NYC has an abundance of areas and places to visit, from south to north and west to east. But is is rare spending a couple of days here without at least passing by the famous Times Square.
It feels a lot like the hub of New York, and the streets are always filled with people. To get above and away from the worst hustle and bustle, there is one simple solution: visit one of the Times Square rootop bars.
Not only a great opportunity to have some tasty food and drinks, but the rooftop terraces also offers fantastic views over Times Square. And, in most cases, all over the NYC skyline.
More in NYC:
The Rooftop Guide's list to the the top 12 rooftops around Times Square
Castell NYC is a cozy rooftop bar that recaptures the spirit of the classic cocktail lounge, from a 21st floor position at the AC Hotel by Marriott New York Times Square.
With a stylish indoor lounge, where you find both a fireplace and a luxe granite bar, as well as a lush open-air terrace, Castell is a year-round destination to enjoy top drinks with top NYC views.
The rooftop menu comes with a bit of a Mad Men vibe, where the main focus is on celebrating the iconic Martini and its various incarnations. But there is also a fine selection of craft beer, wine and reimagined tapas
Sophisticated yet comfortable, Castell rooftop is a great spot to gather with coworkers for a stylish after work, or with friends and family to enjoy some classic lounge vibes. During weekend, also mixed with live DJ tunes.
CASTELL
Bar Harta is a seasonal oasis above 39th Street, a short walk from Times Square, inviting to an energetic and social setting, inspired by the convivial wine culture of the Western Mediterranean.
The bustling epicenter of Grayson Hotel, the lush, natural and stylish indoor / outdoor rooftop is connected to the New American brasserie Harta on ground level, and 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 cocktails, 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.
BAR HARTA
'Haven: a safe or peaceful place'. Well there you go, sounds like a rooftop well worth a visit, right?
Located on Sanctuary Hotel, one of NYC's favorite boutique hotels, this Time Square rooftop bar offers a private and comfortable location from which to enjoy the views of the city.
Though it's only located on a 9th floor, the rooftop terrace(s) comes with fantastic views of the city, which pair wonderfully with the bar's expertly crafted cocktails and a wide selection of beers and wines.
As cherry on top, Haven Rooftop also offers a menu of modern American cuisine, weekday happy hour (4-6 pm), and a weekend rooftop brunch with bottomless Mimosas.
This is a versatile place that operates both as a bar and a restaurant, with a casual yet modern ambiance that's bound to satisfy most guests.
HAVEN ROOFTOP
In case the words "Centric Times Square" haven't tipped you off, this rooftop bar is smack in the heart of New York City, and happens to also be one of the highest bars in town.
The superb view it offers of New York's skyline, coupled with its delightful drink menu, makes Bar 54 an obligated stop for those looking for a night to remember!
Alongside the expected wine, beer, and liquor selection, the Bar 54 also offers signature cocktails crafted with skill and fresh ingredients. Some of which you won't be able to find elsewhere.
Set on the 54th floor of Hyatt Centric Times Square, the rooftop bar comes with indoor and outdoor seating, both offering great views of the city, and a comfortable lounge area that you're sure to love.
If you're planning to sit indoors, make a reservation beforehand, as the place can get packed; if you're planning to party outside, though, no reservation is needed. Just make sure to arrive on time, as the terrace operates on a first-come, first-served model.
If you're in NYC during winter, make sure to drop by and check out the rooftop igloos covering the terrace. Both cool, cozy and amazing!
Finally, keep in mind that as the to-go spot in NYC, prices can be quite high, so be prepared to spend.
BAR 54
Perched on the 40th & 41st floor of the Aliz Hotel, two blocks from Times Square, Dear Irving on Hudson is a swanky and retro-chic rooftop cocktail bar.
Featuring a vintage and 1960s-inspired interior, as well as lovely outdoor spaces, here you are surrounded with panoramic views over the Manhattan skyline.
A truly elevated venue to sip in style, and the Dear Irving on Hudson menu includes everything from classic and creative signature cocktails, to sommelier-selected wines and beers. The drinks are complemented with a nice array of small plates.
Open nightly, Dear Irving on Hudson offers a sophisticated and warm atmosphere, where you really can enjoy the best of NYC from high, high above.
DEAR IRVING
For refined service in a relaxed luxurious setting, with a great view of the iconic Chrysler Building, Upstairs at the Kimberly is the place to go.
Located on the 30th floor of the Kimberly Hotel, a couple of blocks from Times Square, an express elevator will take you up to the elegant rooftop, designed as a fresh spin on old Hollywood-glamour.
