10 Most Beautiful Rooftop Bars in New York City
From polished hotel terraces to Brooklyn favorites, these ten rooftop bars pair skyline views with rooms worth lingering in.
Nubeluz by José Andrés at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad | Source: The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad
A rooftop bar has long been one of New York’s most dependable ways to upgrade a drink. Open air, a carefully made cocktail, and a skyline in full view tend to set the tone, especially during the warmer months when outdoor tables become a standing weekend plan. From a spritz before dinner to a sunset drink that stretches into the evening, rooftops offer a version of the city that rewards lingering.
In New York City, the category operates at a particularly high level. Views are only the beginning. Design, music, and the cadence of the room all factor into whether a rooftop earns repeat visits. Some are best for a single, well-timed stop, others encourage settling in longer. From Manhattan to Brooklyn, the selections ahead represent the rooftops that consistently get it right, pairing memorable vantage points with spaces worth returning to.
1. Overstory
Source: Overstory
Where: 70 Pine St, 64th Floor, New York, NY 10005
Located inside a striking Art Deco tower in the Financial District, Overstory sits high above the city with wraparound views that extend from the harbor to Midtown. Guests arrive through a discreet entrance before stepping into a compact bar and terrace where the skyline takes center stage. The cocktail program leans on classic foundations, making this a natural choice for a measured drink as daylight gives way to evening.
2. Harriet’s
Source: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Where: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (60 Furman Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 | Located on Floor 11)
Perched along the Brooklyn waterfront, Harriet’s offers a direct view of Lower Manhattan framed by the East River. Located atop 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, the rooftop draws a steady mix of locals and visitors throughout the day. Order a spritz or light cocktail and settle in during golden hour, when the skyline across the water becomes the main attraction.
3. Nubeluz
Source: The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad
Where: The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad (25 West 28th Street, New York, NY 10001)
Set high above NoMad on the 50th floor of The Ritz-Carlton New York, Nubeluz pairs skyline views with a menu guided by Michelin-starred chef José Andrés. Interiors by Martin Brudnizki frame the city, while Spanish-leaning small plates such as jamón and queso anchor the experience. Cocktails follow a similarly composed approach. The Foggy Hill remains a reliable order, built around mezcal, vermouth, bitter aperitifs, and a subtle orange-thyme finish.
4. Darling
Source: Park Lane New York
Where: Park Lane New York (36 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019)
Atop Park Lane New York, Darling looks out over Central Park from the 47th floor. The wraparound terrace makes the most of its vantage point, particularly in late afternoon when the park canopy shifts in color. A spritz or glass of champagne pairs naturally with the view, making this an easy stop after a day uptown.
5. Westlight
Westlight at The William Vale | Source: Studio Munge
Where: The William Vale (111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249)
Situated atop The William Vale in Williamsburg, Westlight delivers panoramic views spanning Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. The layout encourages movement between the bar and seating areas, lending itself to group gatherings and longer stays. Arrive before sunset to take in the skyline, then stay as the evening crowd gradually builds.
6. RH Rooftop Restaurant
Source: RH New York
Where: RH New York (9 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10014)
After an afternoon in the Meatpacking District, an all-glass elevator leads up to RH Rooftop above the brand’s design gallery. The garden setting is lined with greenery and fountains, offering a clear contrast to the street below. Order prosciutto, seasonal small plates, and a glass from the extensive wine list, then linger longer than planned.
7. The Roof
Source: PUBLIC Hotel
Where: PUBLIC Hotel (215 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002)
At Ian Schrager’s Lower East Side hotel, The Roof offers uninterrupted views across Manhattan. The minimalist setting is paired with plush seating and greenery, allowing the skyline to dominate the room. Visit later in the evening, when the music and crowd give the space its momentum.
8. Bar Blondeau
Bar Blondeau at Wythe Hotel | Photo: Liz Clayman
Where: Wythe Hotel (80 Wythe Ave 6th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11249)
Located atop the Wythe Hotel, Bar Blondeau sits six floors above Le Crocodile with clear views across the East River toward Midtown. The rooftop pairs a polished interior with an open terrace, attracting both skyline seekers and diners drawn to the kitchen led by chef partners Aidan O’Neal and Jake Leiber of Le Crocodile and Chez Ma Tante. The French-leaning menu is designed for sharing, while seasonal cocktails such as the Daisy Chain or Garden Reviver reward a longer stay.
9. Ophelia
Source: Ophelia Lounge NYC
Where: 3 Mitchell Pl 26th floor, New York, NY 10017
Located high above Midtown East on the 26th floor of a historic tower, Ophelia offers a wraparound, glass-enclosed terrace with expansive river and skyline views. Vintage accents throughout the room reference the building’s early twentieth-century origins, lending context to the setting. Classic cocktails anchor the menu, with live jazz programming on Tuesday evenings adding another reason to arrive early.
10. Panorama Room
Source: Panorama Room at Graduate New York
Where: Graduate New York (22 N Loop Rd, New York, NY 10044)
Take the Roosevelt Island tram across the East River to Panorama Room, located on the 18th floor of the Graduate New York. The rooftop looks out over Manhattan, Queens, and the water below, offering a perspective that rewards the short trip. A seafood-forward menu and raw bar pair well with a late afternoon cocktail as the skyline shifts with the light.