Fun Things To Do On Your Birthday In NYC

• Locations: Bar Blondeau, 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, Overstory, and more
• Price: $$ - $$$
• Best for: adults, groups, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th
• Why we recommend: from intimate date-night spots to sprawling terraces buzzing with DJ sets, each venue pairs world-class cocktails with cityscapes you'll want to toast to all night long - making them perfect for birthdays that are equal parts scenic and sensational

When it comes to NYC birthday ideas, you can't go wrong with suggesting drinks at one of the city's coolest rooftop bars - after all, there's plenty to choose from. From the 50th-floor glamour of Nubeluz at The Ritz-Carlton, where panoramic views and Chef José Andrés' refined small plates take centre stage, to the playful magic of Moxy Times Square's Magic Hour Rooftop Bar and Lounge, complete with carousel seating and ever-changing décor, there's a rooftop for every style of celebration.

Seek out the Brooklyn charm of Bar Blondeau for leafy terraces and seafood spreads, go all-weather at Refinery Rooftop with its retractable roof and Empire State Building vistas, or sip martinis with Midtown views at Monarch Rooftop. There's so much to discover for your brithday with New York City as your backdrop. 

• Locations: Blue Note Jazz Club NYC, Somewhere Nowhere NYC, Outer Heaven and more
• Price: $$ - $$$
• Best for: adults, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th 
• Why we recommend: we love a good night out, and New York City can certainly provide one, and what better time to hit the town than on your birthday? You'll find an amazing mix of music to suit all tastes, plus a range of live performances and so much more 

New York City is the ultimate playground for birthday celebrations, with nightlife that can turn any milestone into an unforgettable evening. Whether you're after sultry live jazz at Blue Note or Birdland, dancing the night away to house, techno, and disco at Good Room or Outer Heaven, or sipping cocktails while taking in skyline views at The Delancey Rooftop, the city offers something for every kind of party vibe. From rooftop terraces to intimate cabaret nights, you can toast to your special day surrounded by incredible music, dazzling interiors, and that unmistakable NYC energy.

For a birthday with a twist, try something unexpected: channel your inner Broadway star at Club Cumming, co-owned by Alan Cumming, where drag shows, pop hits, and cabaret performances mix with red velvet glamour. Or embrace old-school sophistication at The Carnegie Club, where live jazz, single malts, and indoor cigars make for a truly classy celebration.

• Location: 35 W 29th Street, NoMad, NY 10001
• Price: from $24.79 per person
• Best for: teenagers, adults, 16th, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th
• Why we recommend: the crazy mini golf courses are equal parts challenging and hilarious, making them perfect for groups who want a mix of friendly competition and fun photo moments. With caddies on hand to offer tips (or top up your cocktail), you can focus on enjoying the night without worrying about a thing

For a birthday that's full of laughs, friendly competition, and a little bit of chaos, Swingers NYC is the ultimate spot to celebrate. Tucked beneath the streets of NoMad, this indoor mini golf wonderland combines quirky nine-hole courses with 1920s English golf clubhouse vibes, cocktail bars, and gourmet street food stalls. Tackle the twisty Waterwheel Course or race against time on the Clocktower Course, then hit the bar for a well-timed drink. It's perfect for groups of all sizes, from intimate gatherings of 12 to full-on birthday blowouts for 525 partygoers.

When you need a break from putting, indulge in some seriously delicious street food. Grab a slice of Detroit-style pizza or a double-stack burger from Emmy Squared, or explore modern tacos from Tacos Fonda, all washed down with speciality cocktails like the US Open-inspired In the Swing of Things. 

• Location: 277 Canal Street, Lower Manhattan, NY 10013
• Price: $30 per adult, $21 per child
• Best for: teenagers, adults, 16th, 21st, 30th, 40th 
• Why we recommend: this museum turns a birthday outing into a walk through an urban wonderland. With its mix of cultural intrigue, Instagram-worthy moments, and an atmosphere buzzing with creativity, it's an ideal spot to celebrate while getting inspired

For a cultured birthday, book a visit to The Banksy Museum in New York City, an immersive celebration of the world's most mysterious and provocative street artist. Housed on two upper floors of the historic Oltarsh Building - a former theatre from 1927 spanning over 15,000 square feet - the exhibition showcases more than 160 pieces that trace Banksy's creative journey.

