Finding rooftop bars in NYC is easy. But finding the best rooftops for a party with a view is another thing. But don’t despair, we’ve done the hard work for you! After visiting over 40 rooftop bars in NYC recently, searching for the best party venues, we could narrow it down to the 8 best party rooftops in New York this year.
This article comes packed with the following info about each rooftop venue:
Many of the party rooftops on this list also have pool parties. So, a tip from us is to visit a pool party during daytime followed by nightime party under the stars. Be prepared to dress for success, to party with a view in NYC is a huge thing among both trendy locals and worldly tourists.
The Party: JIMMY SoHo sits on top of the new hotel ModernHaus SoHo (used to be The James), right in the heart of SoHo. While the pool is mainly open for hotel guests during the day, in summer weekends there are usually 'Pool Party Series' for everyone from 3pm. Highly popular place, with an upscale and trendy crowd, loving to soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Which is often highlighted by live DJs playing a wide variety of tunes.
Ambience: JIMMY SoHo is a year-round destination, available for al-fresco fun whenever the weather allows, and otherwise inside the sleek, blue and leather velvet indoor lounge with panoramic windows. You can see the Freedom Tower in the south, New Jersey in the west and the Empire State Building in the northeast. Yeah, literally all of Manhattan is at your feet. The rooftop bar offers a fine selection of crafted and seasonal specialty cocktails, as well as wines by both the glass and bottle.
What we think: A prime party spot in NYC – both during daytime (pool parties) and nighttime. It’s highly popular among both New Yorkers and tourists, so try to make reservations before going to JIMMY SoHo, or otherwise, be in good time. And also be prepared to stand in line for a while. But once you see the view you will most likely feel: worth it!
Dress code: The JIMMY SoHo dress code is stylish attire that is appropriate for the time of day. So at a weekend pool party, put on the best swimwear. At night, aim to blend with the upscale but casual atmosphere.
JIMMY SOHO
The Party: Monarch Rooftop Bar is located on the 18th floor, and it is the building's penthouse. From the terrace you get a stunning view over midtown Manhattan, and most of all, fantastic vistas of the Empire State Building. Up here you find a rooftop bar and an indoor lounge, both very modern and stylish with a Scandinavian-chic feel. Light and airy with lots of comfy lounge sofas and bar stools. One of the most vibrant rooftop bars in New York.
Ambiance: The bar serves bar bites and offers the regular selection of beers and wines along with some very well-made specialty cocktails. Like the jalapeño-hot 'Sleeping with the Devil', made of Espolón Silver Tequila, Triple Sec, Mango, Jalapeño, Cilantro, Pineapple Juice and Fresh Lime. The Monarch Rooftop terrace is not the biggest in the city, but certainly not small either, and it can accommodate about 300 people at the same time. It also has heaters for the chilly nights.
What we think: We love the party vibe up here both on the weekend afternoons and also most days during night. On a weekday afternoon you can probably just pop by and enjoy a cocktail, the view and some moderate vibrant atmosphere. But for nights and weekends, reservations are highly recommended. You will not be alone, but in return you will get a great, energetic atmosphere.
Dress code: The Monarch Rooftop Bar dress code is upscale & trendy. Athletic wear, baseball caps and large bags/backpacks/luggage are not permitted.
MONARCH ROOFTOP
The Party: Perched on top of the affordable luxury PUBLIC Hotel on Lower East Side, The Roof has turned into one of NYC's rooftop hot-spots since opening in 2017. Always energetic and towards exclusive, The Roof is a great spot for some fine sunset cocktails, turning into a sexy late-night hotspot, hosting the best local and international DJ’s from around the world. Just remember to be in good time, or make reservations. The entrance to the roof is located to the left of the hotel. Admittance is at the discretion of the doorman. Entry 21+.
Ambiance: Equipped with a stylish indoor lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a beautiful landscaped outdoor terrace, the panoramic 360° views over the city are amazing anywhere you go. The rooftop bar offers an extensive and varied menu full of delicious and creative cocktails, craft and commercial beers, as well as wines and popular spirits. There is also a selection of bites, and in summer usually a weekend BBQ.
What we think: The Roof is a vibrant and energetic rooftop high above the buzzy Manhattan streets. And the vibe up here is even more buzzy. The ideal rooftop for some sunset cocktails and after dark a very sexy late-night hotspot emerges, hosting the best local and international DJs from around the globe.
Dress code: The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel dress code is smart casual. Athletic wear, flip-flops, sweatpants and bathing suits are not permitted. Fashion shorts are permitted before 10pm.
THE ROOF AT PUBLIC HOTEL
The Party: Harriet’s Brooklyn hosts parties all year round. But the best time is of course during the warmer months, when the al fresco terrace up top, which feels like a luxurious roof garden, is in full swing. Not only a year-round venue, Harriet's Rooftop is also pretty much an all-day venue, and you can come to enjoy sunny sips, cozy evenings or vibrant weekends, with DJ sets and a party-prepared crowd.
Ambience: Decorated with reclaimed and sustainable materials, the natural-chic rooftop blends an interior lounge with a seasonal outdoor terrace, so no matter if it's early, middle or late 2025, Harriet's is open for business. The rooftop bar 'preserves the values of an old-fashioned cocktail lounge' and offers a great selection of craft cocktails. There is also a menu of fresh and very tasty bar bites - light bites spotlighting local and seasonal ingredients.
