Author: 
NYC is delightfully eclectic by day and dizzyingly glamorous by night. Discover the best spots in the city to have a night out or to stay in.
Big Apple After Dark
There is a lot to see, hear, experience, and taste in New York by day. Come night, however, The City That Never Sleeps transforms into a wonderland of neon lights, pounding music, eclectic crowds, and bottomless entertainment. New York City’s nightlife is one of the best in the world, and any traveler worth their salt knows that the fun only begins when the sun sets behind the skyline.
Did you know that NYC, specifically The Bronx, is the birthplace of hip-hop music? In 1973, one party combined all the elements of the genre that we know today. There was breakdancing, graffiti art, an MC, and a DJ – and the rest was history.
That being said, The Big Apple is truly the epicenter of epic partying and even more epic music. We’ve put together a list of where you can experience the best of these plus more unique elements of New York nightlife. Get ready to paint the town red!
Where to Experience The Best of New York Nightlife
We hope you brought your dancing shoes because we’re diving into the thick of New York nightlife at these iconic destinations:
APOTHEKE
9 Doyers Street (Chinatown)
Hidden behind an unassuming storefront in Chinatown, Apothéke is a clandestine cocktail bar that channels the speakeasy era. Its dimly lit interiors will make you feel like a spy on a high-profile mission. Their vintage apothecary-themed bar is not just for show, either, what with meticulously crafted cocktails infused with exotic herbs and spices.
THE CARNEGIE CLUB
156 W 56th Street
If you’re in New York with friends or family and one of them is an avid fan of The Sopranos or The Godfather, then this is the place to bring them! Transport yourself to a bygone era with Carnegie Club’s cigar lounges, single-malt scotch, and sophisticated live jazz performances. This upscale venue exudes old-world charm with its plush leather seats, hazy atmosphere, and the freedom to smoke in a public bar.
BLUE NOTE JAZZ CLUB
131 W 3rd Street
A mecca for jazz enthusiasts, the Blue Note Jazz Club in Greenwich Village is synonymous with world-class performances. After all, what’s a New York nightlife tour without sultry melodies and soulful improvisations? Sip on a glass or savor some delectable cuisine. Better yet, time your visit to catch the Blue Note Jazz Festival!
THE VILLAGE VANGUARD
178 7th Avenue South
Nestled in Greenwich Village, The Village Vanguard is a legendary jazz club that has hosted some of the greatest names in jazz history, like John Coltrane. Step into its intimate setting, let the smooth melodies wash over you, and savor the rich aroma of coffee. Immerse yourself in the timeless sounds of jazz while enjoying the cozy ambiance of this historic venue. To check what bands and artists will be gracing the stage during your visit, check out The Village Vanguard’s official event calendar.
LE BAIN
The Standard, High Line, 848 Washington Street
Le Bain is an ostentatious club in NYC that’s located on the 18th floor of the Standard Hotel. With its floor-to-ceiling windows and Astroturf-covered roof, it is perfect for party animals looking for swanky places to get high on life. Le Bain has both indoor and outdoor entertainment areas and – get this – a hot tub in the middle of the dance floor! If that wasn’t eccentric enough already, they even have a crepe station if you get hungry with all that partying.
PARADISE CLUB
20 Times Square, 701 7th Avenue
The Paradise Club in Times Square is the place to be when you’ve caught the post-musical dance bug. Its signature parties, held every Friday and Saturday, feature world-class DJs, frantic tunes, glamorous vibes, and avant-garde productions.
DUFF’S BROOKLYN
168 Marcy Avenue, Brooklyn
For fans of heavy metal and rock music, Duff’s Brooklyn is a must-visit destination. Enter the world of leather, tattoos, biker culture, and head-banging tunes. Feel the raw energy as live bands unleash thunderous riffs and pounding drums. Sip on ice-cold beers and revel in the gritty atmosphere that makes Duff’s a haven for metalheads and music enthusiasts alike.
THE IRIDIUM
1650 Broadway
The Iridium on Broadway is a famed jazz and blues venue that has presented legendary acts since 1994. In Fact, guitar legend Les Paul performed weekly at The Iridium from 1995 until his death at the age of 94. Though the air here is no longer smoky, you’ll still get a sense of being thrown back to the 1920s and 1930s.
PLAYWRIGHT TAVERN
202 W 49th Street
Located in the heart of the Theater District, Playwright Tavern is a lively pub that captures the essence of New York’s nightlife and entertainment scene. Pop in for pre- or post-show drinks and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. From the warm glow of the wooden interiors to the laughter and camaraderie of theater enthusiasts, the Playwright Tavern is a quintessential spot to experience the charm of Broadway!
Where to Stay in New York for A Nightlife Experience
When the party’s over and the bartender has declared the last call, you’ll want to stumble into a place that has all the comforts of home. Below are the best districts in NYC that not only put you at the center of the action but also provide a cozy place to rest:
- MANHATTAN: Stay in the heart of the action by choosing a vacation rental in Manhattan. Experience the bustling energy of Times Square, explore iconic landmarks like Central Park and the Empire State Building, and indulge in world-class shopping along Fifth Avenue.
- UPPER WEST SIDE: The Upper West Side offers a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. Choosing to stay here will allow you to enjoy proximity to cultural institutions like Lincoln Center and the American Museum of Natural History. You can also take leisurely strolls in Central Park nearby or explore charming cafes, high-end boutiques, and gourmet restaurants.
- WILLIAMSBURG: Williamsburg in Brooklyn oozes with a vibrant and creative energy. You’ll never miss out with so many areas that provide a view of the Manhattan skyline. Explore the neighborhood’s thriving art scene, visit local breweries, and discover eclectic eateries and vintage shops along Bedford Avenue.
- LOWER EAST SIDE: Known for its hip and edgy vibe, the Lower East Side is a dynamic neighborhood with a rich history and thriving nightlife. A stay here means you’ll get to immerse in the area’s vibrant music venues, speakeasies, and art galleries. Sample diverse cuisine, browse unique boutiques, and soak in the neighborhood’s eclectic charm.
- GREENPOINT: Located in northern Brooklyn, Greenpoint offers a laid-back and residential atmosphere with a touch of Polish culture. The neighborhood has terrific waterfront parks, vintage shops, and Polish restaurants and cafes.
- BUSHWICK: With its myriad of trendy bars, music venues, street art, galleries, and hip restaurants, Bushwick radiates an artistic energy that is quintessentially New York. If you pick a stay here, we recommend exploring the Bushwick Collective, a renowned open-air gallery of murals and graffiti art.
The Last Call: Concluding Your NYC Nightlife Adventure
As your journey through the electrifying nightlife of New York City comes to a close, we hope you’ve been captivated by the vibrant energy and diverse experiences this city has to offer.
And although the best moments are those that are unplanned, it can never hurt to prepare for a great trip with Rent By Owner. We regularly publish guides that inspire and inform. Plus, we list vacation rentals in New York and around the world, so you can find the perfect place wherever your wanderlust takes you! Turn your travel dreams into reality with Rent By Owner.
TLDR
Explore the vibrant nightlife of New York City with iconic destinations like Apotheke, The Carnegie Club, Blue Note Jazz Club, The Village Vanguard, Le Bain, Paradise Club, Duff’s Brooklyn, The Iridium, and Playwright Tavern. Find vacation rentals in areas like Manhattan, Upper West Side, Williamsburg, Lower East Side, Greenpoint, or Bushwick to be at the heart of the action. To plan the trip of your dreams, consider reading Rent By Owner’s travel guides or finding amazing vacation rentals through its listings.
