15 Best Rooftop Bars on Manhattan (2024)

Manhattan is truly one of the top spots around the globe for anyone looking for a great variety of rooftop bars. Here you can find all kinds of rooftops – everything from super luxurios rooftop lounges, to more relaxed poolside terraces.

There are literally hundreds of great rooftop bars on Manhattan, which makes it hard to find the very best ones. Therefore, we have assembled this list of the best of the best among the Manhattan rooftops. A list made by the world’s leading experts on rooftop bars – The Rooftop Guide.

1. Castell Rooftop Lounge

Elevated above the bustling streets of the Garment District, Castell Rooftop Lounge recaptures the spirit of a classic co*cktail lounge, sprinkled with amazing views.

From the 21st floor of the AC Hotel by Marriott New York Times Square, you can enjoy panoramics over the city, both from the lush outdoor terrace and from the stylish indoor lounge, aslo showcasing abstract art.

Serving craft beers, wine, non-alcoholic spirits and shareable plates, the Castell menu's main focus is on the iconic Martini. Shaken, stirred, dry, twisted or neat, it is up to you.

Open nightly during weekdays for fine drinks and bites in a sophisticated but comfortable atmosphere, and from mid day during weekends, when live DJs also picks up the vibe a few notches.

2. Bar Cima

Created by award-winning NYC-based hospitality group Apicii, Bar Cima invites to an elevated setting that evokes polished Mexican luxury.

Found on the 28th floor of the new Grayson Hotel, high above Manhattan, the rooftop blends an elegant, sleek and intimate interior lounge with a beautiful outdoor terrace, all surrounded by breathtaking views of New York City.

A rooftop tequileria and co*cktail bar, the Bar Cima menu mix agave spirits with authentic Mexican ingredients, housemade bitters and tinctures, fresh juices and signature salt rims to create classic and innovative co*cktails.

Sophisticated, cool and upscale, Bar Cima is a prime spot to enjoy the best of drinks and views, before, during and after sunset.

3. Elsie Rooftop

Twenty-five stories up, near Bryant Park, you find the lavish Elsie Rooftop, an all-season destination with sophisticated indoor and outdoor seating options.

Paying homage to Elsie de Wolfe, the world's most famous decorator and one of society’s most renowned doyennes, this rooftop really brings a slice of fashionable 1920s co*cktail bar to the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

Upscale and glamorous all around, surrounded with majestic views over the Manhattan skyscrapers, here you can indulge in bespoke co*cktails, a fine selection of wine and champagne, complemented with a seasonally-focused light fare menu.

Visit Elsie Rooftop for elevated after-work drinks with a view, weekly special events, or a bottomless brunch to really start the weekend right.

4. Bar 54

Bar 54 is Manhattan's highest hotel co*cktail bar, perched on the 54th floor of Hyatt Centric Times Square.

Part stylish interior lounge and part breezy outside terrace, here you can enjoy superb river-to-river views, including the Chrysler Building and all of lower Manhattan.

A prime and elevated spot to sip and mingle, the rooftop bar offers a selection of craft co*cktails, fine wines, and local small plates.

For an elevated evening high above Manhattan, Bar 54 is hard to beat.

5. Bar Harta

Steps from Bryant Park, at the second floor of the modern Grayson Hotel, Bar Harta invites to an energetic and social setting, inspired by the convivial wine culture of the Western Mediterranean.

Connected to the New American brasserie Harta on ground level, the lush, natural and stylish indoor / outdoor rooftop is accessible via a spiral staircase.

Open from April to November, here you can enjoy a casual rooftop menu, featuring 16 wines on draft, as well as refreshing co*cktails, sparkling spritzes, beer on draft, and all the classic sips you love.

The drinks are paired with wine-friendly snacks and small plates, inspired by the Mediterranean and perfect to share with friends.

6. Sandbar Rooftop

High above Chelsea and Manhattan, Sandbar Rooftop invites to a Hamptons-inspired beach escape for all seasons.

Perched on the 23rd floor of the Hilton New York Fashion District, the indoor-outdoor rooftop comes with a charming and chic beach décor, featuring whimsical touches such as lifeguard chairs, hanging lounges, and swings created from reclaimed wine barrels.

Surrounded with fantastic views of Manhattan and the Empire State Building, here you can indulge in handcrafted signature co*cktails designed by Sandbar's house mixologist, a fine selection of wine and brews, as well as a fresh array of sharables and pinsa-style pizza.

Filled with a sophisticated yet relaxing atmosphere and a curated music selection, Sandbar Rooftop is a prime spot for an elevated Manhattan experience any time of the year.

7. The Ainsworth Midtown

The Ainsworth is a multipurpose and diverse venue, comprised of a full scale restaurant, bar, lounge, event space and rooftop terrace, and perfectly encompassing sports bar, modern American brasserie and local social hall.

Located in New York City’s Midtown neighborhood, here you find a stylish interior with chic paisley wallpaper and antique pine wood, complemented with lush, trendy and comfy rooftop terrace, in full swing during the warmer months.

Open for lunch, weekend brunch, dinner, and drinks in between, The Ainsworth offers a new take on classic American fare favorites, as well as signature co*cktails and a fine array of beers and wine.

Try the iconic 'Mac & Cheeseburger', or go for an all inclusive boozy brunch. Whenever you visit, you can expect a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere, perfect to eat, drink and celebrate above E 33rd Street.

