If you are looking for Manhattan spots with lush views, look no further than to the best rooftop bars in Upper West Side NYC and Central Park. Looking out over the urban park and the NYC skyline with a drink in hand is an experience hard to beat.
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Here is our list of the best Upper West Side & Central Park rooftop bars.
The Empire Rooftop Bar is part of the iconic Empire Hotel, set pretty much right in front of Central Park. The rooftop has an indoor and outdoor area with two bars and an intimate fireplace which makes it a popular spot for an afternoon hangout.
With comfortable lounge sofas and mingling tables you can decide if you want to sit down or socialize in the lounge area.
If you are looking to enjoy a night out with your friends or watch the sun set over the city with a loved one, this is the perfect venue. The drink menu features classic cocktails as well as specialty drinks made with fresh ingredients. On the menu you also find an extensive list of wine and beer options.
EMPIRE ROOFTOP BAR
Located inside Central Park, on top of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cantor Roof Garden Bar is a must-see while spending time in a warm NYC. Melting into the park, the rooftop bar has a big garden with a pergola covered in green climbing plants.
During summer, you can enjoy cocktails together with live music, art and culture at the terrace. The rooftop bar menu feature specialty cocktails, wine by the glass, house made lemonade, lobster rolls and lighter snacks. The setting is very social, making it the perfect place for a day with friends.
Even though the rooftop is spacious, it is also popular. And since the rooftop works on first come, first served basis, make sure to be there on time. And also to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world’s most famous museums, before heading up to the rooftop.
THE CANTOR ROOF GARDEN BAR
Soak in sweeping views of Central Park at the amazing LiFE Rooftop, a chic rooftop bar serving handcrafted signature cocktails from world-renowned mixologists, and tasty bites from a well sourced menu.
Located at Le Meridien New York, Central Park, the rooftop has lots of greenery and elegant lounge seats. There is an indoor and outdoor area – and no matter where you decide to be seated, you will get the incredible view of the New York City skyline.
Before you visit, make sure to book a table or contact the rooftop for reservations. This place gets crowded very fast during weekends and evenings. The dresscode is smart casual for all guests and visitors.
LIFE ROOFTOP
Spending time at the rooftop on top of Park Lane New York is like stepping into someone’s (whimsical) living room.
Called Darling, and perched 47 floors above Billionaire Row, the rooftop blends an inside lounge area with wood paneling and elegant plush sofas with a garden-like and covered terrace. All surrounded with amazing views over the Manhattan skyline and Central Park.
During daytime, Darling is an exclusive oasis to guests staying at Park Lane, serving breakfast with a view. During evenings, all are welcome to indulge in unique cocktails, elevated and curated entertainment.
DARLING AT PARK LANE HOTEL
Built in 1836, the triangle-shaped ArtHouse Hotel New York City has a 500 square-foot rooftop bar, overlooking the Upper West Side skyline and the Hudson River.
Complete with heaters, partially covered sectional sofa seating and a built in bar, the 16th floor is mainly an event space, where you can host everything from a cocktail event to an intimate dinner.
With space for up to 30 guests, the ArtHouse Hotel New York City rooftop is bound to create special days above Manhattan's chicest neighborhood.
ART HOUSE HOTEL NEW YORK
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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