It isn’t a boast but a plain fact: from opera to jazz, from nightclubs to bars, from concert recitals to theater and dance, New York offers the greatest variety and sheer quantity of evening entertainment in America.

It’s a dizzying but important subject because most visitors enjoy New York’s nightlife to the same extent they enjoy its daytime sightseeing. And in New York, unlike most other American cities, the sidewalks aren’t “rolled up” when darkness descends. In the Big Apple (one of the only cities in the country that operates its public transportation throughout the night), the bright lights stay on until 4am and you owe it to yourself to take in all the after-dark excitement.

Beyond what you find listed on this website (we tried to cherry pick only the very best), you'll find listings for changing nightlife at the following sources:

The latest, most comprehensive event, music, and nightlife listings are in Time Out New York (www.timeoutny.com). It also notes free and cheap events, has a full gay and lesbian section, and whole separate edition for kids. For a little more selectivity, grab New York magazine (new every Monday) for their latest listings or check out the thorough venue and show reviews at www.nymag.com.

As the hometown paper, the New York Times (www.nytimes.com), of course, is a staple and consistently offers thoughtful reviews and to-dos in its two-part Friday “Weekend” section. It’s a great source of cabaret, classical, and theater information, with daily listings and forecasts. Another reliable source is the New Yorker (www.newyorker.com), in its weekly “Goings on About Town” section. But no matter what, to find the shows you most want to catch, do check listings and calendars as soon as you get to town, or even before you arrive.

As for bars and lounges: you'll find our top picks in the Best Nightlife section of this website. We also have info on Broadway shows, jazz clubs, rock clubs, and much more.

 

 

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.