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Where to go for the Best Nightlife in New York

Where to go for the Best Nightlife in New York

Melanie May | | 4 minutes Read
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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. With over 600 clubs and bars across all five boroughs, there really is something for everyone. Whether you are into Latin music or gay anthems, packed nightclubs or relaxed speakeasies, you’ll find it all happening in NYC. Ready to party in the Big Apple? Here’s our guide on where to go for the best nightlife in New York.

1. Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Greenpoint in Brooklyn is effortlessly cool. It is the best place to go if you like dive bars and independent beer houses. You’ll also find many venues with beautiful outdoor patios lit up with twinkling fairy lights. Our favourite late-night spots in Greenpoint include The Brew Inn, Black Rabbit, and Broken Land.

Where to go for the Best Nightlife in New York

2. Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan

Hell’s Kitchen in Midtown has a wide range of nightlife, from pulsating clubs to gay-centric lounges and entertainment venues. Start your night 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. For something more mellow, the Secret Room speakeasy is a great spot.

Best Nightlife Places in New York City

3. Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Williamsburg in Brooklyn has a brilliant collection of craft breweries and ale houses. Some of the most popular ones are Kent Ale House, Beer Street, and Mugs Ale House. Williamsburg also has a fab selection of jazz bars and outdoor music venues, so it is a super spot to listen to live music. Some cool upmarket clubs and dingy underground venues include Black Flamingo and Night of Joy.

best places in new york for nightlife

4. Chelsea, Manhattan

Chelsea is a neighbourhood on the West Side of Manhattan where you’ll find many bars, including The Fleur Room, one of the hottest rooftop bars in Manhattan. One of the most popular venues in the area is the Highline Ballroom. This terrific nightlife spot plays host to everything from big-ticket gigs to comedy and burlesque.

Best Nightlife Places in New York City

5. Astoria, Queens

Astoria has a cool neighbourhood feel and vibe. It is a great night out for those who want to chill with locals who are warm, friendly, and welcoming. The borough’s eclectic makeup is reflected in the diversity of clubs and bars, especially the music played. On any given night, you can find a bar blasting reggae, Latin music, karaoke, rock, pop, dance and even Irish music. This place has a truly international flavour.

6. The East Village, Manhattan

The artsy East Village in Manhattan was once the epicentre of New York’s punk scene, and that rebellious, counter-culture spirit is still alive and kicking today. This is a great neighbourhood for a bar crawl, especially around its many live music venues. Also, around its many streets, you’ll find traditional bars, cool cocktail lounges, natural wine bars, and hip speakeasies, all of which are within walking distance of each other. You can find New York’s oldest Irish pub here – McSorley’s Old Ale House. A good time is always had here.

best nightlife in nyc

7. West Village

The West Village is an important LGBTQ+ neighbourhood. In the West Village, you’ll find Julius, the oldest continuously operating gay bar in New York, and the historic Stonewall Inn. The Stonewall Inn was an influential landmark in the gay rights movement and is a very popular hangout spot today. For drag shows, cabaret shows, and a raucous night of entertainment, head to The Duplex and the Playhouse.

Melanie May Photo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melanie is an intrepid solo traveller, endlessly curious about people, places and food. She is a fan of slow travel and loves exploring the world by mouth, discovering a culture through its food. Having backpacked her way around the world she turned her wanderlust into a career and is now a full-time travel writer.

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