Things to do in nyc under 21 at night

What to do in NYC at Night: Ultimate New York Guide

Planning an epic trip to New York City, but unsure of what to do at night in NYC? Known as the city that never sleeps, there is an abundance of things to do when the sun goes down! In this New York guide, I am sharing all the best things to do in New York City at night, my local travel tips, favorite local gems, and more! 

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Throughout this list of awesome New York night activities, you will find something for everyone! Better yet, I’ve included tons of free/cheap New York City night attractions along with glamourous points of interest!

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night
Times Square NYC at Night

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Disclosure

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • What to do in NYC at Night: Ultimate New York Guide
  • 1. See the Sunset at Top of the Rock
  • 2. Enjoy a NYC Broadway Play at Night
  • 3. View Manhattan’s Skyline at Night from Summit One Vanderbilt
  • 4. Experience a Comedy Show
  • 5. Explore Times Square
  • 6. Enjoy One of the Many NYC Rooftop Bars at Night
    • 230 Fifth 
    • Magic Hour Rooftop Bar
    • Mr. Purple
    • Cantina Rooftop
  • 7. Hit the NYC Nightlife
  • 8. Walk on The Edge at Night NYC
  • 9. Fly Over New York City in a Helicopter
  • 10. Take a Cruise Around Manhattan at Night
  • 11. Check Out One World Trade Observatory
  • 12. Enjoy an Outdoor Movie
  • 13. Test Yourself at an Escape Room
  • 14. Watch Shakespeare in the Park
  • 15. See a NY Sports Game
  • 16. Watch a Concert
  • 17. Visit a NY Museum at Night
  • 18. Enjoy an Incredible Dinner
  • 19. Explore The Chelsea Art Galleries
  • 20. Cross the Brooklyn Bridge
  • 21. Walk the Brooklyn Promenade
  • 22. Hit the Driving Range at Chelsea Piers
  • 23. Do Sake Bombs in NYC
  • 24. Hang out in Coney Island
  • 25. Take a Ride on the Staten Island Ferry
  • 26. Chill in Greenwich Village
  • 27. Attend a Live TV Taping
  • 28. Watch a Show at Lincoln Center
  • 29. Go Glamping on Governors Island
  • 30. Visit The Bars in Williamsburg
  • 31. Night Bus Tour
  • 32. Grand Central Terminal
  • 33. Explore the Intrepid Museum
  • 34. See a Lips Drag Queen Show
  • 35. Indulge in Dessert
  • 36. Visit a Speakeasy
  • 37. Swingers Mini Golf
  • 38. Enjoy A Jazz Club
  • 39. Have a Spa Day
  • 40. Immerse Yourself at Artechouse NYC 
  • 41. Check Out The Friends Experience
  • 42. Go Bowling
  • 43. Sing Your Heart Out at Karaoke
  • Best Things to do in NYC at Night During the Christmas Holiday
    • 44. See the New York City Christmas Decorations 
    • 45. Visit the Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights
    • 46. Go Iceskating 
    • 47. Visit NYC Christmas Trees at Night 
  • How to Get to New York
  • Where to Stay in New York City
  • Additional NYC Resources
    • New York Passes
    • Is NYC Safe at Night
  • Best Things to do in NYC at Night Wrap-up
    • If you enjoyed this list of the best things to do in NYC at Night, I’d appreciate it if you could share it below! 

1. See the Sunset at Top of the Rock

One of the best ways to start your night in NYC is seeing the sunset at the Top of the Rock Observatory! This observatory deck is located in Rockefeller Center and offers 3 floors to take in all the Manhattan skyline views.

One of the reasons Top of the Rock is so popular is because you get to see the famous view of the Empire State Building all lit up in the night sky making for an epic experience. Additionally, it is one of the most photo-worthy places in NYC!

NYC Travel Tip: One thing to keep in mind when visiting The Top of the Rock for sunset, is that it’s the most popular time to visit. Therefore, it will likely be crowded, however, the views are insane!

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night
Photo by Jermaine Ee on Unsplash

2. Enjoy a NYC Broadway Play at Night

Another incredible way to spend your night in New York is at a Broadway Play! Even local New Yorkers can attest it’s one of the overall best things to do in NYC. Some of my favorite shows include Wicked and the Book of Mormon! 

Other very popular shows include The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, and Moulin Rouge! The Musical. You should also consider off-broadway shows as well since there are tons of great shows.

Generally, Broadway night shows begin between 7 PM – 8 PM, so it would be best to catch an early dinner. You can find what is playing on Broadway here and the showtimes.

