Best Party Spots in New York: Where to Dance, Drink & Celebrate

New York City’s popular nightlife scene stands unmatched, offering everything from exclusive rooftop lounges to underground dance clubs.

We’ve curated the ultimate guide to the best party spots in New York, covering all vibes from luxury cocktail bars to high-energy nightclubs, to give you the best ideas!

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to experience NYC’s legendary party culture, these venues deliver unforgettable experiences.

Top Party Spots in New York

*Marquee Nightclub New York*, *Image credits: Tao Group Hospitality*

1. Marquee NYC—Chelsea’s Legendary Mega-Club

Marquee Nightclub New York sets the standard for large-scale nightlife with its state-of-the-art sound system and impressive light shows. The 15,000-square-foot space features multiple rooms with different music styles.

Experience Highlights

Main room: Electronic dance music with pyrotechnics and confetti cannons
Hip-hop room: Featuring classic and contemporary rap
The Boom Box: Intimate lounge with throwback tunes
Signature cocktails: Try their Marquee Mule with ginger beer and vodka

Capacity: 1,200+ people
Notable DJs: Steve Aoki, Tiesto, and Zedd regularly perform
VIP Options: Private skyboxes overlooking the dance floor
Hours: 10 PM – 4 AM Thursday through Saturday

2. Le Bain—The Standard Hotel’s Rooftop Oasis

Perched atop The Standard High Line, Le Bain offers 360-degree views of Manhattan with a European-style party atmosphere. This multi-level venue among the best party places in NYC includes a year-round rooftop deck with heated flooring in winter.

Unique Offerings

Plunge pool: Open for swimming during summer parties
Disco ball room: Retro-themed dance floor
Meatpacking District views: Spectacular sights of the Hudson River
Themed nights: Sunday’s “Bubble Party” with champagne specials

Music Focus: House, techno, and indie dance
Crowd: Fashion-forward international visitors and locals
Best Time to Visit: Summer sunset hours
Dress Code: Stylish casual (no shorts or flip-flops)

3. House of Yes—Bushwick’s Immersive Party Palace

House of Yes redefines nightlife and is one of the party spots in New York that offers theatrical performances, circus acts, and theme parties. This creative collective hosts some of NYC’s most unique party experiences.

Signature Events

“Queen of the Night”: Burlesque-meets-dinner theater
“Work It Out”: 90s-themed dance workout party
“Night of 1,000 Beyoncés”: Ultimate tribute night
“Gay Church”: Sunday drag extravaganza

Capacity: 500 people
Atmosphere: Inclusive, LGBTQ+ friendly
Must-Try: Their custom cocktail flights paired with performances
Location: 2 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

4. The DL—Lower East Side’s Multi-Level Playground

The DL spans three floors of distinct party environments, from speakeasy-style lounges to a penthouse rooftop. Their “Sunday Funday” parties are no less than legendary.

Venue Breakdown

Ground floor: Main bar with craft cocktails
Second floor: Intimate lounge with velvet couches
Rooftop: Panoramic downtown views
Basement: Late-night dance cave

Special Features:

Happy hour: 5-8 PM daily with $8 cocktails
Brunch parties: Bottomless mimosas with DJ sets
Private event spaces: For groups of 20-200

5. Elsewhere—Brooklyn’s Cutting-Edge Music Hub

Elsewhere’s massive 25,000-square-foot complex hosts everything from underground techno raves to indie band performances. Their sound system rivals professional recording studios.

Performance Spaces

Main Hall: Capacity for 1,800 with Funktion-One sound
Zone One: Intimate 300-person room
Rooftop: Seasonal outdoor events
Gallery: Art exhibitions by local creators

Music Genres: Electronic, hip-hop, experimental
Notable Events: Resident Advisor showcases, Boiler Room takeovers
Age Policy: 18+ for most events, 21+ to drink

6. The Raines Law Room—Speakeasy Cocktail Experience

For those seeking sophisticated drinking before hitting the clubs, The Raines Law Room is one of the party places in NYC bespoke cocktails in an intimate setting.

Cocktail Program

Classic cocktails: Perfectly executed Manhattans and Martinis
Seasonal creations: Changed monthly using fresh ingredients
Tableside service: Bartenders prepare drinks at your booth
Whiskey selection: 200+ varieties from around the world

Reservations: Highly recommended via their online system, although the club also reserves some “walk-ins only” spots
Ideal For: Pre-game drinks or late-night conversation
Location: 48 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011

7. Good Room—Greenpoint’s Underground Dance Sanctuary

Good Room delivers authentic club culture with a no-frills approach to dancing. Their custom sound system and bookings focus on quality over celebrity. Among the top party spots in New York, this is one of the hidden gems.

Club Features

Main room: Wood-paneled dance floor with Funktion-One sound
Bad Room: Secondary space for experimental sets
No VIP: Everyone dances together
Late hours: Open until 6 AM on weekends

Music Policy: House, techno, disco, and beyond
Dress Code: Come as you are (no pretension)
Age: Strictly 21+

8. The Jane Hotel—West Village’s Hidden Gem

The Jane Ballroom transports guests to a Gatsby-era dancehall with its ornate decor and live band performances. The attached hotel makes it perfect for stay-and-play nights.

Notable Events

“Dance Dance Dance”: Saturday night disco parties
“Jazz Age Lawn Party”: Annual 1920s festival
“Bossa Nova”: Weekly Brazilian music nights

Room Options: Historic cabins start at $99/night
Atmosphere: Old New York charm meets modern nightlife
Must-Try: Their classic champagne cocktails

9. Nowadays—Queens’ Outdoor Dance Paradise

Nowadays offers NYC’s best open-air dance experience with its massive backyard space and thoughtful programming.

Seasonal Highlights

Summer: Weekend-long outdoor parties
Winter: Heated tent with wood-fired pizza
“Nonstop”: 24-hour dance events (seasonal)
Community focus: Local DJs and affordable drinks

Sound System: Custom-built for outdoor clarity
Food: Wood-fired pizza and vegan options
Transport: Easy access from L train

Final Tips for NYC Nightlife Success

Reservations: Book tables at least 2 weeks in advance for weekend spots for reservations
Transportation: Use rideshares between boroughs late at night for safety and affordability
Cash: Many venues still require cover charges in cash so be sure to carry enough
ID: Bring a government-issued photo ID to produce for entry
Timing: Peak hours are generally 11 PM–2 AM in most clubs

Note: The offerings of nightclubs can vary from time to time, it’s best to check with the relevant club for latest information while making reservations.

New York’s party scene offers endless variety for every taste and budget. From glamorous rooftop lounges to underground dance collectives, these venues represent the best of NYC nightlife.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a local looking for new experiences, these spots guarantee unforgettable nights in the city that never sleeps.

E.e.tours is an experienced local tour operator that organizes the best group trips for all ages, from school kids who need fun adventures to college students who’d love a taste of NYC’s vibrant nightlife. Request a quote now to get the best itineraries for your customized New York City group tour.