The Best Things to do at Night in New York

By Go City Expert

The best things to do at night in New York

by Mia Russell

When the sun goes down, the Big Apple comes alive. Neon lights begin to flicker, restaurants buzz and theaters roll out their red carpets. From outdoor movies in pretty parks to bustling night markets and Broadway shows, when it comes to nightlife, New York has something for everyone!

Let's check out what's on the cards when the sun sets in the 'City that Never Sleeps.'

Soak up the city lights from an Observation Deck

There is no better way to toast the sunset over New York than from one of the many observation decks dotted about the city. Watch the city lights begin to twinkle as twilight turns to night and see the city like never before.

Several Manhattan buildings have observation decks open in the evening where you can take in the city for all its glory.

Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center

The Top of the Rock takes up the last three floors of Rockefeller Center. It features three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks that offer spectacular, unobstructed views of the city skyline. The 68th and 69th floors have terraces with glass railings that provide beautiful panoramic views of the whole city.

The 70th floor boasts an open-air rooftop deck with no metal or glass enclosures, providing perfect photo opportunities! Enjoy several unique experiences on the way up to the Top of the Rock ranging from the magnificent Joie chandelier and an exhibit of interactive artworks to a sound and light hallway and a time capsule over Manhattan.

Use your pass to gain free admission to the Top of the Rock to soak up the incredible 360 ̊ panoramic views.

Empire State Building

Head up the world-renowned Empire State Building to the main deck observatory on the 86th floor to take in those famous New York City views.

Use your pass to enjoy complimentary access to the Empire State Building and whizz up to the open-air observation deck that wraps around the building's spire. Marvel at the endless views, which on a clear evening, can stretch all way across six states!

The Edge

Cast your eyes over the city from one of the highest outdoor sky decks in the world. Located at 30 Hudson Yards, the Edge is a state-of-the-art platform with a glass floor that extends out into mid-air 100 floors above the ground.

Feel like you are floating above the city as you sip a glass of bubbles from the Champagne bar to toast the sunset and take in unrivaled panoramic city views. This one is not for the faint-hearted!

Remember to use your pass to gain free access to the Edge.

One World Observatory

Take in the sunset from the highest point in the city – the top of the One World Observatory. Zip up to the 102nd floor in just 47 seconds in the astonishingly fast SkyPodTM Elevators while you watch a multimedia display of New York City transforming from unsettled lands into a forest of skyscrapers. Look over the city below through the glass floor of the Sky Portal and enjoy several thrilling audiovisual experiences while you are at the top of the world. Use your pass to enjoy complimentary access to the One World Observatory, as well as an exclusive discount off a signature cocktail from One World Observatory's premier restaurant and bar, One Dine. Cheers!

Hit Times Square

Times Square is one of New York's top attractions and offers second to none nightlife! It's packed with a wealth of entertainment from bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to theaters and TV recording studios and really comes alive at night.

Learn about the famous district on a Broadway & Times Square Walking Tour. Use your pass to enjoy this tour where an experienced actor and director tour guide will take you to all the hot spots.

Have a laugh at the LoL Times Square Comedy Club or head to the Bowlmor Times Square arcade for bowling, state-of-the-art video games, and old-school pinball.

Use your pass to visit Madame Tussauds and gain free access to the MARVEL Universe 4D cinema experience. Sip cocktails at the Haven Rooftop bar and watch the action on Time Square below.

Catch a Broadway show

A quintessential evening activity in New York is catching a Broadway show. While they are expensive, the experience is an unforgettable one and really shouldn't be missed! With over 40 official Broadway theaters in New York, you're bound to find something that piques your interest.

Top tip: The best way to get discounted show tickets is to head to TDF's TKTS Booth in Duffy Square (47th Street and Broadway) and wait in line on the day of the show. You can get some fantastic discounts on tickets for most shows.

Catch a different kind of show

If you prefer something more energetic, use your pass to enjoy the Shake, Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos Show

Hosted at the historic Cutting Room on East 32nd Street, this three-hour rock 'n' roll extravaganza features an all-request evening of live music from dueling pianos, fantastic food, and plenty of drinks.

If jazz is your thing, head to Harlem, the birthplace of the music genre, to enjoy a classic jazz performance. Use your pass to get tickets to the Harlem Jazz Series, a one-hour performance of classic jazz hits some of the industry's best musicians.

