New York
There´s a reason why New York is called the city that never sleeps.
See-and-be-seen lounges, heart-pumping dance clubs, classy cocktail bars, neighbourhood hangouts bursting with character, and legendary live music venues make this one of the best cities in the world for nightlife - but watch out for the smoking ban and hard-to-please doormen. Here are a few favourites.
Bars
BAR VELOCE
175 Second Ave / 212 260 3200 / www.barveloce.com
This sleek, shoebox-sized wine bar specializes in Italian wines, which complement the panini, cheese plates and bruschetta on offer. Open from 5pm-3am daily. B3
BEMELMANS BAR
The Carlyle Hotel, 35 E. 76th St / 212 744 1600 / www.thecarlyle.com
Named for live-in Madeline artist Ludwig Bemelmans, this romantic spot is also the gold standard in top-notch cocktails. Brown leather banquettes, tinkling piano, and art-deco style set an elegant scene. Open daily from noon. Off arrow map B1
BRANDY LIBRARY
24 N. Moore St / 212 226 5545 / www.brandylibrary.com
If only all libraries were stocked with booze. It’s easy to get lost in the stacks of rare (and pricey) brandy at this well-to-do Tribeca den of leather seating and amber lighting. Tip: Parties over six cannot be accommodated on the weekend. Open from 5pm Sun-Wed, 4pm Thurs-Sat. B5
CAMPBELL APARTMENT
Grand Central Station, 15 Vanderbilt Ave / 212 953 0409
Financier James Campbell’s former salon and office in Grand Central Station is now a sophisticated, reservations-requested lounge. The prices may make you want to crack open Campbell’s old safe, which sits in the non-working fireplace, but drinks like the tasty Prohibition Punch and the posh setting are worth it. Open daily from 3pm. B2
CHIBI’’S SAKE BAR
238 Mott St / 212 274 0054 / www.chibisbar.com
Owner Marja Samson named this petite sake bar after her beloved French bulldog, who is often seen strutting around the bar. Enjoy a stellar 20-bottle list of premium sakes along with Japanese snacks. Open Mon-Thurs 6pm-1am, Fri 5:30pm-2am, Sat 2pm-2am and Sun 2pm-12am. B4
Clubs & Live Music
BLUE NOTE JAZZ CLUB
131 W. Third St / 212 475 8592 / www.bluenote.net
Dizzy Gillespie and Chick Corea are some of the legends that have played this jazz haunt. Sunday Jazz Brunch and late-night shows Fri-Sat. Open daily. B4
BOWERY BALLROOM
6 Delancey St / 212 533 2111 / www.boweryballroom.com
Indie rockers’ home away from home. Acts like the Arcade Fire have played this beloved Lower East Side music venue known for great sightlines. Shows nightly. B4
MARQUEE
289 10th Ave / 646 473 0202 / www.marqueeny.com
The anchor of the West Chelsea club scene. Celebrities galore have partied in this swanky bi-level space. Dress to impress. Open 10pm-4am Tues-Sat. A3