Editor Pick

The 27 Best Rooftop Bars in NYC [2024]

Updated: November 09, 2023

Written by

AAA Travel Editor, Frank Swanson

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

No trip to New York City is complete without crossing off any of the many things to do in New York City, like taking in Broadway show or seeing the Statue of Liberty in person. But if you want to experience everything the “City That Never Sleeps” has to offer, check out the best rooftop bars in New York City (and the luxurious hotels they call home).

Note: Many rooftop bars have modified hours during the winter months and may close unexpectedly for inclement weather or private events. Always call ahead to verify hours.

1. Harriet’s Rooftop

Address: 60 Furman St.
Neighborhood: Brooklyn Heights
Phone: (347) 696-2554
Reservations: Recommended
Dress Code: Smart casual
Price Range: $$$

Can you guess what you’ll see from your poolside vantage point atop 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge? The sweeping vistas of Lower Manhattan from this AAA Four Diamond property are postcard-perfect, and the historic bridge’s Gothic arches never looked more impressive. The design of this hip, modern Brooklyn hotel unites high-tech minimalism with earthy, ecologically savvy touches such as rough stone, reclaimed wood and coarse, hand-knotted fibers. The result is beautiful, and the theme extends to Harriet’s Rooftop, a perfect spot for a casual conversation over drinks.

2. Azul Rooftop & Bar Hugo

Address: 525 Greenwich St.
Neighborhood: SoHo
Phone: (212) 608-4848
Reservations: Recommended
Dress Code: Casual
Price Range: $$$

Visit the AAA Four Diamond Hotel Hugo in the summertime, and you’ll have two rooftop bars to choose from: indoor-outdoor Bar Hugo and the seasonal, Cuban-themed Azul Rooftop. Both offer amazing views of Lower Manhattan, including One World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty. Arrive in the early evening and settle in beneath strings of festive lights to watch the sunset over the Hudson River.

3. The Refinery Rooftop

Address: 63 W. 38th St.
Neighborhood: Midtown
Phone: (646) 663-5951
Reservations: Recommended
Dress Code: Casual chic comfort
Price Range: $$$

Sip a cocktail beneath the spire of the Empire State Building atop this historic hat factory-turned luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan’s Garment District. The Refinery Rooftop at AAA Four Diamond Refinery Hotel New York combines the brick and rough planks of an industrial loft with the inviting outdoor seating of a suburban patio. The not-run-of-the-mill drink menu features tasty selections with whimsical names like Rooftop Sparkler and Stormy Skies. And if you can’t make it for a late-night libation, head up to the Refinery Rooftop for lunch.

4. Westlight

Address: 111 N. 12th St.
Neighborhood: Brooklyn
Phone: (718) 307-7100
Reservations: Highly recommended
Dress Code: Casual
Price Range: $$$

Seeming to balance on stilts above Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood, The William Vale, a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, looms like an anchored spaceship. Westlight, the swanky rooftop bar on the 22nd floor, makes the most of its city views by keeping sightlines clear. They’ve even installed mounted binoculars to enhance your visual experience. Take in the nearly 360-degree perspective as you sample selections from the excellent cocktail list.

5. Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop

Address: 310 W. 40th St.
Neighborhood: Hell’s Kitchen
Phone: N/A
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Dress Code: Smart casual
Price Range: $$$

The Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop takes up the 40th and 41st floors of the Aliz Hotel Times Square. Settle down with a drink inside or on one of several open-air balconies. Its views of the Empire State Building are complemented with the elegant small plates and cocktails crafted with local spirits. Its retro-chic vibe and intimate seating areas make it a great spot to meet people and take in 360-degree views of Manhattan.

6. JIMMY

Address: 15 Thompson Street
Neighborhood: SoHo
Phone: No phone number listed
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Dress Code: Stylish attire that is appropriate for the time of day
Price Range: $$$

The ModernHaus SoHo, a AAA Four Diamond boutique contemporary hotel in SoHo, houses JIMMY on the 18th floor. The bar includes an indoor space and an outdoor terrace with a pool. Enjoy 360-degree views with a specialty cocktail while you soak in the vibrant, modern atmosphere. JIMMY is the perfect place for a drink after spending the day exploring the fashion attractions in SoHo.

