Nightlife in NY
 

I was wondering which are the areas with the most vibrant nightlife in New York.

For example are there areas like Soho and Picadilly area in London where you can find lots of bars & restaurants with people on the streets 'bar hopping' at night?

Also is it safe to walk at night in or it's better to just take a taxi, get to the bar/restaurant, and take a taxi back to the hotel? (and i know that we have to use common sense like in any big city)

1. What kind of bars / clubs / nightlife are you looking for? Almost every neighborhood has many, many bars. The Village and East Village would be good for starters.

2. It depends on the area, but in general, Manhattan is quite safe to walk in. Weird things happen, though, and you do just have to use common sense. Usually after a night out I just want to take a taxi home anyway.

How old are you Cristine? Lower east side is very 20 something.

We're in our early thirties!
So we won't be clubying, but just a drink after a nice dinner etc! We will definitely visit Village because i've read very nice things in this forum! :-)

Definitely go to the East Village. The Lower East Side also has great places, and you shouldn't feel too old. There are a lot of good wine bars and tapas places. Check on nymetro.com for reviews. Either of those areas is safe for wandering around and 'bar hopping.'

I live in the East VIllage and there are so many bars, that there is a neighborhood movement to curtail the number. People are afraid it will turn into a Burbon Street. I am not a bar person but I will advise you, to check out the clientle before entering. There are many specific to ages, sexual orentation, tattoos, just barely 21, kids from the burbs, alternative music, etc.

We do know Spanish food however and the two best tapas places are Xunta (pronounced Shun-ta and means borough or county in Gallego) and resembles a Gallego tasca and has a wide and excellent selection. My favorite is dates wrapped in bacon and they have three vareties of tortilla espnaola. It can get loud and many hsvr to seat on bar stools and use a barrel for a table.

The other is Bar Carrera. It is fashioned after a hip San Sebastian tasca. The serrano ham and the carmelized pork are sensational. ALso they get their chorizo from Despana who makes there own in Queens and is as good as any we have had in Spain.

Thanks for the suggestions!! I will definitely check them out!
And if you have more please share your knowledge with me! :-)
Actually we would like very much to hear suggestions for bar-restaurants. Places where you could eat a nice meal and in the same time have a drink or two!

Good posts above; I just wanted to add a general comment. Midtown has a lot of businesses and generally fewer residences per block than SoHo, the Village, etc. As a result there are *somewhat* fewer night spots in Midtown. But, there are some, especially if you venture over to 3rd or 2nd avenue. Just wanted to mention that in case your hotel happens to be in Midtown.

There's also 27th Street in Chelsea, aka "Club Row." The street can get overcrowded and has kind of a spring break vibe at times, but it's where you'll find all the name-drop clubs -- Marquee, Cain, Bungalow 8, Home, etc.

Actually our hotel will be in midtown, next to Grand Central Station, so i would love to here some suggestions close to that area!
Also suggestions for restaurants near by as well. Thanks!!

If youa re staying a Grand Central there are numerous ways to get to the East and West Vilage.

East Village
Take the 4 or 5 subway to 14th Street
or the 6 to Astor place

West Village
Wal;k over to 42nd and Sixth Ave
And take any subway to west 4th

I believe there's a Pacha on 46th near 11th. But other than that, the best clubs tend to be in Chelsea and the Village. As far as bars and restaurants, if you really don't want to hop on a subway or walk out of midtown, almost every avenue (north-south) is lined with bars and restaurants.