15 Best Rooftop Bars on Manhattan

Overview:Found on the 21st floor of AC Hotel Times Square, Castell Rooftop Lounge is an all-season refuge to enjoy elevated hours above the bustling streets of the Garment District.

View:Majestic over the towering Manhattan skyline.

Menu:Recapturing the spirit of a classic cocktail lounge, the Castell menu brings plenty of vibes from the 60s, with an extra love for the iconic Martini, complemented with craft beer, wine, non-alcoholic spirits and a tasty selection of tapas and shareable plates.

Price:Cocktails: $20 | Beers: $10

Why visit:Filled with a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, Castell is a great NYC rooftop bar to gather with friends, family and coworkers to enjoy classic lounge vibes, sprinkled with fantastic views.

Our insider tip

• We loved their Martini’s!
• Come here during Happy Hour (Monday-Friday 4-6pm) and grab a cocktail.

Overview:Stylish Latin cocktail bar and lounge on the rooftop of Grayson Hotel. Perched 29 floors above Midtown Manhattan, the indoor-outdoor Bar Cima invites you to an intimate oasis, filled with luxurious touches.

View:Panoramic views over New York City from the Empire State Building to both the East and Hudson Rivers.

Menu:The Bar Cima menu features classic cocktails and Latin-inspired creative Cima innovations, as well as an expansive mezcal & tequila collection.

Price:Cocktails: $20 | Beers: $12

Why visit:To indulge in the best of drinks and views high above NYC before, during, and after sunset.

Our insider tip

• If you love Mezcal and Tequila (like we do), this is one of the best rooftop bars on Manhattan.
• The outdoor patio is first come, first served.

Overview:Perched high above the heart of downtown Manhattan, the open-air Leonessa Rooftop evokes the splendor of an Italian terrace at golden hour, and comes adorned with lush lemon trees, verdant greenery, an Amalfi Coast-inspired fountain and bold, colorful seating.

View:Breathtaking and exceptional views over the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty.

Menu:The elevated bar program is a love letter to Italy's rich drinking traditions, showcasing an expertly-curated selection of spirits, wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages, along with a cocktail menu that seamlessly blends timeless classics with inventive modern interpretations.

Why visit:To escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Manhattan, and transport yourself to golden hour on the Amalfi Coast.

Our insider tip

• Cocktails are served with a rotating menu of complimentary aperitivo-style snacks.
• A versatile venue for private events and celebrations.

Overview:Luxe and speakeasy-inspired cocktail parlor, overlooking the Theater District, located at 1717C Broadway, between 54th & 55th St.

View:Close by skyscrapers in the heart of the Theater District.

Menu:The cocktail menu pays tribute to Broadway legends. The drinks are complemented with an eclectic selection of light bites, including plays on classic New York street eats, deli staples and theater snacks.

Price:Cocktails: $20 | Beers: $12

Why visit:A perfect destination for some elevated pre- or post show drinks, but also well worth a visit on any given night for sophisticated sips and vibes.

Our insider tip

• You must try the cocktail called 'Grand Central Smash', it’s delicious.

Overview:25th floor rooftop lounge, serving seasonal light bites and well-crafted cocktails. The rooftop really brings a slice of fashionable 1920s cocktail bar to the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

View:The rooftop is surrounded by a wraparound terrace overlooking the Midtown skyscrapers.

Menu:Elsie serves progressive mixology cocktails (where the 'Elsie De Wolfe' is a given), along with wines, champagne and an upscale seasonally focused light fare menu.

Price:Cocktails: $23 | Beers: $9

Why visit:Elsie Rooftop is a fantastic year-round destination for fine after-work drinks with a view, or a vibrant weekend rooftop party.

Our insider tip

• Reservations are recommended, though not required, as there's a large communal bar area open for all.

Overview:Upstairs at the Kimberly is a sophisticated oasis above the buzzing streets below, floating thirty stories above Manhattan, on top of the Kimberly Hotel, in the east part of Midtown.

View:Surrounded with fantastic views of the iconic Chrysler Building and the impressive cityscape.

Menu:The rooftop bar offers a large set of crafted specialty cocktails, fine wines and an eclectic array of small plates.

Price:Cocktails: $23 | Small plates: $20-30

Why visit:For year-around cocktails with a view, in the heart of Manhattan.

Our insider tip

• Every weekend between 11-4pm you can also enjoy the fantastic Upstairs rooftop brunch.

Overview:The tallest rooftop bar in Times Square, and also among the highest in NYC, set on the 54th floor of Hyatt Centric Times Square.

View:Insta-friendly and really superb river-to-river view, including the Chrysler Building and all of lower Manhattan.

Menu:Seasonal and creative craft cocktails with local influences are complemented with a fine selection of beer, wine and small plates.

Price:Cocktails: $25 | Beers: $12 | Small plates: ~$22

Why visit:To enjoy 'Sips & Skyline' in an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere, and the amazing feeling of floating above the heart of Manhattan.

Our insider tip

• If you want the full experience at Bar 54, you should book your table during the sunset hours.
• Reservations are highly recommended.

Overview:Seasonally themed rooftop retreat in the heart of the bustling Theatre District. The Haven Rooftop NYC is situated on top of the lux boutique Sanctuary Hotel New York, right in the city center.

View:Majestic view amidst the skyscraper in the heart of Times Square and Midtown Manhattan.

