New York City has more than 150 rooftop bars spread across all five boroughs. Most people stick to the subway-accessible spots in Manhattan, but they're missing out on some incredible venues. After visiting over 50 rooftops in NYC and trying different ways to get around, we can tell you that having a rental car makes a huge difference.
Some of the best rooftop experiences are in places like Brooklyn and Queens. Harriet's Rooftop has probably one of the best Manhattan views you'll find anywhere. Westlight in Williamsburg is perfect for sunset. Panorama Room on Roosevelt Island offers views you literally can't get from any other rooftop in the city. Getting to these places without a car is possible, but it's a pain and eats up so much time.
We used to do the whole subway and Uber thing for our rooftop research trips. Then we started renting cars and realized what we'd been missing. You can actually visit multiple great rooftops in one evening instead of choosing just one because of transportation.
- Book ahead to get cars at the best rates - prices go up fast if you wait
- Pick up at JFK if you want to hit Brooklyn rooftops
- Get a compact car - parking near these places is tough
- Download parking apps right away (SpotHero, ParkWhiz)
- Don't try to do Manhattan and Brooklyn rooftops in the same night
We always go to the airports for pickup. JFK has more options - Thrifty, Dollar, ACE Rent A Car - and they're open until 10pm every day. Thrifty there gets a 7.0 rating from customers. LaGuardia works too but closes at 9:30pm. Dollar at LaGuardia actually scores better with a 7.7 rating.
You need your credit card, passport, and driving license. Takes about 15 minutes to pick up if you have everything ready.
For cars, we always go with something like a Toyota Corolla. Small enough to park near rooftop venues but big enough for your group. The rates are actually pretty good for compact cars like the Ford Focus, while slightly more expensive for bigger ones like the Ford Fusion.
Having a car completely changed how we explore NYC rooftops. You can do things that are impossible on public transit. Like starting at Westlight for sunset, then driving to 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge for cocktails, then finishing at Overstory downtown for their late-night menu. Try doing that route on the subway - you'll spend more time traveling than enjoying rooftops.
Brooklyn especially becomes so much easier. All those Williamsburg spots with amazing Manhattan views - Bar Blondeau at Wythe Hotel, Harriet's Rooftop, the whole scene over there - they're actually accessible instead of being a major trek.
The costs add up though. The car might be cheap but parking in Manhattan is $30-50. Still, when we calculated what we were spending on Ubers between different rooftops, especially going between boroughs, the car usually saves money. Plus Brooklyn rooftops often have much cheaper parking.
JFK (Thrifty): 312 Federal Circle, Jamaica, NY 11430 - We use this when we're planning to hit Brooklyn rooftops. Way easier to get to Williamsburg and all those spots.
LaGuardia (Dollar): LaGuardia AP, 45-01 20th Avenue, Astoria, 11105 - Better if you're focusing on Manhattan rooftops mostly.
Brooklyn loop: Start at Harriet's Rooftop around 5pm, then Bar Blondeau for sunset, finish at Westlight for night views. Maybe 10-15 minutes between each place. You can usually find street parking before 7pm.
Manhattan route: Bar 54 up in Times Square, then 230 Fifth for Empire State views, end at Overstory for serious cocktails. You'll need valet at the fancy places - budget around $50 per spot.
Queens: The Summer Club at Ravel Hotel and Panorama Room both offer something different. Much easier parking than Manhattan.
Compact works fine for casual spots like 230 Fifth. Midsize is better for upscale places where you want to look like you belong. SUV if you're doing group rooftop tours.
The upscale rooftops often have valet - just plan for it in your budget. Brooklyn venues are way more relaxed about parking.
Show up before 6pm if you can. Better parking, better seats. Most places get packed by 7-8pm on weekends.
For Manhattan, use apps only. Don't even think about street parking near Times Square rooftops.
We always use Cheap car rental services in New York City now. They compare all the companies and the pricing is straightforward. No weird fees that show up later.
Bottom line: having a car opens up the NYC rooftop scene in a way that's impossible otherwise. Yeah, parking costs money. But being able to explore Brooklyn and Queens rooftops, not worry about train schedules when you're having a great time, actually hit multiple venues in one night - it's worth it.
If you're serious about rooftop bars and want to see more than just the subway-accessible Manhattan spots, get the car. You'll discover places most people never see.
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