The last time I was in NYC I was 23 years old.  I was young and inexhaustable.  My friends and I used to stay out all night long enjoying the vibrant night-life and watching the sunrise over Central Park.  I adored it.

I am now 31 and about to return with my husband.  I'm wondering if I can pull off another New York all-nighter, in the spirit of truly experiencing the city that never sleeps! We will save money on staying in a NYC hotel.  I'll keep you posted.  In the meantime, should you find yourself caught between the moon and New York City, check out my three favorite things to do in Manhattan after hours...

1 - See NYC icons in the moonlight.  The Staten Island Ferry runs at least once an hour all night long, taking you past a beautifully lit-up Statue of Liberty for free!  Do a little late-night people watching at Grand Central Station for some excellent entertainment (open until 2 am).  Or you can grab a bite at these famous all-night eateries in Times Square: Maison, Big Nick's, and Cosmic Diner.
2 - Laugh, cry and meet extremely unique people.  In other words, bar/club hop.  And I'm not just talking raves and dives - comedy, jazz, performance art, country line-dancing and almost any other form of entertainment can be found in the City well into the wee hours of the morning. Most lounges don't even think of closing up before 4 am.  
3 - Movies and Munchies.  Midnight showings of cult classic films are a fun way to enjoy an after-hours slice of the Big Apple - you'll never find a wilder crowd for the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" than night-owl New Yorkers!  After the movie, grab a snack, drink or doughnut at one of the City's chill 24/7 coffee houses - The Flame, AlphaBet, The Donut Pub, French Roast are all great late-night haunts.

I know it may sound crazy, but we can sleep when we're dead, right?

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