From iconic works like Rage, the Flower Thrower, to reimagined street installations, the museum refuses to simply 'frame' his art, instead recreating the urban backdrops where these pieces first made their mark. With contributions from international street artists (just as anonymous as Banksy himself), plus videos, animated elements, and educational activities for all ages, this is a cultural deep dive into the impact and evolution of modern street art.

• Location: 1 Fulton Street, Seaport, NY 10038
• Price: from $100 per hour for up to 11 people 
• Best for: adults, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th 
• Why we recommend: toast your friends one minute and crush them at Kan Jam the next; with its mix of giant games, creative cocktails, and a lively social atmosphere, Lawn Club is a cool birthday venue that was made for large groups 

Lawn Club NYC is 30,000 square feet of pure, play-filled escapism, where classic lawn games get a larger-than-life makeover. Here, you can challenge friends to supersized Lawn Pong, channel your inner aristocrat at Croquet, or master the underhand toss with Cornhole. The lineup spans Bocce, Kan Jam, Frisbeer, Putting Pool, and more - each one designed for friendly competition (and maybe a little bragging rights).

Between matches, you can kick back on the porches or refuel at the bar with playful cocktails like the Pallino Paloma, the spicy-sweet Game Changer, or the kiwi-mint Mowjito. Whether you're in it for the games, the drinks, or the sunshine-soaked vibes, Lawn Club makes birthdays feel like summer camp for grown-ups.

• Location: 148 W 24 Street, Chelsea, NY 10011
• Price: tokens from 25¢ (each game costs around one or two tokens to play) 
• Best for: adults, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th
• Why we recommend: head here for an unbeatable mix of pints, pixels, and pure fun, ideal for both small groups and big birthday bashes. Chase your childhood arcade glory or have a few laid-back rounds of games while drinking some beer with your friends - either one sounds like a pretty good time to us 

Running out of birthday celebration ideas in NYC? How about keeping it low-key, but still fun (of course), by rounding up your friends and booking a spot at Barcade? This cool spot blends the nostalgia of a classic arcade with the buzz of a craft beer bar, making it a perfect birthday pick for gamers and hop-heads alike.

With a tap list that's constantly rotating, you might find yourself sipping on an Allagash Surf House, a Left Hand Nitro Milk Stout, or a Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale while battling it out on Pac-Man Battle Royale or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Their cocktail game is just as strong, with playful pours like the sake-and-Aperol Goro Sour or the rum-and-Campari Jungle Bird. The venue's sprawling lineup of retro cabinets and pinball machines spans decades of gaming history, meaning there's something for button-mashers, high-score chasers, and casual players alike.

• Location: Floor 8, 24 W 25th Street, Midtown Manhattan, NY 10010
• Price: from $44 per person
• Best for: teenagers, adults, 16th, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th
• Why we recommend: this is an unforgettable group activity that guarantees laughs and gasps. Whether you succeed in your escape or not, the thrill of racing the clock with friends makes for a brilliant birthday experience 

One of the top things to do in New York City for your birthday is Escape The Room NYC, where you'll be able to swap the city streets for a fully immersive world of puzzles, codes, and adrenaline-fuelled challenges. Each of its expertly crafted rooms drops you into a different storyline, from stopping a corporate plot to weaponize dinosaurs in Jurassic Escape, to disarming traps before your cover's blown in The Agency.

You and your team will have just 60 minutes to hunt for clues, solve riddles, and piece together the mystery before time runs out. With a range of adventures like The Submarine, The Dig, The Home, The Office, and Outbreak, plus even a competitive Quiz Boxing game show experience, it's the ultimate mix of brainpower, teamwork, and fun. Private bookings are also available, making it easy to turn your mission into an exclusive celebration.