NYC Travel Tip: One way to get more affordable tickets is to go right to the box office or visit a TDF location. Generally speaking, big hit shows and new shows are harder to get discounted prices on. 

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night

3. View Manhattan’s Skyline at Night from Summit One Vanderbilt

Have you heard of New York’s newest attraction, Summit One Vanderbilt? This observation deck has taken social media by storm for its next-level skyline views! Better yet, the best time to visit the NYC Summit One Vanderbilt is actually at night because you will experience the city all lit up! 

Additionally, the Summit One Vanderbilt is generally less crowded at night, making your experience more enjoyable.

This unique attraction has floor-to-ceiling glass windows, glass areas that have you standing over the street, glass floor elevators (that happen to be the largest in the world), and more.

You will definitely want to add this attraction to your 4 days in New York Itinerary, which is the most popular amount of days most people visit the city for.

There are 3 different types of tickets to choose from. The Summit Experience $49 (night), The Summit Ascent $69 (night), and the Ultimate Summit $83 (night).

To get your tickets and learn more check out the Summit One Vanderbilt website!

Night Hours: Wednesday – Thursday: Doors close at 8 PM and SUMMIT closes: 9 PM | Friday – Saturday: Doors close at 10 PM and SUMMIT closes at 11 PM | Sunday: Doors close at 8 PM and SUMMIT closes at 9 PM

Address: 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017 Entrance located on the Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal

4. Experience a Comedy Show

Comedy Clubs are another hot attraction in NYC at night! New York is a popular spot for up-and-coming comedians along with the best in the business. In fact, many popular stand-up comedians got their start in NYC! 

Big acts such as Kevin Hart and Sebastian Maniscalco will be performing at Madison Square Garden this year (2022)! There are tons of comedy clubs all over the city because as we all know, New Yorkers are hilarious lol. With that being said, some of the most popular comedy clubs to visit in NYC include:

  • Gotham Comedy Club
  • Comedy Cellar
  • Broadway Comedy Club
  • Carolines on Broadway
  • The Stand NYC
  • The Famous Apollo Theatre

NYC travel tip: Most (if not all) Comedy Clubs in NYC serve bar food (however) I’d recommend getting dinner beforehand unless they have a food requirement. Also note, some clubs have a minimum drink requirement, and most shows start from 6 PM or later at night. 

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night
Gotham Comedy Club in NYC

5. Explore Times Square

When you think of New York City, you likely think of Times Square at night with giant billboards and bright lights. If it is your first time in New York, you absolutely must visit Times Square at night!

Admittedly, most New York locals avoid Times Square at all costs because of how crowded it is, but then again, how often do you visit the largest tourist attraction in your city? My guess is not much?

As a teenager and college student, however, I actually did enjoy walking through Times Square at night to people watch and visit one of my favorite New York City stores, the M&M’s World New York store! I also worked in Times Square for a short time at Planet Hollywood lol (oh college loans). 

Anyways, add Times Square to your NYC itinerary for fun things to do at night if it’s your first time visiting! Times Square is also one of the best places to take photos at night in New York City!

NYC Travel Tip: An important NYC travel tip to keep in mind is to not get food in Times Square. Generally speaking, it is over-priced chain food. You are much better at finding restaurants away from this tourist hot spot. Psst…I’ve included options below!

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night

6. Enjoy One of the Many NYC Rooftop Bars at Night

New York City is known for having great Rooftop bars. I mean New York does have one of the best night skylines in the world, after all! So, it only makes sense that visiting a rooftop bar is one of the coolest things to do at night.

With a plethora of rooftop bars to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming to pick which one you should visit. Below are some of the trendiest rooftop bars to choose from. No matter which rooftop bar you choose, always make sure to make a reservation! 

230 Fifth 

One of NYC’s most popular rooftop bars with views of the Empire State Building. They also have fun igloo bubbles in the winter! It is located just about 3 minutes from Madison Square Park and the Flatiron Building in Midtown, Manhattan. They also have bottomless Brunch on the weekends!

Address: 230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001

Magic Hour Rooftop Bar

Probably one of the most Instagrammable Rooftop bars in NYC goes to the Magic Hour Rooftop Bar which is located at the Moxy Hotel in Times Square! Get your “Pink Experience” from decor to themed bites and drinks!

Address: 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York, NY 10018

Mr. Purple

Located on the Lower East Side (LES), Mr. Purple is a top rooftop bar to visit all year round! From the 15th floor of Hotel Indigo Lower East Side, they capture the vibrant and artistic vibes of the neighborhood. 

