13 Best Rooftop Bars in Midtown NYC

Overview:Floating above the vibrant streets of Hell’s Kitchen, Hudson VU Rooftop is a premium rooftop lounge, blending a warm interior lounge with a beautiful open-air terrace.

View:Surrounded with amazing 360° views over the Manhattan skyline and Hudson River.

Menu:The curated menu features meticulously crafted signature cocktails, a fine selection of wines, local beers and cider, and farm-fresh dishes created by Chef Samuel-Drake Jones.

Price:Cocktails: $24 | Beers: $15

Why visit:For spectacular sunset sips, intimate dinners, social sessions and sky-high celebrations.

Our insider tip

• Reservations are required.
• Live DJs on Thursdays and Piano Nights on Fridays.

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:Floating 33 floors above the bustle of Times Square, Voco Roofbar delivers an upscale rooftop retreat in the heart of NYC. Created by Carnegie Hospitality, the 2,400 sq. ft. rooftop seamlessly blends a chic interior lounge with al fresco terrace seating, in a setting that is sleek yet inviting.

View:Stunning vistas of Midtown Manhattan’s glittering skyline, creating a memorable backdrop for both sunset sips and nighttime celebrations.

Menu:The social and bold menu features a seasonal selection of expertly crafted cocktails, complemented with a fine array of wines, bubbles and premium spirits, perfect to pair with some of the Asian fusion small plates crafted for sharing.

Price:Cocktails: $24

Why visit:From stylish sunset sips to social late-night sessions, Voco Roofbar is the place to go if you're looking for a modern and sophisticated urban escape above Times Square.

Our insider tip

• The rooftop can be reserved for private events and sky-high celebrations.

Overview:Green Room 42 at YOTEL New York Times Square is a versatile venue, featuring Supper Club, Cabaret and one of NYC's largest indoor / outdoor rooftops.

View:The lush outdoor terrace comes surrounded by majestic views over Times Square and the towering skyline.

Menu:Here you can indulge in modern American dishes perfect to share, seasonal and specialty cocktails, as well as nice selection of wine and beer.

Price:Cocktails: $18 | Beers: $9-13

Why visit:A given destination before or after a show at Green Room 42, The Rooftop is also well worth a visit on its own, for after-work fun or weekends above the city.

Our insider tip

• The outdoor terrace is in full swing during the warmer months, when rooftop cinema is part of the schedule.
• On weekend, you can enjoy brunch at the rooftop.

Overview:Floating high above Midtown East, Artie’s Backroom & Rooftop blends new school energy with old school charm, and features both a cozy interior lounge and a unique outdoor terrace.

View:Among brick arches, ivy walls and hanging lanterns, here you are surrounded by stunning view of the Manhattan skyscrapers.

Menu:An approachable menu, filled with craft cocktails, a wide range of margaritas, martinis and spritz, cold beers and house wine, complemented with old school bites.

Why visit:For after works & hangouts with a view, in a fun and friendly vibe.

Our insider tip

• Home to the largest sports viewing screen in Midtown East, this is a great spot to catch a game.

Overview:Found three floors above 35th Street, just off Herald Square, BarChef New York is a unique, iconic craft cocktail destination created by Frankie Solarik, renowned mixologist and Netflix's 'Drink Masters' judge.

View:No panoramics, but a majestic and dramatic worm's-eye view of the Empire State Building.

Menu:Aiming to challenge the very definition of what a cocktail experience can be, BarChef emphasizes a multisensory approach to cocktails. Filled with ingredients created entirely in-house, the menu features two sections: The 'Contemporary' cocktails, a curated selection of signature drinks packed with depth and complexity. And the true show-stopper, the 'Modernist Series', a progressive culinary approach to drinks, combining touch, scent, texture and flavors, prepared by a team of chefs.

Price:Cocktails: $23-43

Why visit:To blend rooftop vibes with a world renowned cocktail program, and enjoy unmatched sips above Manhattan.

Our insider tip

• Don't miss the elevated selection of Japanese-inspired dishes.