Enjoy a sunset movie at Bryant Park

If the weather is good, why not watch an outdoor movie at Bryant Park? Tucked behind the New York Public Library, Bryant Park is the beating cultural heart of Midtown Manhattan and is famous for its iconic movie nights under the stars.

Grab a delicious picnic pack from Perfect Picnic with your pass and find a spot on the lawn for a romantic evening out.

Top tip: These movie nights are extremely popular, so get there when the lawns open at 5 pm to get a good spot.

Take in the city lights from the ferry

Soak up the magical after-dark glow of the Big Apple on a romantic harbor cruise. Use your pass to hop on a Harbor Lights Cruise with Circle Line and enjoy a cruise through the city.

There is indoor and outdoor seating, a full bar on board, and an outdoor viewing deck for those Insta-worthy photographs. The narrated cruise offers interesting facts about famous New York landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty as you glide past.

Catch a Yankees game

One of the most exciting things to do in New York at night is to watch a Yankees game under the lights. Head to the game a little earlier and use your pass to enjoy a Classic Tour of the Yankee Stadium

Get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the legendary stadium as you visit areas not usually open to the public, like the dugout and the press box. Watch out for the ghost of Babe Ruth, who apparently wanders around the stadium!

Stargaze at the High Line

As the sun begins to set , head to the unique High Line Park to take in some spectacular city views. The once-disused railroad track was converted into a verdant floating garden and now passes through some of New York City's most historic neighborhoods.

Wander along the elevated park on a High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking District Walking Tour with your pass. Take in the art installations and admire some of New York's most famous buildings, including the Empire State Building and Frank Gehry's IAC Building.

You can also enjoy free stargazing evenings at the High Line every Tuesday from dusk until 9:45 pm. Telescopes are provided and spaced throughout the park by the Amateur Astronomers Association, who are also on hand to help and answer any questions.

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A Guide to New York City Points of Interest

