9 Exciting Things to do at Night Near Times Square

9 Exciting Things to do at Night Near Times Square

New York is known as the city that never sleeps. And as soon as you visit, you’ll see just how true this is. Night or day, the city is absolutely buzzing with things to see and do, and many places stay open right through the night.

Nowhere is this more true than in and around Times Square. This brightly lit square is packed full of attractions, and the fascinating street life continues here right through the night. If you’re looking for things to do in New York after darkness falls, Times Square is the ideal place to start your journey.

Drop off your bags at a Times Square luggage storage, and you’ll be able to explore without carrying more than you need to. Try some of these nocturnal attractions in and around Times Square, and you’ll be seeing some of the best nighttime activities New York has to offer.

Enjoy the Midnight Moment

With its eye-popping bright neon signs, Times Square itself is perhaps best enjoyed at night. Stick around until 12 AM to catch the Midnight Moment, when many of the huge screens and the square synchronized to display artwork by contemporary artists designed for this massive public space. It’s an unforgettable thing to experience in New York, and although it only lasts a moment, you’ll probably treasure the memory for a lot longer than that.

See a Broadway show

This is one of the quintessential things to do while in New York, and Times Square is the ideal place for it. Many theatres in the area offer matinee and evening shows, and some even carry on into the early hours of the morning.

Book tickets to a show, and you’ll be enjoying one of New York’s most iconic experiences while making memories that are sure to last forever.

There’s so much variety in the New York theatre scene that the chances are good you’ll find a show that appeals to you, no matter where your tastes lie. And if you’re willing to venture off-Broadway and explore more experimental work, you can get tickets for surprisingly affordable prices in this expensive city.

Tour the Theater District

Even if you don’t go to see a show, the theatre district around Broadway is well worth exploring all by itself. You can take a self-guided tour of some of these magnificent buildings and find out about the history behind them, or why not join one of the many guided tours to get a more in-depth look at this incredible part of NYC?

Go Bowling at Bowlmor

This Times Square bowling alley is open until 2 AM on weekends, so you can enjoy some late-night fun with your friends or family. The alleys are brightly lit and attractively decorated, and there’s a huge range of different lanes to choose from. Plus, if the game isn’t going your way, you can always grab a snack or drink to fuel up between frames.

Admire the Skyline From a Rooftop Bar

There are few better places to enjoy a fancy cocktail with a view the New York, provided you have the budget for it. Explore in and around Times Square, and you’ll find tons of great bars with outdoor terraces that offer sweeping views of the city. Or you can try one of the rooftop bars in nearby neighborhoods like Midtown and Hell’s Kitchen, which also have great skyline views to take in as you sip your drinks.

Take a Helicopter Tour

Rooftop bars in New York don’t come cheap, but the views they provide make them worth considering as night-time activities. The same is even more true for a helicopter tour of New York. Expect to pay hundreds of dollars, but you can also expect a truly unforgettable experience as you explore the city from the unique vantage of the sky. It’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else and one that will give you totally new perspective on the city.

Explore a Speakeasy

A more affordable option is to explore New York City’s underground bar scene by seeking out some of its hidden speakeasies. These secret bars can be hard to find, but they’re worth it if you want to enjoy some drinks without paying too much. Some of these bars even have 1920s-era decorations, so you can get yourself in the mood for a true prohibition feel.

Take a Horse-drawn Carriage Ride

For something romantic, or even something fun to do with kids, consider spending part of your evening touring the sights in a horse-drawn carriage. Many tours include Time Square and other top attractions like Rockefeller Center and Central Park. If you’re in town at Christmas, the ride is even more magical, but don’t forget to bundle up as the temperatures can be quite chilly, especially at night.

Visit Hershey’s Chocolate World

For a more family-friendly experience, head to Hershey’s Chocolate World for some sweet treats and fun activities. This Times Square shop offers everything from factory tours and interactive experiences, to candy-making classes. Plus, you can even customize your own chocolate bar! The store stays open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights, so there’s plenty of time to get your fill of all things chocolatey.

Conclusion

Any list like this can only hope, at best, to scratch the surface of all there is to do in New York. Whether by night or by day, the city offers almost infinite options for entertainment, shopping, dining, and just about everything else you want on a city break. So drop off your bags at a luggage storage and get ready to explore what may well be the world’s greatest night-time city on your next trip.

Note: This is a collaborative post