire Hotel Lounge is a New York bar like no other. Not only is it directly across from Lincoln Center and a short stroll from Cental Park, the entire bar is a throwback to vintage New York glamor. There are plenty of bars in New York City, but few are as well-suited for a glass of champagne or a romantic, candlelit conversation as the Empire Bar NYC. 

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
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9. Charlotte Bar
at the Millennium Broadway Hotel Times Square

After a long day of NYC tourist attractions, enjoy a meal and a glass of wine from the extensive list at Charlotte NYC Bar.  Next to Times Square, the Charlotte NY Bar conveniently just blocks from the hottest NYC attractions.

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
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10. Harry's
at the Helmsley Park Lane Hotel

Boasting a full bar and extensive wine list, Harrys New York Bar at the Helmsley Park Lane Hotel at Central Park is an ideal spot for relaxing conversation and light fare.

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
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11. Primary
at the Best Western President Hotel NYC

The Best Western President Hotel Primary Bar NYC offers a unique lounge setting from the heart of Times Square. Featuring comfortable seating set in a brightly decorated, modern decor, the Primary Bar and Lounge Midtown is the perfect destination for cocktails after a long day in Manhattan.

Full BarWine BarBottle ServicePrivate PartiesLive Entertainment/DJDance FloorBar FoodRooftopHappy Hour
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Pacha Club boasts a 3,500-square-foot wooden dance floor

Pacha Club boasts a 3,500-square-foot wooden dance floor

The New York Nightlife Scene and Things To Do at Night in NYC!

We’ve all heard that New York is the city that never sleeps – and it’s true! If hitting the town, checking out the clubs, seeing the lights in Times Square, or just hanging out at a great lounge or bar is your thing, then NYC can deliver. There are hundreds of restaurants that have bars and lounges for early evening entertainment and hundreds more pubs and bars in New York (especially Manhattan) that are open deep into the night. New York’s club scene is broad and varied and is led by Webster Hall in the East Village – one of New York City’s most popular nightclubs featuring five (yes FIVE) dance floors, live music, famous DJs, and an iconic history of entertainers (our nightlife tip is to buy tickets early as this is a hot place to hang out, dance, and party).

Another way to spend the night is dinner and live music at a New York jazz club like Cleopatra’s Needle on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. If you’re into laughing (let’s hope so) then New York boasts some of the best comedians and comedy clubs in the world such as the Broadway Comedy Club, Caroline’s on Broadway, World Comedy Club in Manhattan's Midtown West, Dangerfield’s, and the NY Comedy Club where "Laughter is an instant vacation!" Yes, most have a two drink minimum but that’s nothing compared to the quality of entertainment.

If you’re looking for NYC concert tickets, entertainers or other things to do at night in NYC then check out our up to date NYC events calendar.

Clubs and Nightlife in NYC

Some of the best clubs in the world can be found in New York City. One famous NYC nightclub is Pacha Club NY. Located in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Midtown Manhattan, Pacha Club boasts a 3,500-square-foot wooden dance floor and four stylishly decorated floors with large open spaces and intimate seating coves. Notable attractions at this popular club in NYC include Pacha's famous shower booths, where bikinied girls dance under colored LED lights, and the jet-setting celebrities who people the ultra-exclusive mezzanine floor.

Another popular NYC club is Marquee NYC. This trendy nightclub in NYC evokes the elegant sophistication of an old-fashioned gentlemen's club with its scuptural glasswear, custom-made ice buckets, 42-foot vaulted ceiling, and 35-foot "wishbone" staircase. With a maximum capacity of just 600 people, Marquee NY is the perfect size for an NYC nightclub, neither too big nor too small.

NYC Event Tickets

Manhattan Inn Piano Bar is a cool and quirky NYC piano bar located in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn.

Manhattan Inn Piano Bar is a cool and quirky NYC piano bar located in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn.

NYC Nightlife - The Best Bars in NYC

Looking for cool bars in NYC? We've got you covered! Check out these trendy NYC bars with live music and bar food. They're two of the best bars in New York City!

  • Manhattan Inn Piano Bar NYC: Founded in 2009 by Brooke Baxter and Rolyn Hu, Manhattan Inn Piano Bar is a cool and quirky NYC piano bar located in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn. This popular NY piano bar offers live music seven nights a week and a full bar that serves quality small plates and full-course meals.
  • Le Poisson Rouge NYC: Founded by musicians on the former site of the Village Gate, Le Poisson Rouge is one of the best places to see live music in NYC. This cool NYC bar features a 28' x 21' fixed corner stage, a 23'-diameter hardwood dance floor, and flexible event space that can seat 250 and stand 700. Aside from signature NY cocktails like the Garfunkel and the Pumpkin King, Le Poisson Rouge serves delicious small plates like quesadillas, nachos, and pizza.