The very best 12 nightlife spots in New York, United States

Discovering the vibrant nocturnal playgrounds of the Big Apple? Dive into the maze of dazzling lights and intoxicating vibes as you venture through the top 12 nightlife spots in New York. Be prepared to shimmy and shake at the infamous Studio 54 reincarnate, where glitter sparkles like a disco ball on steroids! Fancy a more refined experience? Sashay into a speakeasy hidden beneath a hotdog stand, where the ambiance is as secret as the recipe for a perfect dirty martini. Whether you're trading dance moves with glittery divas or sipping clandestine cocktails, these 12 hotspots are sure to inject your nights with unforgettable moments.

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1. Up&Down

2.9 (224)

244 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011, USA

Welcome to Up&Down, the club that will leave you feeling like you've been on a rollercoaster ride, both emotionally and literally. Nestled in the heart of New York, this trendy spot will have you navigating the ups and downs of city nightlife like a pro, or at least a tipsy amateur. With a dance floor that's always packed and a staff that can turn any frown upside down (except for maybe the bouncer), Up&Down promises an unforgettable experience where the only direction you'll be moving is up... and then down... and then up again.

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2. PH-D Rooftop Lounge

3 (620)

355 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011, USA

If you're searching for a place to kick back and soak in the Manhattan skyline, look no further than PH-D Rooftop Lounge in New York City. Perched atop Dream Downtown Hotel, it's a little slice of heaven where you can sip your cocktail and play "spot the famous New Yorker below." With stunning panoramic views, cozy seating arrangements, and funky lighting, this trendy spot is perfect for rubbing elbows with the who's who of the city while trying to maintain your composure and not spill your drink. So, grab your fancy pants and prepare to get a glimpse of the glittering cityscape from a perch so high, you'll be able to tell if your neighbor snores.

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3. Rose Bar

3.9 (432)

2 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA

Tucked away in the heart of New York City, Rose Bar is a quirky social sanctuary that stands tall amidst the bustling chaos of the city that never sleeps. As you step through its unassuming entrance, prepare to be whisked away on a whimsical journey filled with posh divans, eclectic artwork, and the occasional celebrity sighting. With its dimly lit ambiance and an intoxicating blend of sophistication and quirkiness, Rose Bar is the perfect spot to sip on artisanal cocktails while contemplating life's most pressing questions, like why pigeons always seem to have insider information on the best food trucks in town.

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4. Marquee

2.9 (777)

289 10th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA

Welcome to Marquee, the nightclub that's more exclusive than trying to fit into your high school jeans after a week of indulgent dining! Located in the heart of New York, this hip and happenin' hotspot promises a night of glitz, glamour, and an endless supply of paparazzi-worthy moments. Prepare to mingle with A-listers and wannabe socialites alike, where the only thing brighter than the strobe lights are the smiles of those who made it past the doorman's scrutinizing gaze.

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5. The Box

3.9 (565)

189 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Welcome to The Box, an eccentric and lively hotspot in the heart of New York City, where surprises await around every corner. Step inside this enigmatic venue and be transported to a world where whimsy meets audacity. Prepare to witness an array of mind-boggling performances that will leave you questioning whether you accidentally stumbled into a parallel universe where the laws of physics have taken a coffee break. Sit back, relax, and let The Box dazzle you with a truly unforgettable and delightfully bizarre experience.

www.theboxnyc.com

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6. Cielo

3.7 (373)

18 Little W 12th St, New York, NY 10014, USA

Welcome to the enchanting city of New York, where amidst the hustle and bustle, you'll stumble upon the dazzling neighborhood of Cielo. Nestled between the iconic skyscrapers, this vibrant pocket of Manhattan is a delightful escape from the chaos, offering a beguiling blend of chic elegance and urban charm. With its trendy boutiques, eclectic cafes, and a lively nightlife scene, Cielo is a slice of Manhattan heaven that will leave you feeling like the classiest tourist in town.

www.cieloclub.com

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7. The Jane

3.8 (1934)

113 Jane St, New York, NY 10014, USA

Welcome to The Jane in New York, where cozy elegance meets the quirkiest of experiences! Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Greenwich Village, this hotel is like stepping into a Wes Anderson movie, minus the talking animals (sorry, disappointingly realistic!). The rooms here are like charming cabins on a ship, which makes perfect sense because... well, they used to be actual ship cabins! So, go ahead and enjoy a delightful stay that's all aboard the nautical nostalgia train.

www.thejanenyc.com

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8. Apotheke

4.4 (1909)

9 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013, USA

Welcome to Apotheke, a hidden gem nestled in the bustling city of New York, where cocktails take a delightful twist and mixology becomes an enigmatic art form. Step into this whimsical speakeasy-inspired pharmacy-themed bar and prepare for a pharmaceutical experience like no other. With bartenders donning lab coats and concoctions served in quirky beakers, Apotheke offers liquid remedies that will cure even the most stubborn case of wanderlust.

www.apothekemixology.com

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9. Le Bain

3.5 (1363)

The Standard, High Line, 848 Washington St, New York, NY 10014, USA

Welcome to Le Bain, where you can swap your ordinary bathtub filled with rubber ducks for a hot tub with panoramic views of the New York City skyline. Take a sip of your fancy cocktail while trying to keep your balance on the lavish Astroturf flooring, aptly designed for the daring dancer in you. Remember to keep your towel close at hand, as you never know when an impromptu synchronized swimming contest might break out among fellow revelers.

www.lebainnewyork.com

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10. Output

4.2 (686)

74 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

Welcome to the vibrant city of New York, where the Output experience awaits! Prepare to be blown away by this electrifying nightclub, where the energy is off the charts and the beats are infectious. As one of the city's hottest destinations for music enthusiasts, Output boasts an atmosphere that is part captivating, part outrageous, and all-round unforgettable. So get ready to dance the night away, because this is one spot where you won't want to pull the plug!

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11. 1 Oak

2.6 (319)

453 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011, USA

Welcome to 1 Oak, the iconic nightclub nestled in the heart of bustling New York City! Seamlessly blending elegance and wild entertainment, this place is redefining what it means to party like a VIP. So grab your dancing shoes, bring your A-game, and get ready for a night of unforgettable experiences, exclusive bottle service, and a crowd that dresses to impress – because here, it's all about seeing and being seen!

1oaknyc.com

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12. Lavo

4.1 (1739)

39 E 58th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

Welcome to Lavo in New York, where food and fun merge like two separate lanes on the Brooklyn Bridge. This bustling Italian restaurant is like a stylish labyrinth, inviting you to navigate through its vibrant bar area, sleek dining spaces, and possibly even find a hidden dance floor. So, bring your appetite and your dancing shoes, because Lavo is ready to give you a night out that's pasta-tively unforgettable.

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to New York City by plane would be to fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which is the main international airport serving the New York City metro area. Other airports within close proximity include Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).

Car

The best way to get to New York City by car would be to take the major highways leading to the city, including the New York State Thruway, the Garden State Parkway, and the New Jersey Turnpike, among others. However, driving in the city can be challenging with heavy traffic and limited parking options.

Train

The best way to get to New York City by train would be to take the Amtrak, which provides both regional and long-distance train service to New York City with Penn Station as the primary rail hub.

Boat

The best way to get to New York City by boat would be to take a ferry or cruise ship, which provides a scenic and relaxing way to arrive in the city. Ferries depart from various ports within the metropolitan area and nearby cities, while cruises usually dock at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal or the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.

Bus

The best way to get to New York City by bus would be to take the Greyhound or Megabus, which offer frequent service to New York City from major cities throughout the United States.

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