The Best Clubs in New York City

New York City is known as the city that never sleeps and for good reason. Its nightlife is as active and fast-paced as the city itself. The club that is the hottest spot today can be old news tomorrow. Therefore, its obviously good to know which are the best clubs in New York City if you want to go in town during your trip.

Nightlife in New York City

You will find some of the world’s best clubs in NYC and you will not regret spending a night out clubbing. The club experience in NYC is not to be missed – the high standard of the clubs as well as the world-renowned DJs who make regular appearances always make for a special night out. Don’t be afraid to go out during the week – New Yorkers have mastered the art of partying all night and then going to work the next morning and some of the best parties are on Tuesdays and Thursdays! If you’d like to experience the different nightclub scenes of NYC, there’s a ticket that you can purchase where you’ll be able to gain access to some of the premier clubs in the city. Click the button below for tickets and more information.

Click Here to Find Out More Info


The Best Clubs in New York City: our favorites

1 Oak – The Celebrity Club

1 Oak is one of the trendiest and most exclusive clubs in New York City. If you made it past the bouncers, you can look forward to a stylish and sophisticated interior. The drink prices are steep, but you get to party with models, celebrities, and entrepreneurs. 1Oak is known for its famous guests and afterparties following big events like Fashion Week or the MTV Music Awards. It is not uncommon to run into stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyoncé, or Hip Hop icon Jay-Z. The name is an abbreviation of “One of a Kind”. 1Oak is truly a one-of-a-kind club in a one-of-a-kind city!

Music genres: House, Charts, Hip Hop & R’n’B

Dress code: “Sexy and grown-up”, no trainers, no sandals / no ballerinas for ladies

Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Sunday 11:00pm – 4:00am

Address: 453 W 17th Street in Chelsea near the Meatpacking District


Nebula

Times Square is home to a new club in NYC, Nebula. It will be the largest nightclub in the city and extends over 3 floors. The head behind the Nebula is no stranger: Richie Romero runs, among others, the 1Oak Club, which has attracted many celebrities for years.

Address: 135 West 41st Street, near Times Square


Marquee: Back to the Beginning

Marquee was thought to have lived through its heyday when it closed in 2012. It was a shock to the New York party scene as the club was considered one of the best in New York City. It was decided however that the club would undergo a complete, $3.5 million renovation, including the installation of the latest in music and lighting technology. In 2013, Marquee was officially reborn. The doormen are strict here and men without a female companion are not usually allowed inside. The club in West Chelsea is back and many say that it is better than ever now. Click here for a 360 degree tour of Marquee.

Music genres: Wednesdays depending on the event, Fridays: Underground House & Saturdays: Commercial House.

Dress code: “Upscale and trendy” – no shorts, no baseball caps for men

Hours of Operation: Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays from 11:00pm to 4:00am

Address: 289 10th Avenue in West Chelsea


Electric Room

The Electric Room is located in the basement bar of The Dream Hotel in Chelsea. The space isn’t too big, but it makes it a very intimate spot. It fits about 100 people. The spot has a full-service bar that serve high-end spirits and cocktails. The atmosphere gives it a London punk feel with Union Jack flags everywhere.

Music genres: Rock N’ Roll

Dress code: Business casual – no shorts, no hats for men

Hours of Operation: Wed-Sun: 11 PM-4 AM

Address:  Dream Downtime lower level, 355 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011


Lavo Nightclub: From Dinner to the Club

Lavo in Midtown East is both a restaurant and a nightclub and is known for its food served in its in-house Italian restaurant, located on the upper floor. After dinner, guests head downstairs to the lavish club that features the latest and greatest in sound and lighting technology. World-renowned DJs are often invited to give fans of House and Electro music their money’s worth in entertainment. This is definitely one of the best clubs in New York City.

Music genre: House

Dress code: no trainers

Hours of Operation: Thursday – Saturday 11:00pm – 4:00am

Address: 39 E 58th Street in Midtown East

Experience Lavo New York from TAO Group on Vimeo.


