THE 10 BEST Nightlife Activities in New York City (Updated 2024)
Nightlife in New York City

THE 10 BEST New York City Nightlife Activities

Nightlife in New York City

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  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.


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What travelers are saying

  • shereefoll
    Swansea, UK7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were visiting from The UK and had heard good things about Birdland and it did not disappoint! We booked for the Anais Reno trio and they put on a fantastic show. The staff were great and the food was tasty. Definitely recommend a visit if you're on holiday!
    Written May 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laura
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So much fun! I really wanted to go to the 11:30 show but was a bit hesitant going solo as a female tourist. The surrounding area is bright and lively at 11:30 and everyone at the Cellar was so friendly. They put me by other people flying solo so it was nice to have others to chat with while seated before the show. So happy I came to this historic spot, I had a really great time.
    Written May 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • edwardlanglo
    Vergennes, VT48 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were visiting New York City and a visit to McSorley's Ale House was top of the list. We were not disappointed. The waiter who had been there for 45 years was very friendly and told us a little bit about the history. He also introduced his son who is studying to be a psychologist! The son and dad work together serving beer, light or dark, that's it. Cash only. We didn't have food on our agenda, but look forward to having it next time we visit. Disd I mention sawdust on the floor? The spirit of Abe Lincoln pervades the place, as he ate here when he gave a campaign speech at the Cooper Union across the street at the election of 1860. Wow! This is Old New York at its best.
    Written May 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Droopydrawrs52
    Peterborough, UK1,678 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent show tonight from the MSM

    We were booked to see a tribute to Wayne Shorter but program changed

    Not an issue as to see such talented students blows your mind away
    Written April 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • bf92
    Northamptonshire, UK34 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We stumbled upon Rudy’s when recently visiting New York as we were staying near to Hells Kitchen and nipped in for a few drinks. Really good atmosphere and the 2 Irish chaps working behind the bar were a good laugh also. This was one of the cheapest places for drinks we came across when in New York as well as one of the friendliest - would definitely recommend stopping by for a drink.
    Written May 12, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SusieQte
    Cheshire, UK256 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited Terra Blues for the first time last night and stayed for the first session with Junior Mack. His soulful renditions were mesmerising. An amazing guitarist and a great entertainer, who engaged so well with the audience. Just so annoying that people talk throughout the show!
    Written May 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • curiousnomad1
    Fairfield, CT60 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is an iconic place to hear the highest world class jazz musicians in an intimate setting. It’s pretty much exactly the same as it was when Coltrane, Miles, Monk, etc played here. It frequently sells out, especially Friday and Saturday night but you should always book ahead. The seating is general admission, so if you want to sit close ( literally right next to the band stand) get there early- it’s not unusual to see people lined up outside at 6 pm for an 8 pm set. The reward is hearing incredible music as if you’re in someone’s living room and not a concert hall.
    Although it’s a basement club ( down a flight of stairs) it’s more like a “temple” of jazz. The audience ( often full of other musicians along with people from all over the world) listens intently; talking is not tolerated and you’ll likely be stared at or admonished if you’re not there to really listen.
    Some of jazz’s greatest live performances and recordings originated here.
    A must visit place if you’re visiting NYC. It’s one of the quintessentially NY things that makes the city what it is.
    Written April 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jim Angela G
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It helps to get tickets in advance because Smalls is small. They take walk ons but you usually have to sit in the back. It is not handicapped friendly. It has winding steep steps. They have a lot of great jazz musicians performing there. It is one of the clubs we usually frequent. There are many jazz clubs to choose from in NYC. Subway is the cheapest way to travel there from your hotel or wherever you are staying. Taxis are outrageously expensive. $39 to go 2 miles in heavy traffic.
    Written November 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • adeline b
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates55 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing views on empire state building and the lounge chairs similar to those we have at ski station are so cool
    Went with a friend for a rooftop and was not disappointed.
    We did not drink nor eat so cannot comment on this. Queue seemed super long to order so we did not bother too much. Looked more a place to grab a beer in a plastic cup rathder than fancy old fashion cocktails..
    Not sure i will pick this place for food
    Decor is underground nothing fancy and crowd is super chill and young
    Nice spot
    Written April 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Aksel
    Stockholm, Sweden1,091 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic place in mid town. Had purchased a cigar at "Davidoff of Geneva since 1911", which on many pages when you Google, says should be a bar/lounge, but they only serve members these days, or you can sit and smoke, for a fee of $100! I asked for recommendation on another place, and they said this, and that was a good suggestion.
    Fantastic interior and ambience, as a cigar lounge/bar should have. With that dark, wooden style and large chairs or sofas. A bar to sit at as well.
    Was offered a seating of two arm chairs, that were so nice. Got a glas of Champagne and sparkling water and smoked my AVO, with such a satisfaction and joy. A magical place to wind down a bit from all the walking and shopping.
    Do not see a food menu on their site, but saw a man get a clud sandwich, maybe he was a regular.
    Great service and knowledge of cigars.
    Written April 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • philiplZ9925JG
    Malmö, Sweden1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing band…amazing atmosphere….best place in NY..we loved it……..I will come back next year..it’s for sure…..:-))
    Written May 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Norbert
    28 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Even though Bill has been in Arizona his replacement was wonderful and the whole band was delightful playing great jazz music. We can definitely recommend the place despite the fact that seating is really tight and uncomfortable. We had great 90 minutes.
    Written September 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tom H
    Hythe, UK186 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We watched a blues act here and thoroughly enjoyed it. Be warned that this is a very intimate venue. It is split into three “venues” within the venue. The one we were in had something like 40 people jammed in. As for value for money, we payed 150 USD for 2 drinks each, some chicken strips, french fries and some guacamole and chips. There was a 20 USD pp cover charge. Value for money? Depends on your perspective…
    Written March 27, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN3,632 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great NYC comedy club located in Chelsea. Went to one of the Gotham All-Star nights. Although, I didn't recognize any of the names of the comics who performed, all were great and provided many laughs. Small room without a bad seat in the house. However, don't sit along the stage unless you don't mind being picked on by the comics. $28 plus 2 drink minimum per person for a 90-minute show. There are usually 2-3 shows per night. I was able to book a table for 4 just a week before the show which was convenient unlike Comedy Cellar that was completely booked out well in advance.
    Written March 31, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • km0ye
    Plano, TX4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such a fun night we went back again a couple weeks later, and I’m going to bring my sister when she visits me from out of town next month.
    Written March 12, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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