Best NYC Rooftops
New (York) Heights
I feel lucky to live in such a big city where you can do pretty much anything, at any time. Some say it’s the best city in the world - others don’t understand it. In my opinion, there is just nothing like it.
One of my favorite parts of living here is trying new places. Whether that be dining at one of the best restaurants or discovering the latest rooftop bars. Though New York City has lots of options, they are constantly changing.
This Spring I posted a few of my favorites as well as the best-rated rooftop bars in our city. Maybe you remember these? They are pretty solid spots to try, especially on a clear day!
One of the cities best rooftop views is at Westlight at the William Vale Hotel!
Cloud M
This summer I set out to try a few more rooftops beyond that list. The first was CloudM Rooftop at the Citizen Hotel. Located in the Lower East Side, it has panoramic unobstructed views of both uptown and downtown.
The name is fitting, because at 20 floors high it truly feels like you’re floating on a cloud above the city. There are even views from the bathrooms, similar to the Boom Boom Room at the Standard Hotel.
My mother in law wanted to have a night out in NYC for drinks, and this was a great spot for that! We had a few glasses of rose and the sunset views were even better than I had hoped.
The cocktail menu is great, but there aren’t many food options, so I recommend this spot for happy hour drinks before dinner. Make sure to reserve a table on Resy! This was a benefit to selecting this rooftop, as many don’t offer a reservation option to people beyond hotel guests. And like with anything in NYC, lines can be very long.
Williamsburg Hotel
Last month before grabbing dinner with my friend Jenna we stopped by the Williamsburg Hotel for a drink. The view of the Manhattan skyline is one of the best I’ve seen from Brooklyn. We got a table at the bar behind the pool and enjoyed a few different cocktails, but there is also the option to grab a drink at the beautiful Water Tower Bar. The 360 degree views are beautiful, especially if you’re looking for a space to host an event!
Next on the List
There are actually several new rooftops that opened this year after Covid. And there are also a lot of places I just haven’t made it to to yet that have been on my list for a bit. Here are a few I’m most looking forward to trying! .
The Fleur Room at the Moxy Hotel
Panorama (Roosevelt Island’s only Rooftop)
Classic Rooftops
Can’t forget the many tried and true rooftops around the city. They may not be new (I’ve gone to all of these several times) but they never disappoint! They are the oldies but goodies that made it through Covid, and for that reason I predict they will be around for a while.
If You want a Fun Scene
Azul Rooftop at Hotel Hugo
Le Bain at the Standard
Harriet’s Rooftop at the One Hotel
The Roof at Park South
Willing to Be a Tourist for a Good View
230 Fifth (for the first timers)
Loopy Doopy Bar (for those gram-worthy popsicle cocktails)
Looking for a Casual Spot on a Roof
A.R.T. Nomad on the Arlo Rooftop
Serra by Birreria above Eataly (so the food is good)
After all my “researching” -aka a summer spent sipping cocktails at an altitude - there is only one spot that I can always count on. It never has a line for the bathroom, there’s always a space for me, and we can even select the music.
That’s home!
I love sitting on our terrace and enjoying the views from the comfort of our apartment. It’s been one of the best parts of living here, and now with the cooler weather coming this is where you can find me all Fall!
Xx Gab
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