24 Hour city

Everyone knows the old cliché that New York is the city that never sleeps, but the truth is, not every corner of the metropolis is wide awake after midnight—in fact, many restaurants and cafés shut down quaintly early. That doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of places where you can keep the party going—or start one—in the wee hours. Head to St. Marks Place in the East Village at 2am on a Saturday and, judging by the foot traffic on the famous strip, you’d think it was 2pm. In Chinatown and the Lower East Side, late-night nooks are secreted down narrow streets, while across the East River, Williamsburg and Bushwick throb with indie rock shows and arty happenings. And, of course, Times Square is always electric.

In the hours before dawn, the cityscape is alive with mystery and possibility; certain areas take on a carnivalesque quality, populated by a disparate cast of night owls and eccentrics. This is when you get the best street theater.

There is even something edgy and exciting about normal activities when you do them at unusual hours. Who will you encounter at a hot-dog joint at 3am? Would you consider having a manicure at 1am, or taking a dead-of-night ride on the Staten Island Ferry?Whether you’re a hopeless insomniac, need to let off steam after a heavy study session, or just can’t get enough of what the city has to offer, you won’t be disappointed. We’ve highlighted the four liveliest late-night nabes for noshing, relaxing, entertainment and cutting-edge arts. Don’t even think about taking a nap. You’ll sleep when you’re dead.

East Village

Night bites

Midtown

Night at the museum

24-hour beauty people

Chinatown/LES

Night moves

Williamsburg

Late night near you

Where to go if…