New York is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. The streets are alive from day until night and it’s quite true that the city never sleeps. Its iconic skyline is one of the most recognizable with impressive skyscrapers and historic landmarks and the age-old promise of the American Dream never feels too far away. New York City points of interest are too many to count on one hand but here are top 10 places to visit in New York. In no particular order, some of the best New York landmarks are: Williamsburg Bridge While not as famous as its sister bridge, Brooklyn, the Williamsburg Bridge is a great option to avoid the crowds but still enjoy the same experience. Whether you rent a Citi bike and cycle over or take the pedestrian route, it’s a fun adventure leaving Manhattan to explore this hipster-friendly up and coming area that has fast become one of the most sought-after boroughs in Brooklyn. Williamsburg is full of quirky cafes and bars, independent boutiques, tattoo shops and vegan restaurants waiting to be found. Times Square It’s cliché, but Times Square has to be on the New York City points of interest list. It would be like visiting London and not seeing Buckingham Palace. Times Square is a vibrant, loud, bustling, exciting, overwhelming experience – a real sensory overload but that’s part of it. High story buildings loom overhead with dynamic digital advertisements, shop fronts are wide and beckoning with all manner of tourist souvenirs and you can find some of the city’s most famous Broadway shows, comedy venues and theatres a stone’s throw away. Central Park Measuring in at an impressive 843-acres, Central Park is an urban oasis amid the bustling streets of this vibrant city. Framed by skyscrapers and townhouses owned by some of the wealthiest names in the world, Central Park is one of the New York landmarks favoured by all. In the summer you’ll find visitors and locals alike relaxing with their picnics and idle rowers boating on the lake. Even in the winter you can go ice skating or enjoy a stroll through the snow-dusted paths with a hot drink. Whether you're strolling or cycling through - Central Park should be on everyone's must-visit list when in New York. High Line Perhaps one of the newest New York City points of interest: the High Line. Built along an old freight railway line, it’s a creative urban green space elevated above Manhattan’s West Side. It has become a wonderground for nature, art and design making it one of New York’s most unique cultural experiences. Take half a day and walk along the woodlands, stay a while at the sundeck and water feature, stop for lunch at the Chelsea Market food court and enjoy the buskers and artists along the way. There is also a programme of events held throughout the year such as performances, salsa dances and thought-provoking discussions and debates. Top of the Rock The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic New York landmarks but rather than wait in line to get to the top like everyone else, head over to Rockefeller Plaza instead and up to the 360-degree Top of the Rock Observatory Deck to see it from a new perspective. At night the experience is especially breath-taking when the iconic New York skyline is illuminated so you can see the Empire State Building, as well as the Chrysler Building and even over to Times Square. Wall Street’s Bull & Fearless Girl Otherwise known as the Charging Bull, Wall Street’s Bull is one of the many New York City points of interest to be found in Downtown Manhattan’s Financial District. How they managed to sneak a 3000kg bronze bull into the city is anyone’s guess, but thanks to its popularity it’s staying for good. Tip: catch the Fearless Girl by Kristen Visbal, who stares down the bull with hands on hips, before she is relocated in 2019. MOMA If you have a few hours to spare, the Museum of Modern Art (known locally as the MOMA) is an endless display of visual treats that will inspire and also challenge with their range of diverse cultural, artistic, social and political offerings. The permanent exhibitions showcase world-famous pieces from renowned modern artists and there’s a sculpture garden with works by Picasso and Rodin, as well as an art-house cinema. Tip: make the most of the Free Fridays to save on the entry fee. Statue of Liberty There aren’t many other New York landmarks that quite have the same wow-factor as the Statue of Liberty. A symbol in Hollywood films, a chance to get up close to this iconic statue in real life is on most people’s To Do list when planning a trip to New York. Lady Liberty offers unparalleled views of the city from a new vantage point, her crown, and on your way back it would be worth visiting the Liberty Island museum to learn more about her history and how she came to be here, all the way from France. Apollo Theatre Head to the Harlem institution, the Apollo Theatre. It was here that Ella Fitzgerald debuted in 1934, in 1962 the venue catapulted the talented James Brown into households around the country and a mere two years later Jimi Hendrix won first prize at an Amateur Night. Now, you’ll find headliners like Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen on stage, but you can still attend the renowned Wednesday Amateur Night to witness some of the hottest up-and-coming talent emerging from the city, too. Yankee Stadium Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, going to the Yankees stadium is a pretty big deal and one of the New York points of interest you won’t want to miss. Situated in the Bronx, the original House That Ruth Built has been flattened but the current Yankees Stadium II is just across the street. There is a museum too with memorabilia from every Yankees player to date. Fun fact: as a little tradition, they play Frank Sinatra’s New York New York after every game.
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Things To Do In NYC For Chinese New Year For Tourists

