New York City has many claims to fame – from international cuisine to stunning landmarks. But The Big Apple’s music scene has transformed the metropolis into a cultural trendsetter around the globe. You name the genre, and there’s a concert venue in NYC that will deliver.
From solo artists and bands to orchestras and touring groups, music enthusiasts have plenty of options. Read on to learn about four of the city’s most acclaimed music destinations:
Best New York Concert Venues
1. Radio City Music Hall
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Famously known as the largest indoor theatre on the planet, Radio City Music Hall has entertained more than 300 million guests. Movies, stage shows, concerts and special events – this New York City staple does it all.
What would the largest indoor theatre be without attracting the biggest and brightest stars in the entertainment business? Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles – the list of icons who have made their mark here goes on. If New York City’s other attractions haven’t already done so, then Radio City Music Hall will surely leave you speechless.
2. Madison Square Garden
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Home to the New York Knicks, Madison Square Garden is considered the most famous arena in the world – and for good reason. Located in the heart of Manhattan, this venue hosts just about any kind of event that you can think of, including the NFL and NBA drafts.
In addition, Madison Square Garden rocks as a New York concert venue – well, at least Billy Joel seems to think so. He’s performed at MSG a whopping 65 times, which is a record for most New York concerts by any artist at the arena.
3. Carnegie Hall
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Although Andrew Carnegie’s Music Hall opened to the public on May 5, 1891, pianist Franz Rummel played the first notes that graced this classical concert venue on April 1 of the same year. Since then, the three auditoriums located inside Carnegie Hall have hosted more than 46,000 New York events.
If you’re hoping to spend a night in The Big Apple listening to the enchanting sounds of the New York Philharmonic, then Carnegie Hall is where you’ll want to be. This orchestra has performed more than 5,000 New York concerts here.
4. Barclays Center
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Located in the heart of Brooklyn, Barclays Center is by far the newest concert venue on this list. In 2012, it opened with eight consecutive sold-out shows by rapper Jay-Z. Since then, Barclays Center has hosted an array of world-renowned artists including The Rolling Stones, Andrea Bocelli and Paul McCartney.
What makes this venue especially unique is its commitment to environmentally sustainable practices. In fact, it became the first professional sports and entertainment venue in the New York metro area to earn LEED Silver Certification for New Construction.
Whether you’re visiting New York City for the first time or you’re already familiar with all that this metropolis has to offer, there are few experiences that can match the exciting atmosphere of these four New York concert venues. No matter your taste in music or entertainment, these destinations are sure to satisfy.