Address: 171 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002

Cantina Rooftop

Another great rooftop bar in NYC is Cantina Rooftop located in Hells Kitchen. With incredible authentic Mexican fare and a climate-controlled retractable glass roof, you can enjoy your skyline views in comfort. They also do a fabulous job with fun and inviting decor – making for great photos!

Address: 605 W 48th St, New York, NY 10019

Other classic NYC Rooftop Bars include Press Lounge (roof of the Ink48 Hotel), The Standard (located in the Meatpacking District – Temporarily closed), and Refinery Rooftop (located in Midtown).

7. Hit the NYC Nightlife

If you enjoy a night on the town, hitting up some of New York City’s hottest clubs and lounges might be right up your alley! From classic NYC nightclubs to the latest and greatest, here is a list of the best places to party in the city right now. 

NYC Nightclub tip: Most nightclubs and lounges have a dress code and require a ticket/entry fee. Therefore, the lines can be long to get in.

  • Nebula: One of Manhattan’s newest clubs located near Times Square.
  • 1 Oak: A classic NYC club where celebrities frequent.
  • Webster Hall: Another classic NYC club with a variety of different music and rooms.
  • Harbor NYC: Rooftop Nightclub and lounge.
  • Slate: Located in Chelsea, this lounge offers nightclub and arcade vibes all in one.
  • Sei Less: A new and poppin Asian Fusion Speakeasy and lounge where celebrities have been hanging. 
  • Bounce: Popular Sports Bar with live DJ’s.
  • Lavo: Dinner that turns into a club.

8. Walk on The Edge at Night NYC

A one-of-a-kind NYC Observation Deck to visit at night is The Edge at Hudson Yards. Suspended 100 stories up in the air, The Edge is known as the highest outdoor sky deck on the West Hemisphere! Open until midnight, you can enjoy exquisite views of New York City at night while sipping on Champagne!

Additionally, while you’re at Hudson Yards, don’t forget to snap some pictures of the Vessel or wander down the Highline! 

Address: The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001 Enter at level 4

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night
Photo Courtesy of The Edge & Related Oxford

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night
The Vessel at night during the holidays

9. Fly Over New York City in a Helicopter

Do you enjoy more adventurous and adrenaline-seeking activities? One of the most unique and maybe craziest things you can do at night in NYC is taking a helicopter ride over Manhattan. View some of the most famed New York landmarks all illuminated at night, not to mention that skyline! You will be sure to have a whole new perspective of what makes NYC so magical! Find Helicopter tours here.

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night
Photo by Sven Becker on Unsplash

10. Take a Cruise Around Manhattan at Night

If you want a more romantic thing to do in NYC at night, consider taking a dinner cruise! This way you get to enjoy an incredible meal while being able to see some of New York’s best landmarks all lit up! 

If dinner on a boat isn’t your thing, then you can still enjoy a nighttime cruise around the city or even a sunset sail!  See tours with Viator below!

11. Check Out One World Trade Observatory

Another very popular NYC observation deck is the One World Observatory. At over 100 stories, enjoy panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline from the financial district! You can even enjoy a gourmet meal at their One Dine and Bar located on the 101st floor! 

Please note dinner reservations are separate from regular visitor tickets to the One World Trade Center Observatory. 

After enjoying New York from the sky, make sure to stop by the 9/11 memorial pools which will also be illuminated. 

Address: 117 West St, New York, NY 10006

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night

12. Enjoy an Outdoor Movie

Visiting New York during the summer? If you want to really feel like a local New Yorker, catching an outdoor movie is one of the best free things to do at night in New York! Yep, FREE!

One of the most popular places to watch outdoor movies is at Brooklyn Bridge Park (just over the Brooklyn Bridge)! Not to mention, you will get an incredible view of Manhattan at night!

Generally, movies with a view at Brooklyn Bridge Park start in August. Keep up-to-date on showings here.

Make a whole romantic evening out of it and set up a whole picnic! If you want some great pizza, head over to Ignazio’s located just under the Brooklyn Bridge! 

Another great place to catch a free outdoor movie in New York is Bryant Park! Bryant Park is always offering fun and free activities in NYC. The park is also right across the street from the New York Public Library. Therefore, this epic park should be on your New York bucket list no matter what! See Bryant Park events here.

