Now one of the most popular cities to visit in the world, New York City has established itself as a tourist destination to visit, thanks to its multiple activities and sights to see. The most populous city in the United States is now known for its vibrant and diverse culture, visual arts, dance, theater, fine cuisine, fashion, etc. There is a lifetime of things to do in NYC and Times Square. “The Center of the Universe” is a condensed version of the city’s intense life. And what better and unique way to experience Times Square and its dazzling lights than at night? Whether you’re going on an evening horse carriage ride or dining in style at a rooftop restaurant, the possibilities are endless. Save your dollar bills for fun experiences by checking in to a historic hotel or a luxury rental before heading out to try these wonderful things to do at night in Times Square, New York City.
1. Go for a self-guided Theater District tour
As mentioned before, New York has now established itself as a major city for performing arts, especially for the theater. The Theater District in Manhattan is home to many Broadway theaters and makes for a dense cultural area. But it can feel a little jarring to set out to explore it without a guide! This is why the website Free Tours by Foot is a great option, they give you a map for free and you can follow it as you like.
Free Tours by Foot
Address: Theater District, Manhattan, NYC
Website: Free Tours by Foot
2. Take a luxurious Manhattan limousine tour (from USD 949.0)
As you visit the city with family or friends, take in the sights and lights from the comfort of a luxurious limo. Discover the city’s most recognizable landmarks, including the imposing Rockefeller Center, the gleaming Fifth Avenue, the beautiful red-brick homes of Greenwich Village, and the lush Central Park.
You also have the option to either stop along the way and take some pictures or just enjoy the scenery from the window of your limo. To round off your drive, you will be dropped off at your lodging or another location in the city.
New York City: Private Manhattan Limousine Tour
Duration: 3.0 hour
3. Enjoy a tour of Madame Tussauds (from USD 47.0)
You have probably heard of the popular wax museum where replicas of many celebrities make for a one of a kind museum. Originally a British museum, the one in NYC has been open since the year 2000 and is now an important part of the city’s touristic attractions. And now, they’re also doing a 7D zombie game experience in addition to their wax sculptures. If you’re looking for that interesting experience of visiting it at night, it’s opened until 10 PM on weekdays and until midnight on Friday and Saturday!
Madame Tussauds NYC Famous Wax Museum Admission Ticket
Duration: 3 hours
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4. Bowling, arcade, and billiards at Bowlmor Times Square
Heading out to Times Square at night? Enjoy a classic bowling arcade setting and have fun at Bowlmor Times Square. In addition to their popular bowling lanes, their official websites describe their selection of arcade games as “Our deluxe arcade features state-of-the-art video games and tons of old-school classics. Play your favorites, discover new favorites, and enjoy popular titles like Jurassic Park Arcade, Mario Kart, World’s Largest Pac-Man, classic pinball machines, and many more”. At this place, you can also have a drink, a snack, and watch live sports!
Bowlmor Times Square
Address: 222 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036, États-Unis
Website: Bowlmor Times Square
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 12PM - 12AM, Fri-Sat 12PM - 2AM
5. Enjoy a show at LoL Times Square Comedy Club
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
From magic shows to comedy shows, this comedy club on 7th Avenue has a packed schedule, full of various comedians and performers. With at least four shows every day, you are sure to get the opportunity to find a show you’ll like. Some of the performers have even family-friendly content so it’s perfect if you are in NYC with children.
LoL Times Square Comedy Club
Address: 711 7th Ave, New York, NY 10036, États-Unis
Website: LoL Times Square Comedy Club
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 7PM-12AM, Fri-Sat 7PM-1:30AM
Price: 20 USD
6. Sip your favorite cocktails at Haven Rooftop
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A classic Times Square night activity, a choice rooftop bar will certainly add something unique to your evening! This particular rooftop bar doubles as a classy restaurant to capture New York City’s essence. As their official website state: “Haven Rooftop offers guests a chance to indulge in Manhattan’s stunning views while enjoying modern American cuisine, craft cocktails, and cool music”. In winter, they even have a closed, heated chalet area.