What we think: We love everything about Harriet's Brooklyn. The vibe, the view (one of the most spectacular in the world) and the delicious bar bites and cocktails. Our top recommendation is to book a table (you should definitely book in advance) right before sunset followed by a full party night watching the beauty of the Manhattan skyline in darkness.
Dress code: The Harriet's Rooftop dress code is smart casual, towards relaxed. In other words, you don't need to put on your favorite suit or party dress to blend in. If you're not going to visit the pool where a more relaxed "pool chic" attire is recommended.
HARRIET'S ROOFTOP
The Party: At the Graduate Roosevelt Island 18th floor, you’ll find the island's first rooftop bar available to the public. Floating above the East River between Manhattan and Queens, the location is not the only thing unique here. The party vibe and the view are also something out of the ordinary, with 360° panoramas over the Manhattan skyline and a vibe to die for. Reservations are recommended, but not required. 21+ only.
Ambience: If you are looking to sip a cocktail and get some pics that would make anyone jealous, you can just walk into Panorama Room and grab a standing spot on the curved outdoor terrace. But if you plan to stay and explore the menu more, reserve a table at the dramatic interior lounge, hopefully by the floor-to-ceiling windows.
What we think: What we like most about Panorama Room, is the unique location and the view. No other rooftop in NYC offers a view like this. Come here during weekends for the most popular events and parties.
Dress code: The Panorama Room dress code is elevated chic. No sweatpants, cargo shorts, slides or flip flops, athletic wear or tank tops.
PANORAMA ROOM
The Party: Covering the top floors of the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel, Somewhere Nowhere offers a vibrant, dreamy and elevated escape from the busy Manhattan streets below. The top floor terrace at Somewhere Nowhere is weather dependent, but with several destinations in one, the venue is usually open and available 7 days a week and year-round. From after work drinks and pool parties, to very late and vibrant weekend nights, with international and local live DJs creating the soundtrack.
Ambience: Up here you find a magical, whimsical and 5,516-square-feet indoor garden lounge on the 38th floor, leading up to the 39th floor open-air rooftop, where a luxurious rooftop pool and panoramic 360° views over Manhattan are part of the stylish decoration. The rooftop menu includes everything from tropical signature cocktails and wine/sparkling by the glass or bottle, as well as fresh and seasonal bites, like 'Watermelon Salad' and 'Lobster Roll'.
What we think: After our party night up here, we fell in love with the vibe, view and people directly. While Somewhere Nowhere NYC do accept walk-ins for drinks at the bar, reservations are highly recommended. Especially if you want a table, a spot by the rooftop pool, or join in on the fun at the late-night events.
Dress code: The Somewhere Nowhere NYC dress code is upscale & trendy.
SOMEWHERE NOWHERE NYC
The Party: The Crown rooftop bar is set on top of the fantastic Hotel 50 Bowery, located in Chinatown NYC, just by Lower East Side. Open daily, you should visit The Crown rooftop bar early afternoon for a more relaxed lounge-vibe, sipping a cocktail and taking in the majestic views on display. Later on the atmosphere turns more vibrant (and more full), with a trendy crowd enjoying nice beats and drinks.
Ambience: An indoor bar / lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows lead out to two outdoor rooftop terraces, where you get absolutely fantastic 360-degree views over the Big Apple. From the rooftop bar you can order tasty and well-crafted signature cocktails, like the refreshing 'Mint To Be Majestic', a few crafts on draft and a nice selection of wines. There is also a variety of international bar bites (perfect for sharing) and some delicious desserts.
What we think: We came here right before sunset to enjoy both the pre party vibe, and then we stayed for a full night party. And we weren’t disappointed. This is a fantastic party rooftop with one of the best views in the world. Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building and One World Trade are all included sights, and The Crown is actually one of few places in the city that offers unobstructed views of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines.
Dress code: The Crown dress code is smart casual. Smart casual is an approach to dressing professionally that mixes trendier pieces in with classic staples. The goal is an appearance that’s clean and professional but doesn’t look too formal.
The Crown
The Party: 230 Fifth rooftop bar is one of the largest and most famous rooftop bars in NYC, named after its location at 230 5th Ave. Come for relaxing and sunny drinks with a view during daytime or enjoy the vibrant party atmosphere at night at one of the most popular rooftop bars in New York. Both among tourists and the local New Yorkers. Here they offer multiple indoor and outdoor bars and event spaces, live DJ’s and themed events.
Ambiance: The terrace has seatings for approximately 1 000 people at the same time, and offers some really magical views of the Manhattan skyline, with the Empire State Building as a mighty focal point. Both an inside and open-air venue, the 230 Fifth roof terrace is complemented with a large indoor lounge, fully enclosed and with panoramic windows taking care of the views.
What we think: Maybe a little touristic in some ways, but if you love a mix of both tourists and locals, this is a great spot for a rooftop party in The Big Apple. There is no cover charge at 230 Fifth rooftop, and tables are usually first come, first served. However, during weekend nights, reservations are recommended if you want a table, and weekend reservations come with a minimum spend.
Dress code: The 230 Fifth dress code is casual during weekdays, turning into upscale casual towards weekend evenings, which means no athletic wear, baggy jeans, T-shirts or hoodies on Friday & Saturday night. Also note that 230 Fifth is a +21 venue.
230 FIFTH
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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