It is no surprise that the city that never sleeps offers a vibrant nightlife full of action-packed attractions and entertainment spots for those who like to walk on the wild side of life – adventure-wise, that is! To make things even more interesting, New York City has some of the world’s most well-known skyline.
You don’t have to be a New Yorker to enjoy elevated hours with some light bites and a side of cocktails at a rooftop bar. Whether you are planning to visit New York or you’re new in town, here are some of the best rooftop bars in New York City.
Somewhere Nowhere NYC
Manhattan might be one of the world’s foremost financial and commercial hubs, but you can still find an elevated escape from all the busyness somewhere in the middle of nowhere!
Sitting nicely atop the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel, Somewhere Nowhere offers a panoramic 360-degree view over Manhattan. The tasteful decoration includes a deluxe open-air rooftop pool and a whimsical indoor garden lounge covering about 5,500 square feet on the hotel’s 38th and 39th floors.
Offering a one-of-a-kind escape, Somewhere Nowhere has continued to redefine the rooftop scene in New York City. The two-level rooftop bar has a vibrant nightclub with local and international DJs doing their thing.
If you are lucky, you can get in and grab a drink at the bar since it allows walk-ins. But your best bet would be to have a reservation if you want to join any late night fun event or get a spot at the rooftop pool.
Location
112 W 25th St, 38th & 39th floors,
New York, NY 10001
Hours
Thursday to Saturday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, 10:30 pm – 4:00 am
Sunday: 10:00 pm – 4:00 am
Good to know
- Light Bites
- Reservation recommended
- Lounge, Rooftop Pool, Night Club
- A 21+ venue (a valid ID is required for entry)
The Press Lounge
The Press Lounge is an embodiment of dining and relaxation. The 16th floor of the Kimpton Ink48 Hotel plays host to one of the most luxurious rooftop bars in NYC. From this elevated terrace, you’ll get some of the most stunning panoramic views over Manhattan’s skyline and the Hudson River.
Connect with your inner photographer (even if you only use your phone’s camera) and take brilliant photos of the skyline, particularly breathtaking at sunset. The rooftop terrace is spacious enough to comfortably host up to a hundred guests all at once, making it a great place for sipping after-dinner cocktails.
The Press Longue keeps things small when it comes to the menu. Expect only a handful of seasonal plates – nothing too big, but great quality and impressive service. The beer and cocktail are well crafted, and the bar offers a wide selection of excellent wines.
And just in case you feel hungry after savoring the cocktails and great views, head down to the Print Restaurant on the ground floor for a memorable dining experience at the Press Longue sister venue.
This NYC rooftop bar is very popular with New Yorkers and can sometimes be booked for private events. It is usually a good idea to check the availability if you’re looking to visit for some elevated hours.
Location
653 11th Ave
16th Floor
New York, NY 10036
Hours
Sunday: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Monday & Tuesday: 5:00 pm – 1:00 am
Wednesday – Saturday: 5:00 pm – 2:00 am
Good to know
- Reservation recommended
- Elegant casual dress code
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
Situated on the 20th floor of the Nomad Hotel and aptly named after its location in Manhattan, 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar can sit up a thousand guests at the same time, making it one of the largest rooftop bars in NYC. The terrace offers beautiful views over the city’s skyline and the Empire State Building in particular.
The menu at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar offers plenty of drinks and food. You can enjoy a glass of wine, beer, or specialty cocktail inside the spacious indoor lounge while taking in the views from the panoramic windows. Or, grab a sit in the open-air terrace with some fish and chips or bar bites.
Regardless of the weather, you can be sure of a comfortable outdoor and indoor experience. Transparent Igloos with heaters keep guests warm during the cold winter months, and umbrellas offer plenty of shelter from sun and rain for guests enjoying the rooftop terrace.
In most cases, tables at the bar are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Still, it is best to make a reservation if you want a table during weekends. Keep in mind that there’s a minimum spend for weekend reservations.
Location
230 Fifth Ave,
(Corner 27th)
Manhattan, NY 10001
Hours
Monday – Thursday: 2:00 pm – 1:00 am
Friday: 2:00 pm – 4:00 am
Saturday: 11:00 am – 4:00 am
Sunday: 11:00 am – 1:00 am
Good to know
- A 21+ venue
- Upscale casual dress for weekends and casual during weekdays
- Reservation recommended
- Minimum spend for weekend reservations
St. Cloud Rooftop Bar
St. Cloud Rooftop Bar sits on the 17th floor of the luxury Knickerbocker Hotel in NYC. The building puts you right in the middle of all the skyscrapers in Times Square, so you get an unobstructed view of the city’s impressive skyline.
Whether you are visiting New York in the hot or cold season, this exclusive rooftop bar with its chic indoor and outdoor furnishing is an excellent spot to order a variety of well-crafted cocktails while taking in the magnificent views. You can choose from a few different bar bites depending on the season.
Beautiful large sofas with stylish armchairs adorn the well-decorated rooftop terrace. And while this bar is well-located it is not usually crowded, so you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere in the airy space. You’ll also find the exclusive rooftop cigar lounge quite fascinating.
With its unique view over Time Square, it is not surprising that St. Cloud Rooftop Bar holds plenty of events all year round, plus many private parties, too. Dress to impress before leaving home; this way, you’ll fit right into the stylish and upscale setting of one of New York’s best rooftop bars.