8. Interlude Rooftop Lounge

Elevated high above the heart of Times Sqaure, Interlude Rooftop Lounge is an upscale and modern sanctuary in the sky, promising a memorable, high-quality experience that is as inclusive as it is unique.

The 38th floor rooftop blends a stylish interior lounge with a breezy outdoor terrace, surrounded with unbeatable panoramic NYC views.

Filled with a refined yet playful ambiance, here you can indulge in exquisite and hand-crafted co*cktails, as well as a fine selection of wine, brews and premium spirits.

A respite from the city's bustle, for both tourists and local businesses, Interlude Rooftop Lounge is open every evening for drinks and bites with a view.

9. Roof at Park South

From mid-April to November, Roof at Park South offers a fantastic mix of handcrafted co*cktails, refreshing bites and amazing city views.

Perched on top of the Park South Hotel in NoMad, the beautiful and lush terrace comes surrounded with spectacular and unobstructed vistas over the NYC skyline.

Grab a seat by the impressive rooftop bar or at the hightop tables right by the edge, or get more comfy in the Fireside Lounge or Umbrella Lounge. Roof at Park South offers several unique spaces.

The rooftop menu includes fun, creative and crafted co*cktails created by Ivan Papic, as well as refreshing and globally inspired selection of bar bites by award-winning chef Bryce Shuman.

The Roof at Park South is a truly a summer hot-spot to escape above Manhattan for drinks with a view.

10. The Sentry Penthouse Lounge & Bar

18 floors above the hustle and bustle of Manhattans streets, The Sentry offers a chic and crafted rooftop oasis.

Evoking the allure of a sensuous penthouse loft and a discreet speakeasy spirit, this Flatiron rooftop blends a retro-inspired interior with a breezy outdoor terrace, overlooking the Midtown skyline.

Up here, on the top floor of Hotel Henri, you can indulge in a large selection of perfectly crafted co*cktails, an extensive liquor offering, as well as tasty bites perfect to share.

The Sentry Flatiron is a prime spot to lounge out with colleagues and friends, sipping prime drinks in an elevated setting.

11. Vue 180 Rooftop

Vue 180 Rooftop is a refreshingly unique rooftop bar and lounge, perched on top of the DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square South in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

The modern space is aptly named for its amazing and panoramic views of NYC's most iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building as impressive focal point.

Open daily to everyone, the Vue 180 rooftop menu includes a curated selection of refreshing shareables, classic and specialty co*cktails, and a local and rotating selection of beer and wine.

Working on a first come first served basis, Vue 180 Rooftop is pretty much the perfect spot to stop by for a great and elevated night out.

12. The DL

Want to add a large dose lively and energetic vibes to your Manhattan rooftop experience? Then The DL Rooftop & Lounge is just the place for you.

Located on the corner of Delancey Street & Ludlow in Lower East Side, this luxe and impressive 7,500 square-feet venue offers rooftop, restaurant and event space over three unique levels.

Enjoy a modern adaptation of classic American comfort food at the first floor Dinner on Ludlow, or head straight upstairs to the South Beach–esque third floor rooftop lounge.

Surrounded with lovely vies over the Lower East Side skyline and Williamsburg Bridge, this is one of the largest retractable all-weather rooftops in New York City.

So the elevated fun is available year round, and ranges from happening day party's under the sun, to extraordinary nightlife and after work experiences with DJ tunes and an energetic atmosphere.

13. BLU33 Rooftop

Named after its location on West 33rd Street, and the bold blue neon and cascading blue flood lighting that illuminates the space, BLU33 Rooftop is a prime spot to soak up the Midtown Manhattan scene.

Set on the top floor of the Fairfield by Marriott Midtown Penn Station, right next to Madison Square Garden, the clean and sleek rooftop is reminiscent of the Greek Isles.

Part beacuase of the rich blue seat coverings and white planters glowing with soft blue lighting, and part beacuase of the amazing and sweeping views, stretching from midtown to lower Manhattan, Madison Square Garden, Hudson Yards, and the iconic Penn Station.

Open from early afternoon to late evening, BLU33 Rooftop serves light fare and a fully stocked bar, filled with everything from a signature co*cktails, local beers, and a nice selection of wine and bubbles.

14. The Delancey

Located in Lower East Side, The Delancey is a music venue, a night club and a rooftop bar all in one, offering a prime NYC nightlife experience.

Set over three levels, the venue holds a basem*nt music venue, a vibrant main level interior bar, and an airy and lush rooftop garden.

The tropical terrace comes with a retractable roof, and is open for rooftop fun rain or shine, summer or winter.

While peering out onto the Manhattan side of the Williamsburg Bridge, you can order co*cktails, beer and bottle service from the full service rooftop bar, as well as bites from pop-up food trucks.

An oasis above the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, The Delancey rooftop is a great spot for a night out, with regular DJ sessions and a vibrant lounge atmosphere.

15. Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar

Found right by the Hudson River, the five star Conrad New York Hotel offers an equally five star rooftop experience, with the Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar.

Open during spring and summer, there is a sense of exclusiveness to the 16th floor terrace, where you can enjoy fantastic views of both the NYC and New Jersey skyline's, as well as the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor.

Known for their refreshing signature Poptail drink, Loopy Doopy also serves plenty of other creative co*ktails, along with spirits, wines, beers and a fresh and seasonal menu of small plates.

Stylish and modern in décor, the quite intimate Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar is a perfect spot for elevated and memorable summer afternoon and evenings.