Haven Rooftop
Address: 132 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036, États-Unis
Website: Haven Rooftop
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 4PM-11PM, Fri-Sat 4PM-12AM
Price: 20-30 USD
7. Feel the community's warmth at Times Square Church
This inter-denominational church sets out to celebrate NYC’s diversity (“100 nationalities” is part of their motto). In a beautiful impressive building, they hold regular services and events, such as their “Worldwide prayer meeting” every Tuesday at 7 PM, where people around the world participate in the service.
Times Square Church
Address: 237 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019, États-Unis
Website: Times Square Church
8. Take a trip under the sea at The National Geographic Encounter
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
“Journey with your friends and family on this walk-through adventure across the Pacific Ocean, where you’ll see, hear and feel what it’s like to live under the sea.” - is how The National Geographic Encounter describes itself on its official website. This place makes for a great experience with its large aquariums, miniature city exhibits, gorgeous atmosphere, and interactive and educational rooms. It’s great for a family evening out, but also perfect if you want to come alone to visit the place.
The National Geographic Encounter
Address: 226 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036, États-Unis
Website: The National Geographic Encounter
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 10AM-9PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-10PM
Price: 30-40 USD
9. Enjoy fancy French cuisine at Le Rivage
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
One essential aspect of NYC’s life is its multicultural vibrancy, and they didn’t miss the spot with French cuisine! New York has many French restaurants, often tuned to fine dining and luxurious environment, but Le Rivage has an interesting format. It’s open late at night, and only has a fixed price that includes an entree, the main dinner, and a dessert. The menu is simple yet traditional, and this restaurant won the Diner’s Choice Awards, 2018.
Le Rivage
Address: 340 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, États-Unis
Website: Le Rivage
Opening hours: Sun-Mon 11:30 AM-10PM, Tue-Thu 11:30 AM-11PM, Fri-Sat 11:30 AM-12AM
Price: 43 USD
10. Visit Hershey's Chocolate World
Whether you’re craving a sweet midnight snack or need a pick-me-up after hours shopping at NYC’s department stores, Hershey’s Chocolate World makes for a fun excursion. It’s pretty much just a really big chocolate shop with some Hershey’s shirts and various types of merch. They have a variety of chocolate-related baked goods or candies, so it’s really a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Hershey's Chocolate World
Address: 20 Times Square Building, 701 7th Ave, New York, NY 10036, États-Unis
Website: Hershey’s Chocolate World
Opening hours: Sun-Sat 9AM-12AM
11. See the city at night from a horse-drawn carriage (from USD 300.0)
New York City is a modern city in every way, but back in the mid-1800s, horse-drawn carriages were how New Yorkers got around. Booking this hour-long tour will show you some of the most popular haunts in the city, from Times Square to Central Park. With thousands of people milling around Times Square every hour of the day, it might be hard to get an unobstructed view for your Instagram feed, but if you’re perched on a white carriage with a majestic horse parting the crowd, you’re guaranteed a clear shot.
Central Park, Rockefeller & Times Square Horse Carriage Ride
Duration: 50 minutes
12. A unique experience at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square (from USD 34.84)
Truth is, this museum is quite hard to describe or define. It’s really a place to view some interesting visual and interactive experiences. If you don’t know what to do in Times Square at night, this is where you can find artworks, oddities displays (such as their exhibit of ancient torture devices), visually striking rooms such as The Black Hole, and even real-life games, puzzles and reflexes.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square
The city in a different light
Visiting Times Square by night will give you a vastly different experience than exploring it by day. You can enjoy a variety of activities, whether it’s living the true nightlife of NYC’s nightclubs, or having a drink in a hotel bar. In any case, these things to do at night in Times Square are unforgettable and are an absolute must-see for every NYC tourist.
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