Spending time in NYC for Chinese New Year? Ring it in on January 25, 2020 and get ready for the year of the rat with plenty of special events in the Big Apple where you can celebrate. After celebrating the traditional New Year holiday on January 1, it’s round two with the Chinese New Year. From firecracker celebrations and wild dance performances to martial arts demonstrations, there’s plenty of ways to have fun during the many events in the city. The streets in New York turn festive during the celebration of the Chinese New Year. Free entry to tons of popular New York attractions and activities you can include in your Chinese New Year celebration are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions. Here’s a list of 9 fun things to do in NYC for Chinese New Year: 1. Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival [caption id="attachment_1682" align="alignnone" width="768"] 18th Annual New York City Lunar New Year Parade (Image credit: betterchinatown.com)[/caption] This celebrated parade is vibrant and colorful with its dragon dancers, lion dancers, marching bands, and floats. This coming year, it’s the “Year of the Rat.” The 2020 parade route stretches from Mott to Chatham Square to East Broadway, past the grand entrance to the Manhattan Bridge and towards Grand Street right next to Sara D. Roosevelt Park. The parade is a positive riot of color, costume and conviviality that lasts nearly 5 fun-filled hours. This street party welcomes in the Year of the Rat with all sorts of vendors and food. The parade also features some amazing day-time firework displays. Admission to the Lunar New Year Parade is free and open to the public. 2. The Chinatown Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony The Better Chinatown Society organizes the Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony. Enjoy hundreds of thousands of sparkling fireworks designed to ward off bad spirits for the new year. Afterward, there are a number of colorful dance performances. It’s a can’t-miss event. You can even book a Chinese dinner cruise on the Hudson River to see the fireworks. Circle Line Cruises offers a gourmet 12-course dinner. Admission to the Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony is free and open to the public. Tickets to the Lunar New Year Fireworks Cruise are separately ticketed. 3. The New York Philharmonic Lunar Concert The New York Philharmonic puts on an annual Lunar Concert to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Experience Beethoven’s grand Choral Fantasy by renowned artists, such as the Farmers’ Chorus of the Yunnan Province and 13-year-old pianist Serena Wang. It’s a gala event. Tickets to The New York Philharmonic Lunar Concert are available for purchase online. 4. The Temple Bazaar The Temple Bazaar celebrates the Chinese New Year with bright red lanterns floating through the streets. Enjoy Chinese music and martial arts demonstrations. Learn Chinese crafts like calligraphy and paper cutting. You can even munch on authentic Chinese food from Taiwan and Shandong. The Temple Bazaar celebrates the Chinese New Year with plenty of fun activities for everyone, including tourists. Admission to The Temple Bazaar is free and open to the public, some events and activities may be separately ticketed. 5. Savor the Dim Sum Gather a hungry crew to feast on egg rolls, dumplings and more at some great Chinese restaurants in NYC. Visit the Nom Wah Tea Parlor for some mooncakes. It’s the oldest dim sum parlor in NYC and dates back to 1920. At Tim Ho Wan, you can chow down on some exceptional pork and steamed rice rolls. Jade Asian is well known for its turnip cakes and seafood-stuffed hot peppers. Try the Katz’s pastrami egg roll at Red Farm. It’s a delight. Hakkasan New York celebrates the Chinese New Year featuring a mix of traditional Cantonese dishes and invites guests to celebrate by placing wish ribbons on a wishing tree. There’s even a lion dance performance. Call restaurants in advance for reservations--they're sure to be busy during the New Year! 6. The Madison Street to Madison Avenue Parade This action-packed festival is all day long. There’s shopping, dance performances, and family entertainment. There’s also traditional Chinese face-changing, colorful lion dancers, and calligraphy demos. It’s just one more way to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Admission to the Madison Street to Madison Avenue Parade is free and open to the public. 7. The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) One of the best ways to fully appreciate your trip to NYC for Chinese New Year is to take a visit to the Museum of Chinese in America where you can learn all about the Chinese culture and traditions you'll be celebrating with the Lunar New Year and learn about what life in NYC and beyond is like for its large Chinese population. The MOCA is a former machine shop inspired by a Chinese house with rooms extending from a central courtyard. It has exhibits that trace the development of Chinese communities along with mixed-media displays of Chinese restaurants and Laundries in New York. Tickets to the Museum of Chinese in America are available for purchase at the door or in advance online. 8. The New Kam Hing Coffee Shop Get your sugar and caffeine fix at the New Kam Hing Coffee Shop. This 30-year old coffee shop doesn’t look like much but serves up the best boat-shaped white-sugar cake, coffee, and green tea. It also has an angel-food-like interior that is light and airy. Nearby, you should make the time to shop for some great Asian cuisine at the Hong Kong Supermarket. It’s a Chinatown megastore that has everything for Asian food fanatics. Get fermented black beans, fresh noodles, dumpling wrappers and a whole host of other goodies. Everything’s super fresh, and the sushi stall offers tasty fresh rolls to-go. The New Kam Hing Coffee Shop is open to the public. 9. Concerts at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall Enjoy world-renowned symphonies featuring film and harp projections. There’s even a pre-concert reception where you can dine with the artists. Previous performers include Jiaxin Tian and conductor Gregory Singer. Music is at its best at the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Halls. Tickets are available for purchase online. Guided Lincoln Center Tour tickets and guided Carnegie Hall tickets are included with The New York Pass. From dazzling fireworks shows and colorful parades to great museums and concerts, there's no shortage of things to do in NYC for Chinese New Year. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there's nowhere better in America to celebrate Chinese New Year than the Big Apple. Remember To Save on Attraction Admission If you're looking for things to do in NYC for Chinese New Year, spend some time in Chinatown checking out all of the festive events, and be sure to add some New York City sightseeing to your itinerary, too. Save on attraction admission with New York Pass which grants you free entry to over 90 attractions in New York so that you can enjoy more and save more during your trip. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.
Casey Makovich
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