Nightlife in New York
Bars, clubs, entertainment
New York is famous for its jazz clubs, including Blue Note and Smalls in Greenwich Village. The Meatpacking District has stylish bars and clubs including APT and Cielo. The eclectic entertainment in the East Village ranges from Latin-themed Baraza to lively poetry at Nuyorican Poet's Cafe. Don't forget the suburbs: Brooklyn has orchestras and operas at Brooklyn Academy of Music or Balkan music at Barbès. Bars and clubs are open late – always tip the bartender.
Bars
Expand all1. The Campbell Apartment - 1920s decadence
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Located inside Grand Central, The Campbell Apartment was formerly the luxurious office of 1920s mogul John Campbell. Its renovated interior now makes a relaxing place to enjoy a cocktail in the leather sofa while admiring the stone fireplace, intricate beamed ceiling and leaded-glass windows.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
Grand Central Terminal, 15 Vanderbilt, New York City, 10017
Telephone
+1 212 953 0409
2. McSorley's Old Ale House - America's oldest bar
Show moreOpened in 1854, McSorley's Old Ale House in East Village is the city's oldest bar and only serves McSorley's own light and dark beer. Presidents and authors have drunk here for 150 years, yet women have only been permitted since 1970. Sawdust-covered floors and old photos adorn the walls.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
15 East 7th Street (between 2nd & 3rd Avenues), New York City, 10003
Telephone
+1 212 474 9148
3. Enoteca I Trulli - Italian wine-tasting
Show moreAn offshoot of restaurant I Trulli, Gramercy winebar Enoteca I Trulli has over 40 Italian wines chosen by its owner. Perch at the bar with local wine lovers and enjoy a glass of crisp Falanghina or full-bodied Rosso Toscana with charcuterie or cheeses.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
122 East 7th Street (between Park & Lexington Avenues), New York City, 10016
Telephone
+1 212 481 7372
4. 230 Fifth - Rooftop views
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The main attraction at the swanky 230 Fifth rooftop bar is the panoramic view. Join the after-work crowd on the roof terrace to see the Empire State Building and Manhattan skyline, or relax inside the 8000-square-foot lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows and 1940s modernist decor.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
230 Fifth Avenue (between 26th and 27th Streets), New York City, 10001
Telephone
+1 212 725 4300
Clubs
Expand all5. Sullivan Room - Dance-music heaven
Show moreSullivan Room in Greenwich Village is an unpretentious club dedicated to the underground music scene, playing deep house and techno. A launching ground for many young DJs, the atmosphere only really livens up after midnight. Most people go there to dance, but there's seating for those needing a break.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
218 Sullivan Street (between Bleecker and West 3rd Street), New York City, 10012
Telephone
+1 212 252 2151
6. APT - Designer DJ bar
Show moreWith decor like a minimalist-style apartment, busy bar APT in the Meatpacking District plays house and underground music. Once through the inconspicuous entrance, young professionals sip rum punch or pastis and lounge effortlessly on sofas upstairs, while downstairs DJs spin tunes on the decks.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
419 West 13th Street, New York City, 10014
Telephone
+1 212 414 4245
7. Baraza - Latin beats
Show moreA cosy Latin-themed hideaway in East Village, DJ bar Baraza plays Brazilian beats, salsa, R&B and trip-hop nightly, while locals sip minty mojitos or mango margaritas. The sensual dark-wood interior has quirky touches like Barbie dolls on display.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
133 Avenue C (between 8th and 9th Streets), New York City, 10009
Telephone
+1 212 539 0811
8. Cielo - Serious dance party
Show moreThose that get past the discerning doormen at Cielo in the Meatpacking District enter a bar with 1970s-style decor, top-rated sound system and European DJs spinning deep-house music. The chic crowd flock to the central dancefloor, surrounded by brown suede banquettes.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
18 Little West 12th Street, New York City, 10014
Telephone
+1 212 645 5700
Entertainment
Expand all9. Metropolitan Opera House - Arias and divas
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Part of the Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Opera House in Clinton is one of the world's finest. Top soloists have included Pavarotti and Domingo, astounding sets cost millions, and subtitles are discreetly placed on seat screens. Ballet is also on the programme.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
Lincoln Center, Columbus Avenue (at 65th Street), New York City, 10023
Telephone
+1 212 362 6000 (tickets & info)
10. Comedy Cellar - Basement humour
Show moreJoin the crowds in the Comedy Cellar basement club (busier at weekends) for up to six different comedians per show. A Greenwich Village institution, sharp wit is guaranteed, along with cappuccinos and cocktails at the Olive Tree Café & Bar upstairs.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
117 MacDougal Street (between West 3rd Street & Minetta Lane), New York City, 10012
Telephone
+1 212 254 3480
11. Smalls - Greenwich Village jazz bar
Show moreAn intimate basement jazz club in Greenwich Village, Smalls was created in 1993 and has launched the career of many established musicians, including Norah Jones and Josh Redman. Two bands play nightly at this informal, bohemian venue.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
183 West 10th Street (7th Avenue and Sheridan Square), New York City, 10014
Telephone
+1 212 252 5091
12. Blue Note - Legendary jazz club
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In this jazz-loving city, the famous Blue Note in Greenwich Village has hosted performances by legends including BB King, Dizzy Gillespie and Dave Brubeck. At least two live sets every night showcase established and up-and-coming musicians, and there's also a Sunday jazz brunch.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
131 West 3rd Street (between 6th Avenue & MacDougal Street), New York City, 10012
Telephone
+1 212 475 8592
13. Barbès - Parisian-flavoured cultural hub
Show moreA tiny Brooklyn bar named after the Parisian area famed for North African music, Barbès hosts an eclectic programme of live performances. Nightly DJs or acoustic acts include Balkan gypsy music, 1920s jazz or Algerian Rai, enjoyed by global music connoisseurs.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
376 9th Street, Park Slope, New York City, 11215
Telephone
+1 718 965 9177
14. Brooklyn Academy of Music - Performing arts venue
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Opened in 1861, Brooklyn Academy of Music is America's longest-running performing arts academy. Annual highlights include Next Wave Festival every winter, showcasing experimental performance. There are also classical music performances (by the Brooklyn Philharmonic), along with opera, dance and drama.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
30 Lafayette Avenue (between Ashland Place and St Felix Street), Fort Green, New York City, 11217
Telephone
+1 718 636 4100 (tickets)
15. Nuyorican Poet's Cafe - Poetry performances
Show moreA community arts centre with hip-hop and provocative drama, the Nuyorican Poet's Cafe in East Village is legendary for its Slam poetry competitions. Friday nights are liveliest with open-mic nights that include fast-talking poets and an enthusiastic audience.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
236 East 3rd Street (between Avenues B & C), New York City, 10009
Telephone
+1 212 505 8183
