New York City Event Venues

New York City is the most populated city in the US, the largest metropolitan area in the world and the world’s cultural, financial and media capital. Diverse and dynamic, this is a city that never sleeps. Cosmopolitan, influential and entertaining - here are many words to describe New York City. With its yellow cabs, Central Park, glossy skyscrapers, world-famous museums and world famous landmarks, the Big Apple is one of the most popular cities in the world. Discover the lovely venues in the city’s diverse neighborhoods and bustling boroughs.

The streets of New York are ever-changing: take a few steps and the scenery shifts, from modern to historic, from chic to industrial, from fashionable to old school. This variety is reflected in the venues you’ll find spread across the entire city. From exceptional restaurants, cozy bars and charming cafes to remarkable live music venues and premier business centers, NYC has amazing spaces for every occasion. Whether you’re here to throw an unforgettable party in Manhattan or close a business deal in The Financial District, our event specialists at Tagvenue are happy to help match you with a venue that suits all your needs.

Hosting an event in New York: a brief guide to the city’s five boroughs and their venues

Getting lost on purpose may be a fun way to explore the city and really soak up its atmosphere. If that’s how you want to approach the search for the perfect New York venue for your event, by all means, go for it! However, to save you some time, we’ve prepared a handy area guide to help get you started in choosing the perfect NYC location for your event.

A city with many faces and personalities, New York is made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and The Bronx. Each of them has its own flavor and they are home to many neighborhoods that boast their own distinct vibe. Check out our brief rundown on some of the major highlights of all five boroughs.

Manhattan

Bordered by three rivers: the Hudson River, the Harlem River and the East River, Manhattan is home to many iconic locations. Broadway Theater, Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building and many world-famous landmarks make the island feel like the pulsating heart of the city. Its fast-paced, bustling neighborhoods are bursting with things to explore. This place has it all: a strong cultural scene, exceptional dining, thriving nightlife, buzzing entertainment and serious business. From Broadway to Wall Street, Manhattan is quintessential New York.

• Midtown - Central Manhattan comprises many different neighborhoods, such as the central business district and tourist-swarmed Times Square. Other noteworthy areas include The Meatpacking District, a nightlife mecca and playground for adults, packed with restaurants, bars and late-night clubs. Chelsea boasts a bohemian vibe and is a haven for artists, with a bold cultural scene, dance clubs and gay bars. Hell’s Kitchen is filled with dive bars, rooftop lounges, jazz clubs, LGBTQ+ friendly places and restaurants serving cuisine from all around the world. Murray Hill is popular for the bars that line Lexington and Third Avenue, as well as laid-back cafes and Indian restaurants.
• Upper East Side - Situated east of Central Park, UES is Manhattan’s wealthiest neighborhood,  featuring impressive architecture and famous cultural institutions: the Met, the Guggenheim Museum and El Museo del Barrio. If you’re into fancy restaurants and bars, Madison Avenue is your go-to.
• Greenwich Village - Known for iconic Washington Square Park, and the charming brownstones that many famous people call home, Greenwich Village can make you feel as if you’re in a different city altogether. The area is popular for dining, theater and live music events. It’s well-connected to Midtown and The Financial District.
• Upper West Side - Located west of Central Park, UWS boasts real old-world charm. Apart from impressive apartment buildings and lovely brownstones, the neighborhood is home to the famous Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the American Museum of Natural History. Its quiet side streets hide many fantastic brunch places, bars and kid-friendly restaurants.
• SoHo, TriBeCa & Nolita - Historically industrial neighborhoods with iron-cast buildings, old factories and cobbled streets, they now attract crowds with the new restaurants and trendy bars dotted all over.
• Little Italy - Bordered by TriBeCa, SoHo and Chinatown, Little Italy is always worth a visit if you’re interested in Italian specialties. For an authentic Italian experience, check out the restaurants, cafes and bars concentrated around Mulberry Street.
• Chinatown - This part of Manhattan boasts a multitude of Chinese and Southern Asian restaurants, while the Doyers Street hides unique basement bars.
• Lower East Side & East Village - Once primarily known as the immigrants’ gateway to America, these areas still remain some of the most lively parts of Manhattan. The two neighborhoods boast an array of bars, restaurants and dance clubs. Creatives and art lovers will be pleased with the area’s broad selection of art galleries, theaters and music venues.
• Harlem - A predominantly African-American neighborhood with Beaux Arts brownstone buildings and historic sites. This is where you’ll find authentic restaurants with soul food, as well as buzzing bars and clubs.

Brooklyn

Eclectic, creative, historic, Brooklyn has something for everyone. It’s the most populated of all the boroughs and also the largest. Brooklyn Bridge, which connects Brooklyn with Manhattan, is the city’s most iconic bridge. More relaxed and less crowded than Manhattan, Brooklyn is an entertainment hub with many cultural offerings, arguably the best place to get the legendary New York pizza, and an area with many phenomenal watering holes and eateries.