• Location: 1462 1st Avenue, Upper East Side, NY 10075
• Price: drinks from $6, group parties from $17 per person
• Best for: kids, teenagers, 16th, 21st, 30th
• Why we recommend: this is a great pick if you're looking to spend your birthday at a laid-back venue where laughs, snacks, and friendly rivalries come guaranteed. From clinking glasses over a victory to discovering your new favourite game, it even offers the chance to book a D&D party

If you're into your board games and can't think of a better way to spend your birthday than playing some classics with your friends, then you'll love Hex & Co. Upper East Side. Home to a massive library of over 1,000 board and card games, you'll lose track of time, hopping from classics like Monopoly to niche strategy titles.

Alongside the games, you'll find a menu of café staples, bar-style eats, and craft cocktails, making it just as much about the food and drink as the fun. The laid-back, social atmosphere makes it perfect for group parties, and you can book starting from $17 per person, or even go that one step further by securing the entire venue. 

• Location: 146 Essex Street, Nolita, NY 10002
• Price: cocktails from $18
• Best for: adults, groups, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th 
• Why we recommend: you'll feel like a VIP from the pawn shop entrance to the final toast, as this quirky venue is the ultimate blend of style, substance, and surprise, perfect for a birthday that's more than just dinner with your friends

Beauty & Essex begins with an unforgettable entrance: a modern-day pawn shop stocked with vintage treasures, quirky artifacts, and one-of-a-kind jewelry. Step through and you're met with a grand, circular staircase swirling around a two-story chandelier, leading to a glamorous space of four distinct dining rooms (including a private one), two bars, and a plush lounge. Even the women's bathroom is a talking point, boasting a salon-style setup with antique perfume bottles and a luxurious sofa.

On the menu, chef Chris Santos serves up inventive share dishes alongside a standout cocktail list, ranging from playful signatures like the Pawn Shop Special, featuring Dos Hombres mezcal, 1800 Blanco passionfruit, pink peppercorn, and lime, to indulgent luxury pours such as the Millionaire Margarita and Smoke 'em If You Got 'em, made with orange essence and tobacco bitters.

• Location: 208 W 23 Street, Chelsea, NY 10011
• Price: from $24.50 per person
• Best for: adults, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th
• Why we recommend: you'll be treated to some fine comedy for your birthday here, whether you're seated close to the stage or enjoying laughs in the cozy vintage lounge. The venue has a timeless feel that makes the evening feel classic, and there's a very well-stocked bar too, so you can linger for drink or two too

If you're like us and love to have a giggle, then visit Gotham Comedy Club in Chelsea on your birthday. Since opening in 1996, the venue has fostered the careers of comedy legends like Jim Gaffigan and Amy Schumer, while regularly hosting titans such as Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, Lewis Black, Trevor Noah, and many more. Inside, you'll find a gorgeous, polished Art Deco aesthetic, with bold red walls and bright 'Gotham Yellow' hallways, setting a tone of theatrical sophistication.

You can expect pro-level stand-up paired with pub-style menu items, a full bar stocked with nearly 30 vodkas, and a thoughtful wine list. What's more, Gotham Comedy Club's legacy extends beyond live shows, as it's been featured in TV and film, including Jerry Seinfeld's Comedian, the pilot of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Live at Gotham on Comedy Central, and Last Comic Standing auditions.

• Location: 622 Degraw Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217
• Price: 35 minutes from $20 per person
• Best for: adults, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th
• Why we recommend: it delivers that perfect mix of competitive energy, laughter, and novelty that's perfect for light-hearted birthday celebrations. Plus, how often do you get to have a go at axe-throwing and playing with NERF blasters? 

When it comes to unique birthday places in NYC for adults, Kick Axe Throwing in Brooklyn takes the thrill of axe throwing and adds a high-tech, interactive twist. Located in a rustic-chic space, this hotspot lets you hurl real axes at real wooden boards while enjoying a cutting-edge system that offers custom targets and fun game modes.

Whether you're smashing bullseyes or playing themed challenges, it's an adrenaline-pumping way to celebrate. Sessions range from the 35-minute 'shortie' ($20 per person) to a 75-minute full experience ($29 per person), and private lanes are available for larger groups. If sharp objects aren't your thing, you can still get in on the action with their NERF battles, armed with nostalgic and trendy blasters for fast-paced, foam-dart fun.