7 activities for experiencing the night in New York

Explore our selection to fully experience the excitement of nightlife in the Big Apple, the vibrant heart of New York.

Nightlife in New York is a spectacle in its own right. Big Apple is full of exciting activities that will keep you buzzing all night long. In this article, we invite you to discover 7 essential activities to fully experience the night in New York. So, are you ready to let yourself be carried away by the magic of New York nightlife?

See a musical on Broadway (or elsewhere)

Broadway, this famous avenue of New York offers the largest selection of musicals in the world. Attend must-see shows such as The Lion King, a family favorite since 1997, or immerse yourself in the magical world of Aladdin. Although tickets can be expensive, they will allow you to experience a unique nighttime activity in New York, without needing to speak English to enjoy the performances. We advise you to book in advance, as the number of places is limited. If you want to save, you can also purchase same-day discounted tickets at the TKTS Times Square ticket office.

Off-Broadway, don’t miss Off-Broadway shows playing in more intimate venues around town. Enjoy the warm atmosphere while discovering innovative artists and productions covering a variety of topics. Remember that Off-Broadway shows generally have a limited running time, except for captivating pieces like STOMP, a breathtaking percussion performance with no dialogue. Or also, Blue Man Group, with its amazing uniforms and PVC pipes, a performance performed all year round.

Enjoy the best panoramic views

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Come discover the magic of the New York night by admiring the breathtaking panoramic views of Manhattan by night. walk on the famous Brooklyn Bridge will amaze you, offering an ideal opportunity to take magnificent photos of the Statue of Liberty illuminated in the background.

Brooklyn Bridge Park offers stunning views of the bay, the Lower Manhattan skyline, and iconic landmarks like One World Trade Center. Also discover from there, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge and the famous Jane’s Carousel. While exploring the district of Queens, stop at the Grand Central Terminal subway station. You will be able to admire architectural gems such as the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the United Nations headquarters and Long Island City.

For a unique experience, hop aboard a water taxi that will take you from New Jersey to the shimmering Manhattan skyline. Enjoy spectacular views of Manhattan’s West Side and admire the Jersey City skyline.

Have a drink on a rooftop

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Discover the best rooftops in New York for a nighttime activity in the unique atmosphere of the city that never sleeps. At 230 Fifth, a rooftop bar located on 5th Avenue near Madison Square Park, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Empire State Building. For fans of the Sex & The City series, discover the Standard Hotel located on the High Line, with its rooftop bar with a spectacular view from the 18th floor.

Alternatively, head to Bain & Rooftop, which offers panoramic views of the High Line, Hudson River, Whitney Museum and Financial District skyline. Also, for a 360° view of the city, the Gansevoort Hotel is the ideal place, with its rooftop bar located on the 14th floor offering an incredible panorama. Finally, if you want to extend the evening, the Gansevoort Hotel turns into a nightclub from Thursday to Saturday.

Take a nighttime stroll through Midtown

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Start your nighttime activity in New York with a fascinating stroll starting at Grand Central Terminal, transformed into a nighttime enigma where the illuminated spire of the Chrysler Building invites you to adventure. Then go up the famous 42nd Street towards Fifth Avenue, where you will face the majestic New York Public Library and its magnificent Bryant Park. Admire the Empire State Building, whose changing illumination will amaze you every evening.

Continue your exploration by turning right onto Broadway from Fifth Avenue to arrive at Times Square, a grandiose light show sparkling. Cross Times Square from south to north to 50th Street, then turn right to go up to 7th Avenue. Pass in front of the legendary Radio City Music Hall and its famous neon sign dating from the 1930s.

Finally, your nighttime journey culminates at Rockefeller Center, which enchants visitors with its magnificent illuminations.

Climb to the top of Top of the Rock

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One of the most impressive nighttime activities in New York is a visit to the top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where the famous Top of the Rock observatory is located. Inaugurated in 1933, this observatory offers a breathtaking 360° view of the entire city.

Less crowded than the Empire State Building, it also offers more spacious outdoor terraces. You can enjoy this unique experience every day, from 9:00 a.m. to midnight. Just make sure you take the last elevator to the summit at 11:10 p.m. From up there, you can admire an exceptional view of Central Park and the Empire State Building.

Listen to Jazz

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Soak up the excitement of the city’s music scene which is considered the cradle of jazz. Venues such as Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic are iconic. Just like Lincoln Center which offers many opportunities for music lovers.

Also venture into small local theaters or clubs for a typical New York evening. There Greenwich Village music scene also offers a unique atmosphere, while Midtown, the Upper West Side and Harlem are also home to other clubs where you can experience memorable evenings.

Visit a museum at night

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Visit the prestigious Madame Tussauds wax museum, located in Times Square for a nighttime activity in New York. Open until 10 p.m., this museum offers you the opportunity to take photos next to wax reproductions incredibly realistic celebrities from the world of politics, cinema, music and sport.

Madame Tussauds is the fruit of the talent of Marie Tussaud, a Frenchwoman who made his first wax statue in 1777, representing Voltaire. However, it was during the French Revolution that she demonstrated all her expertise by creating wax masks to honor or criticize emblematic figures of that era. This museum idea was immensely successful and the first Madame Tussauds opened its doors in London in 1835.

Since then, this attraction has become world famous, with more than twenty museums spread across the globe, including Berlin, Hong Kong, Amsterdam and Las Vegas. The Madame Tussauds museum in New York was inaugurated in 2000.

In this article, you have discovered 7 unforgettable activities to liven up your nights in New York. However, we are sure that there are still many other things to discover! So feel free to share your suggestions for nighttime activities in New York in the comments below. What are you waiting for to immerse yourself in the excitement of illuminated streets, trendy bars and wild concerts?