Overview:Perched on top of the lovely Park South Hotel, nestled in Manhattan’s Rose Hill neighborhood just steps from NoMad, Rosehill Rooftop offers a luxe, lush and elevated NYC rooftop experience.

View:Spectacular and unobstructed view of the NYC skyline..

Menu:Creative, impeccable and crafted signature cocktails, complemented with a refreshing selection of bites, ranging from vibrant shareables to pizza and salads.

Why visit:For sun-drenched afternoons, golden hour cocktails, or comfy fireside conversations turning into unforgettable nights.

Our insider tip

• Walk-ins welcomed, reservations recommended.
• Available for private events, from cozy lounges to full buyouts.

Overview:Feeling a lot like a classic cocktail lounge from the the 1920s and 30s, Ophelia is an intimate rooftop located on top of the historic Beekman Tower.

View:Sweeping 360° views of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Menu:Crafted reinventions of classic and unique signature cocktails inspired by natural elements. There is also a small but well-curated selection of 5-star bar bites and dishes.

Price:Cocktails: $23 | Beers: $11

Why visit:For a romantic night out, or a social weekend evening with friends, when live DJs highlight the lounge atmosphere.

Our insider tip

• Check out the 'Social Hours' on weekdays between 5-7pm, with good prices on drinks and food.

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:Perched on top of the fantastic Archer Hotel New York, right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Spyglass Rooftop Bar offers a contemporary interpretation of the glamorous and sophisticated NYC mid-century era.

View:Amazing views over the city skyline, with the Empire State Building as majestic and central focal point.

Menu:Signature craft cocktails, wines and a few crafted brews, as well as shareable bites from celebrated chef Charlie Palmer.

Price:Cocktails: $21 | Beers: $9

Why visit:For relaxing upscale vibes with prime ESB views.

Our insider tip

• Don't miss the weekend brunch with a view!

Overview:The Skylark NYC rooftop is a classic cocktail lounge in New York, located 30th floors above the buzz of Midtown Manhattan.

View:Stunning view of the Hudson River, the Empire State Building and Times Square.

Menu:A large set of mixologist signature cocktails, made with the best ingredients. The fine drinks a complemented with some tasty bar bites of the highest quality.

Price:Cocktails: $22 | Beers: $10

Why visit:Only open to the public during weekdays, you should visit early for a more private experience. As the night wears on, the terrace gets more crowded and live DJs usually bring the atmosphere up a notch.

Our insider tip

• The Skylark NYC dress code is business/upscale casual. So, dress neatly and stylishly to feel right at home.

Overview:Stylish rooftop cocktail bar reimagining the NYC rooftop bar scene from an Aussie point-of-view, perched on top of Hotel Hendricks in the heart of Midtown South.

View:The south-facing views includes an unobstructed outlook over the Empire State Building.

Menu:Cocktails and drinks, including a fine selection of Martinis, crafted and contemporary versions of New York classics, as well as a wine list with a distinctly Australian accent.

Price:Cocktails: $18 | Beers: $10

Why visit:For tasty cocktails and bar bites with a view of the Empire State Building.

Our insider tip

• For great deals, try to visit Daintree between 4-6pm, as there are often monthly specials on food and drinks.

Overview:Located on the 50th floor of Nomad’s fabulous Ritz-Carlton, Nubeluz has quickly become one of the hottest rooftop bars in Midtown NYC. The name “Nubeluz” derives from the Spanish words “nube” (cloud) and “luz” (light), and surely catches the true essence of a rooftop bar.

View:Amazing 270° views over the NYC skyline is part of the contemporary and glamorous decor.

Menu:Modern interpretations of classic cocktails, divided into 'Midtown', 'Uptown' & 'Downtown', complemented with elevated small plates.

Price:Cocktails: $27 | Beers: $14

Why visit:For highly stylish drinks in a sky-high setting out of the ordinary.

Our insider tip

• Check out the 'High Tea', served every weekend from 11am to 3pm.