How to Plan a Night Out in NYC
A night out in New York City can turn on a dime. First, you’re trying a new pub with friends, then before you know it you’re getting drinks with a handsome stranger at a bar and end the night dancing away to your favorite songs. Some people are planners, others simply go with the flow and see where the night takes them.
For those that need a little more of a plan in place, like the perfect Friday night, your sister’s bachelorette party or your vacation, here are some tips to help you plan your evening. The night is always young in New York City!
1. Plan by Borough and Neighborhood
New York is made for walking, so neighborhood hopping isn’t very difficult thanks to the subway, Uber and Lyft. You could start with a musical in Midtown, have dinner in Chelsea and end the night in the Upper West Side drinking cocktails. Just remember you have to be strategic when borough hopping become some are not as close to each other as they seem. Every area has its own charm and flair, so you just have to do some research and decide what you want your vibe to be. Start planning your extravaganza in advance and learn the different charms of each borough in NYC.
2. No Night is Complete Without Live Entertainment
It’s impossible to go wrong with entertainment options in NYC. With comedy acts, concerts, Broadway shows and cabaret shows, there’s something on the menu for everyone.
Depending on how ambitious you’re feeling, it’s completely doable to see a musical at 8:00 PM and then make a late-night cabaret performance after. Many cabaret clubs, such as 54 Below and Birdland Jazz, are located right in Midtown. You would even have time to grab a drink between shows!
3. Budget, Budget, Budget!
If there’s one thing New York is known for, it’s pricing. A night out in The Big Apple can quickly become expensive, so make sure you’re calculating costs effectively.
If you’re splurging on a pricey dinner, maybe check out a dive bar or cheaper comedy show after. If a Broadway musical is set to be the main event, a free piano bar like the Duplex or Marie’s Crisis is great to stop by after your feast.
Want to spend all your money on shows? There are plenty of cheap food and drink options that will keep you busy through the night.
4. Try Something New
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! There are so many new things to do and try in NYC.
Never tried Moroccan cuisine? Never been in a prohibition-style bar? Scared of attending a comedy show? In New York, you never know where the night will take you, so don’t be afraid to take advantage of everything the city has to offer. Just ride the wave and most of all, enjoy the night!
5. Buy Tickets in Advance – or Wait Last-Minute
Do you prefer to plan or are you all for being spontaneous? Fortunately, there are options for both ends of the spectrum.
Many popular shows sell out far in advance, so you may want to purchase your tickets sooner. Or, if you don’t have a particular show in mind, you can always find last-minute Broadway tickets. If you’re traveling with a large group, purchase tickets in advance so you can get seats close together. Sometimes you can find really popular same-day deals on multiple ticket websites.
Either way, if you’re planning an entire evening or just going with the flow, you can easily find tickets up to 30 days in advance or day-of.
This article was brought to you by Emily from the TodayTix team. I used/paid for tickets through TodayTix to see “School of Rock” on Broadway this summer and the process was super easy! Hope you found these five tips for planning a night out in New York helpful from a NYC expert!