New York City: Nightlife

Apollo Theater See where legends like Billie Holiday, James Brown, and Lauryn Hill got their start at this landmark 1914 theater in the heart of Harlem. Amateur Night Wednesdays, a long-time tradition, is still popular. 253 West 125th St.; 212-531-5300; www.apollotheater.org
culture | performing arts | historic

Barrage Historically, gay nightlife centered on Chelsea and the West Village, but it has recently spread to Hell's Kitchen. This trendy bar’s popular 11pm to midnight happy hour draws a friendly crowd. W. 47th St., btwn. Ninth & Tenth Aves.; 212-586-9390
trendy | gay

Blue Note Smooth jazz and blues resonate from this legendary Greenwich Village club, which books top-rate acts like John Scofield, Chris Botti, and McCoy Tyner. 131 W. 3rd St. at Sixth Ave; 212-475-8592; www.bluenotejazz.com
jazz | performing arts

Catch a Broadway show Experience the magic of the Great White Way with world-class shows in the grand old theaters surrounding Times Square. Live Broadway, Around Times Square; www.livebroadway.com
culture | performing arts | smart splurge

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts The go-to spot for classical and contemporary symphony, dance, jazz, opera, and theater hosts companies like the Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Ballet. Broadway, btwn. 62nd & 66th Sts.; 212-875-5000; www.lincolncenter.org
architecture | culture | performing arts | dance

McSorleys The city’s original Irish pub (opened 1854) has a sawdust-strewn ground and historic wall photos. Be prepared to drink beer – only dark or light ale is available. 15 E. 7th St., btwn Second & Third Aves.; 212-473-9148; www.mcsorleysnewyork.com
bar | beer

Radio City Music Hall Home to the Rockettes, it’s worth catching a show here just to see this intimate and prestigious Art Deco venue in Rockefeller Center. 1260 Sixth Ave. at 50th St.; 212-307-7171; www.radiocity.com
family | historic | performings arts

S.O.B.'s You just might run into the girl (or guy) from Ipanema in this elegant space, where Brazilian and other Latin music is the specialty on the large dance floor. 200 Varick St. at Houston St.; 212-243-4940; www.sobs.com
dancing | latin