7. Daintree Rooftop & Lounge

Address: 25 W. 38th St.
Neighborhood: Midtown West
Phone: (332) 799-7399
Reservations: Recommended
Dress Code: Smart casual
Price Range: $$$

The Daintree Rooftop & Lounge occupies the 29th floor of the Hotel Hendricks, a AAA Four Diamond boutique hotel. The intimate Daintree boasts a stellar martini list and other imaginative cocktails. Named after an Australian rainforest, the lounge teems with pops of vibrant color and live plants. The Daintree faces south with an unobstructed view of the Empire State Building through floor-to-ceiling windows.

8. Ophelia Lounge

Address: 3 Mitchell Pl.
Neighborhood: Midtown East
Phone: (212) 980-4796
Reservations: Recommended
Dress Code: Smart casual
Price Range: $$$

Enjoy panoramic views of Manhattan and Brooklyn from the Ophelia Lounge atop the Beekman Tower. Step outside on the wraparound open-air terrace for stunning views, or sip classic cocktails in the lounge as you soak up the 1920s cocktail lounge vibes. DJs spin modern hits to make this Art Deco classic feel more modern.

9. Panorama Room

Address: 22 N. Loop Rd.
Neighborhood: Roosevelt Island
Phone: (929) 447-4717
Reservations: Recommended
Dress Code: Elevated chic
Price Range: $$$

The first hotel on Manhattan’s Roosevelt Island, AAA Four Diamond Graduate New York has a stunning view of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens from its 18th-floor Panorama Room. Enjoy 360-degree views from the terrace or inside, which is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, while snacking on seafood bites and sipping creative cocktails.

10. Bookmarks Rooftop Lounge

Address: 299 Madison Ave.
Neighborhood: Midtown East
Phone: (212) 204-5498
Reservations: Recommended
Dress Code: Business casual
Price Range: $$$

Whether you love books or just cocktails in a rooftop garden, Bookmarks Rooftop Lounge is a great spot to stop after work. The penthouse bar is located at the Library Hotel, a AAA Three Diamond boutique contemporary hotel near the New York Public Library and Grand Central Terminal, making it a perfect spot to relax during a short trip to New York or after returning from a day trip from the city. Read your favorite novel or draft your own while sipping literary-inspired cocktails in a calm, charming environment.

11. Darling Rooftop Lounge

Address: 36 Central Park S.
Neighborhood: Midtown East
Phone: (212) 371-4000
Reservations: Not required for hotel guests; recommended for non-guests
Dress Code: Smart casual
Price Range: $$

During the day, Darling hosts guests of the AAA Four Diamond Park Lane Hotel for breakfast, but in the evening, the Darling Rooftop Lounge opens its doors to the public, inviting them into a garden oasis with unique cocktails. The enclosed covered patio is timeless and chic, surrounded by greenery and home to an opulent view of Central Park South — the only rooftop bar in NYC overlooking the park.

12. Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge

Address: 485 7th Ave.
Neighborhood: Midtown West
Phone: (212) 268-0188
Reservations: Recommended
Dress Code: Smart casual
Price Range: $$$

The largest all-season rooftop bar in New York City, Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge is located on the 18th floor of the Moxy Times Square, a AAA Three Diamond boutique contemporary hotel near Madison Square Garden. The vibrant, energetic rooftop bar consists of two areas: the East Terrace, which boasts views of the Empire State Building and a garden party vibe, and the more playful West Terrace, which includes a seating area that rotates like a carousel and an extra-mini golf course. Sip your cocktail while taking advantage of the highly Instagrammable photo ops.

13. Mr. Purple

Address: 180 Orchard St.
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Phone: (212) 237-1790
Reservations: Required
Dress Code: Smart casual
Price Range: $$$

Mr. Purple, located on the 15th floor of the AAA Three Diamond Hotel Indigo Lower East Side, is modern and artsy but still relaxed. Enjoy views of the Lower East Side through floor-to-ceiling windows as you savor items from the extensive food and drink menu, including seasonal beer on tap and classic American dishes.

