The rooftop at Gansevoort Meatpacking
Serving jaw-dropping views and high-end cocktails, these rooftop bars in NYC should be your go-to for warm afternoons in the city.
Whether you’re looking to get those perfect Instagrammable city skylines or a drink with friends under the sun, rooftop bars are a warm-weather must. Have a Manhattan while admiring Manhattan, sip on a Sauvignon Blanc while enjoying Central Park views or indulge in delicious small plates while catching up with loved ones.
Each rooftop serves signature cocktails inspired by their incredible surroundings amongst the city skyline. From jalapeño margaritas to pitchers of cucumber lemonade, these cocktails are as delicious as they are picture-perfect.
Get ready to enjoy amazing drinks and beautiful views with these NYC rooftop bars.
See also: The 24 Best Pubs In NYC
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230 5th Ave. / 212.725.4300 / Website
If you’ve ever walked through NoMad on a beautiful evening in the summer, chances are you’ve seen the line for 230 Fifth wrapping around the block. This hotspot always draws a crowd thanks to its ultra-chic design, indoor-outdoor seating, live music offerings and delicious cocktails. There’s always something fun going on at 230 Fifth, whether it’s boozy brunch with guest DJs or an 80s disco party. Be sure to check out their website for the latest offerings.
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231 Hudson St. / 212.342.7000 / Website
New Yorkers know and love ART SoHo for its fun events programming, incredible views of the Hudson River, sceney crowd and enviable location. Many an unforgettable night has occurred atop the Arlo SoHo hotel, and we expect many more to happen in the future. Be sure to try the cinnamon and guava smash for a flavorful yet refreshing start to your night!
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525 Greenwich St. / 212.608.4848 / Website
If you’re looking for a tiny piece of Old Havana in the middle of Lower Manhattan, Azul on the Rooftop is a tropical trip, no passport required. Situated on the rooftop of Hotel Hugo, grab a sangria or a margarita and enjoy the 360 views of Manhattan in the cantina. In case you get hungry, Azul’s fish tacos pair perfectly with their refreshing drinks.
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135 W. 45th St. / 646.364.1234 / Website
Sitting a roaring 54 floors above Manhattan, Bar54 has views on views. Look down on Times Square and look across to both rivers and the Chrysler Building while sipping on craft cocktails in the intimate indoor space or expansive outdoor terrace. Be sure to make a reservation, and we highly recommend the small plates, such as wagyu sliders served with all the fixings and chicken empanadas with salsa roja.
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260 W. 40th St. / 929.284.3761 / Website
If you’re looking for an elevated rooftop experience, look no further than Castell Rooftop Lounge, where chic, sophisticated decor sets the scene and the martini reigns supreme. A fireplace, abstract art, a sprawling granite bar and an open-air terrace are just a few of the draws of Castell Rooftop Lounge. Looking to host a private event? Castell is a great option!
18 9th Ave. / 212.660.6728 / Website
You heard it here first: This recently renovated rooftop is the place to see and be seen this summer. Complete with a gorgeous jewel box cocktail lounge reminiscent of Southern Europe, a 45-foot heated pool with panoramic city views and an absolutely delicious omakase restaurant, Gansevoort Meatpacking's rooftop truly has it all. If you want to take full advantage of the space, check out Seven24 Collective, the city's hottest new membership club with a location in Gansevoort Meatpacking.
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60 Furman St., Brooklyn / Website
Located at the top of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Harriet’s Rooftop is home to perfect views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. If nothing on Harriet’s extensive spirits list is up your alley, you can never go wrong with one of their signature cocktails. We recommend the Harriet's margarita if you’re in the mood for tequila or the Purple Haze for a bubbly cocktail with floral notes. Getting chilly or need a break from the sun? Head down to the 10th floor of 1 Hotel Brooklyn and enter Harriet’s Lounge for an equally sophisticated experience. The rooftop will be reopening come April.
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848 Washington St. / 212.645.7600 / Website
Make it past the doorman at The Standard’s High Line rooftop bar, and you’ll be met with a grassy lawn and beautiful Hudson views. If you're lucky enough to grab a spot in the late afternoon, the sunset scene cannot be beat. Whether you sip on a glass of Champagne or grab a pitcher of Cucumber Limonade to share, you’re guaranteed to have a great time. What’s even better, Le Bain turns into one of New York City’s hottest clubs at night.
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3 Mitchell Pl. / 212.980.4796 / Website
With views of the East River, this iconic art deco tower was originally a women’s-only club. A former muse for NYC’s Frank Sinatra, Ophelia exudes class both inside and out. Cocktails at this elegant rooftop bar are incredibly creative concoctions that draw on literary references and current events. Named after Shakespeare’s Ophelia, the namesake drink features a paradox of flavors, and contrast of colors. All black with a white froth, this drink is the star of the show.
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22 N Loop Road / 929.447.4717 / Website
Located on Roosevelt Island atop the Graduate New York hotel, Panorama Room is aptly named for its fabulous panoramic views of the Queensboro Bridge, East River and Manhattan skyline. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the indoor space and the open-air terrace allow plenty of viewing opportunities while snacking on oysters and sipping craft cocktails. The modern, trendy interiors complete with a marble-topped bar and velvet seating is just the cherry on top.
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30 Rockefeller Plaza / 212.632.5000 / Website
The original home to New York glamor and entertainment, Rainbow Room is where the skyline and drinks come together. Located on the 65th floor of the Rockefeller Center, the rooftop bar opened just after the Prohibition era in 1934. Since then, it has been serving classic cocktails to some of Manhattan’s most elite, and reservations continue to be as coveted as its rare scotches and whiskeys.
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200 5th Ave. / 212.937.8910 / Website
Eataly’s prime Flatiron rooftop is decked out in enchanting seasonal decor. Inspired by the blooming flowers of spring, the warmer months' dinner menu is sourced from artisanal Italian producers and regional U.S. farms. The cocktail menu also gives fresh flowers their due, with all the signature drinks featuring floral undertones. From botanical cocktails to beers with citrus notes of the hop flower, Serra’s drinks are as beautiful as they are tasty.
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22 47 W. 38th St. / 212.730.0538 / Website
Empire State views don’t get better than this. Inspired by the '40s and '50s, this glamor bar sits atop the Archer Hotel. Boasting one of the best views of the Empire State Building in the entire city, Spyglass is more than ready to welcome you with espresso martinis and Manhattans under the city lights. Be sure to dress to impress, as you never know who you’ll stumble across at Spyglass.
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305 W. 48th St. / 212.300.9859 / Website
This newly opened rooftop bar sits on the 27th floor of the CIVILIAN Hotel, complete with two terraces offering cityscape and Hudson River views. We love the large format shareable cocktails to get the party started, and the seasonal small bites to provide sustenance. The climate-controlled space is open all year long, making this hotspot our go-to no matter the weather.
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215 Chrystie St. / 212.735.6000 / Website
This sceney rooftop feels like you’re floating above the city thanks to its incredible views. Head over at sunset to enjoy the gorgeous landscaping or come after dark to dance the night away in the fully immersive club experience amongst the city lights. No matter when you choose to visit PUBLIC Hotel, you’re always guaranteed to have a good time.
Rooftop season is finally returning, and we can’t wait to sip away the day and take jaw-dropping sunset pictures of our beautiful city. See you there!
Photography by: courtesy of Gansevoort Meatpacking
