The 10 Best Rooftop Bars in New York With Incredible Views

This blog post is all about the best rooftop bars in New York with a view that are a must-visit this summer.

One thing New York City does exceptionally well is rooftop bars.

Whether you’re looking for a cocktail overlooking the Empire State Building, a sunset across the Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn, or somewhere a little more under the radar in Queens, there’s no shortage of incredible rooftop bars with unforgettable views.

Having lived in New York, one of my favourite ways to spend an evening was discovering a new rooftop bar.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best rooftop bars in New York that I genuinely recommend from my own experience, covering Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.

Some are ideal for a special occasion, others are perfect for happy hour or a summer evening with friends, but every one of them offers something a little different.

If you’re planning a trip to the city or simply want to experience New York from above, these are the best rooftop bars in New York with a view that I’d happily recommend to family and friends.

After living in the city, these are the places I’d go back to in a heartbeat.

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Table of Contents

The Best Rooftop Bars in New York: Manhattan

If it’s your first time visiting New York City, this is probably where you’ll want to start.

Manhattan is home to some of the city’s most iconic rooftop bars, with unbeatable views of landmarks like the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and the Chrysler Building.

From glamorous rooftop lounges to more laid-back terraces, these are the best Manhattan rooftop bars that I’ve personally visited and would happily recommend.

1. Magic Hour Rooftop, Midtown Manhattan

Address: 485 7th Avenue, Midtown

A rooftop that we visited in the summer, Magic Hour Rooftop is actually part of the Tao Group which is one of the fancy nightclubs that I never actually went to.

It appears to be very flashy and that you need a booking and a six-figure salary to get in, but most times we’ve rocked up unannounced and been able to get a table. The drinks are expensive but tasty and it does offer a great view of the Empire State Building.

Plus, there are many places for photo opportunities which we love, right?

If you’re looking for the best rooftop bars in Midtown New York, Magic Hour is a great one to stop by!

2. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, Midtown Manhattan

Address: 1150 Broadway, New York

At this rate, 230 Fifth Avenue is basically our local bar.

I’ve had drinks here (mostly frose) from day one when I first arrived in New York for my year placement at the tail end of summer, and I’ve been back many times since the weather has started to get warmer again.

230 Fifth rooftop bar is insanely popular with tourists as one of the best rooftop bars in New York, as it offers the best views of the Empire State Building, merchandised drinking cups and huge caskets of frose for $10.

What more could you want as a tourist in New York?

Empire State Building 230 5th rooftop bar new york

3. Mr Purple, Soho

Address: Hotel Indigo, 180 Orchard Street, New York City

If you’re looking for the best rooftop bars in New York City with a swimming pool, Mr. Purple Rooftop Bar is the best.

Sitting on top of the Hotel Indigo on the Lower East Side, it’s one of those places that perfectly captures New York’s effortlessly cool vibe.

Unlike some of the city’s more formal rooftop bars, Mr. Purple feels relaxed and sociable, making it just as good for after-work drinks as it is for a weekend evening with friends.

The views stretch across downtown New York and Lower Manhattan, with the Empire State Building standing proudly in the distance and skyscrapers filling every direction you look.

In the summer months, the rooftop pool area adds to the appeal, making it one of the hottest rooftop bars in New York.

The cocktails are excellent, the music is always lively without being overwhelming, and the atmosphere feels authentically New York.

If you’re only planning to visit a handful of rooftop bars during your trip to New York, Mr. Purple is one I’d definitely recommend adding to your itinerary.

Mr Purple Rooftop Bar with Pool New York

4. Refinery Rooftop, Midtown Manhattan

Address: 63 West 38th Street, New York City

I visited Refinery Rooftop for the first time just last weekend, we dined and drank at this smaller rooftop and loved it. The service was excellent and the food was amazing.

It was painfully hot, but luckily we were seated at a table with shade. As the bar is very open-planned, there were tables seated indoors with doors that opened out onto the roof terrace.

A little bit more on the expensive side, but a lovely rooftop bar all the same.

5. Le Bain Rooftop at The Standard Hotel, The High Line

Address: The Standard Hotel, 444 West 13th Street, New York City

Le Bain Rooftop was actually the first rooftop bar I ever visited in New York, on the second night of my move to the city.

To say I was blown away by the view was an understatement. I knew then I had to make my way around all the best rooftop bars in New York to see the skyline from every angle I could.

Le Bain is located on the rooftop of The Standard Hotel next to the High Line, with an indoor swimming pool, disco ball and regular DJs. It’s definitely a vibe on a weekend, and The Standard is a great hotel to stay at during a trip to New York too.

6. St. Cloud Rooftop Bar at The Knickerbocker Hotel, Times Square

Address: 6 Times Square, New York City

It seems like a lifetime ago that I went here for a drink, but I had a very posh cocktail at St. Cloud Rooftop Bar before heading to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway.

It’s definitely somewhere that you would go for one drink just to say you’ve been as it’s very much on the upper-class scale of rooftop bars in New York City, located at The Knickerbocker Hotel in Times Square. Think champagne and fine dining and this bar is what you get.

A very nice treat and offers views of Times Square. St. Cloud Rooftop Bar is also a great place to see the ball drop on New Year’s Eve!

