7 Rooftop Bars with Amazing Views in New York City

February 28, 2022
New York City buildings at sunset

Does it get any better than sipping a Manhattan while watching the sunset over Manhattan? No, I really don’t think it does. I am always up for taking some time out of a busy day or vacation to savor city views from a rooftop with a cocktail or two. Here are 7 of the best places to do so in New York City:  

Westlight

The best views of the Manhattan skyline are, inevitably, outside of Manhattan and Westlight’s prime spot on the 22nd floor of The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg is my favorite in all of Brooklyn. The carefully curated cocktails are reasonably priced in exchange for the unreal city skyline views, plus there’s an eclectic collection of small bites worth a reservation and buying you more time up top.

Daintree

Daintree offers not one but three rooftop views, with the Empire State Building stealing the show. Sip on an Umami Old-Fashioned in the lounge, or take the side stairs up to the open air patio to watch the sun set behind Lady Empire herself.

The Cantor Roof Garden Bar

Located on the fifth floor of The Met Museum, this isn’t the highest rooftop bar, but it’s certainly one of the most special. Since the Met is located on the eastern edge of Central Park, the views are a beautiful expanse of park greenery surrounded by building skylines on the other 3 sides. The garden bar is open and spacious, and buying a drink is not required, nor are reservations. That being said, it can get pretty busy during high tourist season, but always worth the wait, especially when open late for Friday and Saturday evening sunsets.

ART SoHo

ART (Arlo’s Roof Top) is located on top of the Arlo Hotel and has both indoor and outdoor sections open year round. From the brick laid patio, you’ll be able to take in views of both the Hudson River and Freedom Tower skyline while sipping a spicy margarita on Taco Tuesdays.

Harriet’s Rooftop

Harriet’s is open daily from 2-8 PM on top 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. The transparent side panels are not for the faint of heart, but they make for fantastic views of the eastern side of Manhattan. There is a $50 minimum and you will most likely need to make a reservation, or can alternatively van book for one of their ticketed DJ nights.

Upstairs

Upstairs is on top of the Kimberly Hotel and boasts a classic bunch menu and house made green juice in case you need a break from all these cocktails. While it’s not the most luxe rooftop on this list, it’s easy location in Midtown makes it one of the most accessible.

Pier 57 Rooftop Park

Surprise! This isn’t precisely a rooftop bar, but a 2-acre public park on top of the Hudson River Pier with fantastic views of Little Island and New York Harbor. Pack your own picnic and drink of choice to enjoy from the top, or stop off at the nearby City Winery after taking in the views.

The Best Summer Activities in Charleston, SC

The Best Summer Activities in Charleston, SC

There are so many ways to fill a perfect summer day in Charleston- even those of us who live here have a hard time fitting it all in! This list is a compilation of some popular local pastimes and favorite summer treats, all perfect ways to fill out that travel...

April in Paris

April in Paris

Five years ago today I ran the Paris marathon. In many ways, I still see April day as the culmination of my time living in Paris. Since I trained for the entire marathon while living there, it felt like a (very long) run through my backyard- a sweaty love letter to...

March in Paris

March in Paris

March- the month in Paris where some days feel like spring and others forecast snow. One of the best parts of this ambivalent weather is the fact that Parisians end up unsure of what each day’s appropriate head attire should be, thus upping my odds of a few non-ironic...

February in Paris

February in Paris

I love February in Paris, and it has nothing to do with the allegedly love-filled holiday that occurs half way through it. February is the month I decided Paris was home. Paris feels quiet in January, but tinged with a lackluster air of recovery. The holidays have...

January in Paris

January in Paris

It feels a little funny to start here, as January is the one month of the year I *might* try to dissuade you from booking a ticket to Paris. It's just so grey. Seriously, the January I lived in Paris I saw the sun a grand total of 3 times in January. No, I'm not...

A Paris Cafe for Every Type of Traveler

A Paris Cafe for Every Type of Traveler

“Bonjour. Un café, s’il vous plaît.” If there is a single phrase that a tourist in Paris should make sure to store in even the most jetlagged of brains, this just might be it. Coffee. Café. Espresso. Noisette. Café Crème. The French take their coffee breaks quite...

24 Hours in Sorrento, Italy

24 Hours in Sorrento, Italy

Perched on the cliffs along the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is a coastal town overlooking sparkling waters dotted by the islands of Ischia, Capri and Mt. Vesuvius. For many, Sorrento is seen as the gateway to Amalfi, and may just be a quick transfer along the way to...

A Guide to Rome’s Trastevere Neighborhood

A Guide to Rome’s Trastevere Neighborhood

Trastevere is my absolute favorite Roman neighborhood - full of winding cobblestone streets dripping with ivy, local trattorias, and some of the coolest bars the city has to offer. This historically working class neighborhood still holds on to its roots, with a...

How to Eat Like a Local in Italy by Region

How to Eat Like a Local in Italy by Region

Italians are incredibly proud of their local gastronomy- and rightfully so! Those of us coming to visit are generally ready to devour every pizza, pasta and tiramisu in sight. However, if you are a tourist looking to eat and live like the locals, you need to know what...