13. Test Yourself at an Escape Room

Want to do something a little more unique in NYC at night? Then try one of the city’s escape rooms! Perfect for families with kids under 21, groups of friends, and even couples, choose one of the rooms you plan to “escape” from with clues! Some of the most popular escape rooms to experience in NYC are: 

  • Escape the Room NYC
  • The Escape Game New York City
  • Beat The Bomb – Dumbo Brooklyn

14. Watch Shakespeare in the Park

Heading on its 60th annual year, Shakespeare in the Park is another unique night experience to enjoy with local New Yorkers! Oh, and did I mention it is another free night activity to do in New York? Located at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park, you can enjoy summer performances. 

If you are not visiting during the Summer, you can still enjoy one of the other shows they have going on. Check their schedule here!

Address: 81 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024

15. See a NY Sports Game

If you are into sports, then New York is a great place to be since we have a lot of sports teams! Depending on when you’re visiting New York, you will have an array of sports games to choose from. 

One of my favorite sports to watch is (American) football. Catch a Thursday night, Sunday night, or Monday night football game at Metlife Stadium. This is where both the New York Giants and New York Jets play! The Football season generally starts in September and ends in December/January. 

If baseball is more your jam, then New York also has Yankee Stadium (home to the Yankees) in the Bronx and Citi Field (home to the Mets) in Queens. The baseball season starts late March/early April and ends around late September/early October. 

Another great night sporting event in New York is Basketball right at Madison Square Garden! This is where the Knicks play! Or if you are a Brooklyn Nets fan, you can watch a game at their home arena, The Barclays Center! Basketball season starts around mid-October and ends around mid-April. 

Oh, and we also have hockey! Again, we have 2 sports teams, the Islanders and the Rangers. The Islanders are playing back on Long Island at Belmont (my old neck of the woods). Like the Knicks, the Rangers are also at Madison Square Garden. Hockey Season is from October – June.

When looking for tickets, scalping tickets is not advised. It is best to just get them from Ticketmaster or Stubhub. 

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night
Giants Game at Metlife Stadium

16. Watch a Concert

New York is a huge hub when it comes to concerts. From event spaces like Madison Square Garden and The Barclays Center to Terminal 5 and the Chelsea Piers.

If you are visiting during a holiday like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Halloween, or New Year’s Eve, you will be guaranteed to have big performers making an appearance. Love electronic music? New York hosts Electric Zoo every year on Randall’s Island! 

17. Visit a NY Museum at Night

New York has a plethora of museums and as the city that never sleeps, surprise, surprise, they are open pretty late! So if you didn’t want to waste great weather stuck inside, try visiting one of the below NY museums at night! Additionally, almost all the below-listed museums are perfect night activities for families with kids under 21.

Whitney Museum of American Art: On Fridays, the Whitney is open until 10 PM and even better, it is “pay as you wish” from 7 PM – 10 PM!

The Museum of Modern Art (The MOMA): While not open as late as the Whitney, the MOMA is one of my favorites and stays open until 7 PM on Saturdays. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET): On Friday and Saturday you can enjoy this amazing Museum until 9 PM. 

The Morgan Library and Museum: I consider this one a local gem, and on Friday it is free to visit from 5 PM until 7 PM – reservation required. 

Museum of Sex: This very “unique” museum is really open late closing at 10 PM on weekdays (closed on Tuesday) and 12 AM on Friday and Saturday. 

New Museum of Contemporary Art: Another geat free NY museum to see at night offers “pay what you wish” from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Thursday. Timed tickets are required.

International Museum of Photography Museum: This museum is open almost every night until 7 PM, and on Thursdays, they also have “Pay as you wish” from 6 PM – 9 PM. They are closed on Tuesdays. Timed tickets are required.

Brooklyn Museum: If you want to avoid some of the crowds and happened to be in Prospect Park maybe visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, consider giving this museum a visit. They are open on Friday and Saturday until 8 PM. Furthermore, starting this spring 2022, they will begin first Saturdays again where the museum will not close until 11 PM. 

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night
The Morgan Library and Museum

18. Enjoy an Incredible Dinner

Known for our incredible places to eat with countless cuisines, you will surely find something you love. It is one of the easiest ways to have a great night in NYC. Additionally, here is a list of some of my favorites! You should also check out the best NY food to eat for first-timers here!

If it is really late, you can always count on a NY diner! They are usually open 24 hours!

