The Best Rooftop Bars in New York

What Is a Rooftop Bar in New York?

• A rooftop bar is a bar located on the terrace or top floor of a building. This New York specialty has gradually spread around the world, including to Europe.
• These bars always offer stunning views of the city. You come here to have a drink, brunch on weekends, and dance into the night. Here are the best spots right now.

The 7 Best Rooftop Bars in New York

1. 230 Fifth: New York's Most Famous Rooftop Bar

   230 Fifth is by far the most well-known and spectacular rooftop bar in New York. The terrace on the 20th floor offers breathtaking views of the Empire State Building, almost within arm’s reach. This is a must-photograph moment. The rooftop is open Monday to Friday from 4 pm to 4 am, and Saturday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 am.
   Come for weekend brunch: the bar opens at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday and serves classic American cuisine.
   In winter, 230 Fifth sets up about a dozen plastic igloos on its terrace. You can enjoy a drink in warmth while taking in the views. There is no extra charge to use an igloo, and each one holds up to 12 people. It’s first come, first served, so arrive in the early afternoon for the best chance of finding one available. If all igloos are taken, you can wait outside wrapped in a red blanket.
   Good to know: 230 Fifth is one of the few rooftop bars open to families. Children are welcome when accompanied by parents, except on Friday and Saturday after 7 pm.

   

   Address: 230 Fifth Avenue, between 26th Street and 27th Street.

   Neighborhood: Flatiron District.

   Metro: 28 St.

2. Le Bain: New York's Trendiest Rooftop Bar

   The Standard Hotel is one of New York’s most fashionable hotels. The hotel straddles the High Line and served as a filming location for several episodes of Sex and the City. If you can’t afford a room, treat yourself to a drink at its rooftop bar on the 18th floor. Le Bain & Rooftop offers lovely views of the High Line, Hudson River, Whitney Museum, and the Financial District skyline. One tip: even if you don’t need to, take a look at the restrooms. Le Bain is open Wednesday to Friday from 10 pm to 4 am, Saturday from 2 pm to 4 am, and Sunday from 2 pm to 3 am. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

   

   Address: 848 Washington Street.

   Neighborhood: Meatpacking District.

   Metro: 14 St/8 Av.

3. Gansevoort's Rooftop Loft: New York's Coziest Rooftop Bar

   The Gansevoort Hotel positions itself as a rival to the nearby Standard Hotel. The two compete with creativity to attract guests, including with impressive rooftop bars. This one sits on the 14th floor, offering 360-degree views worth the visit. You’ll see the Financial District skyline with One World Trade Center in the distance. Thursday to Saturday, the upscale venue transforms into a nightclub as the evening progresses. Open Sunday from 11 am to 11 pm, Monday to Wednesday from 11 am to 1 am, and Thursday to Saturday from 11 am to 4 am.

   

   Address: 18 9th Avenue.

   Neighborhood: Meatpacking District.

   Metro: 14 St/8 Av.

4. Spyglass Rooftop Bar: At the Foot of the Empire State Building

   This rooftop bar is on the 22nd floor of the Archer Hotel, which opened in 2014 in the heart of Midtown. Spyglass Rooftop Bar is not yet widely known in New York, but the views are worth the trip—you’ll see both the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building, two New York icons. Try the Empire State cocktail, one of the bar’s signature drinks. The bar also serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Open Monday to Wednesday from 4:30 pm to 1 am, until 2 am Thursday and Friday, Saturday from 3 pm to 2 am, and Sunday from 3 pm to 1 am.

   

   Address: 47 West 38th Street, between Fifth Avenue and 6th Avenue.

   Neighborhood: Midtown.

   Metro: 5 Av.

5. Upstairs: A Bar Facing the Chrysler Building

   This rooftop bar is on the 30th floor of the Kimberly Hotel in Midtown. Beyond views of the surrounding buildings, the Upstairs NYC terrace offers a rare treat: a direct view of the Chrysler Building. If rain arrives, a retractable glass roof covers the space. Upstairs NYC is open Monday from 5 pm to midnight, Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 pm to 1 am, Thursday and Friday from 5 pm to 2 am, Saturday from 4 pm to 2 am, and Sunday from 4 pm to 11 pm.

   

   Address: 145 East 50th Street, between 3rd Avenue and Lexington Avenue.

   Neighborhood: Midtown.

   Metro: Lexington Av/53 St.

6. Elsie Rooftop: Among Midtown's Towers

   Elsie Rooftop opened in 2018 on the 25th floor of an office building in Midtown. It offers an original vantage point on the surrounding buildings, including the imposing Bank of America headquarters. The venue combines a restaurant, bar, and rooftop—you can visit just for a drink. Why the name Elsie? It honors Elsie de Wolfe, an American actress and decorator who invented the penthouse concept in the 1920s. Born in New York in 1865, she died at her Villa Trianon residence in Versailles in 1950. This rooftop bar is open Monday to Saturday from 4 pm.

   

   Address: 1412 Broadway, between 39th and 40th Street.

   Neighborhood: Midtown.

   Metro: Times Sq-42 St.

7. Hide Rooftop: In the Heart of the Financial District

   Hide Rooftop is a rooftop bar on the top floor of the Artezen Hotel. Located in the heart of New York’s Financial District, just steps from One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the bar welcomes everyone, whether or not you’re a hotel guest. The location offers excellent views of the Financial District’s buildings, with One World Trade Center rising prominently. You’re in the heart of Wall Street atmosphere. Large windows frame spectacular views. The menu offers a wide selection of cocktails, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and shareable plates.

   

   Address: 24 John Street, between Nassau Street and Broadway

   Neighborhood: Financial District.

   Metro: Fulton St.