Part of what makes New York magical is that you can find just about anything here. A true world city in every sense of the word, New York is a place where you can eat at the best dining spot and the most authentic hole-in-the-wall restaurants, experience cultures from every corner of the globe, and even live like a billionaire. If you're after an immersive gaming experience, you can easily find a game room or entire arcade featuring everything from retro classics to the latest and greatest in the world of video games.
NYC arcades make fantastic places to film a movie, music video, commercial, etc. The lively atmosphere, bright lights, and loud noises of the best arcades in New York can bring a unique energy to your film project. Many also feature lounge seating and analog entertainment like pinball machines, air hockey, and even laser tag, while others use cutting-edge technology like virtual reality to provide an unforgettable experience. Arcades can also make great places for birthday parties to unleash your inner child and play classic favorites like Pac-Man, Mario Kart, and the Jurassic Park arcade game, or explore the latest games.
Giggster can help you find the best arcades in NYC for your film project or other event. Use the Giggster app to browse the best arcade options in the city and find the perfect spot for your project.
Giggster curates the very best properties in New York City so you can secure the perfect place for whatever you have in mind. Our impressive selection of short-term rentals includes the best arcades and exciting venues in NYC, like Escape Virtuality.
Choose an old-school pinball room to tap into nostalgia. Between the walls of this unique venue, it could be 1983 all over again, so if you're shooting a period piece, this can be a great option.
For an exciting twist, you could rent an electric go-kart track that also includes a good selection of arcade games. Challenge friends and family to a spin around the track or harness the built-in excitement of a race for your film project.
You can choose a glamorous speakeasy with a full bar and a fun selection of arcade games to create a different atmosphere for your project. Grab a drink at the bar and entertain yourself with the video games, or use it as the setting for a pivotal scene in your film project.
Rent a unique virtual reality escape room for an adventure you won't forget. Bring friends and family to enjoy the facilities or a film crew to capture amazing scenes at this unique place.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Giggster's 26 arcade venues cover the full range from classic city arcades to cabins in the Catskills, so whatever kind of project you have in mind, we'll help bring your creative ideas to life.
Hassle-Free Booking: Whether you need a new, one-of-a-kind place for a party with the kids or a great atmosphere for a film shoot, it's easy to find and book on Giggster. Our app lets you search by price, location, or keywords, and you can communicate directly with the hosts to iron out any of the details. With prices starting at just $30/hour, you can bring your project in under budget and enjoy some of the best arcades in NYC.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: It's easy to stay flexible with Giggster. You can cancel your booking for free within 24 hours of confirmation without any hidden fees, as long as you made your booking at least 48 hours before the event.
Platform Protections: Rent an amazing venue without worrying about what might happen. You can buy additional protections against cancellation and accidental damage on the Giggster app, so you can enjoy the best arcades in NYC without worrying about food spills or other accidents.
The best NYC arcades are perfect for fans of video games, but these fun places also make a great setting for a variety of different events. Here are just some of the ways you can use these incredible spaces.
Film Shoots – Excitement and Creativity. The bright lights and loud noises of videogame arcade work well for a dramatic scene. Whether you plan to have a shootout, a chase, or a competition scene, or you want an eye-catching setting for music video, arcades in NYC don't disappoint.
Family Parties – Ideal For All Ages. These days, there's a video game for everyone. Whether you want to keep it classic with Pac-Man and Mario Kart or try out the latest and greatest from major game studios, it's hard to miss when you throw a family event at an arcade.
Corporate Events and Team Building Exercises – Get Out of the Office. Energize your team and boost morale by holding an event in an arcade. You can hold team competitions and let yourself unwind after a big conference or major sales event.
Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties – Guaranteed Fun. For an alternative to the usual bar crawl, consider choosing an arcade with friendly staff where you can enjoy food and drink and play great games. It's guaranteed fun for your big night out, no matter your budget.
Fundraisers and Charity Events – Attract Attention to Your Cause. Arcade can make a creative venue for your fundraiser or charity event. Competitions bring a sense of fun and adventure to your event, so you can do good and have a good time on the same night.
The Giggster app provides a range of NYC arcade experiences, so browse through the listings and think about what best suits the event you intend to have. Different arcades are ideal for different purposes, but the following features can help make your event everything it should be.
Does the arcade allow private events? Having the place to yourself can really elevate your event. Make sure you are clear on whether you will have a private room or a separate area away from outside noise and distractions.
Does the arcade provide a range of games? You don't have to be a video game expert, but it is good to know if the arcade has games for a round of entertainment that suits everyone. Games for kids may not be the same as those enjoyed by adults, but there are classic favorites like analog games, which include pinball machines and air hockey, that capture that nostalgia vibe.
Are there food and drink facilities? For many events, food and drink are essential. See if the arcade can provide facilities for this, or whether they allow you to bring food from around the neighborhood into the arcade itself.
The best arcades in NYC make great venues for a variety of events, but they aren't perfect for everything. Consider these pros and cons before you make your booking.
Advantages
Arcades provide built-in fun. You can harness the excitement these games generate for your film shoot or other event easily.
Arcades are often located in many areas of the city. You'll find arcades in midtown Manhattan, Chelsea Piers, and locations like Laser Bounce in Queens, so explore your options until you find the venue that works best for you.
Arcades are suitable for social events. Games encourage friendly competition and collaboration and lend themselves well to team and family events.
Disadvantages
An arcade can be a bright and noisy environment, which can be overwhelming for some people, especially those with sensory issues.
Arcades in NYC are often on the smaller side due to high rent, so they aren't always best for larger events.
Some arcades have age restrictions. Those that serve alcohol are strictly 21+, so they won't work for gatherings with kids.
A lot of planning goes into an amazing event. Don't overlook these important aspects that can define how your arcade night goes.
Think About Logistics – Getting around New York can be an adventure all by itself. Look for arcades that are close to public transit so that people don't need to park a car.
Will You Provide Food? Food can be a big part of any event, but not all arcades are equipped to provide it. Make sure you can get outside catering if your chosen arcade can't feed you.
Think Beyond Video Games – Not everyone is into video games, but other fun events like laser tag or bowling can help everyone have a good time.
Customize the Space – Arcades already have their own vibe, but adding a few of your own decorative touches goes a long way to customizing the space for your event.
New York isn't known for being a cheap place. With rentals starting at just $30/hour, Giggster can help you find an affordable venue, and these other tips can help you save money too.
Book off-peak.
Rates are often lower when arcades aren't busy. Consider renting during the day or in the winter to keep costs down.
Look into bundles.
You can often save money by booking a party package that will include food, drinks, and the games themselves. Talk to the owners through the Giggster app to see what they offer.
Keep food costs down.
Something simple like pizza goes well with an arcade, and in New York, it can be extremely affordable.
The Giggster app is the first place you should go to find an arcade venue in New York. Browse our bookings and find an exciting arcade that can elevate any event.
