INCREDIBLE ROOFTOP BARS WITH VIEWS OF NEW YORK CITY

Last Updated on 24th September 2024 by Bejal

If you love cocktails and like to enjoy them with some pretty incredible views of the Big Apple then, rooftop bars in New York City are the place for your to hang out! There are so many to choose from in the city and it can often be a bit of confusing decision to make. Worry not, we have you covered as in this post we’ve featured some of our favourite rooftop bars with views of New York City. We’ve also included top tips such as whether you need to reserve, what drinks to order and even the dress code plus a few more tips that should make sipping on your favourite tipples on the rooftops lots of fun!

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There is no place like drinking in NYC and let us introduce you to some of our favourites located in the city that never sleeps…

Related Article: A Bucket List Guide to the Best of NYC

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

As the name suggests, located right in front of the Brooklyn Bridge in industrial Dumbo, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge has the monopoly in our opinion. Panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge and the Williamsburg Bridge makes it a pretty special place to hang out with the cool, beautiful people of the city and the world.

The 10th floor rooftop has thoughtful touches of nature all around in the décor and style, being minimalist meet high end. Cocktails and drinks are priced at a premium to match but service and location are definitely second to none! It’s what rooftop bar dreams are made of, because after all, now you’re in New York!

The Details

• Address: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge  60 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 I Map Location.
• Contact: +1 347-696-2500.
• More information: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge.
• Dress Code: Smart casual, however people seriously glam up! No trainers/pump shoes..
• Reservations: Most definitely as soon as possible as it does get busy. I would recommend going around 4-5 pm before the work pre dinner rush.

 Be-lavie Tip: It’s possible that a minimum spend per table is required to drink here. $20 fee per person is charged to drink here if you are not a hotel guest with a portion of the proceeds go to Oceanic Global.

Top of The Standard

Housed in the glass facaded building, rising above the former elevated train line, now downtown’s favourite Park, known as The High Line. The Standard Hotel is situated in one of my favourite areas of New York, the Meat packing district and if you’re after dramatic city views in a room lit up by the glittering lights of the city this is your place.

Insanely decadent, Top of the Standard is a stunning design and illuminated bar, this quite possibly is where the sophistication, glitz and glamour of the city is. The top of The Standard operates a small plate, live jazz and speciality cocktail menu in the evenings and boy let me tell you, the mixologists make some of the best Espresso Martini’s in the city.

This is not an open roof top but the ceiling to floor windows will make you think otherwise at times.

The Details

• Address: The Standard, High Line, 848 Washington Street I Map Location.
• Contact: +1 212-645-7600.
• More information: The Standard.
• Dress Code: Smart casual attire focusing on well-tailored and fitted clothing with appropriate footwear.
• Reservations: A Must and at your earliest convenience to avoid no entry. Also if you book early enough, you can request a table by the window like we did.

Be-lavie Tip: On the pricey side but very special, in fact when you enter the rooftop I challenge you not to let the word ‘wow’ pass your lips! There is no minimum spend and this place makes some of the best cocktails in the city. It’s high end but classy trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Related Article: Vegetarian-Friendly Dining spots in New York City

The Yotel Terrace 

 Located on the fourth floor of this new generation of hotels, Yotel has a terrace on the 4^th floor with stunning views over the Times Square, Lower East side vicinity! This place is most definitely cool, hip and very affordable but with no compromise!

We stayed at Yotel, (same group as Yo Sushi) a cabin/pod style accommodation just oozing modern lines, very beautiful understated décor and a relaxed atmosphere. Hang out here in the day or night, it’s flexible with food options available to purchase at Komyuniti or dine in the Green Fig.

The Details

• Address: Yotel, 570 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036 I Map Location.
• Contact: +1 646-449-7700.
• More information: Yotel Times Square.
• Dress Code: Casual and cool.
• Reservation: To avoid disappointment, Book however I feel this is one that you could possibly bag a spot on the terrace due to its casual nature.

Be-lavie Tip: There is also a night club style bar adjoining the terrace, open in the evenings, Green Room 45.