• Williamsburg - Home to the world’s largest Hasidic Jewish community, Williamsburg is a buzzing neighborhood that draws a hipster crowd with craft cocktails, artisanal food and vintage vibes. Known for its lively arts and music scene.
• DUMBO - A formerly industrial neighborhood with cobbled streets and converted warehouses, home to trendy cafes, high-end restaurants and a vibrant performance and gallery scene.
• Bushwick - Similarly to DUMBO, Bushwick is a hip and edgy area with industrial vibes, it’s characterized by street art, artist studios and specialty coffee shops located in converted warehouses, quirky bars with vintage decor, thriving night clubs and restaurants with international cuisine.
• Park Slope & Prospect Heights - Located north and west of Prospect Park, these areas especially appeal to young families and professionals. They are filled with green spaces, casual bars and eateries centered around 5th and 7th Avenue, as well as craft cocktail bars and hip restaurants on Vanderbilt and Washington Avenue. Barclays Center is known for its top-level live music and sports events.
• Greenpoint - Boasting a hipster vibe, Greenpoint houses a large Polish-American community. It’s where you’ll find traditional Polish restaurants, fashionable bars and great live music venues. The neighborhood’s transformed warehouses are home to art studios and galleries, while the East River waterfront offers spectacular views over Manhattan.
• Downtown Brooklyn - NYC’s third largest central business district, swarmed with office workers and students. Apart from doing business and studying, people in Downtown Brooklyn can enjoy themselves in the area’s Michelin-starred restaurants and casual cafes. Highlights include the original Junior’s, famed for its New York cheesecake.
• Brooklyn Heights - Situated just off Brooklyn Bridge, this affluent neighborhood boasts gorgeous architecture, a tree-lined promenade with stunning views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, and well-established bars and restaurants along Henry Street.
• Coney Island - Home to the famed Luna Park, the city’s seaside playground and one of New York’s top destinations in the summer, notably for its beautiful beach. It’s also next door to Little Odessa, home to the city’s Russian-speaking community. Discover the area’s glitzy nightclubs and intimate cafes, which are always buzzing.

Queens

Located in the east, Queens is the most international of the five boroughs. Extremely diverse, relaxed and suburban in nature, it’s a favorite destination for foodies, nature lovers, modern art enthusiasts, music fans and sports buffs. The dining scene in Queens is to die for, with fabulous ethnic restaurants, and the area’s cultural attractions are nearly on a par with those of Brooklyn.

• Astoria - Situated just a short commute from Midtown Manhattan, Astoria is a multicultural and relaxed neighborhood. It’s popular for its wide array of ethnic restaurants, notably Greek tavernas, as well as trendy cafes and the open-air Bohemian Beer Garden.
• Flushing - Home to Queen’s Chinatown, Flushing is bursting with energy and activity. Its bustling streets are lined with a tumult of top Asian eateries, while Flushing Town Hall draws music lovers with jazz concerts.
• Sunnyside - Originally an Irish settlement, Sunnyside is a green area with tree-lined streets and gorgeous courtyards. Though the neighborhood is now home to a multicultural community, traces of its Irish roots are still highly noticeable, especially when it comes to the pubs and restaurants that abound in this part of Queens.
• Long Island City - A revamped industrial neighborhood situated along the East River, popular for its inventive performance venues and art galleries, as well as fashionable bars and restaurants.
• Jackson Heights - This multicultural area is most notably known for its Little India neighborhood that spreads around a strip of 74th Street. Here, you’ll find a myriad of Indian, Tibetan, Nepalese and Latin American restaurants. Jackson Heights is also home to the Queens Pride Parade and Festival that takes place every year.
• The Rockaways - Occupying a peninsula within Queens, The Rockaways is a popular summer destination, easily accessible via the NYC Water Ferry from Wall Street in Manhattan. The area’s two surf beaches attract crowds of surfers, and the local eateries boast laid-back beach town vibes.
• Corona - Bounded by Flushing and Jackson Heights, Corona is a diverse neighborhood with a large Latin American community. It’s a great destination if you want to enjoy some jazz music or have a taste of authentic Mexican or Cuban cuisine.

Staten Island

Situated in the southernmost part of NYC, Staten Island is connected to Manhattan via the free Staten Island Ferry that passes right by the Statue of Liberty. This green borough features many parklands, botanical gardens and beautiful beaches. Its streets hide some true architectural gems and the area’s suburban feel attracts families with children and people looking for a breather from the city’s more populous boroughs.

• Great Kills - A family friendly, quiet neighborhood with a blend of urban and suburban vibes. Located on the South Shore, about an hour’s commute to Manhattan, Great Kills offers an excellent choice of restaurants and coffee shops.
• St. George - A waterfront location with sweeping views across the New York Harbor and easy commute to Manhattan via the ferry. Its historical district is home to some great architectural gems, including the St. George Theater, which hosts theatrical performances, as well as music and comedy shows. The area also boasts a diverse dining scene.
• Richmond Town - Located mid-island, this area is mostly famous for Historic Richmond Town, a museum complex that features restored town and farm buildings from the 17th and 20th centuries. Apart from sightseeing tours and regular events such as Tavern Concerts or the annual Richmond County Fair, the historic sites and manicured parklands can also be rented out for private events.
• Tompkinsville - A small neighborhood in the northeast of Staten Island, home to one of the world’s largest Sri Lankan communities - hence it is sometimes referred to as Little Sri Lanka. The area is renowned for its restaurants serving authentic ethnic cuisine.

