New York City nightlife: What to do when the sun goes down
From music and mocktails to cruises and cocktails, New York City’s nightlife is calling.
By Cassandra Brooklyn | March 27, 2025 (Updated September 5, 2025)
Cassandra Brooklyn
Cassandra Brooklyn is a freelance writer and guidebook author specializing in travel, accessibility, sustainability, and all things outdoors. Originally hailing from the Midwest, she now lives in New York City but escapes to adventures around the world as often as possible. She's the author of the cycling guidebook, Cuba By Bike, has contributed to multiple guidebooks about Egypt, Portugal, and the United States, and she has bylines in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, Forbes, The Daily Beast, and Lonely Planet, among others.
New York is known as the city that never sleeps, so it’s the perfect place for nightlife enthusiasts looking for a good time after the sun goes down. And while you can never go wrong with the glitz and glam of Broadway, New York’s nightlife is so much more. From live jazz and dinner cruises to karaoke and cocktail lounges, here is how to make the most of the Big Apple after a day of exploring.
Dining and drinks
New York’s dining scene ranges from indulgent dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants to mouthwatering tacos and dumplings that only cost a few bucks. Add in the city’s enormous number of bars and cocktail lounges, and one could easily spend their entire trip eating and drinking. Enjoy a tasty time at Highball, a trendy cocktail bar inside Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square, which overlooks Times Square and offers live music on the weekends. In addition to an extensive cocktail menu, Highball also has a robust and creative mocktail menu — think matcha mixers with lava salt and zero-proof spirits blended with chamomile-honey syrup and coconut water. Pair your beverage with the bar’s variety of small plates and shareable dishes and you’re in for a memorable evening.
Live performances
Live entertainment is a key part of New York’s nightlife, from festive drag shows and cozy jazz bars to stunning performances at the Metropolitan Opera House and upbeat Broadway musicals. Heavy hitting shows often require bookings several months in advance, but if you’re flexible and want to save a few bucks, head to the TKTS booth in Times Square for same-day tickets up to 50% off. At Martinique New York on Broadway, Curio Collection by Hilton, you’ll be close to all the action and also walking distance to countless karaoke bars in the surrounding Koreatown neighborhood if you’d like to provide the live entertainment yourself. Complete the experience by treating yourself to the 9-course Korean tasting menu at the hotel’s Michelin-starred 15-seat tasting counter, Nōksu.
Culture and cruising
Whoever said that museums were just for daytime clearly hasn’t been to New York. Here, many museums are open in the evening, and some also offer free and pay-what-you wish admission on certain days like the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and New York Historical Society. For a romantic evening, head to Date Night at The Met on Friday and Saturday, where live music and drink specials create an even more magical experience. Base yourself at Motto by Hilton New York Chelsea and you’ll be walking distance from The Whitney Museum of American Art, which offers free admission on Friday nights, and Chelsea Piers, where Classic Harbor Line cruises set sail. Choose from a variety of specialty cruises from romantic sunset sailings to trips focused on architecture and wildlife viewing.
How to make the Leonessa Martini with Ariel Arce
Looking for a refined martini cocktail that’s simple, elegant, and full of citrus character? Learn how to make the Leonessa Martini with Ariel Arce, beverage partner at Conrad New York Downtown. This signature cocktail, crafted with Portofino Dry Gin, Mancino Vermouth, and lemon bitters, offers a balanced take on a classic. Inspired by aperitivo culture and the citrus trees that shape the bar’s identity, the Leonessa Martini brings a Italian charm to the heart of New York. Whether you’re hosting at home or enjoying a night out, this drink is about balance and freshness.
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