Best Nightclubs in New York
Going out in the best nightclubs in New York is quite an experience. The city’s rooftops are transformed into chic nightspots, and the bars in New York open their doors for evenings filled with cocktails and DJ sets. You might be wondering where the best places to go out in New York are. That’s why I’ve put together a selection of the best nightclubs in Manhattan.
Nightclubs in Manhattan
Manhattan nightlife offers lots of great clubs and bars. Whether you like a rooftop bar or a sports bar, or you want to go clubbing in New York, you will surely find something suitable. Don’t forget to bring your passport!
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Nebula
The biggest club in Manhattan is Nebula, and it’s therefore the place where many famous DJs perform. The club is known for its large LED screens, which turn every set into a real spectacle. What’s more, Nebula is in a great location, close to Times Square and Bryant Park. It’s easy to get there via several subway lines.
👔 Dress code: smart business (blazer, smart blouse or shirt, trousers or chinos, smart skirt or dress, smart shoes)
📍 Location: 135 West 41st Street, Midtown Manhattan -
Marquee
Marquee has been around for over twenty years, making it an icon in New York nightlife. It features a large dance floor, floor-to-ceiling LED walls, and a stage that has hosted artists such as Afrojack and Sam Feldt.
👔 Dress code: smart casual
📍 Location: 289 10th Avenue, Chelsea -
230 Fifth
A great rooftop bar and club, especially in the summer. Here, you can sit on the rooftop with spectacular views of the Empire State Building. It’s a great place to have a drink after exploring the city.
On Fridays and Saturdays, it can be trickier to get in, so dress up nicely and absolutely no sneakers. Also on weekends, it’s mostly bottle service, but on a weeknight, you might be able to sit down too.
👔 Dress code: smart casual (smart jeans, shirt, blouse, smart dress)
📍 Location: 1150 Broadway, Midtown Manhattan
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Loosie’s Nightclub
At Loosie’s Nightclub on the Lower East Side, everyone is welcome. This venue is tucked away beneath the Moxy Hotel and can be reached via a graffiti-covered alleyway. The club draws inspiration from the gritty art scene of the 1980s. With disco balls adorning the ceiling and bare concrete walls, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a carefree evening.
👔 Dress code: smart casual
📍 Location: 145 Bowery, Lower East Side -
The Box
For a truly unique evening, The Box on the Lower East Side is the place to be. This nightclub combines music, theatre and dance in a variety of shows. Photography is not permitted inside, which lends the club a mysterious atmosphere. You won’t know in advance which performances await you either.
👔 Dress code: smart casual
📍 Location: 189 Chrystie Street, Lower East Side -
The Standard Biergarten
Biergarten is exactly as the name suggests: a German beer garden, including long picnic tables. Not fond of beers? Don’t worry, they do have wine and other drinks as well.
Make sure to be on time, because it’s a very popular place to start the night. The audience is very diverse: hip and happening, mixed with all kinds of tourists.
👔 Dress code: no dress code
📍 Location: 848 Washington Street -
The DL
The DL gets its name from its location: on the corner of Delancey and Ludlow Street on the Lower East Side. This popular venue consists of several floors, including a lounge and restaurant.
The DL is also the perfect place to go for a full night out: first, enjoy dinner in the atmospheric Le Jardin Bistro restaurant and then head to the rooftop for a drink with a beautiful view of Downtown Manhattan.
👔 Dress code: smart casual (smart jeans, shirt, blouse, smart dress)
📍 Location: 95 Delancey Street
Eric’s Tip: “If you are looking for something spectacular to do in New York at night, the Night Helicopter Tour might be for you. You’ll be able to see sparkling lights in the dark and landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and Times Square.” -
Le Bain
This club in the Meatpacking District is huge according to New York standards, but compared to our English standards, it’s not that big. The nice thing about Le Bain is that people are dancing there, something that’s quite unique for New Yorkers, who normally prefer chatting with each other with a drink in hand. Getting a drink at the bar yourself isn’t too bad either. The bar is built against the window, offering impressive city views.
Do visit the rooftop terrace the club is famous for, if the weather allows it. There you’ll find a bar and even a small stand selling crepes (thin pancakes) if you like to have some at 01:00. On cold days, make sure not to hang your coat in the downstairs cloakroom right away!
👔 Dress code: dress to impress!
📍 Location: 848 Washington Street -
The Football Factory
It isn’t strictly speaking a club, but it’s a great place to spend an evening out. In this sports bar, you can watch all sorts of football matches whilst enjoying a beer or another drink.
👔 Dress code: no dress code
📍 Location: 6 West 33rd Street -
Empire Rooftop
Empire Rooftop is the rooftop bar of the Empire Hotel. Enter through the lobby and take the elevator to the top floor. It’s a beautiful outdoor area where you can relax on one of the sofas or dance the night away.
👔 Dress code: smart business (blazer, smart blouse or shirt, trousers or chinos, smart skirt or dress, smart shoes)
📍 Location: 44 West 63rd Street -
The Roof – PUBLIC Hotel
This New York rooftop bar can be reached by taking the elevator behind the impressive escalators upon entering the PUBLIC Hotel. From The Roof, you have a beautiful view of the surrounding neighbourhoods. It has both an indoor and outdoor area, so you can enjoy a drink and the music of a DJ in all weather conditions.
👔 Dress code: smart casual (smart jeans, shirt, blouse, smart dress)
📍 Location: 215 Chrystie Street
Clubs in Brooklyn
Brooklyn also has a huge range of nightlife options. Whether you’re looking for a rooftop bar with views of the Manhattan skyline or want to dance to live music from up-and-coming DJs, it’s all possible.
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Unveiled and Westlight
The William Vale in Williamsburg is a great place for a night out in New York. The hotel has a rooftop bar called Westlight, and the nightclub Unveiled is located in the basement.
Start your evening at Westlight with a drink. Take in the view of the Manhattan skyline from here. As the building is close to the East River, you’ll enjoy an unobstructed view of the city lights.
Next, you can head to Unveiled. This chic nightclub was designed with sound quality in mind. One section is a lounge, while the other side has a proper dance floor.
Please note that you will need a ticket for some of their events. Always check the programme in advance. You can’t just walk in here. But once you’re inside, it’s more than worth it.
👔 Dress code: dress to impress!
📍 Location: 111 North 12th Street -
Good Room
Greenpoint in Brooklyn is a trendy neighbourhood where many locals live. A great place to go out here is Good Room. This club is known for its diverse crowd and live performances. There’s a good mix of different music genres, and you can choose between the Good Room and the Bad Room. It’s also easy to reach by subway.
👔 Dress code: no dress code
📍 Location: 98 Meserole Avenue -
BASEMENT
For a truly unique experience, BASEMENT in Bushwick is the place to be. This underground techno club is all about a proper night out. For example, taking photos or videos is not permitted, and the dance floor is strictly for dancing.
As this club is difficult to reach by public transport, I recommend taking a Lyft. You can take one from your hotel or from the nearest underground station, Jefferson Street.
👔 Dress code: no dress code
📍 Location: 52-19 Flushing Avenue
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