As a main cultural hub of America, New York has no shortage of amazing venues. From speakeasy jazz dives to world-class theaters, NYC really has it all. For that reason, it’s quite hard to pick a favorite spot. Nearly impossible in fact. That’s why we have narrowed it down to a few. It wasn’t easy, but without further hesitation, here are the five most amazing venues you need to check out in New York.
1. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN: THE HUB OF NYC
You can’t have a discussion about the best venues in NYC without mentioning Madison Square Garden. MSG is the hub of New York and has been hosting the world’s biggest acts for decades. Today, most venues this size are being built far outside the city center. However, MSG is confidently nestled in Manhattan on Seventh Avenue between 31st and 33rd streets. Aside from world class music acts, MSG is the home to various theatrics, NBA and NHL games, award ceremonies and much more. It’s safe to say a night here is part of the quintessential New York experience.
2. TUNNEL TO TOWERS: THE PRIDE OF NYC
Unlike MSG, Tunnel to Towers is not a physical venue. However, it still carries the spirit of NYC in full force. Tunnel to Towers started as a way to honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller. Siller laid his life down to save the thousands of others during the tragedy of 9/11. The foundation also honors military and first responders who continue the fight and make the sacrifice for life in America. The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk series aims to honor the final steps of Stephen Stiller through a 3.5-mile long course beginning at the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn-Battery tunnel, flowing into the streets of Manhattan, and finishing triumphantly at West and Murray street.
3. PLAYSTATION THEATER: THE PARTY OF NYC
Like its name suggests, the Playstation Theater is a place to have fun. Opening in 2005, David Rockwell designed The PlayStation Theater we see today. For features, the venue seats 2,100 people and showcases an 85-foot-long (26m) LED HD screen that is one of the largest marquees on Broadway (and that’s saying a lot). The venue is able to present live footage from the stage and elsewhere in the theater. Furthermore, the marquee sign connects directly to MTV studios where live footage is also displayed. The theater hosts a wide range of parties, concerts, live T.V., web broadcasting, award shows and more. If there’s a high-profile party in NYC, there’s a good chance it will happen at the Playstation Theater.
4. TERMINAL 5: THE MUSIC OF NYC
Dedicated music lovers in NYC are all too familiar with Terminal 5. Found in Hell’s Kitchen, This multi-level event site has five unique room environs, holding 3,000 people total. Some may remember it as Club Exit. However, since it’s demise in 2003, Terminal 5 took over. Thus, cementing itself as a prime location for the best music acts in the world. Many attribute this to the Bowery Presents group who operate the venue. They originally stemmed from the Mercury Lounge and have since built up a reputation of bringing in a stream of high-quality music to the city.
5. RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL: THE GEM OF NYC
Much like MSG, Radio City Music Hall is an iconic venue in NYC that can’t be missed. The venue has historic roots and ties to the famous millionaire John D. Rockefeller who wanted to build the venue in hopes of gentrifying the crumbling neighborhood during the Great Depression. What came to be was Radio City Music hall, a palace for the people of NYC. Intended to entertain and inspire, Radio City fulfills that promise and then some. Radio city is the premiere destination for the both future and present stars alike. In its 75 years, it would be hard to find a dull moment in this venue’s storied career.
