The 16 best escape rooms in Manhattan
From mysterious treasure hunts to futuristic missions, where to play the best escape rooms Manhattan has to offer.
Mission Escape Games
Very Positive
265 W 37th St #802a, New York, NY 10018, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“This room was excellent! Escaped with 2:55 left. It gave us that adrenaline rush at the end. We did it with two people. Could have used another one or two people just from the sheer number of puzzles, but it was honestly fabulous! Robin our game master was very nice. It could use a coat of paint, but that didn’t take away from the game play. Recommend! And we’ll be back for another room!”
M
Monkeypats
50 games played
Exit Escape Room NYC
Very Positive
247 W 36th St Suite 101, New York, NY 10018, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“A really fun room taking place in a very realistic subway train designed environment. My wife and I just needed one “facepalm” clue at the beginning of the game and otherwise were fine the rest of the way through for the most part. Not super difficult but the puzzles are still fun to solve and figure out. Mike our game master was awesome. Really recommend everyone to play this, a real NYC themed room.”
s2escape
84 games played
Exit Escape Room NYC
Very Positive
247 W 36th St Suite 101, New York, NY 10018, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“ALL I CAN SAY IS GO PLAY IT NOW. I was a lot younger when we played this room, we played 6 years ago, but I had such a blast. I remember so much about it even now. It was just so memorable in so many ways and the ending made me so happy. The gameplay and stuff you had to do was so fun and well themed. If I ever have kids and this room is still in somehow, trust and believe I am taking them. I 100% recommend this room and out of like a lot of escape rooms that I’ve played, it’s definitely in my top 10. So fun, go play it.”
marialovesmatcha
72 games played
The Escape Game
Very Positive
Lefcourt Colonial Building, New York, NY 10017, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“This room was totally amazing! I can see why we've been told it's a staple at many locations of this company!!! The theming was really well done, I appreciated the fact that it was a multi-level room where you go up and down. It really felt like we were moving from scenario to scenario as opposed to just going from one closet to another. I thought that there were a lot of really unique puzzles, some that require more interaction than you normally get in rooms corporate locations. This is a big plus for anybody who has played more than a couple of games anywhere and is looking for something slightly more challenging. I know that it's touted as a lower difficulty level, but I'd argue that it was more challenging than several of the other games we've played at The Escape Game. Or at least the puzzles were better, so it felt more difficult than games that reuse the same sort of puzzles over and over. 10/10 would recommend!!!”
B
Bubbas
39 games played
The Escape Game
Overwhelmingly Positive
Lefcourt Colonial Building, New York, NY 10017, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“8.2/10 Sometimes, an escape room doesn’t need to be intense or deeply mysterious to deliver a great time. It just needs to be fun, and that’s exactly what Playground accomplishes. What stood out the most was just how genuinely fun it was from start to finish. The puzzles were clever, varied, and encouraged both mental and physical engagement. From interactive challenges to tactile surprises, there was a childlike joy in progressing through each “subject,” and we couldn’t help but smile the whole time. Even though we were paired with two random teammates, the experience still flowed really well. The room is non-linear, so there’s plenty to work on at once, which helped keep everyone involved and active. The report-card-style progress tracker was a great touch, helping us stay organized while adding to the classroom immersion. Playground might not be the most complex or atmospheric room out there, but it delivers exactly what it promises, a good time!”
LockedandLoaded
107 games played
The Escape Game
Very Positive
Lefcourt Colonial Building, New York, NY 10017, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Great game. The Escape Game continues to show why they are the best *chain* escape room company there is. Game is an excellent mix of two themes, which you’d think is hard to do, but they did it. Pretty much all clues either high tech or use the environment around you which is a huge plus. Rooms were beautiful which was to be expected. I normally don’t recommend chain companies to enthusiasts but The Escape Game has consistently high quality rooms.”
t
travelingescapist69
49 games played
The Escape Game
Very Positive
Lefcourt Colonial Building, New York, NY 10017, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“This is the best implementation of a Prison Break style room I’ve seen. Like every The Escape Game room, the theming, narrative and puzzle design is absolutely top notch. It can reasonably be beaten by two people as long as you are comfortable yelling to communicate.”
d
drayner
71 games played
The Escape Game
Very Positive
Lefcourt Colonial Building, New York, NY 10017, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
The Escape Game
Very Positive
Lefcourt Colonial Building, New York, NY 10017, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Enjoyed the overall production quality of each room. Even if the puzzles weren’t too hard, I really enjoyed the look and feel of each room. Did feel technologically futuristic as it should be in a Time Machine!”
