No city is more notorious for its party scene than New York City is. Both native New Yorkers and glitter-clad city-goers flock to downtown Manhattan for electrified nights in some of the most glamorous establishments in the country. Not surprisingly, New York City nightclubs are also frequented by A-list celebrities and the most sought-after DJs, which makes for an air of exclusivity that tourists from around the world cannot resist. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just looking for a spot to dance away an unforgettable night, this list of the best nightclubs in New York City should help narrow down your search.
2024 New York Club Events Schedule
Le Bain
Conveniently located in the nightlife hub Meatpacking District, Le Bain is a penthouse rooftop disco bar situated atop The Standard hotel, and it even sports a fully-functional indoor hot tub. With a stunning view of the New York City skyline, you won’t find elsewhere, a night at this chic spot is a no-brainer for the hip downtown crowd. You can make a reservation to get in, but it isn’t necessary. Without one, though, expect long lines and a possible cover charge.
TAO Downtown Nightclub
Underneath TAO Downtown’s sleek, highly rated restaurant lies the 2500-square foot booming lounge that has been the go-to spot for New York’s party lovers for years. Studded throughout with edgy Chinese cultural decor, including a massive dragon-scaled mural, this club oozes exclusivity. In fact, to get in, you’ll need to make a VIP table reservation that includes a spending minimum of up to $4,000, depending on how many guests you bring. Note that a restaurant reservation doesn’t mean you get access to the club.
House of Yes
Say “yes” to costumes, dancers, and a truly wild night. One of the few popular clubs that isn’t located in Manhattan, you can find the line to get into House of Yes wrapping around Wyckoff Avenue in Bushwick. Having opened in 2016, this hotspot is known for its funky theatrical performances and events that city-goers attend to truly let loose, including burlesque nights and disco-themed parties. It’s best to purchase tickets in advance, or run the risk of waiting in line just to find out that they’re all sold out!
Marquee
Marquee is one of New York’s most notorious nightclubs and it’s been known to be a celebrity hotspot since its opening in 2003. Its cavernous inside with 28-foot ceilings is a transformed warehouse which makes for a massive dancefloor fit for the most sought-after DJs. If you want a true nightclub experience with dancers, house music, lights, and VIP booths, Marquee is the place to be.
Lavo
Lavo is a New York City hotspot that rivals its Las Vegas twin. It’s an upscale club with a strict dress code, so dress to impress if you want to be lucky enough to get in. Upstairs, Lavo functions as a classy Italian restaurant, while downstairs, a booming club is usually packed with people from wall to wall. If you’re looking to splurge on the most high-end bottle service around, Lavo is your spot. VIP tables start at a $2,000 minimum and can be upwards of $10,000.
Hotel Chantelle
Though it’s not actually a hotel, it’s still a spot you’ll want to stay at all night. This three-story building features a club, an event space, a restaurant, and a French-inspired outdoor patio. It’s a prime spot for good music and entertainment, with an eye-catching sparkly DJ booth and weekly live burlesque shows. With a stunningly elegant interior, a hip crowd, great music, and bottle service, this is the ideal spot for an unforgettable girls’ night out.
Paul’s Casablanca
This celebrity-owned, Moroccan-inspired, chic bar on Spring Street almost always has a line waiting around the corner. While the drinks are pricey, the crowd is always elite. With intimate booths for groups of friends, A-list DJs, and waiters in Moroccan-themed costumes, this is the place to be for a truly unique nightclub experience.
Avant Gardner
Home of the Brooklyn Mirage, the multi-layered Avant Gardner can host thousands of guests, and thousands of guests want to come here every night. Located in East Williamsburg, it is best known for its explosive, rave-like outdoor events. The hottest artists in the electronic music scene have attracted huge crowds here and the renowned sound system makes for pulse-thumping concerts and events.
Rumpus Room
A Lower East Side hotspot for wild nights, the Rumpus Room is an intimate space plastered with animal prints, flashing lights, and a colorful retro dance floor. This club gets tons of buzz for its rowdy crowd that comes to dance the night away. Celebrate your birthday here with a private party or with fiery sparkler bottle service. There is typically a cover for this club, but they do take reservations!
Please Don’t Tell
Despite its clandestine name, Please Don’t Tell is one of the most talked-about speakeasies in New York City. Located in the East Village inside of Crif Dogs hotdog joint, you’ll have to enter a vintage phone booth to get to this speakeasy-inspired lounge. It’s known for its funky decor and its eclectic, creative mixologists who make drinks you’ll probably never find anywhere else. For a super unique club experience in New York, head down to Please Don’t Tell.