  • Catch
  • Tutto il Giorno Tribecca
  • Peter Lugers Steakhouse in Williamsburg
  • The Palms – Has great steak and seafood.
  • The Old Homestead – Steakhouse
  • STK Steakhouse
  • Tick Tock Diner – If you are looking for a real late-night bite to eat

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night
Peter Luger Steak house Porterhouse Steak

19. Explore The Chelsea Art Galleries

As you might have already guessed, New Yorkers love their art. So much that there is a whole area in the Chelsea Neighborhood dedicated to art galleries. Between 10th and 11th Ave from 19th to 26th street, you can find dozens of art galleries.

As a broken college student, one of our favorite things to do on Thursday nights in NYC was to visit the Chelsea art galleries that often offered drinks and small bites! So if you’ve been to New York countless times and looking for something new to do, consider this!

20. Cross the Brooklyn Bridge

Another top contender for things to do in NYC at night is crossing the Brooklyn Bridge! In fact, it is one of my favorite free things to do in NYC! The bridge spans 1.1 miles and was once the largest suspension bridge.

To reach the Brooklyn Bridge from the Manhattan side, you can take the 4, 5, or 6 trains to the Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall stop. You can also take the J or Z trains to the Chambers Street stop which is closest to the Pedestrian Walk Way.

From the Dumbo, Brooklyn side, you can enter from Washington Street between York Street and Prospect Street. You should see the walkway! 

If you are walking towards Dumbo, don’t forget to turn around! You will be greeted with all of the city lights looking back at you, and it is quite beautiful!

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night
Photo by Partha Narasimhan on Unsplash

21. Walk the Brooklyn Promenade

Another outstanding view of the New York City lights is from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. If you crossed the Brooklyn Bridge, you just have to make your way through Brooklyn Bridge Park. Open until 1 AM, it is another great place to enjoy great views. You will likely see more local New Yorkers here too!

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night

22. Hit the Driving Range at Chelsea Piers

Looking to experience something a little less touristy in New York? Then the Golf Club Driving Range at Chelsea Piers is for you! Enjoy hitting golf balls into the night sky with views of the Hudson River. On top of that, you can enjoy food and drinks at your golf stall! Furthermore, their indoor dining at The Water Hazard is also open if you’d rather sit down and eat. 

Walk-ins are welcome, but a reservation is highly recommended! Additionally, there are only 4 people per stall. The Golf Club Driving Range is open until 12 AM and you can find pricing and reservations here!

Address: 59 Chelsea Piers New York, NY 10011

23. Do Sake Bombs in NYC

Want to enjoy partying without it being a full-fledged nightclub? Enjoy some great Japanese food and Sake Bombs! If you’ve never played, make sure to order some warm sake and a beer. Next, pour your sake into the porcelain cup and balance it on two chopsticks above your beer. Finally, gently-ish pound the table with your two fists and say, ” Sake, Sake, Bomb” and your sake shot should fall into your glass! 

There are Sake Bars all over New York City and another way to enjoy your night! 

24. Hang out in Coney Island

If you are visiting NYC during the summer, another more unique and local thing to do at night is enjoying the rides at Luna Park in Coney Island. From the famous wooden rollercoaster, The Cyclone, which has given me some battle scars to the Wonder Wheel, there is tons of fun to be had at any age! 

The Amusement park originally opened in 1962 (originally known as Astroland), and just down the block from where my parents grew up! Like any amusement park, you will find all sorts of treats, but I’d recommend getting Nathan’s Famous hotdog and fries with cheese, Pizza at Totonno’s Pizza, and all your candy delights at Williams Candy Shop! 

If you are really a foodie and want to try more NY local food spots in the area, check out Rollin Roaster, L&B Spumoni Garden (famous for their Sicilian slice), and John’s Deli (get roast beef).  

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night

25. Take a Ride on the Staten Island Ferry

This one might sound a little bazaar. I mean why would you want to take transportation to Staten Island? Well, if you are on a budget, or don’t want to be stuck on a cruise for hours upon hours, you can take the very free ride on the Staten Island Ferry for an epic view of the city lights and the Statue of Liberty all lit up!

As you can imagine, seeing New York City’s lights at night is a reoccurring theme, but a well worth wild one! The Staten Island Ferry is located at 4 Whitehall Street New York NY 10004 which is a part of the financial district. 

For the best view, consider taking your ride around sunset!

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night

26. Chill in Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village has a lot going on at night, but one of my favorite things is hanging out at Washington Square during the summer. The fountain is going and people-watching is at an all-time high. After you are done people watching, there are tons of bars and comedy clubs for all those NYU students!