LexiconPenguino
102 games played
The Escape Game
Very Positive
Lefcourt Colonial Building, New York, NY 10017, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“We enjoy the show so this room had extra appeal for us. We played with 2 people who had no show familiarity and they still enjoyed the room a lot. Found it to be delightful theming and some fun puzzles.”
RamusEscape2023
79 games played
PanIQ Escape Room
Very Positive
39 W 32nd St 4th floor, New York, NY 10001, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“This was a fun room. Clue Chase has just rebranded the day before as Paniq, so we were a little confused by Google maps. The room itself follow a speakeasy/prohibition theme. We felt like all the puzzles were fare and logical. One of the props that is meant to light up seemed to fail us, so we got a bit stuck on the finale. The host was great at selling the story. Recommended!”
d
drayner
71 games played
PanIQ Escape Room
Very Positive
39 W 32nd St 4th floor, New York, NY 10001, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“This room was really cool where it actually incorporates magic into the room and puzzles! I also saw some puzzles that I have never seen before, which was really cool as well! If you get the chance to do a room, this one is worth it!”
twonders91
96 games played
PanIQ Escape Room
Very Positive
39 W 32nd St 4th floor, New York, NY 10001, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“A well-designed room. The puzzles were all fun and satisfying to solve - though most were on the easier side. The room wasn’t reset properly, but they were able to recognize and fix the issue within the first 5-10 minutes.”
g
gavinksong
62 games played
![Goblins Quest: The Uprising [VR]](https://res.cloudinary.com/mortyapp/image/upload/c_limit,w_654/f_auto/v1/store/s/e555bd66-4ea3-45a6-aaa2-9ebda17fe6cd.jpg)
Escape Virtuality
Very Positive
130 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
BrainXcape Escape Room NYC
Very Positive
160 Broadway, New York, NY 10038, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“possibly my favorite room ever. had great theming (which was really the standout of the room) and the puzzles were tricky and complicated without requiring too much of a leap in logic for three (fairly experienced) escape room players. i’d recommend elevator to hell over this one at this location for those who are less experienced with escape rooms but for those who are more experienced you won’t be disappointed”
c
calliefrmnt
59 games played
BrainXcape Escape Room NYC
Very Positive
160 Broadway, New York, NY 10038, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“I think you’ll see how cool this escape room is as soon as you get there! The sets were movie quality and just incredible all around. It's amazing we got out JUST in time! Staff was great and made us feel welcome! I look forward to seeing the other rooms here!”
EscapeRoomDocsMASAKO
156 games played
Carbon: 3708
Mission Escape Games
- Escape room
- IRL
“This room was excellent! Escaped with 2:55 left. It gave us that adrenaline rush at the end. We did it with two people. Could have used another one or two people just from the sheer number of puzzles, but it was honestly fabulous! Robin our game master was very nice. It could use a coat of paint, but that didn’t take away from the game play. Recommend! And we’ll be back for another room!”
M
Monkeypats
50 games played
High Speed NYC
Exit Escape Room NYC
- Escape room
- IRL
“A really fun room taking place in a very realistic subway train designed environment. My wife and I just needed one “facepalm” clue at the beginning of the game and otherwise were fine the rest of the way through for the most part. Not super difficult but the puzzles are still fun to solve and figure out. Mike our game master was awesome. Really recommend everyone to play this, a real NYC themed room.”
s2escape
84 games played
Sugar Rush
Exit Escape Room NYC
- Escape room
- IRL
“ALL I CAN SAY IS GO PLAY IT NOW. I was a lot younger when we played this room, we played 6 years ago, but I had such a blast. I remember so much about it even now. It was just so memorable in so many ways and the ending made me so happy. The gameplay and stuff you had to do was so fun and well themed. If I ever have kids and this room is still in somehow, trust and believe I am taking them. I 100% recommend this room and out of like a lot of escape rooms that I’ve played, it’s definitely in my top 10. So fun, go play it.”
