10 best rooftops of New York

You come to New York to enjoy, and after a long day of sightseeing, sightseeing and strolling, continuing to enjoy the sights and lights while sipping a cocktail is a must.

Isabel Catalán

Isabel Catalán

12 min read

10 best rooftops of New York

Night views of Manhattan | ©Hellotickets

Contemplating the New York skyline at sunset, with a drink in your hand and in good company is a moment you won't forget during your trip. Do you like the idea? Then do not miss the 10 best rooftops in New York with which you will feel the city at your feet. This is definitely one of the plans you have to do in New York.

Also, check out our guide to the best places to eat in New York to complete your cocktail in the heights with a good menu to satisfy your appetite.

1. Rooftop 93

Views of Manhattan from Rooftop 93| ©Rooftop 93
Views of Manhattan from Rooftop 93| ©Rooftop 93

Watching the sun fade away and little by little thousands of light bulbs light up the New York night is one of the best experiences I've had at Rooftop 93, located at the Wyndham Garden Chinatown hotel in the heart of Manhattan.

This is one of my favorite rooftops in New York because it has almost 360º views of the city. It revolves around the top two floors of the building: the first floor is glassed in year-round, which is perfect if it's cool outside, and the dim lights inside create an intimate atmosphere. The second floor is open-air and has a rustic-chic style, ideal for those seemingly endless summer mornings.

During Rooftop 93's happy hour between 5 PM and 8 PM, beers are $7 and cocktails are $12 Bogo 50%. That is, if you order one cocktail you get another one at no extra cost (Bogo= buy one get one). If you feel like a bite to eat afterwards, check out this guide to the best places to eat in Chinatown.

Practical info

  • Where: Wyndham Garden Chinatown, 93 Bowery - 18th floor, New York, NY 10002
  • Hours: Sunday through Thursday from 5PM to 12 AM; Friday and Saturday from 5 PM to 2 AM.

Book a tour of Soho, Little Italy & Chinatown

2. Berry Park

Berry Park Rooftop| ©Brownstoner Pages
Berry Park Rooftop| ©Brownstoner Pages

The most hipster rooftop in Williamsburg. If you are looking for a casual place to spend a nice evening with friends, either watching a soccer game or enjoying spectacular views of the city, you will love Berry Park.

It is located right next to McCarren Park in Brooklyn and despite being on the second floor of the building, the Manhattan skyline looks amazing. The huge rooftop is partially covered and air-conditioned, so it is open all year round. When the weather is nice, the outdoor terrace is a good place to go for drinks and dancing or to listen to the DJ's great tunes on Friday and Saturday nights.

I like Berry Park 's rooftop because the atmosphere here is lively and relaxed at the same time. It also has a good Belgian beer menu and the food has German and American influences. For snacks, the BLT sandwich or a portion of Bratwurst & Fries is delicious although they also have a special brunch menu on weekends from 12PM to 3PM, if you feel like doing something different. Here is also the guide with the best places to eat in Brooklyn.

Practical info

  • Where: 4 Berry St Brooklyn, NY 11249
  • Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 5 PM to 2 AM; Friday from 4 PM to 4 AM; Saturday from 12 PM to 4 AM; Sunday from 12 PM to 2 AM.

Book a tour of Williamsburg in Brooklyn

3. 230 Fifth

The rooftop at 230 5th| ©230 5th
The rooftop at 230 5th| ©230 5th

Located in the heart of Fifth Avenue, 230 Fifth is one of the most glamorous rooftops in New York and is named precisely for its location at 230 5th Avenue. As soon as you enter you feel that the panoramic terrace attracts you like a magnet to contemplate from there the most impressive views of the Big Apple.

It is a spectacular place. Outdoors it has the largest rooftop garden in the city, where you can have a refreshing cocktail surrounded by palm trees and candles in front of the Empire State enjoying the typical modern atmosphere of New York.

Inside there is a large glassed-in lounge perfect for when temperatures are still low. However, if you do not want to give up being on the terrace, during the winter and until May you can book a place in one of their igloos to be warmer and not miss the views of Manhattan. In addition, at night you can enjoy a beautiful light show that enlivens the magic of the moment.

I recommend going to 230 Fifth at dusk to see the spectacular Empire State Building illuminated before you, in all its splendor. It's a marvel! However, going in the morning also has its charm because the garden of this rooftop is a beautiful garden. On weekends there is a brunch from 10 AM to 16 PM that children can attend, which is great if you visit New York with your family.

Practical information

  • Where: 230 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10001
  • Hours: Monday through Thursday from 2 PM to 2 AM; Friday from 4 PM to 4 AM; Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 2 AM.