Location
6 Times Square 17th Floor,
New York, NY 10036
Hours
Tuesday – Saturday: 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Good to know
- Smart casual dress code
- Reservation recommended
- Reservation for private parties must be for more than 10 persons
The Crown
Set on the 21st floor of Hotel 50 Bowery, The Crown is a must-visit rooftop bar for folks who enjoy a place that defies conventional nightlife standards. The bar’s location in one of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods means you can get clear views of Big Apple’s most spectacular skyline.
The Crown’s large windows open to two fantastic rooftop terraces, giving guests unobstructed views of Brooklyn and Manhattan, including the Freedom Tower (One World Trade Center), the Empire State Building, and Brooklyn Bridge.
The beverage menu includes regionally brewed craft beer, classic cocktails, and a wide selection of wine offerings. Plus, the bar has small bites to complement the drinks. Hit the bar early in the afternoon to sip some cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. Hang around until late at night to catch some fun with the crowd in a more animated setting.
Location
50 Bowery,
New York, NY 10013
Hours
Sunday – Friday: 4:00 pm – Late Night
Saturday: 2:00 pm – Late Night
Good to know
- Smart casual dress code
Republica
No doubt, Republica is not among the highest rooftop bars in NYC, not even by a long shot. But it is one of the best places to be if you want to enjoy gourmet Dominican dishes and get the party vibes that come with the venue.
Located in the Inwood neighborhood, the rooftop bar offers handcrafted cocktails in addition to delicious eats. The menu includes an extensive selection of seafood and meat served with authentic Latin sides.
This joint is a restaurant, lounge, and rooftop all rolled into one beautiful and well-decorated venue. The rooftop terrace is particularly gorgeous and affords great views over the neighborhood. Plus, the indoor and outdoor atmosphere is welcoming.
No matter the weather and time of year, you can be sure of having a great time on the rooftop, thanks to the heaters and cover.
Republica opens every day of the week and is suitable for the entire family. Come in for the special dishes during happy hour all day from Monday through Thursday.
Location
160 Dyckman ST,
New York, NY 10040
Hours
Monday – Thursday: 3:00 pm – 12:00 am
Friday: 3:00 pm – 4:00 am
Saturday: 2:00 pm – 4:00 am
Sunday: 1:00 pm – 4:00 am
Good to know
- Reservation recommended
- Reservations are not valid unless confirmed by Republica through email
Castell Rooftop Lounge
Castell Rooftop Lounge is a cozy rooftop bar located in the heart of Manhattan. It is nestled atop the 21st floor of the luxurious AC Hotel in Times Square. This is the perfect spot to escape all the hustling and bustling of the Midtown streets.
You can choose to bask in the scenic views over NYC from the beautiful open-air terrace, sip a tasty cocktail in the bar, or simply get warm and comfy in the fireplace lounge – whatever you want, Castell enhances the experience.
The menu at Castell, including the iconic Martini, readily brings NYC’s past to mind. Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails that are part invention and part throwback. And take your pick for several shareable plates.
The joint is open all week, with live DJs jamming sounds and raising the vibes on weekends.
Location
AC Hotel, 260 W 40th Street,
New York, NY 10018
Hours
Sunday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Monday – Thursday: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Friday: 4:00 pm – 12:00 am
Saturday: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
Good to know
- Reservation recommended
- Smart casual dress code
Gansevoort Rooftop
Within NYC’s Meatpacking District is the recently renovated Gansevoort Rooftop. Locals and visitors alike will love the elevated escape of this 14th-floor bar. It affords 360-degree views of the Hudson River and Manhattan’s fantastic skyline – exceptionally breathtaking during sunset!
From a heated rooftop pool to stylish décor, this rooftop bar offers some of the best options in NYC. The menu is also excellent, with plenty of fresh light bites paired with stimulating cocktails. You’ll also find well-curated spirits lining the bar.
You have to make a reservation to get a table at Gansevoort Rooftop. Plus, the heated rooftop pool is only open to guests at the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC. If you want to take a dip in the pool, you’ll have to book your stay. Or, simply enjoy the same views while sipping a tasty cocktail from the rooftop.
Location
18 Ninth Avenue (at 13th Street),
New York, NY 10014
Hours
Wednesday & Thursday: 4:00 pm – 12:00 am
Friday – Sunday: 2:00 pm – 2:00 am
Good to know
- Reservation is required
- Smart casual dress code
Azul Rooftop Barv
For superb 360-degree views over lower Manhattan, head to Azul Rooftop Bar located on the 20th floor atop Hotel Hugo. Arrive early, just as the sun is setting to experience the view of the Statue of Liberty and Freedom Tower spectacularly.
The modern terrace is beautifully furnished with plenty of comfy sofas, making it a great place to relax while enjoying some refreshing cocktails, the views, and some nighttime fun. Take refuge in the softer vibe during weekdays – the atmosphere is calmer at such times. Catch all the fun you want during the weekends with live DJs treating a larger crowd to energetic sounds.
An excellent spot to visit during the summer, Azul Rooftop Bar in lower Manhattan offers more Cuban vibes with a killer drink selection.
Location
525 Greenwich Street,
New York, NY 10013
Hours
Monday – Friday: 5:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 3:00 pm
Good to know
- Casual chic dress code
- Opens seasonally
