Best Rooftop Bars in New York City
New York is vertical, very vertical, but it is not as easy as it seems to contemplate good panoramic views. One thing that Manhattan does not have is a lot of space, and that’s where New York rooftop bars come in. These bars often extend along the entire roof of a building, using the space available, and even have patio stretches.
The streets of New York hide a myriad of secrets, from roof bars to movie clubs in Midtown. Being in New York and not going at least one night to have a drink on a rooftop bar is something that, believe me, you do not want to do.
Open seven days a week from 17:00 pm, the rooftop of the Strand is presented as one of the most spectacular urban oasis of Midtown. To enjoy it you have to go up to the 21st floor of the Hotel Strand. Elegant, chic and glamorous, what I like most about this bar are its great views over the Empire State Building.
This elegant rooftop boasts one of the best views in all of New York. It is on Fifth Avenue with 27th Street and overlooks the Empire State Building and other Midtown Manhattan skyscrapers. It is a huge, garden-planted rooftop bar that remains open all year round. It is partially air-conditioned to withstand the colder winter days. Entry is free, but if you want to try one of their delicious cocktails please note that prices can be high.
The Gansevoort Hotel is an ideal place for different occasions. If it has been a long day and you need to clear yourself with a few drinks and something to snack on, this is the ideal place for it. Make sure you book the rooftop bar. It is also a good place to party on the weekend so if you want to dance and meet people, I definitely recommend Gansevoort.
When you get to the rooftop enjoy the panoramic view before ordering a cocktail and head to the dance floor to make new friends. This rooftop bar is very popular, so you may have to queue to get in. Between 11:00 and midnight is full, and later almost sure there will be a long tail.
It is not easy to get into the night at this trendy rooftop bar. If wearing a dress and high heels or suit is not your thing try to go to Le Bain in the afternoon. You can choose where to sit, and the pool and hot tubs are just as tempting during the day. If you like to party, get dressed for the occasion and enjoy the best DJs in the world and delicious drinks. Do not forget to visit the bathroom when you are there to see the most spectacular views.
You’ll find the Sky Room in midtown Manhattan, near Times Square. This rooftop bar is located on floors 33 and 34 of the Fairfield Inn and Suites Hotel. The views of Midtown from here are incredible, with the Hudson River and the Empire State Building as a backdrop. The interior is modern and the public is very hip (people were very neat). Apart from its strict dress code, the atmosphere is very nice. It’s a good place to have a beer.
Another of the most attractive bars located on the rooftops of New York is located at the top Boutique Hotel Ink48: The Press Lounge. An elegant and refined place with panoramic views of Manhattan and the Hudson River, a full menu of classic cocktails and fine wines. One of the requirements to access this bar is a casual dress code. In spite of having a swimming pool, it is not worth going into a bathing suit.
Small but nice, Pod 39 is one of New York’s new rooftop bars and is located at the top of Hotel Pod 39, next to the East River. From there you can enjoy an unbeatable view of the East River and Midtown. It is very conveniently located in one of my favorite neighborhoods in New York, so I visit it often. Also, there are many bars around so it is perfect for those nights where you want to have more than a drink.
It’s a large garden bar located on the top floor of the legendary McKittrick Hotel. The lodge covered with vine invites you to spend the long nights in a company of a good glass. The garden is decorated with old rails and dim lights and set with relaxing live jazz music. It also has an extensive menu of refreshing and enchanting cocktails.
It’s a great option that is worth discovering on a sunny afternoon in winters. This bar, lounge, and restaurant is located right at the base of the Queensboro Bridge and serves an excellent Sunday brunch.
Overlooking Fifth Avenue and Central Park part of the Salon de Ning is presented as a sophisticated space and luxurious oriental style. Located on the rooftop of Hotel Peninsula, its decoration is based in Shanghai 30s. At night, it is a perfect place to take a cocktail whilst lying on one of its Chinese beds surrounded by illuminated skyscrapers. If it’s Sunday, it’s best to try their delicious brunch.
Verdict:
After a tiring day relax on one of these terraces with a dream view of the Big Apple. Find a place to stay with your mouth open with the views. Enjoy the evenings, with fresh drinks and an incomparable view of Manhattan. Or alternatively, a party, cocktails and the lights of New York around you. These are, for me, the best terraces or rooftop of the city!