marialovesmatcha
72 games played
Gold Rush
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
“This room was totally amazing! I can see why we've been told it's a staple at many locations of this company!!! The theming was really well done, I appreciated the fact that it was a multi-level room where you go up and down. It really felt like we were moving from scenario to scenario as opposed to just going from one closet to another. I thought that there were a lot of really unique puzzles, some that require more interaction than you normally get in rooms corporate locations. This is a big plus for anybody who has played more than a couple of games anywhere and is looking for something slightly more challenging. I know that it's touted as a lower difficulty level, but I'd argue that it was more challenging than several of the other games we've played at The Escape Game. Or at least the puzzles were better, so it felt more difficult than games that reuse the same sort of puzzles over and over. 10/10 would recommend!!!”
B
Bubbas
39 games played
Playground
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
“8.2/10 Sometimes, an escape room doesn’t need to be intense or deeply mysterious to deliver a great time. It just needs to be fun, and that’s exactly what Playground accomplishes. What stood out the most was just how genuinely fun it was from start to finish. The puzzles were clever, varied, and encouraged both mental and physical engagement. From interactive challenges to tactile surprises, there was a childlike joy in progressing through each “subject,” and we couldn’t help but smile the whole time. Even though we were paired with two random teammates, the experience still flowed really well. The room is non-linear, so there’s plenty to work on at once, which helped keep everyone involved and active. The report-card-style progress tracker was a great touch, helping us stay organized while adding to the classroom immersion. Playground might not be the most complex or atmospheric room out there, but it delivers exactly what it promises, a good time!”
LockedandLoaded
107 games played
Special Ops: Mysterious Market
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
“Great game. The Escape Game continues to show why they are the best *chain* escape room company there is. Game is an excellent mix of two themes, which you’d think is hard to do, but they did it. Pretty much all clues either high tech or use the environment around you which is a huge plus. Rooms were beautiful which was to be expected. I normally don’t recommend chain companies to enthusiasts but The Escape Game has consistently high quality rooms.”
t
travelingescapist69
49 games played
Prison Break
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
“This is the best implementation of a Prison Break style room I’ve seen. Like every The Escape Game room, the theming, narrative and puzzle design is absolutely top notch. It can reasonably be beaten by two people as long as you are comfortable yelling to communicate.”
d
drayner
71 games played
The Depths
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
Timeliner: Train Through Time
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
“Enjoyed the overall production quality of each room. Even if the puzzles weren’t too hard, I really enjoyed the look and feel of each room. Did feel technologically futuristic as it should be in a Time Machine!”
LexiconPenguino
102 games played
Only Murders in the Building
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
“We enjoy the show so this room had extra appeal for us. We played with 2 people who had no show familiarity and they still enjoyed the room a lot. Found it to be delightful theming and some fun puzzles.”
RamusEscape2023
79 games played
Moonshine Madness
PanIQ Escape Room
- Escape room
- IRL
“This was a fun room. Clue Chase has just rebranded the day before as Paniq, so we were a little confused by Google maps. The room itself follow a speakeasy/prohibition theme. We felt like all the puzzles were fare and logical. One of the props that is meant to light up seemed to fail us, so we got a bit stuck on the finale. The host was great at selling the story. Recommended!”
d
drayner
71 games played
Houdini's Workshop
PanIQ Escape Room
- Escape room
- IRL
“This room was really cool where it actually incorporates magic into the room and puzzles! I also saw some puzzles that I have never seen before, which was really cool as well! If you get the chance to do a room, this one is worth it!”
twonders91
96 games played
Pirates Of The Bermuda Triangle
PanIQ Escape Room
- Escape room
- IRL
“A well-designed room. The puzzles were all fun and satisfying to solve - though most were on the easier side. The room wasn’t reset properly, but they were able to recognize and fix the issue within the first 5-10 minutes.”
g
gavinksong
62 games played
Goblins Quest: The Uprising [VR]
Escape Virtuality
- Escape room
- IRL
The Haunted Hotel
BrainXcape Escape Room NYC
- Escape room
- IRL
“possibly my favorite room ever. had great theming (which was really the standout of the room) and the puzzles were tricky and complicated without requiring too much of a leap in logic for three (fairly experienced) escape room players. i’d recommend elevator to hell over this one at this location for those who are less experienced with escape rooms but for those who are more experienced you won’t be disappointed”
c
calliefrmnt
59 games played
Rikers, 1932
BrainXcape Escape Room NYC
- Escape room
- IRL
“I think you’ll see how cool this escape room is as soon as you get there! The sets were movie quality and just incredible all around. It's amazing we got out JUST in time! Staff was great and made us feel welcome! I look forward to seeing the other rooms here!”