Le Bain: Party for Less

Le Bain Rooftop Bar New York City is located in the Meatpacking District on the 18th floor of the The Standard Hotel – while the bar should probably be mentioned in the category of rooftop bars, Le Bain has firmly established itself in the New York club scene and therefore has also earned its rightful place on the list of Top Clubs in NYC. Le Bain is also one of the cheaper options in the city as you will only have to spend about $12 for a good, long drink at Le Bain. While cocktail prices are fairly reasonable there is also no cover charge which is unusual for good clubs in NYC. You can definitely party at Le Bain for less money than many other clubs.

What makes this location even better are the 360° views of New York City from the main floor and rooftop terrace (one floor above). On Fridays during the summer, you can also relax on the rooftop during the day and watch the sunset. Another highlight is the club pool, which is open for parties. The most popular DJs play their favorite music here every week and you will find yourself partying in the midst of many New Yorkers.

Music genre: House

Dress code: chic & stylish, no sneakers

Hours of Operation: Rooftop: Tuesdays to Saturdays from 2:00pm – 4:00am, Sundays from 2:00pm – 2:00am & Mondays from 2:00pm – midnight; Le Bain Club: Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10:00m – 4:00am & Sundays from 4:00pm to 2:00am

Address: 848 Washington Street in the Meatpacking District


PHD: A Club with a View

You can party every day of the week at PHD. Although this club might also be categorized as a rooftop bar, PHD, like LeBain, fits in better with the New York club scene. The views from PHD are grand – while dancing you can look north and get a full amazing view of the Empire State Building. This is a very popular spot with the Wall Street crowd who like to party where there are tables with views over the Manhattan skyline. The decor at PHD is a product of its environment – it is reminiscent of a 80’s penthouse filled with the stylish New Yorkers of the present.

Music genre: Commercial House

Dress code: “Downtown Chic”

Hours of Operation: daily from 5:00pm – 4:00am

Address: 355 West 16th Street


Output: Underground at its Finest in Brooklyn

Output is one of the best clubs in NYC to go to if you are into the underground music scene. The club provides an almost low-key experience compared to its competitors in Manhattan – there is no dress code and the drinks are not insanely priced just because of its location. If you want to go here however, definitely check for tickets online beforehand – this venue gets very busy, especially in the summer months when the roof terrace is open.

Music genre: Underground house, electronic, and dance music

Dress code: Casual

Hours of Operation: 5:00pm – 4:00am

Address: 74 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn


Cielo: “Let’s Dance” (CLOSED)

Cielo has made a name for itself in New York City for more than 12 years and is widely regarded as one of the best clubs of its kind for fans of electro music. In keeping with the style of the electro and techno scene, the joy of dancing takes center stage. Cielo does not offer any VIP packages and pride themselves in only putting effort into creating the best DJ line-up. Many commercial DJs like Luciano, David Guetta, and Sven Väth also perfected their craft at Cielo before making it big time.

Music genre: House, Deep-House, Tech-House, Trance, Techno & Electro

Dress code: Cool casual

Hours of Operation: Mondays & Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10:00pm to 4:00am; Tuesdays and Sundays depending on event

Address: 18 Little W. 12th Street in the Meatpacking District


Additional tips for the best clubs in New York City

Williamsburg in Brooklyn is also popular with young New Yorkers. Students, artists, and musicians live here among old industrial buildings and warehouses. There are lots of restaurants and bars and places to go party at night. The Williamsburg nightlife, as well as its trendy shopping and fashion scene, makes a trip across the Williamsburg Bridge very worth it.

With respect to the club scene, Williamsburg is currently hotter than any other area. Here the New York party crowd lives up to its name every weekend. We scoped it out recently and uncovered the top clubs in Williamsburg for you. You can find something for everyone here – check it out!

Also, if nightclubs aren’t your thing, you can check out some of the best bars or  rooftop bars in NYC. Clubs can be quite loud especially with the music, but we understand it’s not for everyone.

Profilbild Steffen Kneist
About the author

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. Also check out my hotel finder for New York!

Did you like this article?