There’s nothing quite like sipping a drink at a rooftop bar. Whether it’s a breezy spritz with a picture-perfect view or a laid-back evening of cocktails and small bites, these elevated spots are a must-visit—especially when warm weather rolls around.

In New York City, rooftop bars are in a league of their own, thanks to the iconic skyline and top-tier talent behind them. Want a herb-infused cocktail with the Empire State Building in the background? Or a glass of champagne overlooking Central Park? These 17 rooftop bars deliver unforgettable views—and then some.

### Overstory
Perched 64 floors up in a striking Art Deco tower in the Financial District, Overstory feels like it deserves its own zip code. Bar director Harrison Ginsberg crafts inventive cocktails that put a modern twist on classic flavors. Guests arrive via a sleek travertine stairwell before settling into an intimate space with a wraparound terrace offering 360-degree city views.

### elNico at The Penny
Why settle for one skyline when you can have two? This vibrant rooftop spot serves up sweeping views of both Brooklyn and Manhattan. Executive chef Fernanda Serrano brings Mexican-inspired flavors to the menu (think pink mole and pulpo pibil), while beverage director Christian Rodriguez mixes up refreshing drinks like a spicy pisco sour. The space is dotted with cacti and bold, colorful decor, making it as stylish as it is inviting.

### Roof at 66 Park
After a years-long renovation, NYC’s first Japanese-owned luxury hotel has opened in a historic Rockefeller-owned building—complete with an 18th-floor rooftop bar. The wraparound terraces and rare Japanese whiskeys are highlights, and the sleek design by Johnny Marsh of Atelier Marsh puts you right in the shadow of the Empire State Building.

### Nubeluz at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad
This glittering 50th-floor bar, led by Michelin-starred chef José Andrés, is a standout in NYC’s bar scene. Designed by Martin Brudnizki, the space pairs Spanish-inspired bites (like jamón and queso boards) with inventive cocktails. Try the Foggy Hill, made with mezcal, vermouth, and an aromatic orange-thyme mist.

### Panorama Room at Graduate New York
Take the scenic Roosevelt Island tram (a NYC classic since 1976) to this 18th-floor rooftop at the Graduate hotel. The views are breathtaking, and the menu leans into seafood with a raw bar and small plates—perfect for pairing with their atmospheric cocktails.

### The Cantor Roof Garden Bar
After exploring The Met’s art collections, head up to this seasonal rooftop bar (open from April 19) for classic cocktails and unbeatable views of Central Park.

### RH Rooftop
Finish a shopping trip at Restoration Hardware with drinks at their 90,000-square-foot rooftop in the Meatpacking District. A glass elevator whisks you up to a lush garden setting complete with fountains and skyline views.Here’s the rewritten version in clear, natural English:

Start with an order of prosciutto and crispy artichokes for the table, paired with a glass from their impressive selection of American and European wines.

THE ROOF at PUBLIC Hotel
Ian Schrager’s Lower East Side hotel boasts a rooftop bar with sweeping 360-degree city views. True to his signature sleek style, the space blends industrial minimalism with cozy touches like plush seating and lush greenery—perfect for lingering all afternoon.

Gansevoort Rooftop
The Meatpacking District’s cobblestone streets and charming architecture set the scene for this skyline-view bar. The Gansevoort’s rooftop features a striking glass enclosure and a brass-framed bar topped with blue onyx, accented by Moroccan tiles and vibrant patterned seating. Savor fresh dishes like branzino and shrimp pil pil alongside classic cocktails (don’t miss their rooftop spritz).

Darling at Park Lane New York
Perched on the 47th floor of this historic Central Park hotel, Darling offers breathtaking views and a decadent menu by Scott Sartiano, featuring seafood towers and caviar grilled cheese. The wraparound outdoor terrace is ideal for sipping a spritz or tropical cocktail on a sunny afternoon.