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night
Washington Square Park

27. Attend a Live TV Taping

New York City is home to live TV tapings and what’s even cooler, you can be a part of one! If you have done a lot of the traditional things in New York City, this can be a really unique way to spend the night! Some of the most popular night TV tapings include: 

  • Saturday Night Live (SNL) – Probably the most popular live broadcast in NYC
  • Late Night With Seth Meyers 
  • The Daily Show With Trevor Noah
  • The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
  • Late Night Show With Stephan Colbert
  • Last Week Tonight With John Oliver

Getting tickets can be a little tricky with most shows requiring you to get tickets well in advance. 1iota is where you can get tickets for most of the shows listed above. SNL is based on a lottery that will reopen for 2022/2023 in August. For more details on getting tickets, check NBC here.

28. Watch a Show at Lincoln Center

A great romantic and less touristy thing to do at night in NYC is seeing the Ballet, Opera, or even Jazz at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Built in 1956, this iconic New York building complex is over 16 acres and hosts over 4 million people! It is especially perfect if you have a love for the arts because you will enjoy some of the best performances here! 

With events happening all week, check out the Lincoln Center Calendar to see what’s showing! Opera at Lincoln Center | NY Jazz | New York City Ballet 

It is usually best to get your tickets beforehand, but you can also get them on site. 

Address: Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

29. Go Glamping on Governors Island

Considered one of the most unique getaway experiences in New York, Glamping on Governors Island with Collective easily makes the list of best things to do at night in NYC! The experience offers luxurious accommodations, impeccable views of the Manhattan skyline, farm-to-table food, and more! 

Glamping on Governors Island generally starts in May and closes in the winter. This escape is great for those who have been to New York City a handful of times and want to try something new or plan on spending over a week in New York. Plus the views offer the perfect New York at night aesthetic.

Find more information on Glamping on Governors Island here!

30. Visit The Bars in Williamsburg

Want to get out of Manhattan and party with the locals? Williamsburg is a fun and lively Brooklyn neighborhood both during the day and at night! You will find lots of breweries with fancy IPA’s to bars with arcades. Bar hopping is also pretty popular here. 

Some fun places to visit at night are Brooklyn Bowl (a bar that often has live music and a bowling alley), The Whiskey Brooklyn (has an arcade downstairs), and TailGate Outdoor Sports Bar. You can also visit Brooklyn Brewery and even tour their distillery! They even offer free tours on Sunday from 1 PM – 6 PM! 

While in Williamsburg, you can also see a beautiful view of the New York Skyline at night from across the water at Domino Park!

Additionally, if steakhouses are your jam, one of the most famous steakhouses calls Williamsburg their home, Peter Lugar’s. Make sure to have cash, and get the Porterhouse and their famous creamed spinach! 

31. Night Bus Tour

Are your feet tired from walking around the city all day, but you really want to see some of the top New York City attractions at night too? Well, then an open-roof night bus tour could be the perfect way to spend your night! No having to worry about navigating the subway at night while giving your poor feet the break they deserve! 

32. Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal happens to be one of my favorite train stations and can be a fun and free thing to do at night. Opening on February 2, 1913, it was considered one of the largest construction projects the city has ever seen (at the time).  

At night you can enjoy exploring the whispering walls, admire the constellations on the ceiling, or even enjoy some of the restaurants such as the Oyster Bar & Restaurant (closes at 8:30 PM)!

Grand Central Station is open daily from 5:15 AM – 2:00 AM. 

Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night
Grand Central Terminal Station

33. Explore the Intrepid Museum

If astronomy interest you or even free movies on Friday night, you might want to head over to the Intrepid Museum!

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is dedicated to the exhibition and interpretation of science, history, and service so you should definitely also consider a visit earlier when the other exhibitions are open.

Get more information on Free Friday nights at the Intrepid Museum here.

Address: Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY 10036

34. See a Lips Drag Queen Show

This one is for an adult’s night out in Manhattan. Lips is a cabaret and puts on one of the best drag shows in NYC.

From Tuesday through Sunday they have a different drag queen show. So enjoy cocktails, a show, and even a full course meal if you like since they are also a restaurant. Reservations are required.