4. Broken Shaker

The Broken Shaker Rooftop| ©NY Eater
The Broken Shaker Rooftop| ©NY Eater

Many rooftops in New York look like nightclubs, but this is not the case of Broken Shaker, located on the terrace of the Freehand New York Hotel. With its tropical and relaxed vibe, this bar decorated with wicker furniture and potted plants has become one of my favorite places to have an aperitif accompanied by a delicious cocktail on New York evenings.

Broken Shaker is located on the eighteenth floor of this Flatiron District hotel. If you are looking for a drink on a quality terrace, this place is worth a visit. What makes this bar unique is that it doesn't so much feel like a fancy rooftop as the ambiance is like a party at a friend's beach apartment that you've been invited to.

Upon entering there is a large interior space with many tables as well as a large wraparound terrace where you can also sit and order something to eat while you watch the scenery, such as the delicious chicken empanada or shrimp taco. The cocktails are delicious and are made with fresh fruits, aromatic herbs and exotic ingredients, which gives them a unique touch.

To go to the Broken Shaker I advise you to arrive early because the place is very popular and sometimes lines form. The good thing is that the wait at this rooftop is worth it.

Practical info

  • Where is it: 23 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010
  • Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday from 3 PM to 11 PM.

5. Westlight NYC

The terrace of Westlight NYC| ©TripAdvisor
The terrace of Westlight NYC| ©TripAdvisor

One of my latest discoveries is Westlight NYC: great background music, tasty cocktails and breathtaking panoramic views of Manhattan and the East River - you're on the highest rooftop in the area! To recover, nothing better than ordering something from the menu to nibble, how about some chips with chipotle aioli or some crispy calamari? You'll enjoy like a kid!

Speaking of kids, if you travel to New York with your family, this rooftop will excite you because the kids are allowed to enter every day until 18 PM. It's a great place to drop in after a long walk exploring the Williamsburg neighborhood.

It is located on the 22nd floor of the elegant hotel The William Vale in Brooklyn. If you want to skip the line at the entrance, I advise you to reserve a table as many New Yorkers come here after work to have a cocktail with friends while relaxing and watching the sunset over Manhattan.

Practical info

  • Where: You'll find it at 111 N. 12th St / 22nd Floor
  • Hours: Monday - Friday 5 PM -10 PM; Saturday and Sunday 1 PM - 10 PM

6. The Lookup

The Lookup Rooftop| ©Look Up
The Lookup Rooftop| ©Look Up

What I like about this rooftop is its simplicity, as it reminds me of the common area of an apartment block where you would want to spend time having a glass of wine quietly.

The Lookup is a place without artifice, frequented by locals and not so much by tourists. Perhaps that formula is where its charm lies. There and in its original cocktails in pitchers, for which this bar is famous. It is a good option to share with friends if you travel to New York in a group and want to try different varieties. Pair them with a few servings of their unique popcorn - it's delicious!

One of the advantages of The Lookup is its location: it's on the rooftop of the Kixby Hotel and nearby is Bryant Park, the Empire State Building, Macy's department store and Madison Square Garden. Stop by when the weather is nice and enjoy the stars on a summer night - you won't forget it!

Practical information about the area

  • Where: 45 w 35th steet, new york, NY 10001
  • Hours: Monday through Friday from 4 PM to 11PM; weekends from 12 PM to 11 PM.

7. Harriet's Rooftop

Harriet's Rooftop| ©Time Out
Harriet's Rooftop| ©Time Out

Exuberant, modern and chic, this is Harriet's Rooftop, the terrace of the Brooklyn Bridge Hotel in the DUMBO neighborhood. The atmosphere of this rooftop is one of the liveliest in New York and its views are simply unforgettable.

From its large open-air rooftop you can see Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, the river and even the Statue of Liberty, which from here looks like a small souvenir that you can find in any gift store in Times Square or Chinatown. The views from the indoor lounge are also magnificent, especially for enjoying New York at night when temperatures are still low.

Although the cocktails at Harriet's Rooftop are not cheap at around $18, they are worth a try as they are handcrafted and delicious. To contemplate the views of New York from a place as cool as this without a glass in your hand to toast with your companion would be to leave the experience incomplete. There is also a tasty appetizer menu.

Harriet's Rooftop is open every day but the magic hour is right at sunset, when the sun goes down and the city is transformed into a light show. This moment is something very special in advance so it's no wonder this rooftop gets crowded. If you can make a reservation, all the better - you'll save the queues!

Practical information

  • Where: 60 Furman St, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201, USA
  • Hours: Open Monday to Friday from 5 PM to 12 AM and on weekends from 2 PM to 12 AM.

8. Sky Room

The Sky Room Terrace| ©Revelr.com
The Sky Room Terrace| ©Revelr.com

I hope you are not afraid of heights because this is one of the rooftops that will test your vertigo.Sky Room is the highest rooftop in all of New York!

