New York City: Nightclubs

New York's - especially Manhattan's - club life is a rapidly evolving creature. While many of the name DJs remain the same, venues shift around, opening and closing according to finances and fashion. Musically, techno, electronica and house hold sway at the moment, with the emphasis on the deep, vocal style that's always been popular in the city; but reggae, hip-hop, funk, ambient and drum'n'bass all retain interest.

The scene constantly changes, so to ensure that the party is still there, check such listings mags as Time Out New York, Paper Magazine or Homo Xtra - or freebies the Village Voice and the New York Press . Fliers placed in record and clothing stores in the East Village and SoHo are the best way to find out about the latest clubs and one-off nights. Many fliers also offer substantial discounts.

The best time to go is during the week when crowds are smaller, prices are cheaper, service is better, and clubbers are more savvy. Style can be important, so make an effort and you'll probably get beyond the velvet rope (if there even is one).

13 35 E 13th St, Second Floor tel 212/979-6677.
Cute and cozy dance club with an outdoor roof deck and a laid-back, unpretentious clientele. The free Thurs night Eighties night is infinitely more fun than the mediocre $5 weekends.

Centro-Fly 45 W 21st St tel 212/627-7770.
If you can stand the attitude, the wait, the rough bouncers and the rope, Centro-Fly hosts some of the biggest names in commercial house at the weekends, especially at their Friday night GBH (Great British House) parties ($20, $10 on guestlist fax 212/539-3916). Downstairs in the Pinky things are a little more low-key and sedate. Open till 6am.

Cheetah 12 W 21st St (between 5th and 6th aves) tel 212/206-7770.
A club for lounging around on faux leopard skin in between the occasional dance… much less effort than the sanctimonious Centro-Fly down the road.

Frying Pan Pier 63, Chelsea Piers at 23rd St tel 212/439-1147.
This old lightship is one of the coolest club venues in the city - great views, consistently good parties and a relaxed door policy all lend themselves to a damn fine time. $5-15.

Limelight 37 W 20th St (at 6th Ave) tel 212/807-7059.
This is one of the most splendid party spaces in New York: a church designed by Trinity Church-builder Richard Upjohn. A scandalous past has led the club to clean up its ways and it now plays host to more measured monthly events such as Gatecrasher. $30.

Sapphire Lounge 249 Eldridge St (at Houston St) tel 212/777-5153.
Pleasantly sleazy lounge, with a black-lit interior and "arty" films in the back room. Frequented by Lower East Siders. Music of all kinds, from soulful Social Sundays to hip-hop Touch Tuesdays (with half-price drinks till 10pm) and latin and reggae-tinged Infinity on Sat. Open every night, free-$5.

Shine 285 W Broadway (at Canal St) tel 212/941-0900.
Looking every bit what a nightclub should: velvet ropes and angry bouncers outside, high ceilings, plush red curtains and dim lights inside. The place for music industry parties; Thurs nights host Giant Step ($10) while Fri are slamming with the popular Touch parties (guest list tel 212/502-3532). $10-20.

Spa 76 E 13th St tel 212/388-1062.
This funky new space, complete with stage, chill-out room and loads of pretty boys and girls, plays host to hip DJs like Paul Sevigny (brother of Chloe) at their popular Wed night party ($20, free on guest list tel 212/714-5075) and the talented Jackie Christie and Lady Bunny on Thurs nights ($20).

Tunnel 220 12th Ave (at W 27th St) tel 212/695-4682.
A superclub-style techno and house hall occupying a never-completed subway station, a tad the worse for wear. Check out the Kenny Scharf room with cartoonish decor by the artist and the unisex bathroom with full bar and lounge. The lounge downstairs offers a little sanctuary but watch out for giant crowds of out-of-towners - and the gay college crowd - on the weekends. Open Fri-Sun; $15-30.

New York City: Nightclubs

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