Address: 227 E 56th St, New York, NY 10022

35. Indulge in Dessert

A fun way to end a night in NYC is by indulging in some of the best treats Manhattan has to offer. One of the most famous places is Serendipity 3 and they are open until 11 PM. Some other places to please your sweet tooth in NYC are:

  • The Sugar Factory closes at 12 AM on the weekends
  • Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery closes at 1 AM on the weekends

36. Visit a Speakeasy

If a full-blown club is not your speed, consider a night out at one of New York’s top speakeasies. Some of the top speakeasies to visit include: 

  • Employees Only
  • Patent Pending
  • Peachy’s
  • UES Ice-Cream Shoppe

37. Swingers Mini Golf

Hang out at the The Swingers Mini Golf is the perfect NYC adult-only experience. This really unqiue spot has 3 courses to enjoy and also offercrafted cocktails, gourmet street and food. You do need to make revervations a head of time to snag a spot so make sure to check the Swinger website. Prices are between $22-26 a person.

38. Enjoy A Jazz Club

Jazz has always plays a big part in New York history, so it only makes sense there are some of the best places to enjoy it during a night out in NYC.

Some of the most popular clubs to enjoy jazz in New York include the Birdland Jazz Club, Blue Note Jazz Club, and Smalls Jazz Club, you will be in for a treat! Furthermore, you can also check out some Jazz tours here.

39. Have a Spa Day

After spending a couple days walking all over the city, spending some time at the spa might sound like a better idea. The spa is also a great choice if it’s a rainy day in NYC. Most of the spas are open until 10 PM – 11 PM. So if you want to spend your night doing something a little more relaxing and luxurious, some of the more popular NYC spas include:

  • Aire Ancient Baths New York is open until 11 PM
  • SoJo Spa Club is open until 9:30 PM
  • QC NY SPA is open until 10 PM or 11 PM
  • Bathhouse – Williamsburg is open until 11: 30 PM

40. Immerse Yourself at Artechouse NYC 

Open until 10 PM, visiting Artechouse is fun option for those who love immersive art. Located in Chelsea, the Artechouse is currently showing their new exhibit called life of a Neuron which is really fun looking.

This is also a fun place to take photo and even just enjoy with the family.

Get tickets and more information here!

41. Check Out The Friends Experience

Fans of the show Friends -rejoice because the Friends experience is open until 10 PM. This gives you another fun night activity to enjoy. The set includes original props with two interactive floors. Find Friends info and tickets here!

Address: 130 East 23rd St (Corner of East 23rd St & Lexington Ave).

42. Go Bowling

When all else fails, sometimes it’s best to stick with the basics, and bowling is a easy and fun night activity you can do in NYC. From classic bowling allies to game bars, you have an option of what kind of vibe you want to go with.

Some popular boweling allies are:

  • Chelsea Piers
  • Bowlero Times Square
  • Brooklyn Bowl

43. Sing Your Heart Out at Karaoke

Love singing and drinks? Then spending a night at a karaoke bar will be right up your ally. Lucky for you, there are a handful of karaoke places in NYC and many are near Times Square. Some places you can sing your heart out in Manhattan include: 

  • The Spot Karaoke & Lounge NYC
  • Karaoke Duet 35
  • Sing Sing

Best Things to do in NYC at Night During the Christmas Holiday

Visiting New York City during December is one of the most popular times because of the holidays. And with the holidays, come some additional really cool things to do at night in NYC! If you are not visiting New York City during the holidays, you might want to scroll past this short section before you start booking another trip!

44. See the New York City Christmas Decorations 

One of the top things to do at night during the holidays is to see all the beautiful Christmas decorations that get set up around the city. Many of the best decorations are around Rockefeller Center. My favorite is the light display put on by Saks 5th Ave! If you are planning a visit during the holidays, make sure to check out the best NYC Christmas decorations here!

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night

45. Visit the Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights

The Christmas Lights at Dyker Heights is another staple nighttime activity for those visiting New York during the holidays. Located in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, you will experience the most extravagant and insane Christmas lights and decorations! 

46. Go Iceskating 

Another awesome activity to do at night in NYC during the winter is ice skating! Two of the most popular ice skating rinks are the Rockefeller Center rink, the Wollman Rink, and the Bryant Park Winter Village! 

  1. The Wollman Rink in Central Park is open between 9 PM – 2:30 AM depending on the day. 
  2. The Rink at Rockefeller Center stays open until 11 PM or 12 AM depending on the day. 
  3. The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is open until 10 PM to 11:30 PM depending on the day/week. Additionally, Bryant Park has a whole winter village with tons of shops and restaurants that are totally worth the visit! 

47. Visit NYC Christmas Trees at Night 

Let’s not forget seeing some of the most epic NYC Christmas trees at night during the holidays! Some of the best New York City Christmas trees to see include the Rockefeller Tree, The Bryant Park Christmas Tree, The New York Stock Exchange Tree, and The Seaport Christmas Tree.

