There’s nothing quite like sipping a cocktail high above the streets of New York City, surrounded by shimmering skyscrapers and a glowing skyline. Rooftop bars are more than just trendy—they’re where locals and visitors alike gather to celebrate the magic of Manhattan from above.
Whether you’re looking for panoramic skyline views, elegant cocktails, or Instagram-worthy sunsets, New York’s rooftop scene offers unforgettable experiences at every altitude.
Here are 8 of the most iconic rooftop bars in NYC, each offering stunning views, stylish ambiance, and delicious food and drinks that make them worth the climb.
1. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
Location: Flatiron District
View: Empire State Building, Midtown skyline
Vibe: Lively, spacious, tourist-friendly
Food & Drink: American bar fare, signature cocktails, frozen drinks
Perhaps the most famous rooftop bar in NYC, 230 Fifth is known for its unbeatable view of the Empire State Building and massive rooftop garden. It’s open year-round—with heated igloos in winter—and offers a vibrant, casual atmosphere that welcomes everyone from first-timers to seasoned New Yorkers.
Why visit? The view alone is worth it, but the relaxed atmosphere and fun seasonal themes keep visitors coming back.
2. The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel
Location: Lower East Side
View: Downtown Manhattan, One World Trade Center
Vibe: Sleek, upscale, trendy crowd
Food & Drink: Small plates, curated cocktails, champagne
Set atop Ian Schrager’s PUBLIC Hotel, this chic rooftop offers breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan, especially at sunset. With minimalist design, luxurious couches, and a DJ-driven soundtrack, it’s a hotspot for fashion-forward locals and international travelers.
Why visit? It’s where design meets decadence—and the sweeping views of downtown are second to none.
3. Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge (at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge)
Location: Brooklyn Heights
View: Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty
Vibe: Sophisticated, eco-luxury, scenic
Food & Drink: Organic cocktails, seasonal dishes, seafood-focused plates
Across the East River lies Harriet’s, an elegant rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. Here, you’ll enjoy one of the most photogenic views in NYC, with the Manhattan skyline stretching out before you. Sustainable design and a menu filled with locally sourced ingredients make it a feel-good indulgence.
Why visit? Ideal for a sunset drink with postcard-perfect views of NYC’s icons.
4. The Press Lounge
Location: Hell’s Kitchen
View: Hudson River, Midtown skyscrapers
Vibe: Refined, romantic, quiet
Food & Drink: Seasonal small bites, fine wines, craft cocktails
Tucked away atop the Ink48 Hotel, The Press Lounge is an upscale escape with a serene atmosphere and stunning vistas. You can gaze out over the Hudson River while enjoying a sophisticated cocktail in a serene, stylish space that feels worlds away from the noise below.
Why visit? It’s perfect for a date night or elegant evening out—sunsets here are unforgettable.
5. Le Bain at The Standard, High Line
Location: Meatpacking District
View: Hudson River, downtown skyline
Vibe: High-energy, nightlife hotspot, quirky
Food & Drink: French-American small plates, unique cocktails
Part rooftop bar, part club, Le Bain is one of the most fun and edgy rooftop destinations in NYC. With a plunge pool, disco balls, and rooftop crepes served on weekends, it’s perfect for those who want to party with a view.
Why visit? For the music, the vibe, and the unmistakably New York after-dark energy.
6. Westlight (at The William Vale Hotel)
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
View: Full Manhattan skyline, East River
Vibe: Modern, refined, popular with locals
Food & Drink: Elevated bar bites, creative cocktails
Perched on the 22nd floor of The William Vale, Westlight offers a sweeping, uninterrupted view of Manhattan’s skyline. This is where locals in-the-know go, and the culinary quality matches the stellar view. The cocktail list is inventive and balanced, while the food leans upscale gastropub.
Why visit? It’s the perfect mix of stunning views, elevated food, and trendy Brooklyn cool.
7. Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge (at Moxy Times Square)
Location: Midtown
View: Empire State Building, city streets
Vibe: Playful, Instagram-ready, party-friendly
Food & Drink: Sliders, shared plates, colorful cocktails
With carousel seating, neon signs, and even a putt-putt golf course, Magic Hour is NYC’s most playful rooftop experience. It feels like an adult playground in the sky. It’s especially popular for brunch and golden-hour drinks, often buzzing with influencers and birthday groups.
Why visit? If you want your night out to be as photogenic as it is fun, this is your spot.
8. Dear Irving on Hudson
Location: Midtown West
View: Empire State Building, Hudson Yards, cityscape
Vibe: Elegant, cocktail-focused, stylishly retro
Food & Drink: Artisan cocktails, light bites, speakeasy feel
Tucked into the 40th and 41st floors of the Aliz Hotel, Dear Irving on Hudson is a glamorous, James Bond-inspired bar with floor-to-ceiling windows and plush décor. It’s a quieter, more refined rooftop option for those who love well-crafted drinks and a peaceful atmosphere.
Why visit? Classy, intimate, and ideal for watching the city sparkle below.
Elevate Your NYC Experience
New York City’s rooftop bars are about more than drinks—they’re about atmosphere, perspective, and that feeling of standing above the most dynamic city in the world. From the glitzy lights of Midtown to the industrial cool of Brooklyn, these sky-high escapes give you a whole new way to see the city.
So next time you’re in Manhattan (or just across the river), don’t settle for ground-level drinks. Head up, look out, and drink in the view.