If you don’t make it a point to see the skyline views in New York City from the top of a swanky rooftop bar, are you really even in New York City? IMO, no visit to the Big Apple is complete without spending at least one night soaking in the views of this magnificent city. This post covers some of the best rooftop bars in New York City, and will be continually updated the more I come back. Ready to discover some of my favorite NYC bars with equally incredible views? Hop in the elevator, ’cause we’re going all the way up!
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Aside from eating all the food, seeing the Manhattan skyline all lit up is probably the biggest tourist draw that you just have to experience – and what easier way than to stay at a hotel with epic rooftop views? A lot of the places I listed here are attached to hotels, so I made sure to include the hotel name along with the name of the bar.
This blog post introduces you to some of my favorite NYC rooftops that allow you to see the city at its best. No matter what’s on your New York City itinerary, it is my belief that each night should end on a rooftop. Put on your swankiest dress and heels and pick your favorite from the list of best rooftop bars in NYC below.
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The Best Rooftop Bars in NYC
1. Nubeluz at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Location: NoMad
Price Point: $$$
View the Nubeluz website here
Let’s start with my favorite, shall we? I’m not going to lie to you – I might have uttered a small scream when I stepped off the elevators into Nubeluz on the highest floor of the Ritz-Carlton and saw the entire city all lit up before my eyes. José Andrés designed this bar to embody the glamour and sophistication both of New York City and the Ritz itself.
Perched on the 50th floor of the hotel, you are able to see 270° views of Manhattan while you sip on expertly crafted cocktails and enjoy small bites. I tried the Labneh with José’s Potato Chips and loved it, but I would advise against getting the Bagel & Lox Cone (it came with one small bite for 2 people!). If you’re a Negroni fan, try the Foggy Bottom – they gave it their own creative spin and nailed it.
2. Panorama Room at the Graduate Roosevelt Hotel
Location: Roosevelt Island
Price Point: $$$
View the Panorama Room website here
Panorama Room is a tad bit out of the way if you’re staying in Manhattan, but the 360°views of the Manhattan skyline cascading off the East River make up for it. Located on the 18th floor of the Graduate Hotel, it has a sophisticated lounge with floor to ceiling windows and orange accents on the ceiling that change to a different color at night. Weather permitting, you are able to step outside and get some amazing photos.
They have a food menu with small bites containing mostly seafood, but their cocktail menu and the views is what drew me in. I remember not knowing what a lot of the drink ingredients were, but trusting the bartenders introduce me to my new favorite beverage (and I encourage you to do the same). Their menu changes seasonally, so you are able to try new things throughout the year.
3. Magic Hour at the Moxy Hotel
Location: Times Square
Price Point: $$$
View the Magic Hour website here
If you love all things pink and girly, this is your vibe. The Moxy Hotel’s rooftop lounge features pink-themed decor that changes seasonally. During winter, they often have an aprés-ski theme complete with pink frosted trees and a glitter carousel. Their food and drink menu features items like Pink AF Pancakes and Pink Campfire S’Mores. They also serve brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30-3:00pm.
But it’s not all pink and glitter. Magic Hour is NYC’s largest indoor/outdoor hotel rooftop bar and features incredible Manhattan city views, along with a putt-putt golf course that has pink animals in, errr…flirty positions. They have a live DJ every night, making this the perfect spot to grab your best friends for a drink and soak in all the girly vibes.
- Photo Pro Tip: The lighting on this display is NOT good for photos. To get the best photo on this carousel, have one of your friends stand to take the photo, and have another turn their phone’s flashlight on and hold it above the person taking the shot. Otherwise, your photo will likely come out too dark.
4. Monarch Rooftop Lounge
Location: Herald Square
Price Point: $$$
View the Monarch Rooftop Lounge website here
Monarch Rooftop Lounge was one of the first rooftop bars that I visited in NYC, and I immediately loved it for its moody atmosphere, city views, small plates and cocktails. This is the perfect place to come with your friends or significant other and share a bunch of appetizers while working your way through the drink menu. (I can vouch for the parmesan truffle fries, grilled cheese bites, and beef sliders). They have an indoor skylight lounge that has exposed brick walls and chic animal print furniture, while the outdoor terrace has stunning Empire State/Midtown views.
5. Ophelia at The Beekman Tower
Location: Turtle Bay, along the East River
Price Point: $$$
View the Ophelia website here
The only thing better than seeing the NYC skyline is seeing the NYC skyline AND the East River…and Ophelia has gorgeous views of both. I decided to spend my birthday getting drinks and apps here with a couple friends one year, and it was so fun. The only thing that made me raise an eyebrow when I visited was the decor when you first walk in. There were silver “icicles” and snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, and I was there in April…
It just doesn’t fit. I’m sorry. Just my humble opinion. I’m not sure if they ever take these down? Regardless, sitting on the perimeter of the bar with massive windows and city views is more impressive IMO….
Ah…MUCH better!
The food menu isn’t huge, and is more appropriate for sharing a bunch of apps as opposed to everyone getting their own plate. They have social hour with specials on select alcohol and food from 5pm-7pm on weekdays, and of course, Sunday brunch from 12pm-4pm. They even have a late night menu on Fridays and Saturdays after 11pm.
If you want drink recs and you’re a tequila person, I’m going to tell you to get the Ophelia’s Ascension. It’s made with mezcal and is smoky tasting perfection. If you want something strong but more whiskey-based, go for the Tall Poppy.