The Bronx

Situated across the Harlem River north of Manhattan, The Bronx is home to the New York Yankees, boasts the renowned Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden, and is rich in hip hop history. Apart from acres of parks and the world-renowned Yankee Stadium, the Bronx is also popular for historic architecture and Italian restaurants.

• Woodlawn - Also known as Little Ireland, Woodlawn is a primarily Irish-American working class neighborhood. The Irish heritage is especially seen in the numerous pubs and restaurants lined along Katonah Avenue.
• Belmont - Located next to the famous Bronx Zoo, charming Belmont is known as The Bronx’s Little Italy, with amazing Italian restaurants and pizzerias situated along bustling Arthur Avenue.
• Fordham - Home to Fordham University, this neighborhood is especially popular with students. Popular for the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage, New York Botanical Garden, and a good choice of Latin American restaurants.
• Riverdale - A quiet and green upscale neighborhood with leafy streets and suburban vibes. You won’t find much nightlife here, but if you’re looking for a peaceful and scenic area with a relatively easy commute to Manhattan and a few good bars and restaurants, Riverdale’s for you.
• South Bronx - The birthplace of hip hop, South Bronx is also famous for Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Documentary Center and the Grand Concourse, also known as the Bronx’s version of the Champs-Élysées. The area’s diverse restaurants serve cuisine from all over the globe.
• City Island - A seaside fishing village located on an island in the northeastern part of the Bronx, with relaxed vibes, waterfront restaurants and yacht clubs.

Want to dig even deeper? Have a look at these frequently asked questions:

What types of event venues can I find in New York City?

Huge and diverse New York City has all types of venues ready to host any event imaginable. World-class restaurants and rooftop bars with panoramic views, cozy cafes and dive bars, raving night clubs and live music venues, elegant theaters and art studios located in converted warehouses, premier conference centers and comfortable meeting rooms - these are just some examples of what you can expect to find in NYC. So whether you’re looking for a space to have your dream wedding, throw a wild birthday party or host a corporate event, there’s a suitable venue waiting for you in New York.

How much does it cost to rent an event space in New York City?

The average price of renting an event venue in New York City typically falls between $200 and $300 per hour. Depending on capacity and venue standard, the costs can reach up to $2000 per hour. Daily rental fees average around $1000 per day. For higher-end venues, expect to pay around $15000 per day. If you’re on a tight budget, it is possible to find smaller venues below $1000 per day.

How do I choose the perfect venue for my event in New York City?

There are a few key things to consider before booking an event venue in New York:

• Event type - One of the most important factors to guide you in your search is the type of event you’re organizing. Is it a casual holiday party, an elegant wedding or a corporate event? In each case, you’ll expect something different from your venue. You may want a cozy restaurant, a landscaped private garden or a business center with modern conferencing facilities. Make a list of everything you’re going to need during your event: AV equipment, fully-stocked bar, dance floor, lighting, etc.
• Budget - Decide how much you can spend on your event. Consider what part of your budget will go toward the venue itself and how much you’re going to need for things such as catering, party rentals, etc. Tagvenue’s search bar enables you to set a comfortable price range and browse venues that fit your budget criteria.
• Capacity & layout - Estimate how many guests you’re expecting to show up for your event and consider seating arrangements, then look for venues that cater to your capacity and layout requirements.
• Location - Think about which NYC neighborhood would best suit your event. Would you prefer a busy area with thriving nightlife, such as The Meatpacking District, or are you going for a more bohemian vibe and would feel at home in an area like Chelsea? Or maybe you’re looking for a quiet place, such as one of the areas on Staten Island?
• Catering - What type of food and drinks are you going to serve during your event? Do you need in-house catering or are you looking for a venue that allows external catering? Make sure you ask your guests about any dietary restrictions and find an option that caters to all!
• Ambiance - The ambiance can make or break your event. Things such as lighting, music, decor and staff fall under this category. It’s best to schedule a viewing before finalizing your booking, so you can feel out the place’s overall atmosphere in person.

How can I save money on venue rental in New York City?

• Location - Get off the beaten path and consider hosting your event in a less popular location. In general, prices for venue rental tend to be lower outside of Manhattan. But even NYC’s most famous areas can hide some affordable options. Check out the affordable bars and restaurants listed on Tagvenue and see if anything catches your eye.
• Date - Try to choose an off-peak time for your event and be flexible on the date. New York’s off-season falls between January and March. Some venues may also offer lower rental fees on weekdays rather than weekends.
• External catering & BYOB - A great way to go easy on your budget is to bring your own food and drinks. However, always discuss this with your venue manager. Some venues may have different policies on external catering and BYOB and some additional fees may apply.
• Cash bar - You can also host a cash bar for your guests. This simply means that everyone will pay for the drinks they order from the bar themselves. Alternatively, you can host a cocktail hour, when all drinks will be on you for the first hour of your event.