The best rooftop bars in New York

If you find yourself in the dark woods of Times Square, the best escape is to be like Dante and aim for ascension. In that case, a rooftop bar is a pretty good idea. Above the hellscape of crowds, billboards, and drifting Marvel characters is St. Cloud Rooftop, a rooftop bar that will take you in its arms and soothe your anxieties with many, many cocktails.

Situated on top of the iconic Knickerbocker, St. Cloud Rooftop presents a refined yet comfortable atmosphere for enjoying New York's skyline. This rooftop bar features elegant corner Sky Pods with views, alongside both indoor and outdoor seating areas. The decor includes the exclusive Waterford Crystal Lounge and a luxurious private room, complemented by verdant living walls of greenery.

This 7,800 sq. ft. venue can host up to 375 guests for a soaring private event.

Perched atop Hotel Hendricks in Midtown, Daintree Rooftop & Lounge offers a fresh Australian perspective on the NYC rooftop scene. Since its 2021 opening, this stylish venue has been drawing in guests with its panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, including an unobstructed vista of the Empire State Building from its verdant rooftop terrace.

Daintree's bar menu is a curated assortment of cocktails, featuring a mix of crafted New York classics and a distinctive selection of Australian wines. The experience is further enhanced by an array of Aussie-Asian-inspired bar snacks, including unique offerings like Chicken Salt & Seaweed Popcorn and Caviar & Chips.

This rooftop bar's open floor plan offers space for up to 200 guests cocktail-style, along with a dedicated kitchen, A/V and DJ capabilities, and lounge seating for up to 60.

Harriet's Rooftop & Lounge, atop the 10th floor of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, combines panoramic Manhattan skyline views with the charm of an old-fashioned cocktail lounge. Here, live DJs add a modern twist to the rich, yet refined ambiance. The lounge is a nod to a bygone era, where cocktails and conversation take center stage, complemented by sustainable spirits and elevated bar bites.

With over 2,800 square feet of flexible space and capacity for up to 350 guests, the lounge becomes your personal playground, complete with natural light by day and a twinkling cityscape by night. The private stairway to the rooftop, open seasonally, adds a touch of exclusivity. Like all the best NYC rooftop bars, it's a place where you can enjoy the city's beauty without having to elbow your way through a crowded sidewalk.

Nubeluz, perched on the 50th floor of The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, is what happens when a cocktail bar decides to nearly touch the sky. Envisioned as a 'lightbox in the sky', it offers 270-degree views of New York City, so you can judge the hustle and bustle from a safe, and notably high, distance. The interior is the brainchild of award-winning Chef José Andrés, who apparently likes his views like he likes his food – lofty and awe-inspiring.

The cocktail program is a mixologist's dream. Take the Foggy Hill, for instance, which combines mezcal and vermouth with an orange-thyme aromatic cloud. It's where heritage meets innovation, and each creation is a nod to the city's spirit, served in the air.

Nubeluz asks guests to don cocktail-appropriate attire, so leave your athletic wear and flip-flops for lower altitudes. Nubeluz is all about sophistication and chic – in both drinks and dress code.

With an elevated bar, events space, and pool room, Skylark isn't exactly erring on the side of caution when it comes to things on offer above the sprawl. This all-seasons rooftop bar, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a sprawling terrace, offers a bird's eye view of Manhattan's landmarks. Its multi-level indoor spaces are perfect for everything from semi-private meetings to full-blown events, available for partial or full buyouts of up to 250 guests.

Fashion Week parties, Broadway show gatherings, or even Facebook Live concerts – Skylark has seen it all. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or just escaping the city's hustle, its stylish yet sensible setup ensures your event is as great as the Manhattan skyline. Just remember, smart casual is the way to go, and being 21 is a must – because, let's face it, the view's better with a well-crafted drink in hand.

A part of the fabulous Freehand Hotel, Broken Shaker is a hidden gem overlooking Gramercy Park. New York City is famous for its skyline, but some rooftops can feel extra touristy. Broken Shaker breaks the norm and boasts tropical decor, refreshing cocktails, and a bohemian sanctuary from the cityscape. Broken Shaker has locations in Miami, Madrid, and Los Angeles. While you can accuse us of being biased, the New York version is especially charming with its vintage adornments and international menu. The hotel is opulent yet unpretentious, making it the perfect place for out-of-towners and townies alike.

The bar is available for private groups from 15 to 400, with indoor and outdoor spaces, four bars, and retractable roofs. Heads up – This spot is only open from April to October, when NYC thrives.

Now, we can’t know for sure what Gatsby would be doing if he was real, alive, and living in New York City, but I imagine he would be perched at Dear Irving on Hudson. If old-world charm and modern glamour had a baby, it would be this rooftop cocktail bar.

Breathtaking views, classic menu comforts, and vibey drink concoctions make this the perfect place for date night or after-work drinks. Inside the Aliz Hotel, the 41st floor twinkles with chandeliers and shiny champagne glasses. For a truly special experience, attend their cocktail classes so you can take a piece of Dear Irving Home with you! You can choose the sunrise or sunset room for private events of 65 guests to 300 for a full bar buyout.

The infamous Tao group did it again. Ready Rooftop is the latest of their popular bars, tucked away in the Moxy East Village. The East Village is centrally located to plenty of famous bars, parks, shops… you name it, so Ready could be a buzzy start or end to your night. It has everything a rooftop groupie desires: twinkly lights, murals, funky drinks, and nothing but open views. The decor is eclectic, with a bar made of plastic milk crates and colorful seating throughout the area. Ready Rooftop is perfect for after-work drinks, meeting up with a friend, or the start of a great weekend. A private event here could fit up to 150 guests, all of whom would be impressed with the casual comfort and awe-inspiring views.

A good view of the sunset and a cocktail- what more could you ask for? On the top of the citizenM hotel in Times Square rests their renowned bar: CloudM. This cocktail hotspot has expansive windows, cozy couches, and yes, views of the Empire State Building. Too uptown for you? Have no fear; there’s another location over by the Bowery that is perfect for an LES happy hour. CloudM can host private events for up to 200 people and semi-private events for smaller groups. Regardless of who you’re going with, the skyline, snacks, and cocktails will blow you away (or at least make you feel a little less cloudy).

All nights out in NYC are special, but if you really want a night to remember, check out the Highlight Room in the Lower East Side. Full of greenery and luxury seating, the Highlight Room is known for its impressive cocktails and great vibes. During the day, you can find a delicious lite-bites menu and beautiful views. At night, popular DJs grace the sound booth, and the dance floor comes to life. Don’t forget– the NYC skyline is just as (if not more) spectacular after dark. The Highlight room offers semi-private events or private events for groups of 15 to 292 people. The ambiance here is truly something to marvel at: great people, great drinks, and great music promise an all-around great experience.