These 5 NYC Rooftop Bars Will Blow Your Mind—#3 Has Insane Skyline Views
If you think New York City is all about bagels, Broadway, and the bustle of the streets—you haven’t looked up yet. Some of the city's best nightlife (and jaw-dropping skyline views) happen way above the chaos, on rooftops that serve up more than just cocktails—they deliver an experience.
Whether you're after a romantic sunset drink, a lively night out, or just an unbeatable Instagram story, NYC's rooftop bars offer it all. But with so many options, how do you know where to go?
Don’t worry—we've climbed the stairs (and taken the elevators) for you. These are the five best rooftop bars in New York City that are absolutely worth your time, money, and camera roll.
💡 Want even more spots to sip, snack, and explore in NYC? Grab our New York CityBook—packed with curated food, bar, and itinerary recommendations to help you eat and drink your way through the city like a local.
🚏 Table of Contents
- Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge
- 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
- The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel
- Westlight at The William Vale
- PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown
- 📸 Bonus Tips for Rooftop Bar-Hopping in NYC
- 🥂 Final Sip
🌉 1. Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge (Brooklyn, DUMBO) – For Epic Bridge Views & Chill Vibes
Let’s kick things off with a gem across the East River: Harriet’s Rooftop at the luxurious 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. Tucked away in DUMBO, this rooftop bar isn’t just a place to drink—it’s a place to feel New York.
From this sky-high perch, you get unmatched views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop mid-sip just to stare.
🍸 Vibe Check:
- Eco-luxe and sophisticated with a calm, upscale crowd
- Perfect for couples, chill groups, or solo travelers looking to unwind
- Indoor lounge + outdoor rooftop = year-round access
🍹 Must-Try Drinks:
- Matcha Mojito – Refreshing, herbal, and totally different
- Honey Deuce – A tart-sweet twist with vodka, lemonade, and Chambord
🍽️ Food Pairings:
- Fresh oysters
- Seasonal flatbreads
- Crispy Brussels sprouts with chili glaze (chef’s kiss)
📅 Best Time to Go:
- Sunset hour for that golden glow over the skyline
- Weeknights for fewer crowds
📍 Location: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, 60 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY
🏙️ 2. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar (Flatiron/Midtown) – For Iconic Empire State Views
You can’t talk about NYC rooftop bars without mentioning the massive, beloved 230 Fifth. It’s New York City’s largest rooftop bar, and it delivers the classic NYC experience with a side of wow.
The view? Direct line of sight to the Empire State Building.
The vibe? Energetic, casual, and always buzzing.
The crowd? A mix of tourists, locals, and people just trying to live their best rooftop lives.
❄️ What Makes It Unique:
- Winter igloos (yes, really)—transparent domes you can cozy up in while sipping cocktails with the skyline all around
- Giant space with plenty of seating and photogenic corners
🍹 Must-Try Drinks:
- Frozen Moscow Mule
- Spiked Hot Apple Cider (seasonal but worth the wait)
🍽️ Food Picks:
- Truffle fries (legendary)
- Sliders
- Chicken satay skewers
📅 Best Time to Go:
- Weekends for the rooftop brunch party scene
- Weeknights for fewer lines
📍 Location: 230 Fifth Ave, New York, NY
🌆 3. The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel (Lower East Side) – For Sleek Cocktails & Style Points
If rooftop bars had an Instagram aesthetic, The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel would be the blueprint. Perched atop the hip PUBLIC Hotel in the Lower East Side, this rooftop is all minimalist elegance, moody lighting, and downtown cool.
The inside is sleek and sexy, but the wraparound terrace? All. About. The. Views.
🪩 Vibe Check:
- Fashion-forward crowd with a creative edge
- DJs on weekend nights
- Great for dates, stylish night outs, and pre-dinner drinks
🍸 Must-Try Drinks:
- Spicy Paloma – Bright, citrusy, and with just the right kick
- Cucumber Cooler – Crisp and refreshing for warmer nights
🍽️ Bites:
- Light bar snacks like marinated olives and spiced nuts
- For full meals, head downstairs to the hotel’s restaurants
📅 Best Time to Go:
- After dark when the skyline lights up
- Before 8 PM to avoid lines
📍 Location: 215 Chrystie St, New York, NY
🌉 4. Westlight at The William Vale (Brooklyn, Williamsburg) – For 360° Views & Inventive Cocktails
Over in Williamsburg, Westlight has taken the NYC rooftop game to dizzying new heights—literally. Sitting on the 22nd floor of The William Vale Hotel, it offers 360-degree views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
The cocktail menu is the work of a James Beard-nominated mixologist, and the space is equally impressive, with glass walls, fire pits, and a super chic vibe.
🌇 Vibe Check:
- Upscale but not snobby
- Date night heaven or special occasion standout
- Some of the best service you’ll get on a rooftop in the city
🍸 Must-Try Drinks:
- Vale Margarita – With jalapeño and agave for a spicy kick
- Peach & Smoke – Mezcal, peach, and lemon, with a smoky finish
🍽️ Food Favorites:
- Lamb sliders
- Tuna tartare cones
- Duck carnitas tacos
📅 Best Time to Go:
- Golden hour for lighting and photos
- Reservations strongly recommended
📍 Location: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY
💃 5. PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown – For Late Nights & Boujee Celebrations
Looking for rooftop nightlife with a side of glitz? PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown is where glam goes to play. With floral installations, twinkling lights, and bottle service, this is where birthdays, bachelorettes, and celebratory nights get a little extra.
It’s part rooftop lounge, part nightclub, and entirely unforgettable.
🎉 Vibe Check:
- Dress to impress (yes, heels and collared shirts)
- Party energy, music pumping, and lots of selfie stations
- Two floors with both indoor and outdoor seating
🍸 Must-Try Drinks:
- Espresso Martini Tree – Comes with a literal tree of mini martinis
- The Big Apple Mule – Vodka, ginger beer, and apple cider served in a glowing mug
🍽️ Food:
- Light bites like sliders and sushi
- But let’s be honest—you’re here for the drinks and the DJ
📅 Best Time to Go:
- Fridays and Saturdays after 9 PM for nightlife
- Earlier in the evening for golden hour photo ops
📍 Location: 210 W 55th St, New York, NY
📸 Bonus Tips for Rooftop Bar-Hopping in NYC
🎯 Timing is everything – Rooftop bars are busiest between 7 PM and 10 PM. Go early for seating, or later for the party.
📱 Reservations help – Especially for places like Westlight and Harriet’s.
👗 Dress code matters – Most upscale rooftops don’t allow athletic wear or flip-flops.
🌤️ Best months – May through October. Many rooftops have heaters, but the real fun happens in warmer weather.
💳 Bring a card – Most places are cashless and include automatic gratuity on large parties.
🗽 Want Even More NYC Food & Drink Secrets?
NYC’s rooftops are just the beginning. The real flavor of the city lives in its hidden speakeasies, iconic delis, trendy wine bars, and tucked-away cocktail dens.
👉 Grab our New York CityBook for:
- Curated food & bar recommendations by neighborhood
- Must-visit brunch spots
- Late-night eats and rooftop crawl suggestions
- Local-approved tips to avoid tourist traps
🎉 Get your New York CityBook now and sip smarter across the city.
🥂 Final Sip
There’s no better way to take in New York than from above—with a perfectly crafted cocktail in hand. Whether you're after iconic views, hidden gems, or party-starting energy, these five rooftop bars cover every vibe.
So take your pick, charge your phone, and raise a glass. Because in NYC, the sky’s not the limit—it’s just the beginning.