New York Business Hours Guide
Banks, offices, stores, and government hours in NYC — updated for 2025
⚡ Quick Answer
Most businesses in New York operate Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM (Eastern Time). Banks typically close at 4-5 PM, retail stores stay open later (often until 9-10 PM), and many services are available on Saturdays with reduced hours. Sunday hours vary significantly.
New York likes to call itself "the city that never sleeps," but let's be honest — banks definitely sleep. And close early on Fridays. And don't work weekends (mostly).
Whether you're planning a trip, trying to wire money internationally, or just need to know if the DMV will be open when you arrive, this guide breaks down the actual operating hours for different types of businesses in NYC.
One important note: hours can vary between Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the outer boroughs. Tourist areas like Times Square and the Financial District often have extended hours, while neighborhood shops might keep more traditional schedules.
🏦 Bank Hours in New York
Most major banks in NYC follow similar schedules, though some branches (especially in busy areas) offer extended hours. Here's what to expect:
| Bank | Mon-Fri | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase | 9 AM - 5 PM | 9 AM - 2 PM | Closed |
| Bank of America | 9 AM - 4 PM | 9 AM - 1 PM | Closed |
| Citi | 9 AM - 4 PM | 10 AM - 2 PM | Closed |
| TD Bank | 8:30 AM - 6 PM | 9 AM - 4 PM | 11 AM - 3 PM* |
| Wells Fargo | 9 AM - 5 PM | 9 AM - 12 PM | Closed |
*TD Bank is one of the few major banks open on Sundays at select locations. ATMs are available 24/7 at most branches.
💡 Pro Tips for Banking in NYC
- • Avoid lunch hour: Banks get crowded between 12-2 PM
- • Friday afternoons are the worst time — long lines before the weekend
- • First/last of the month tends to be busier
- • Many banks close early (1-2 PM) the day before major holidays
🛍️ Retail Store Hours
New York retail hours vary wildly depending on the neighborhood and type of store. Here's a general guide:
Department Stores
(Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom)
- Mon-Sat: 10 AM - 9 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM - 7 PM
Times Square Stores
(Tourist area, extended hours)
- Mon-Sat: 9 AM - 11 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM - 10 PM
Neighborhood Boutiques
(SoHo, Williamsburg, etc.)
- Mon-Sat: 11 AM - 7 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM - 6 PM
Grocery Stores
(Whole Foods, Trader Joe's)
- Daily: 7 AM - 10 PM
- Some 24-hour options available
Note: Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens often have 24-hour locations in Manhattan. There's almost always one open nearby if you need something late at night.
🏛️ Government Offices & Services
Government offices in NYC generally keep traditional hours. Here's what to expect:
| Service | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DMV | 8:30 AM - 4 PM (Mon-Fri) | Some locations open Sat 8:30 AM - 1 PM |
| Post Office | 9 AM - 5 PM (Mon-Fri) | Main branches Sat 9 AM - 4 PM |
| City Hall | 9 AM - 5 PM (Mon-Fri) | Closed weekends & holidays |
| Social Security Office | 9 AM - 4 PM (Mon-Fri) | Appointment recommended |
| Courts | 9 AM - 5 PM (Mon-Fri) | Closed weekends & holidays |
📋 Tip: The NYC DMV strongly recommends making an appointment online at dmv.ny.gov before visiting. Walk-ins often face 2+ hour waits, especially at Manhattan locations.
🍽️ Restaurant Hours
New York's dining scene operates on its own schedule. Here's the general pattern:
☕ Breakfast/Brunch
Most cafes open between 6-8 AM. Weekend brunch typically runs 10 AM - 3 PM, and popular spots fill up by 11 AM. Pro tip: make reservations or go before 10:30 AM.
🥗 Lunch
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM is the standard lunch window. Fast-casual spots stay open all afternoon, but sit-down restaurants often close between lunch and dinner.
🍝 Dinner
Dinner service usually starts at 5-6 PM. Kitchens in Manhattan often stay open until 10-11 PM, while trendy Brooklyn spots might go until midnight on weekends.
