Finding rooftop bars in NYC is easy. But finding the best rooftops for a party with a view is another thing. But don’t despair, we’ve done the hard work for you!
After visiting over 40 rooftop bars in NYC recently, searching for the most vibrant and happening venues, we could narrow it down to the 9 best party rooftops in New York this year.
Some of the party rooftops on this list also host pool parties. So, a tip from us is to visit a pool party during daytime followed by nightime party under the stars. Be prepared to dress for success, to party with a view in NYC is a huge thing among both trendy locals and worldly tourists.
Our complete and up-to date guide to the Best Party Rooftops in NYC feature all info you need about each rooftop, all at the same place, so you don’t have to scroll around on several different sources finding it.
For each rooftop, this guide presents:
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With our vast experience and exclusive focus, we can present you with the most complete and up-to date guides about rooftop venues. And with our insider tips and knowledge, we can guide you to the best and most suitable rooftops for your own needs.
Whether you’re looking for an upscale rooftop dinner, a laid-back rooftop brunch, a vibrant rooftop party or a luxurious hotel rooftop pool, we’ve got you covered.
The Party: Harriet’s Brooklyn hosts parties all year round. But the best time is of course during the warmer months, when the al fresco terrace up top, which feels like a luxurious roof garden, is in full swing. This is also when you can enjoy the buzzing Sol Together summer series, starting in May and ending in October. 22 Sundays, 22 sunsets & 22 events all summer long, from day to night, where sound, style, and skyline converge. Other happening events include the Thursday Night Shift in the lounge, where you can discover beats from a roster of local DJs.
Ambience: Decorated with reclaimed and sustainable materials, the natural-chic rooftop blends an interior lounge with a seasonal outdoor terrace, so no matter if it's early, middle or late 2026, Harriet's is open for business. The rooftop bar 'preserves the values of an old-fashioned cocktail lounge' and offers a great selection of craft cocktails. There is also a menu of fresh and very tasty bar bites - light bites spotlighting local and seasonal ingredients.
What we think: We love everything about Harriet's Brooklyn. The vibe, the view (one of the most spectacular in the world) and the delicious bites and sips. Our top recommendation is to book a table (you should definitely book in advance) right before sunset followed by a full party night watching the beauty of the Manhattan skyline in darkness.
Dress code: The Harriet's Rooftop dress code is smart casual, towards relaxed. In other words, you don't need to put on your favorite suit or party dress to blend in. If you're not going to visit the pool where a more relaxed 'pool chic' attire is recommended.
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The Party: JIMMY SoHo sits on top of the new hotel ModernHaus SoHo (used to be The James), right in the heart of SoHo. While the pool is mainly open for hotel guests during the day, in summer weekends there are usually 'Pool Party Series' for everyone from 3pm. Later at night, especially during weekend, the music heats up, and JIMMY turns into a chic, sanky and buzzing party lounge. Highly popular place, with an upscale and trendy crowd, loving to soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Which is often highlighted by live DJs playing a wide variety of tunes.
Ambience: JIMMY SoHo is a year-round destination, available for al-fresco fun whenever the weather allows, and otherwise inside the sleek, blue and leather velvet indoor lounge with panoramic windows. You can see the Freedom Tower in the south, New Jersey in the west and the Empire State Building in the northeast. Yeah, literally all of Manhattan is at your feet. The rooftop bar offers a fine selection of crafted and seasonal specialty cocktails, as well as wines by both the glass and bottle.
What we think: A prime party spot in NYC – both during daytime (pool parties) and nighttime. It’s highly popular among both New Yorkers and tourists, so try to make reservations before going to JIMMY SoHo, or otherwise, be in good time. And also be prepared to stand in line for a while. But once you see the view you will most likely feel: worth it!
Dress code: The JIMMY SoHo dress code is stylish attire that is appropriate for the time of day. So at a weekend pool party, put on the best swimwear. At night, aim to blend with the upscale but casual atmosphere.
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The Party: Perched on top of the affordable luxury PUBLIC Hotel on Lower East Side, The Roof has turned into one of NYC's rooftop hot-spots since opening in 2017. Always energetic and towards exclusive, The Roof is a great spot for some fine sunset cocktails, turning into a sexy late-night hotspot, after dark hosting the best local and international DJ’s from around the world. Thursday to Saturday, great beats are complemented with spectacular visuals, amazing views and a dancefloor in the sky. Just remember to be in good time, or make reservations.
Ambiance: Equipped with a stylish indoor lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a beautiful landscaped outdoor terrace, the panoramic 360° views over the city are amazing anywhere you go. The rooftop bar offers an extensive and varied menu full of delicious and creative cocktails, craft and commercial beers, as well as wines and popular spirits. There is also a selection of bites, and in summer usually a weekend BBQ.