Menu:From the rooftop bar and restaurant, you can order modern American cuisine as lunch and dinner, complemented with handcrafted cocktails, wines and a good set of beers.

Price:Cocktails: $19 | Beers: $9

Why visit:For a vibrant and tasty rooftop brunch, or some laid back afternoon cocktails before heading out in the NYC night.

Our insider tip

• One of the most popular rooftop brunches in NYC, so book your brunch-spot in advance.

Overview:Located on the corner of Delancey Street & Ludlow in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, The DL NYC is a cool, vibrant and multi-level lounge, offering rooftop, restaurant and event space all in one.

View:Fantastic and unique views over the Lower East Side skyline and the Williamsburg Bridge.

Menu:Bottle service and sharables like sliders, flat breads and quesadillas.

Price:Bottle service from $300 and up.

Why visit:For vibrant daytime events or after work and nightlife experiences every weekend, The DL Rooftop is the place to go for the hottest and most buzzing outings above Lower East Side.

Our insider tip

• Come here for a full party night! For an extra special experience, go for the Bottle Service, where you can choose from a wide range of premium spirits, champagnes, and mixers.

Overview:Vibrant Mexican dining experience, with Rooftop Margarita Market. Vida Verde is a colorful, creative and tri-level destination from Pmac's Hospitality Group.

View:Located on the 2nd floor amidst the skyscrapers, this is not the rooftop you visit for grand views.

Menu:Offering well-loved Mexican fare mixed with New York’s casual and metropolitan approach, along with some of the best Margaritas in town.

Price:Cocktails: $17 | Beers: $9

Why visit:For delicious Margaritas. The first come, first served rooftop is a 'Margarita Market', open from 5pm (weather permitting).

Our insider tip

• Vida Verde’s inside area is open for lunch, dinner and bottomless weekend brunch all year round.
• You must try some different Margaritas, as they are superb!

Overview:STK Rooftop is an upscale and intimate dining room and lounge above the Meatpacking District. The stylish, lush and intimate 4th floor rooftop blends bar, lounge and table seating in a superb way.

View:Surrounded with prime views over the Meatpacking District, Hudson River and the High Line.

Menu:Classic and refreshing STK cocktails, a fine selection of wines and bubbles, as well as a great array of signature dishes, ranging from raw bar selections to a beef program that focuses on high quality steaks.

Price:Lunch at $45 | Dinner at $95

Why visit:For social happy hours, memorable dinners under the stars, vibrant DJ nights, or an elevated weekend brunch.

Our insider tip

• As the name suggests, you must try the steaks up here.
• Check out the rooftop brunch available on weekends.

Overview:Modern, stylish and seasonal rooftop lounge with premier location and amazing views.

View:Unobstructed views over NYC. From midtown to lower Manhattan, over Madison Square Garden, Hudson Yards and the iconic Penn Station.

Menu:BLU33 Rooftop offers classic cocktails, local beers, and a nice array of wine and bubbles. The drinks are complemented with light fare, including skewers, pizza and tenders.

Price:Cocktails: $18 | Beers: $11

Why visit:BLU33 Rooftop is a great spot for everything from happy hour and sunsets, to nightly fun with a glowing Manhattan at your feet.

Our insider tip

• Don't miss the illuminated sky swing, offering pretty much the perfect NYC photo-op.
• The first floor BLU33 Restaurant Lounge & Patio Bar is open during the colder months.

Overview:Found just steps away from Madison Square Garden, in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Vue 180 Rooftop is a modern addition to the NYC rooftop heaven.

View:Stunning views of the NYC skyline and the most iconic landmarks, with the Empire State Building as impressive focal point.

Menu:Here you can enjoy a curated selection of both food and drinks. From refreshing shareables and both classic and specialty cocktails, to a local and rotating line-up of beer and wine.

Price:Cocktails: $20 | Beers: $10

Why visit:For some relaxed cocktails with panoramic views of NYC's most iconic landmarks. Or cosy winter sessions in the rooftop igloos.

Our insider tip

• Come here during 'Reversed Happy Hour' on weekdays from 7pm.
• Open daily to everyone on a first come, first served basis.

Overview:Located on 8th Avenue, between 47th and 48th Street, The Dickens is an inclusive, immersive and impressive venue, and a one-of-its-kind destination in the iconic Hell’s Kitchen.

View:Surrounding skyscraper views.

Menu:Expect vibrant flavors and vibrant colors into each cocktail, making every sip an extraordinary celebration.

Price:Cocktails: $18 | Beers: $8

Why visit:For an outdoor haven where happiness, acceptance and vibrant celebrations come together.

Our insider tip

• The only gay-rooftop bar in NYC.
• Fairly priced, so a perfect spot for some 'affordable' cocktails.

Overview:In the heart of Times Square, near Broadway and the Theatre District, Interlude Rooftop Lounge is an upscale and modern addition to the NYC rooftop scene.

View:Surrounded with panoramic skyscraper views of Manhattan.

Menu:Here you can indulge in exquisite and hand-crafted cocktails, ranging from shaken and stirred, to luxurious classics.

Price:Cocktails: $20 | Beers: $10

Why visit:Open nightly, Interlude Rooftop Lounge is a sanctuary in the sky, promising a memorable, high-quality experience that is as inclusive as it is unique.

Our insider tip

• A perfect spot for some late night cocktails Fri-Sat, as the bar is open until 2am.