🌙 Late Night
Diners, pizza shops, and select restaurants serve until 2-4 AM. There's always somewhere to eat, even at 3 AM — just maybe not fine dining.
📅 Holiday Hours & Closures
Major holidays significantly affect business hours in NYC. Here's what to expect:
Most Closures
- • Thanksgiving Day
- • Christmas Day
- • New Year's Day
Reduced Hours
- • Christmas Eve & NYE
- • Independence Day
- • Memorial/Labor Day
For a complete list of NYC public holidays and closures →
🌍 For International Visitors
If you're coordinating with NYC from overseas, keep these time zone overlaps in mind:
| Your Location | NYC 9 AM - 5 PM is your... | Best overlap |
|---|---|---|
| London (UK) | 2 PM - 10 PM | 2 PM - 5 PM your time |
| Berlin (Germany) | 3 PM - 11 PM | 3 PM - 6 PM your time |
| Dubai (UAE) | 6 PM - 2 AM | 6 PM - 9 PM your time |
| Tokyo (Japan) | 11 PM - 7 AM* | Early morning (7-9 AM) |
| Sydney (Australia) | 1 AM - 9 AM* | 8-9 AM your time |
*Next day. For precise calculations, use our Time Converter.
🎨 Museum Quiet Hours (Avoid the Crowds)
NYC museums can be overwhelming during peak times. Here's when locals go to avoid the crowds:
The Met
- 🟢 Best: Tuesday & Wednesday, 10-11 AM
- 🟢 Good: Friday evenings (open until 9 PM)
- 🔴 Avoid: Saturday 11 AM - 4 PM, Sunday afternoons
MoMA
- 🟢 Best: Weekday mornings (10:30-11:30 AM)
- 🟢 Good: Friday evenings (free after 5:30 PM — but busy)
- 🔴 Avoid: Weekends, school vacation weeks
Natural History Museum
- 🟢 Best: Weekday afternoons (2-4 PM)
- 🟡 Note: Morning school groups leave by 2 PM
- 🔴 Avoid: Weekend mornings, rainy days (everyone goes inside)
Guggenheim
- 🟢 Best: Weekday late afternoons (3-5 PM)
- 🟢 Good: Saturday "Pay What You Wish" 4-6 PM (crowded but free)
- 🔴 Avoid: Sunday afternoons
💡 Pro tip: Many museums have "late night" hours on Fridays or Saturdays. The last 2 hours before closing are often the quietest — most tourists have left for dinner.
🍷 Alcohol Sales Hours (Blue Laws)
New York has specific laws about when and where you can buy alcohol. Don't get caught off guard:
| Where | Beer/Wine | Liquor |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery/Bodega | Daily: 8 AM - 12 AM Sunday: 12 PM - 12 AM | ❌ Not sold |
| Liquor Store | ❌ Not sold | Mon-Sat: Store hours Sunday: 12 PM onwards |
| Bars/Restaurants | 8 AM - 4 AM daily (last call ~3:30 AM) | |
Key point: Liquor stores can't sell beer/wine, and grocery stores can't sell liquor. This is why you'll see separate "beer" and "liquor" stores next to each other. Sunday alcohol sales start at noon (not morning).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are banks open on Saturday in New York?
Yes, most major banks have Saturday hours, typically 9 AM to 1-2 PM. However, not all branches are open — check your specific location. TD Bank has the most extensive Saturday hours (until 4 PM at many locations).
What time do stores close in Times Square?
Times Square stores typically stay open until 10-11 PM, much later than other parts of the city. Some locations, like the Disney Store and certain drugstores, may stay open even later.
Is the post office open on weekends in NYC?
Most post offices are open Saturday mornings (9 AM - 1 PM or 4 PM depending on the branch). Sundays are generally closed, except for the main facility at 421 8th Avenue, which has limited weekend hours.
What businesses are open 24 hours in NYC?
Several businesses operate 24/7 in NYC: select CVS and Walgreens pharmacies, some Duane Reade locations, many diners and bodegas, gyms like Planet Fitness, and certain grocery stores. The subway also runs 24 hours.
Related Guides
Last updated: December 2025. Hours may vary by location and season. Always confirm with the specific business before visiting.