New York City has an amazing choice of after-dark activities. Hardcore partygoers flock to NYC because of its diverse, fun, and buzzing nightlife scene. There really is something for everyone, whether you are into pulsating nightclubs, relaxed speakeasies or buzzing gay bars. Are you ready to party in one of the world’s most exciting cities? Here are some of the best nightlife places in New York City.
1. Hell’s Kitchen
Situated on the west side of Midtown, Hell’s Kitchen offers a range of nightlife from pulsating nightclubs to gay-centric lounges and plenty of entertainment venues. It is a lively, energetic area with a good mix of locals and tourists. One of our favourite nights out in this neighbourhood starts with a glass or two in one of the many wine bars and then a fancy craft cocktail on a rooftop bar. There are some great clubs to dance the night away, including Freq, and for something more mellow, the Secret Room speakeasy is a great spot.
2. Chelsea
Chelsea is a neighbourhood on the West Side of Manhattan where you’ll find lots of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Here, you will find The Fleur Room, one of the hottest rooftop bars in Manhattan. One of the most popular venues in the area includes the Highline Ballroom, which hosts everything from big-ticket gigs to comedy and burlesque.
3. Lower East Side
The Lower East Side is funky and gritty with a strong international vibe. You’ll find Chinatown, Little Italy, and many bars and clubs. Parkside Lounge is the king of the Lower East Side dive bars, and the Public Hotel offers a more sophisticated setting for fun.
4. Greenwich Village
Greenwich is one of the most important LGBTQ+ neighbourhoods in NYC. With that comes some of the best nightlife in the city too. The Village has everything from historic bars to underground clubs to pulsating gay clubs rubbing shoulders with laid-back jazz lounges. The nightlife word here is eclectic.
5. The East Village
The East Village is a great district for a bar crawl, especially around live music venues. Here you’ll find old-school bars, cocktail lounges, natural wine bars, and hip speakeasies. All of which are within walking distance of each other. Make sure you visit McSorley’s Old Ale House, New York’s oldest Irish pub.
6. Meatpacking District
Located on the far west side of Manhattan, the Meatpacking District is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in NYC. It is full of fashionable bars and glamorous clubs. Some of the coolest clubs and venues to head to include Brass Monkey, the Tippler, Red Rabbit Club, TAO Downtown Nightclub, Le Bain, and Plunge Rooftop Bar. Make sure you dress to impress.
7. West Village
The West Village is a quirky neighbourhood and an important LGBTQ+ enclave with many exclusively gay and gay-friendly bars. Here you’ll find Julius, the oldest continuously operating gay bar in New York, and the historic Stonewall Inn. The beloved bar was an influential landmark in the gay rights movement and is a popular hangout spot. For drag shows, cabaret shows, and a raucous night of entertainment head to The Duplex.