This bar is located on the 33rd and 34th floors of the Fairfield Inn and Suites Hotel, near Times Square in Midtown Manhattan. The views of Midtown from here are amazing with the Hudson River, Times Square and the Empire State Building as a backdrop.

What's striking about Sky Room is that the rooftop has five distinct indoor and outdoor spaces: North Terrace, South Terrace, Balcony Cube, Times Square Lounge and Candlelight Lounge. It's fun to take a walk around the rooftop because the view is different from each level.

For example, on the 33rd floor North Terrace is located and is open all year round as it is glassed in. On the other hand, on the 34th floor is South Terrace and has many comfortable areas to relax and unwind.

If you have the opportunity, I recommend going to Sky Room on a weekday from 5PM to 7PM when there is Happy Hour - cocktails and a glass of wine are only $7 and beers are $5! It's a perfect plan to enjoy New York evenings in a different way: great views, good company and late at night the party starts with a live DJ performance. Of course, to access this rooftop you must be well dressed and carry your passport.

Practical information

  • Where: 330 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
  • Hours: Thursdays 5 PM to 2 AM; Fridays and Saturdays 5 PM to 4 AM

9. Pod 39

The rooftop at Pod 39| ©Pod39
The rooftop at Pod 39| ©Pod39

One of the most beautiful New York rooftops I've come across is at the top of the Pod 39 hotel in Murray Hill. It's popular for its ivy-covered brick arches, glowing string lights and tiled tables that create a fantastic town square atmosphere on this little terrace with prime views of the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building.

With a Mexican-inspired restaurant open year-round in the hotel lobby called Empellón Al Pastor, the rooftop is open during the summer season. I recommend you head up to Pod 39 at sunset to enjoy the evening with a refreshing pitcher of Margarita, a delicious craft cocktail made with agave and some tacos to nibble on.

This rooftop has a vibrant and youthful atmosphere, especially in the afterwork, so if you can I advise you to go a little before the offices in the area close so you don't have to wait in line to get a table.

Practical info

  • Where: 145 E 39th St, New York City
  • Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday from 12 PM to 11 PM; Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12 PM to 1 AM.

10. Rooftop Reds

Rooftop Reds| ©NYC Go
Rooftop Reds| ©NYC Go

This is one of the greatest rooftop discoveries I've made in New York. The perfect place to enjoy the views of the Brooklyn skyline and the pleasant New York temperatures among vineyards.

A rooftop among vineyards? That's right, you read that right. Rooftop Reds has its own vineyard planted in large, tall, elongated planters. It is not surprising that wine is the star drink of this place, although if you are not very fond of the nectar of the gods they also have an excellent beer menu.

This rooftop is located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard area, which was one of the most active shipyards in America during World War II. In 2014, this area was declared a historic district and since then many young entrepreneurs are locating here to give it a revamped feel.

Rooftop Reds is a space to meet up with friends and hang out over drinks. Whether sitting on the artificial grass, at the tables or lying on one of the very comfortable hammocks scattered throughout the terrace. An idyllic place to disconnect and enjoy the views of the Big Apple in an original way. Of course, reservations are required.

Practical information

  • Where: 299 Sands St, Building 275, Brooklyn, NY 11205
  • Hours: Friday 4 PM to 9 PM; Saturday and Sunday 12 PM to 8 PM

Tips for visiting New York rooftops

The essential thing is to arrive, sit at a table and order your favorite drink to enjoy the panoramic views from any of New York's rooftops. But to make your experience as complete as possible, here are some tips to visit them:

  • Take your passport or ID with you because you will be asked for it when you enter because if you are under 21 years old you will not be allowed access.
  • However, there are some rooftops that in certain time slots do allow minors accompanied by an adult.
  • Almost all rooftops have Happy Hour. If you have planned to go to several, it is best to do so during happy hour to save a little money.
  • The minimum tip is 15% when the service has been correct. When the service was good, the average is 18%, while if the service was excellent, 20% or more is left. As for cocktails, the custom is to leave $1 per drink.
  • Try to visit several rooftops in totally different areas of New York: the perspectives will be more varied and you will be surprised by the different facets of the city.
  • There is no specific dresscode for visiting rooftops in New York, as each place has its own atmosphere. However, the most common etiquette is elegant, casual or casual. And usually more towards smart-casual as the night progresses. Avoid sportswear, flip-flops, Bermuda shorts, hats and tank tops.

12. Other New York City sights worth seeing

If you feel like seeing New York from above, in addition to having a cocktail or brunch at the rooftops we just saw, you can climb one of its many observatories to get the best views of the city. Among the most popular in Midtown are the Top of the Rock and the mythical Empire State Building. If you prefer the views of southern Manhattan, I recommend the One World Observatory and if you want to visit the newest of the city and are not afraid of vertigo, try The Edge.