Things to do at night in New York to experience the city like a local
They say New York is the city that never sleeps. Bars are open late and the subway runs 24/7, so it's safe to say that you can expect as good a nightlife situation as you will find anywhere. It's impossible to talk about a New York night without considering the skyline. When the sun goes down the city lights become a focal point of experience and there are plenty of rooftop bars in Manhattan and Brooklyn that provide fantastic views of the skyline.
In terms of the weather you can expect comfortable conditions spring through fall, but it gets pretty cold during the winter. That's actually when New York draws many of its visitors with holiday shopping through Manhattan’s iconic department stores and boutiques along with the majesty of Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree have enduring appeal.
If you're getting into town and need to stash the bags before you head out for the night, you can stop by a Bounce NYC luggage storage facility. With locations near top transit facilities like Grand Central Terminal and attractions like the Empire State Building and Central Park, storing your bags for a few hours can be a convenient way to free yourself up for the night.
What to do in New York at night if you’re looking for…
A splashy night out
There's simply no place like New York. Sure, that may seem like a cliché, but if you truly want to treat yourself to an indulgent evening, New York City's top attractions and distractions fit the bill for a splashy evening. There are Manhattan steakhouses up and down the island where you can dine in style, or you can hit a rooftop bar with floor-to-ceiling windows for epic skyline views. You can also:
Hit a game or concert at Madison Square Garden
The world’s most famous arena is home to the New York Knicks and Rangers. It's also one of the premier venues for live music and performances by famous comedians. The bag policy here is extremely strict, so it's best to leave your luggage with Bounce before heading in.
Pro tip: If you look at the calendar, there's something happening at MSG basically every night. So take a peep at the calendar or even plan your trip around a game or show.
Catch views from the top of Rockefeller Center
This observation deck (called “Top of the Rock”) is the top spot in the city for amazing views of the skyline and city lights. The One World Observatory at the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan is another option for panoramic views.
Pro tip: Top of the Rock is a busy attraction, especially in the summer and near Christmas. You can buy your tickets ahead of time to make sure you don't walk away disappointed. It's also a good idea to arrange luggage storage nearby so you don't have to go through security screening or use the coat check.
See a show at Radio City Music Hall
If Madison Square Garden is a little too vast for your taste, you can go the more intimate route with a performance at the historic Radio City Music Hall. What was the epicenter of the vaudeville universe has now become a revered venue for legendary musical comedy performances. This is another place where you will not want to risk missing your show or tour by bringing your luggage. Luckily, there are plenty of Bounce locations in this part of Midtown Manhattan.
Pro tip: If you can't find something on the program that fits your tastes, taking a tour is a great way to learn about its history.
Catch a Broadway Show
The most famous theater district in the world is situated right in Midtown Manhattan. Broadway has been drawing thousands upon thousands of visitors to the Big Apple for almost a century. And while it may seem like an overly touristy pursuit, it's quintessential to the NYC experience. Broadway is very easy to reach on foot from hotspots like Times Square, and you have a few Bounce locations nearby if you need to stash your bags.
An affordable night out
As easy as it is to spend a boatload of money in a single night here, it's surprisingly simple to find fun things to do at night in New York to add to your budget-friendly itinerary.
Catch (free) views of the city skyline
If you don't want to spring for tickets to an observation deck or buy pricey drinks at rooftop bars, there are plenty of vantage points where you can take in the city lights of Midtown Manhattan for completely free. Brooklyn Bridge Park along the East River and the area near DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge) both have incredible views of the city. Bounce has plenty of locations throughout the hipster capital of NYC, you'll be able to poke around the trendy boutiques and nightlife without having to lug your bags around.
Pro tip: You can also use this as an opportunity to grab a bite to eat or hit a dive bar in Brooklyn.
See a comedy set
New York’s comedy scene is by far the best in the world, and not because SNL is taped here. The Comedy Cellar and other clubs in Manhattan host performances every night of the week, and catching an open mic or smaller show is an affordable alternative to shows at MSG. Famous comedians frequently pop in to test out new material, so you might end up catching that comedy icon anyway. Catching a set right after you fly in? Don't cramp the club with your luggage. Bounce has locations near Greenwich Village and the West Village where you'll find the best comedy clubs.
Off-Broadway plays are a budget-friendly alternative
While theatre novices generally view Off-Broadway with suspicion, this is a vital part of the New York arts and the perfect way to take a play without having to spring for Broadway tickets. Geographically, the theaters are everywhere so you'll want to do some research.
An off-the-beaten-path night out
Throughout the five boroughs, there are so many nooks and crannies to uncover that even lifelong residents find themselves surprised here and there.
Head to Staten Island
You can hop on the Staten Island Ferry to reach this underappreciated corner of NYC. It's completely completely free and you'll catch epic views of the skyline and Statue of Liberty. You can board the ferry near Battery Park in lower Manhattan. Bounce has a location nearby in case you don't want to bring your bags to Staten Island.
Take a ghost tour of Greenwich Village
With so many residents throughout the centuries, it shouldn't be surprising that NYC is extremely haunted (just go along with it). There are dozens of ghost tours throughout Manhattan and other areas of the city. Regardless of your views on the afterlife, you'll come away with a newfound knowledge and appreciation for the history of this city.
Discover Roosevelt Island
The Roosevelt Island Tramway is a cable car line connecting Manhattan to the little-known island on the East River. While there's really not much to do on Roosevelt Island (there's a reason most locals never even make it there) the cable car ride provides stellar nighttime views of the skyline.
Pro tip: The cars are cramped, so you'll want to leave your luggage with a Bounce near the station at 59th St. and 2nd Ave.
New York City has something for every vibe imaginable. There's a reason it's the go-to travel destination for anyone from hipsters to fashionistas to even families. It requires quite a bit of getting around, so don't let your bags get in the way. Download the Bounce mobile app to access convenient and secure luggage storage in each of the five boroughs.