14. Somewhere Nowhere NYC

Address: 112 W. 25th St.
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Phone: (212) 404-7969
Reservations: Reservations or tickets required
Dress Code: No shorts, athletic wear, team logos or tank tops
Price Range: $$$

Somewhere Nowhere NYC is located on the 38th and 39th floor of the Renaissance New York Chelsea, a AAA Four Diamond property. The main lounge has a whimsical vibe, complete with garden decor and original gnome sculptures, while the rooftop pool is a great place to relax with a cocktail.

15. Bar 54

Address: 135 W. 45th St.
Neighborhood: Times Square
Phone: (646) 364-1234
Reservations: Required
Dress Code: Business casual
Price Range: $$$

At Bar 54, you can enjoy views of Lower Manhattan from Times Square’s tallest rooftop bar. Located atop the AAA Three Diamond Hyatt Centric Times Square New York, Bar 54 includes a glass-walled indoor lounge and a gorgeous terrace with outdoor fireplaces. Keep in mind that no filming or photography is allowed without written permission, so put your phone away and live in the moment, storing the beautiful view in your memory.

16. Electric Lemon

Address: 33 Hudson Yards
Neighborhood: Hudson Yards
Phone: (212) 812-9202
Reservations: Highly recommended
Dress Code: Business casual
Price Range: $$$$

Electric Lemon, the Equinox Hotel New York restaurant, features an 8,000-square-foot rooftop terrace with stunning Hudson River and New York City skyline views. The seasonal American menu is perfect for dinner or a weekend brunch with your pals in the Hudson Yards area. The Jaume Plensa sculpture also provides a unique focal point for guests as they sip on cocktails.

17. Le Bain

Address: 848 Washington St.
Neighborhood: Meatpacking District
Phone: (212) 645-7600
Reservations: Highly recommended
Dress Code: Chic casual
Price Range: $$$

Le Bain is a rooftop bar where you go to see and be seen. On the top floor of The Standard, High Line, the venue is perfect for a relaxing after-work cocktail or lively parties with world-famous DJs for the late-night crowd. Take in the stunning views with wraparound windows and stationary binoculars or dance your cares away on the big dance floor.

18. PHD Rooftop Lounge

Address: 355 W. 16th St.
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Phone: (212) 317-2071
Reservations: Highly recommended
Dress Code: Smart casual
Price Range: $$$

The PHD Rooftop Lounge has panoramic Manhattan views from the 12th floor of the Dream Downtown NYC, a AAA Four Diamond property in Chelsea. It’s a relaxed lounge in the early evening hours but transforms into a late-night party, making it the ultimate penthouse complete with an indoor lounge and a rooftop terrace. The stylish decor complements bespoke cocktails and small bites to share with friends.

19. The ROOF at PUBLIC Hotel

Address: 215 Chrystie St.
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Phone: (212) 735-6000
Reservations: Highly recommended
Dress Code: Smart casual
Price Range: $$$$

The ROOF is a bit of a chameleon — a calm coworking spot during the day, a romantic and relaxed hangout for sunset drinks, and a late-night hotspot with international and local DJs. Regardless of when you visit, you’ll love the panoramic views of the city skyline from the ROOF, located on the rooftop of the PUBLIC Hotel New York City in the Lower East Side.

20. ART (Arlo Roof Top) NoMad

Address: 11 E. 31st.
Neighborhood: NoMad
Phone: (212) 951-1141
Reservations: Required
Dress Code: Smart casual
Price Range: $$$

If you’re looking for an unpretentious, relaxed rooftop bar to talk with your pals over drinks, check out the Arlo Roof Top (ART) Bar at the AAA Three Diamond Arlo NoMad. Enjoy views of downtown and Uptown Manhattan, or walk on the glass “skywalk” to gaze down 31 stories (great spot for an Instagram-worthy photo!). The location is open and airy, and the menu of Middle Eastern bites is constantly rotating, so you can try something new whenever you visit.