EscapeRoomDocsMASAKO
156 games played
More Escape Rooms
About Manhattan
This is it, Manhattan, the center of the universe as far as some people are concerned. A new experience to discover around every corner, and it just keeps getting bigger and better. Manhattan is as complex as the people who call it home, and it certainly offers something for every taste. If classic tourist spots get you going, then look no further than The Empire State Building or The Statue of Liberty. Or if less traveled roads are more your style, then perhaps a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram is for you. Oh and in case you haven’t heard, the food here is phenomenal. From Michelin-starred renowned restaurants like Eleven Madison Park to one of the best slices of pizza anywhere at John’s of Bleecker Street, it would take 10 lifetimes to experience everything Manhattan has to offer. Oh and by the way, Manhattan also happens to have some of the very best escape rooms in the world.
Learn More About Manhattan Escape Rooms
Since the first escape rooms arrived in New York City in 2016, the culture capital of the World hasn’t stopped crafting these immersive puzzle experiences. In fact, New York City is home to nearly 50 different escape room venues and Manhattan offers a particularly exciting array of escape room experiences that are suitable for all tastes. 60 Out’s Gold Rush has been a fan favorite for years, and was voted the 4th best escape room in Manhattan. Clue Chases’s Houdini’s Workshop is another hit that is known for its beautiful set and immersive story. With over 100 escape games in the entire area, the possibilities are nearly endless — you’ll find games with themes of horror, adventure, crime, espionage, and plenty you may not expect.
How Do Escape Rooms Work?
Remember those point-and-click adventure games where you’re locked in a room and have to solve puzzles to find the key and escape? Those online games were the original inspiration for the live escape rooms you’ll find all across the world today. An escape room is an immersive experience where you (and your team of 2 or more people) are locked in a room with a series of puzzles for 60 minutes. To escape and win the game, you have to look for clues, solve the puzzles, and find the key. While most escape rooms only give you 60 minutes to complete the challenge, others may have shorter or longer time limits. Many venues are private rooms where you and your team are the only players. However, some places may pair you with other groups who booked a slot at the same time. And don’t worry about getting stuck, asking for hints on a difficult puzzle is totally normal. While the original escape room (created by SCRAP in 2007) had a fairly simple aesthetic, today’s escape games often take you into a different world. Artistic set designs, secret doors, and unique interactive elements are all part of the fun. It’s like an adventure game that you can interact with in real life. But if you’re hoping to preview any rooms before you book a game somewhere, detailed images and videos can be hard to find. To keep the puzzles a secret and preserve the experience of seeing the room for the first time, most venues only offer a few photos or a short trailer about the room’s theme or narrative. The only way to know what it’s like is to go and try it for yourself!
Find the Best Manhattan Escape Rooms with Morty
There are plenty of awesome escape rooms to choose from in Manhattan. The goal of Morty is to make escape rooms more accessible for everyone to find and play. With Morty, you can: - Browse escape rooms anywhere in the country - Read reviews and ratings from other community members - Book a room together with your friends Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned escape room enthusiast, our aim is to help you play more escape rooms and visit more immersive attractions.
Frequently asked questions
How Do I Book an Escape Room in Manhattan?
Most escape room venues don’t accept walk-ins, and time slots for popular games may fill up fast. Besides that, not every escape room is the same — some have varying difficulties, and you don’t want to get stuck playing a room that’s beyond your experience level. That’s why the best way to book an escape room in Manhattan is through the Morty app. You can get updates on new games, read reviews, compare details (including difficulty, theme, runtime) and plan an outing with friends, all on the same platform. You can even coordinate games with your friends collaboratively. Download the Morty app and book your adventure today!