The Refinery Rooftop Bar

At the top of the Refinery Boutique Hotel in mid town, is a favourite amongst the post work locals and very much had the relaxed NYC local vibe to it!

The Refinery rooftop has an outside terrace, which was closed due to rain when we were there but also have a covered indoor bar with a retractable glass roof giving you some some fab views of the Empire State building. The drinks are reasonable, the music is great and its all very relaxed and fun.

To grab a table or somewhere to perch, I would recommend going Happy Hour early. There are tables and comfy sofas. The Refinery is a chic well priced drinking establishment with views, great cocktails, pretty fairy lights and cute ladies and Gents rooms to match.

The Details

• Address: The Refinery Hotel. 63 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018 I Map Location.
• Contact: +1 646-664-0372.
• More Information: Refinery Hotel.
• Dress Code: Smart casual, most people had office attire on.
• Reservation: Recommended but not required. We didn’t book and walked straight in.

Be-lavie Tip: Make your way up here during Happy Hour for guaranteed seating or bar spot.

POD 39 H0tel

Located a few minutes from Grand Central Terminal in Murray Hill, is this budget pod style relaxed, casual hotel which has a stunning brick adorned open air rooftop.

The Pod 39 Rooftop is cool, the drinks are pretty good value, with pitchers being offered and is definitely a more of a younger crowd puller then the others. I’m talking generally those maxing life in their twenties! There’s no doubt about it the rooftop is great, the atmosphere is buzzing and cocktails and drinks won’t set you back too much if you intend on making a night of it here. Beautiful sunsets from the rooftop and rustic unfinished vibe.

The Details

• Address: 230 E 51st Street, New York, NY 10017 I Map Location.
• Contact: +1 844-763-7666.
• More Information: Pod 39 Hotel.
• Dress Code: Casual, smart, pumps allowed. Admittance is carefully considered by door men.
• Reservation: Not required as we just walked in as we were passing by.

Be-lavie Tip: Come a little early to grab one of the spots overlooking the city sky scape, I’d say the one opposite the bar, in the centre between two pillars is the best.

Related Article: Where To Have brunch in New York City

Recommended Local Tours For Drinks Lovers

If you love to try the local craft beer, ales or even cocktails, check out these tours in New York City which also are great to learn some local history.

Rooftop Bars With Skyline Views FAQ’s

Why do we need to carry ID when heading to rooftop bars?

The legal age to consume alcohol in the USA is 21, and we found that many doormen would ask to see before granted access to the establishments.

How can I find great rooftop bars in New York City?

Use this guide as a start but you can always ask a concierge or staff at your hotel. If you head on a tour, then why not ask the local tour guides, they are the best source of knowledge. As a tip, most rooftop bars are associated with hotels, so if you see a hotel in a great location with fab city views, it’s likely their rooftop has an incredible vista!

Are rooftop reservations essential and is there a fee to hold tables?

We would always say if it’s a popular rooftop then make reservations. If you see that online there is a facility to reserve a table then its almost always certain that this is a requirement. It also guarantees you a seat so you’re not standing around the bar. Often tables which face the main part of the view have a minimum spend attached to them but you can always just go and take a photo here discretely without disturbing other guests.

Some rooftop bars will ask for a minimum spend up front to guarantee a reservations and this would generally depend on whether you are willing to spend a certain amount of alcohol or even bar snacks.

Rooftop Bars With Views of New York City Round Up

We hope you enjoyed this selection of rooftop bars with views of New York City helps you plan your own itinerary of places to visit for great cocktails or a night cap. Of course, there are far more wonderful rooftop bars in the city to head to so hopefully this list can help you get started. Our biggest tips would be to make reservations as Fridays and Saturdays can get super busy. Also many rooftops can be closed for private events so it’s best to check before hand to avoid disappointment. Finally do carry some ID with you when heading to premises that serve alcohol as the legal age to drink in the USA is 21 and a lot of doormen will ask to see your ID. We certainly were at a few places.

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Resources To Help Plan Your Trip

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