7 Best Rooftop Bars in Manhattan

Delicious drinks, amazing atmosphere and awesome aspects: our list of the best rooftop bars in Manhattan ticks all those boxes, and a whole lot more. So, if you are in the Big Apple and looking for booze with a side order of breathtaking views, then look no further. Our list covers everything from sky-scraping hotel bars to laidback lounges. So, whether you are in the mood for an all-night party or some downtime with your mates, here are some of the best rooftop bars in Manhattan to suit your mood.

7 Best Rooftop Bars in Manhattan, How do these rankings work?

1. The Crown NYC

If you are looking for one of the best rooftop bars in Manhatten for 360-degree, unobstructed views of both the shimmering Manhattan skyline and brilliant Brooklyn skyline, then hightail it to it to The Crown. Perched above Lower Manhattan’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, you find this slick bar on top of the Hotel 50 Bowery. Once you arrive, you’ll find a large indoor bar and lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows as well as two outdoor terraces. Grab a seat and soak in the views as you sip creative cocktails, craft beers on draft and a decent selection of wines. Hungry? You can order small plates and nibbles to pair with your drink. The daytime vibe here is casual and chilled and as the lights dim the atmosphere picks up.

2. Magic Hour Rooftop Bar and Lounge

On top of the Moxy Hotel Times Square, you’ll find the enchanting The Magic Hour rooftop cocktail bar. This whimsical venue with its changing themes has a mini-golf course and is a great place for a fun night out with sky-high views of the city. There are two separate outdoor areas: the east side, overlooks the Empire State Building and the west side has a rotating seating area. Drinks are modern with fun names and ingredients like the “Float My Boat” with caramelized pineapple, tequila and jalapeño. If day drinking is more your scene, The Magic Hour weekend brunch is a very memorable experience, but there are also bar snacks available and party nibbles like fried “carnival potatoes” and beet deviled eggs.

3. The Press Lounge

Sitting 16 stories above PRINT Restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen, The Press Lounge is an all-seasons outdoor and indoor rooftop bar. From up here, you get incredible views of the Manhattan skyline and across the Hudson River. Cocktails are seasonal and are always changing, so there is always something new on the menu to try. If cocktails ain’t your vibe, you can sip some of the lovely local wines which the bartenders pour by the glass and you can pair these small plates, bites and nibbles all made in-house. The atmosphere here is elegant and refined, but somehow, at the same time, very relaxed and comfortable.

4. Salon de Ning

Want to impress a date or celebrate in style? Salon de Ning is the place to go! Perched on top of the five-star Peninsula Hotel on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, Salon de Ning is a chic and sophisticated rooftop bar that oozes style. You are so close to the skyscrapers here that you really do feel like you can reach out and touch them. Salon de Ning has two spacious outdoor terraces and a beautiful, cosy, intimate interior bar. The lounge seating areas feel very exclusive and relaxing – a million miles away from the hectic city pulsating below. Just one look at the menus and you’ll see that the food and beverage offerings are as classy as the surrounding, especially the champagne and caviar selection and the seasonal dishes inspired by the Engadin region of Switzerland.

6. 230 FIFTH Rooftop Bar

Located close to Madison Square Park, 230 FIFTH is New York’s largest outdoor rooftop garden. Once you reach the top, you are treated to sweeping views over Manhattan and the Empire State Building. The rooftop has lots of big umbrellas to offer shade on sunny days. On chilly nights, they bring out the heaters. The weekend brunch buffet is legendary around these parts, and always busy! But it is totally worth it. Apart from brunch, there is a delicious food menu throughout the day featuring bar bites and comforting classics like burgers, sushi and fish & chips. Thirsty? Wet your whistle with well-made cocktails, refreshing beers, and a great selection of wines that are available by the glass, on tap and by the bottle.

7. The Roof PUBLIC Hotel

The roof of the PUBLIC hotel on the Lower East Side is one seriously cool hotspot. With jaw-dropping 360-degree views and set amongst the skyscrapers, you really do feel like you are floating in the sky. Candles light the elegant outdoor terrace – there is no harsh lighting – meaning you can really enjoy the night sky and city lights when the sun goes down. The seating is very comfortable and relaxing, you’ll have no problem whiling away hours and hours here. There’s also an inside area with floor-to-ceiling windows so that you don’t miss those views should you choose to take your drinks indoors. This place has a sexy but sophisticated vibe to it.