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night
New York Stock Exchange Christmas Tree

How to Get to New York

Now that you know the best things to do at night in NYC, let’s cover some of the logistics of getting to the Big Apple! Since New York is a huge travel hub, there are quite a few ways to get to the city.

New York has 3 major airports to fly into. Newark Liberty Airport (EWR) which is in New Jersey, Laguardia International Airport (LGA) in Queens, and John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK). 

My favorite airport to fly into would be JFK. However, many times you can find a cheaper flight coming in from Newark (New Jersey). You can check flights on Skyscanner. 

All airports offer trains/shuttles that make it easy to get into the city. However, I think the most efficient way is to get an Uber/Lyft – especially if you have a lot of bags.

If you live in the USA, there are also possibilities for you to take a bus (Mega Bus, Greyhound, etc.) or train (like Amtrack) into Manhattan. 

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night

Where to Stay in New York City

There are tons of hotels to stay at in New York City, to the point it can feel overwhelming. Therefore, I’ve listed a handful of the most popular places to stay.

Hotels in New York also book up pretty quickly, so it is best to book in advance. 

MOXY NYC Times Square | Hyatt House Chelsea | Hotel Edison Times Square | New York Marriott Marquis | The New Yorker | Made Hotel | 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge | The Langham, New York | Margaritaville Resort Times Square

Additional NYC Resources

With tons of ideas of how you might plan your night in NYC, here are some additional resources you may find helpful. Furthermore, I have linked a bunch of other guides throughout this article along with some additional articles below that can help you plan your trip! 

New York Passes

If you plan on doing a lot of paid NYC attractions like the Observation Decks and Museums, consider getting one of the New York Passes. You can save tons of money with them rather than paying individually. However, if you only plan to see one or two paid things, it is probably not worth it. The two most popular are:  the City Pass | Sightseeing Pass (offers more activities). 

Is NYC Safe at Night

You may be wondering if it is safe to walk around New York at night. Generally, yes, however, I wouldn’t recommend walking by yourself late at night if you’re a woman. Groups are fine. Also, stick to the main streets and choose subway carts with lots of people in them. 

With the above safety measures in mind, I’ve lived in the city and  I’ve walked and taken the subways at all hours of the night with people and by myself without issue.

As you can see there are tons of fun late-night activities to do in New York City! So are you ready to take New York City by night? I hope you have the best time, and make sure to check out my additional NYC resources below!

  • Fun New York Slang Words
  • NYC in Fall Guide
  • 25 Important NYC Travel Tips
  • Best Hotels and Neighborhoods in NYC

  • Must Eat NYC Food for First-Timers + Restaurant Recs
  • Words New Yorkers Say Weird
  • Best Things to do on Long Island

Have any questions or feel like I missed a fun NYC night activity? Let me know in the comments below!

Things to do in nyc under 21 at night

What can you do in New York City under 21?

Best Things To Do For Under 21 Group Near Me in New York, NY.
All "things to do for under 21 group" Results in New York, NY. Showing 1-60 of 2263..
N. 1 Spot Karaoke & Lounge. 3.0 mi. ... .
N. 2 Barcade. 2.4 mi. ... .
N. 3 Bowlero Chelsea Piers. 2.9 mi. ... .
N. 4 Comedy Cellar. 1.8 mi. ... .
N. 5 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar. ... .
N. 6 VR World NYC. ... .
N. 7 House of Yes..

What can under 21 friends do in NYC?

Best Things To Do For Under 21 Group Near Me in Manhattan, NY.
All "things to do for under 21 group" Results in Manhattan, NY. Showing 1-60 of 73..
Bowlero Chelsea Piers. 1.9 mi. ... .
Frames Bowling Lounge. 0.8 mi. ... .
Museum of Illusions. 1.9 mi. ... .
Rosé Mansion. 1.0 mi. ... .
ARTECHOUSE New York. 1.9 mi. ... .
Laser Bounce. 6.8 mi. ... .
Princeton Club. 0.4 mi..

Can you get into clubs in New York under 21?

Do you know where your children are? Kids as young as 16 can get into some of the hot spots listed below, at least on certain nights. If you are planning on heading out, you will still need proof of age, and you will definitely be carded for alcohol. Some venues may be closed due to recent events in New York City.

Can you go clubbing at 18 in NY?

Many clubs allow people under 21 in, but you will not be able to drink alcohol. Great places to look for listings are Time Out New York and the Village Voice. You can inquire of the venues as to their admission policy. Clubs in NYC are indeed safe, as is the City itself.