EThe editors · 2 New York at night lists — switch
New York after dark
The city from above, from the water and from a comedy basement, with no clubs required.
9 placesHalf a dayRead the guide ↓
1. Top of the RockSunset, then the lights coming on.MidtownPaid entry1 hourTimed tickets, about $40+
2. Times SquareAt its brightest after dark.MidtownFree to visit20–30 minFree
3. Staten Island FerryThe skyline from the harbor, free, any hour.Lower ManhattanFree to visit1 hour round tripFree
4. Brooklyn Bridge walkwayWalk it at night for the lit-up towers.Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBOFree to visit30–45 min to crossFree
5. Brooklyn Heights PromenadeLower Manhattan’s lights across the river.Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBOFree to visit20–30 minFree
6. Roosevelt Island TramwayA cable car over the East River for a subway fare.MidtownPaid entry30 min round tripNormal subway fare
7. Washington Square ParkThe arch lit up and the park still busy.Village & DowntownFree to visit30 minFree
8. Comedy CellarStand-up in the MacDougal Street basement.Village & DowntownPaid entry1.5 hoursTickets about $20–30 plus a two-item minimum
9. Marie’s Crisis CafeSing show tunes round the piano till late.Village & DowntownFood & drink1 hourDrinks
The guide
How to do it: New York after dark
You don’t need a club to enjoy New York at night. The best of it is the view: from an observation deck, from the harbor, from a bridge or across the river.
Add a comedy show or a piano bar to finish.
- The order to do it in
- Top of the Rock at sunset, Times Square, then downtown for the Staten Island Ferry or the Brooklyn Bridge, and a show at the Comedy Cellar.
- When to go
- Any night; clear nights for the views.
- Getting there
- Subway runs all night, though less often after midnight.
- What it costs
- Free except the observation deck and the comedy show.
Worth knowing
- Book Top of the Rock for a slot 30 minutes before sunset.
- The Staten Island Ferry runs 24 hours; ride out and straight back.
Started from the pins on TripTins’ NYC at night map (the map). Places, notes and the guide checked and written by us; prices and opening times change, so check before you go.