The Best Rooftop Bars in New York: Brooklyn

For me, some of the very best views of Manhattan are actually found across the river in Brooklyn.

Rooftop bars here tend to feel a little more relaxed than those in Midtown, with incredible skyline views, amazing sunsets and a slightly more local feel.

If you’re looking for the best rooftop bars in New York with a view of Manhattan, these Brooklyn spots are well worth making the trip for.

7. Westlight, Williamsburg

Address: 111 North 12th Street, Brooklyn

Westlight is one of those rooftop bars that completely lives up to the hype. Located on the 22nd floor of The William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg, it offers what I genuinely think is one of the best skyline views in New York City.

Looking out across Brooklyn towards Manhattan, you can see the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, the Chrysler Building and the East River all from one spot.

I always recommend making the journey over to Williamsburg, even if you’re staying in Manhattan.

The neighbourhood has some of the best cafés, boutiques and restaurants in New York, and finishing the day with a drink at Westlight while watching the skyline change colour as the sun sets is hard to beat.

For me, Westlight is one of the very best rooftop bars in Brooklyn and somewhere I’d happily return to every time I’m back in New York.

8. Harriet’s Lounge, DUMBO

Address: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, 60 Furman Street, Brooklyn

Perched on top of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Harriet’s Rooftop offers one of the most iconic views in the whole of New York.

Looking directly across the East River towards Lower Manhattan, you’ll have front-row seats to the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center and the ever-changing city skyline.

This is one of those places that feels perfect for a special occasion. The décor is elegant without trying too hard, the cocktails are beautifully presented and there’s something incredibly relaxing about sitting here as the city lights begin to appear after sunset.

Because it’s located in DUMBO, it’s easy to combine a visit with a walk across Brooklyn Bridge, exploring Brooklyn Bridge Park or grabbing dinner in the neighbourhood afterwards.

If you’re searching for the best rooftop bars in New York with a view that feels a little more luxurious, Harriet’s Lounge is an excellent choice.

9. ART Rooftop, Arlo Hotel, Williamsburg

Address: Arlo Williamsburg, 96 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn

One of my favourite things about Williamsburg is that it somehow manages to feel trendy without losing its neighbourhood charm, and the rooftop at Arlo Williamsburg fits that perfectly.

Overlooking both Brooklyn and the Manhattan skyline, ART Rooftop is a fantastic spot if you want incredible views without some of the crowds you’ll often find at Manhattan rooftop bars.

The atmosphere here is stylish yet relaxed, making it equally suited to afternoon drinks, sunset cocktails or a late evening with friends. The rooftop itself is beautifully designed with comfortable seating, greenery and uninterrupted views across the city.

I also love that you’re already in one of New York’s coolest neighbourhoods. Before or after your visit, spend some time wandering Williamsburg’s independent shops, coffee houses, vintage stores and waterfront parks. It makes for one of my favourite days out in New York.

If you’re looking for one of the best rooftop bars in New York that combines great views with an equally great location, Arlo Williamsburg is well worth visiting.

If you’d like to see how to spend a hot summer day in New York, check out my 24 hours in New York City YouTube vlog to see what we get up to when it’s a really hot day in New York:

The Best Rooftop Bars in New York: Queens

Queens might not be the first borough people think of when searching for the best rooftop bars in New York, but that’s exactly why I love it.

The rooftop bars in Queens are often less crowded, more affordable and offer a completely different perspective of the Manhattan skyline.

If you’re looking to venture beyond the usual tourist spots, these are some of the best rooftop bars in Queens to add to your itinerary.

10. Lost in Paradise, The Z Hotel, Long Island City

Address: 43rd Avenue, Long Island City, Queens

I actually discovered Lost in Paradise rooftop bar on TikTok, believe it or not. Claimed to be one of New York’s ‘best kept secrets’, this rooftop bar is atop The Z Hotel in the middle of nowhere really.

The warehouses around were used for filming movies and TV shows, but currently don’t have any use. I can’t imagine why anyone would have stayed in this hotel, only for film and TV crew.

The bar is beautiful and the views even better. Out of all the rooftop bars I’ve been to, I think this was the best for views. You can see the entire New York skyline from here.

We sat from sunset until it got dark so got to see the skyline when it was light and dark. I would recommend that you book in advance as we waited around 30 minutes to get a seat.

Another tip, walk to the Pepsi Cola sign afterwards and grab the ferry back to Manhattan.

The Best Rooftop Bars in New York I Love Most

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking for the perfect sunset spot or simply want to see the city from a different perspective, visiting a rooftop bar is one of my favourite things to do in New York.

After living in the city, I quickly realised that every rooftop has its own personality. Some are all about the luxury experience, others are hidden neighbourhood gems, and some have views so good you’ll find yourself putting your phone away just to take it all in.

I hope this guide helps you discover a few new favourites, whether you’re planning your very first trip or returning to New York once again. I’ve included a mix of iconic rooftop bars and lesser-known spots across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens so there’s something for every type of traveller and every budget.

If you’re planning more of your New York itinerary, don’t forget to check out my other New York guides below. These all based on my own experiences living in New York and are packed with the places I’d genuinely recommend to friends and family visiting the Big Apple.

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By Orlagh Shanks

Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.

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