21. Haven Rooftop

Address: 132 W. 47th St.
Neighborhood: Times Square
Phone: (212) 466-9000
Reservations: Recommended
Dress Code: Business casual
Price Range: $$

When you’re at the Haven Rooftop, you’ll leave the hustle and bustle of Midtown nine floors below you. This rooftop haven at the AAA Three Diamond Sanctuary Hotel New York is nestled in the city center but feels airy, light and vibrant. Eat American cuisine for lunch and dinner, imbibe cocktails, wines and beers in the evening or have bottomless mimosas at a weekend brunch while enjoying the views of Times Square.

22. Le Jardin

Address: 28 W. 53rd St.
Neighborhood: Midtown
Phone: (212) 790-8800
Reservations: Not accepted
Dress Code: Business casual
Price Range: $$$$

If you want an elegant rooftop bar, look no further than Le Jardin. This rooftop bar is the ultimate in high-end luxury, with a lush garden theme that makes you forget you’re in the middle of the city. Weather permitting, experience a lively atmosphere, small bites and fancy cocktails atop the AAA Five Diamond Baccarat Hotel New York starting at 4 p.m. every day. Prepare to arrive early, though — the bar is first come, first served.

23. Royalton Rooftop

Address: 420 Park Ave S.
Neighborhood: NoMad
Phone: (332) 345-9232
Reservations: Recommended
Dress Code: Smart casual
Price Range: $$$$

The Royalton Rooftop includes a pool for guests of the AAA Four Diamond Royalton Park Avenue Hotel. Take in views of Manhattan skyscrapers from the terrace or in the warmth of the indoor lounge. Its effortless blend of casual and elegant creates the perfect spot to relax with a cocktail and a dish from the expansive menu during the week, transitioning to a party-friendly hotspot at night.

24. Saishin

Address: 18 9th Ave.
Neighborhood: Meatpacking District
Phone: (212) 206-6700
Reservations: Recommended
Dress Code: Smart casual
Price Range: $$$$

Saishin, an omakase sushi experience, features views of One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building from the top of the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC, a AAA Four Diamond contemporary hotel. Order sushi a la carte or a 12- or 15-course meal before indulging in a glass of sake, which is complimentary for every diner.

25. Terrace on 7

Address: 246 Spring St.
Neighborhood: SoHo
Phone: (212) 842-4560
Reservations: Recommended
Dress Code: Smart casual (or stylish swimwear if you’re planning on taking a dip)
Price Range: $$$

Terrace on 7 may not be as high as the other rooftop bars on this list, but it has a unique view of the SoHo skyline. The bar recently opened to the public, having previously only served guests of the AAA Five Diamond Dominick Hotel. Part of the rooftop includes a 6,000-square-foot pool, and non-hotel guests can reserve a cabana for the day. The rest of the rooftop is home to El Ta’koy, an indoor/outdoor restaurant offering seasonal Asian-Hawaiian dishes and drinks.

26. VERSA NYC

Address: 218 W. 35th St.
Neighborhood: Midtown East
Phone: (646) 850-2850
Reservations: Recommended
Dress Code: Casual
Price Range: $$$

The largest retractable roof in New York City belongs to VERSA NYC, a rooftop bar at the AAA Four Diamond Renaissance NYC Midtown Hotel near Madison Square Garden. The spacious spot is open all day, serving everything from an early breakfast to late-night drinks. Enjoy views of the Midtown skyline and American food year-round thanks to the retractable roof and floor-to-ceiling windows.

27. Top of the Strand

Address: 33 W. 37th St.
Neighborhood: Midtown
Phone: (646) 368-6385
Reservations: Recommended
Dress Code: Smart casual
Price Range: $$

Open year-round, Top of the Strand is touted as one of the best rooftop bars in the world, featuring unparalleled views of the Empire State Building and a retractable glass roof. Relax in one of the many different seating areas with light food offerings and creative cocktails for an intimate evening on the 21st floor of the AAA Three Diamond Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, New York City.

Book Your New York City Stay With AAA

Make attending one of these best rooftop bars in NYC a breeze by booking a stay at the hotel below them. No worrying about finding a cab or walking a few blocks in high heels — just take the elevator down to your floor when you’re ready to curl up in bed.

Use your AAA membership for special discounts when you make your reservations. To plan and book your stay in the Big Apple, use AAA Travel services.

Written by

AAA Travel Editor, Frank Swanson

More Articles

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

Explore trip canvas

2.20.2