High above the buzz, here you can indulge in a fantastic list of specialty cocktails & martinis, and a fine selection of wines, perfect to pair with the eclectic array of small plates created by Executive Chef Cristian Flores.
A perfect spot for elevated and sophisticated evenings above NYC, Upstairs also invites to early weekend fun, serving an impressive and savory brunch.
Best of all, the rooftop is open all-year-round, thanks to the retractable glass roof.
UPSTAIRS
Found steps from Bryant Park, and a short walk from Times Square, Bar Cima is refined rooftop tequileria and cocktail bar, with panoramic views of NYC.
Perched on the 28th floor of the of the new Grayson Hotel, the indoor-outdoor rooftop evokes polished Mexican luxury, and the breathtaking vistas stretch from the Empire State Building to both the East and Hudson Rivers.
Up here you can indulge in a vibrant menu created by Beverage Director Kyle Tran, in collaboration with Master Mezcalier Courtenay Greenleaf. The drink list features classic cocktails and creative Cima innovations, as well as an expansive mezcal & tequila collection.
Before, during and after sunset, Bar Cima inivtes to a sophisticated, cool and upscale atmosphere, perfect for elevated NYC sessions.
BAR CIMA
Elevated high above the heart of Times Sqaure, Interlude Rooftop Lounge is an upscale 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 panoramic views over Times Square and the NYC skyline.
Filled with a refined yet playful ambiance, here you can indulge in exquisite and hand-crafted cocktails, 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.
INTERLUDE
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 Midtown, close to the Empire State Building and a 20 minutes walk from Times Square, 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 cocktails 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.
THE AINSWORTH
A place full of personality, the St. Cloud Rooftop is a great place to visit at any point during the afternoon and night.
Located at the five star Knickerbocker Hotel, it offers excellent views to Times Square while simultaneously providing you with a relaxed and comfortable place to rest and enjoy the sights.
An exclusive and well-known bar, the St. Cloud has both indoor and outdoor seating, which makes a great place to visit no matter the season (though summers are particularly fun).
Signature cocktails, fine wines, craft beers, and even champagne, the St. Cloud rooftop bar has great drinks alongside the views, and the food doesn't fall behind, as it has a small but delicious menu that changes according to the season.
If that isn't enough, the St. Cloud also has a private cigar lounge, stylish decorations, comfortable lounge sofas, and one of the best ambiances you can find in New York.
The St. Cloud thematic parties are legendary, so make sure to attend if you have the chance!
ST CLOUD ROOFTOP
This classic cocktail lounge can be found near Times Square, and thanks to its location on the 30th floor, it provides stunning views of the entire city, with the Empire State, Hudson River and Times Square standing at the forefront.
Skylark rooftop is open only during the weekdays, which makes it a preferred spot for office workers and partiers alike, so make sure to come in early or make reservations.
What happens during the weekends? You may ask. Well, it's reserved for private events.
Whether you're lucky enough to be invited to said private events or you're just visiting for the night, rest assured that you'll enjoy an extensive collection of drinks, including the rooftop bar's signature cocktails, all of them made with fresh ingredients.
Though not known for its food, the Skylark does offer high-quality bar bites, so don't worry about going hungry. Chances are you'll find something you like.
The ambiance is comfortable and cozy without falling into hominess. In fact, the modern furniture and tasteful decorations give this place an undeniably luxurious appeal.
Because of its clientele and general mood, the Skylark does have a dress code, so come dressed for an upscale setting and enjoy some of the most luxurious views of New York!
THE SKYLARK
Magic Hour Rooftop, set 18 floor up on the MOXY NYC Times Square, offers a year-round experience of adult fun and amazing NYC views.
Set over several different spaces, here you find both indoor lounge, open-air terraces with fantastic views, and the 'Foreplay' area, where you can challange your friends in a game of putt-putt.
So fun is setting, and also fun in vibe, the Magic Hour rooftop bar is open daily and late into the night. Visit for afternoon cocktails while strolling around Times Square, or come for a full night out dancing under the stars.
From the rooftop bar you can order creative cocktails in all forms and shapes, as well as bottle service of bubbles and wines. While the food menu is usually only lighter bites, weekends is another story. Then you can indulge in the Magic Hour NYC rooftop brunch.
With a vibrant atmosphere and great location right at Times Square, Magic Hour Rooftop is a popular place, so reservations are recommended. Especially for visits at night or during the rooftop brunch.
MAGIC HOUR
Rikard has spent the last 10 years exploring, enjoying, researching and working with rooftop venues. During these years he has visited more than 700 rooftops across the globe. The experience he has gained is used to create helpful, in-depth and accessible content, and to share his knowledge and rooftop expertise with fellow rooftop-lovers.
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