Starchild at Civilian Hotel
If you’re in the theater district for a show, bookend your night with drinks at this panoramic rooftop bar, offering views stretching to the Hudson River. Two open-air patios let you soak up the sun (or sunset), while a trellis-wrapped space surrounds a sleek bamboo bar finished in blue lacquer.

Ophelia
Housed in a 1928 Art Deco building, Ophelia is a glamorous cocktail lounge on the 26th floor of Beekman Tower, encased in a 360-degree greenhouse terrace. Vintage flapper hats and antique tarot cards add to the historic vibe, and the indoor-outdoor patio is irresistible. Visit on Tuesdays for live jazz from 6 to 9 p.m.

Harriet’s at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
With one of the best Manhattan skyline views, this waterfront rooftop bar embraces sustainable design. Their menu highlights Asian-inspired cuisine and locally sourced drinks, like the Brooklyn Garden (Hendrick’s Gin, Moët Ice, homemade green juice, and yuzu-lime soda).

LilliStar at Moxy Williamsburg
This indoor-outdoor lounge offers unobstructed views of the Williamsburg Bridge, East River, and Lower Manhattan. The playful menu matches the vibrant decor, with creative twists like Elote Twisted Tea and Jazzy Jerk Margarita.

Bar Tontine at The Wall Street Hotel
Located in the Financial District’s historic Tontine building, this rooftop bar delivers stunning views of Lower Manhattan and the East River. Its 180-degree terrace is perfect for after-work drinks or a first date, with inventive cocktails to match.

The Flower Shop at The Walker
This Lower East Side favorite returns for its second season atop The Walker Tribeca. The floral-filled rooftop bar keeps its hidden-gem charm, offering 360-degree skyline views and a menu of South American share plates.

Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!Enjoy dishes like crudos and ceviches, or cool off with a refreshing cocktail—try the classic frozen margarita or a cucumber gimlet.

JIMMY at ModernHaus SoHo
Perched 18 stories high, this rooftop bar offers panoramic views, an outdoor pool deck, and even a working fireplace. Inspired by Picasso’s blue period, the space blends vintage and contemporary furnishings. Sip on bubbly while snacking on crispy zucchini chips and taking in sights of Midtown, Wall Street, the Hudson River, and the bridges spanning the East River.

Electric Lemon
Stephen Starr’s 24th-floor retreat in the Equinox Hotel, designed by the Rockwell Group, boasts an 8,000-square-foot terrace overlooking the Hudson. With Jaume Plensa sculptures and a serene herb garden, the ambiance is unmatched. Seasonal cocktails and fresh, locally sourced bites make it ideal for a summer afternoon.

Dear Irving On Broadway
If you’re catching a show in the theater district, this rooftop bar is the perfect pre- or post-performance stop. The 1930s-inspired glamour, skyline views, and cocktails by bar director Meaghan Dorman—like the classic Gibson and Broadway-themed drinks—set the mood for the evening.

Westlight at The William Vale
At 22 floors up, this Williamsburg hotspot offers some of the best skyline views in NYC. In warmer months, the seasonal Turf Club pop-up features lawn games and specialty cocktails.

The Rooftop at The Rockaway Hotel + Spa
A weekend escape to Rockaway Beach rewards you with views of both the Manhattan skyline and the Atlantic Ocean. The indoor-outdoor 6th-floor bar serves creative cocktails like the Shark Bite—a mix of ghost pepper tequila, cucumber, watermelon, lime, and tajin.

Leonessa at Conrad New York Downtown
Opening spring 2025, this Italian-inspired rooftop bar channels a Positano terrace with lemon trees and a fountain. Partnering with Ariel Arce (of Tokyo Record Bar fame), the menu includes aperitivo-style snacks and cocktails like spritzes, bitters, and martinis.

Bar Blondeau at Wythe Hotel
Year-round sophistication awaits at this rooftop bar atop a converted Williamsburg factory. Sip Cremant du Jura while admiring Manhattan’s skyline, or relax on the wraparound terrace with its oversized umbrellas and lush greenery (opening May 5).