lizzy911

My boyfriend and I are flying into NYC tonight and staying downtown. We might not get to our hotel until 9:30 or so, so I was curious if anyone had any ideas on something that would be cool/fun in the area at night. I was thinking maybe a drink on top of a hotel with a great view of the area or another place with a view? Actually anything open downtown at night we are open to, just remember we won't be extremely energetic (both had to work today).

Thanks!

lizziea06

What hotel and where downtown? There are about a million places in the general "downtown" area that will be open tonight, but it would be helpful to know where you are staying.

MFNYC

pick up a Time Out magazine when you arrive.

lizzy911

Exchange Hotel, Front St.

I do plan on picking up some local publications, but if I don't have a vague idea as to what might be a good idea this first night, my boyfriend might just want to crash immediately... if I throw out some ideas beforehand and prepare him, then he is more likely to want to do something!

MFNYC

That hotel is in the wall street area which is pretty quiet at night. It is fairly close (short walk) to Chinatown and the South Street Seaport is very close. Soho is also nearby, and on a friday night there will be lots of activity, many cafe and restaurants, etc.

Dohlice

The area is becoming quite residential so it isn't as quiet as it used to be. I don't know of any tall places like you mentioned but a drink at the seaport might be nice for your first view of the city. It's pretty and right by the Brooklyn Bridge. Another nice view could be from Battery Gardens. It's in Battery Park so you have a nice view of the harbor and Statue of Liberty. If you're looking for something more lively you could try any of the bar/restaurants on Stone Street - I'm not sure how late the crowd stays though because I'm an after work person. What I like the best about being downtown late is that you can go by the stock exchange and federal hall and it's really quiet and you can be by yourselves. During the day it's an absolute madhouse!

Here is a link for one of the places on Stone Street - there are several but you can use the map to find Stone Street. When you get there you can decide which to go to. http://newyork.citysearch.com/review/37439963 and here is the website for Battery Gardens http://www.batterygardens.com/

lizziea06

Ulysses on Stone Street is a fun Irish pub w/ half-way decent food. The recommendation for the Seaport is a good one just for the view. Rise at the Battery Park Ritz Carlton has beauftiful views of the NY Harbor.

GoTravel

Love all the pubs and restaurants on Stone Street.

A fabulous place for a cocktail with a view downtown is the Ritz-Carlton. Perfect views of the Statue of Liberty. The 14th floor bar.

South Street Seaport is a bit touristy and gets deserted pretty early.

GoTravel

Lizzy, South Street Seaport is almost right behind the hotel. It is very close.

You'll really like the Exchange Hotel.

lizzy911

Hey thanks for the suggestions! I just looked at the South Street Seaportswebsite and apparently they are in a mall conglomerate I have a gift certificate for! So... any specific places there that anyone knows to be decent for a drink??? I think I have $75, so hopefully even with NY prices I can have a cocktail or two.

Thanks so much, everyone has been so helpful. I am hoping this weekend is great... I always said once I started working a "real" job I would do cool weekend trips so it is fun to actually be doing it!

nytraveler

Another vote for Ritz Carlton Battery Park roof bar. Great views and great drinks - but you do pay for it.