What we think: The Roof is a vibrant and energetic rooftop high above the buzzy Manhattan streets. And the vibe up here is even more buzzy. The ideal rooftop for some amazing sunset cocktails (and sunset happy hour), turning into amazing party nights continuing well into the morning.
Dress code: The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel dress code is smart casual. Athletic wear, flip-flops, sweatpants and bathing suits are not permitted. Fashion shorts are permitted before 10pm.
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The Party: Found right by Times Square, on the 18th floor of the fantastic MOXY NYC Times Square, Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge is a happening year-round rooftop bar and lounge. Always buzzing with seasonal themes, juicy rooftop brunches, weekday happy hours and fun events, at night it transforms into a high-energy playground in the sky. Especially summer weekends, when the Lyra Rooftop Party delivers two immersive zones of high-energy sound and atmosphere from 10pm. At Zone 001 you can enjoy open format, throwbacks, top 40, and house remixes, while Zone 002 features house, tech, afro, minimal, and cutting-edge remixes. No matter which one you choose, you can expect elevated vibes and panoramic skyline views.
Ambience: Colorful, spacious and buzzing, Magic Hour features both indoor lounge and outdoor terrace, also equipped with a retractable roof, so every spot is available year-round. Blending a quirky carneval feel with lounge vibes, it's never boring. The rooftop bar offers signature cocktails and a full menu of 'curiosities', spirits served in all forms and shapes, made perfect to share. There is also bottle service of spirits, bubbles and wines, along with a few light bites.
What we think: Versatile and ever-changing, mixing different events with different themes, Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge is the kind of place you can visit serveral times and always get a new experience. And it's also great for different occasions, from rooftop brunches to social sunset sips, and highly buzzing late night party's, right beneath the Empire State Building.
Dress code: The Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge dress code is fun and casual, but no true athletic wear.
The Party: The Arlo Williamsburg provides one of the most impressive rooftop experiences Brooklyn has to offer. Especially during summer, when the rooftop bar ART Williamsburg and the rooftop pool is in full swing. During daytime, anyone can swim with a view, and then stay for nights filled with electric vibes and skyline views. The most buzzing experience is however Sundays, when the Azure Day Party presents a rare daytime-to-sunset house music experience with the best of the best DJs from around the world. To sweeping skyline views of Manhattan, you can expect high-energy crowds and an elevated open-air party atmosphere.
Ambience: Arlo Rooftop Williamsburg is a modern and urban venue that takes the quintessential local experience to a new level. From day to night, you can enjoy poolside sips, turning into crisp craft beers and signature drinks, enjoying a menu built for late-night lounging or golden hour toasts. And while summer is prime season, during the colder months you can take the stairs up to the Water Tower Bar, where an Insta-worthy experience awaits.
What we think: This is a must-visit Brooklyn spot to make the most of the NYC summer. Start with a day full of sips, dips and views by the pool. Then stay as the sun starts to set, and enjoy a buzzing mix of cocktails, conversation, and DJs.
Dress code: The Arlo Rooftop Williamsburg dress code is casual.
The Party: Covering the top floors of the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel, Somewhere Nowhere offers a vibrant, dreamy and elevated escape from the busy Manhattan streets below. The top floor terrace at Somewhere Nowhere is weather dependent, but with several destinations in one, the venue is usually open and available 7 days a week and year-round. From after work drinks and pool parties, to very late and vibrant weekend nights, with international and local live DJs creating the soundtrack.
Ambience: Up here you find a magical, whimsical and 5,516-square-feet indoor garden lounge on the 38th floor, leading up to the 39th floor open-air rooftop, where a luxurious rooftop pool and panoramic 360° views over Manhattan are part of the stylish decoration. The rooftop menu includes everything from tropical signature cocktails and wine/sparkling by the glass or bottle, as well as fresh and seasonal bites, like 'Watermelon Salad' and 'Lobster Roll'.
What we think: After our party night up here, we fell in love with the vibe, view and people directly. While Somewhere Nowhere NYC do accept walk-ins for drinks at the bar, reservations are highly recommended. Especially if you want a table, a spot by the rooftop pool, or join in on the fun at the late-night events.
Dress code: The Somewhere Nowhere NYC dress code is upscale & trendy.
The Party: The Crown rooftop bar is set on top of the fantastic Hotel 50 Bowery, located in Chinatown NYC, just by Lower East Side. Open daily, you should visit The Crown rooftop bar early afternoon for a more relaxed lounge-vibe, sipping a cocktail and taking in the majestic views on display. Later on the atmosphere turns more vibrant (and more full), with a trendy crowd enjoying nice beats and drinks. Often hosting vibrant events, the Mercer Day Party every Saturday during summer is a safe bet if you are looking for a sky-high atmosphere and the best of house music all day and night.
Ambience: An indoor bar / lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows lead out to two outdoor rooftop terraces, where you get absolutely fantastic 360-degree views over the Big Apple. From the rooftop bar you can order tasty and well-crafted signature cocktails, like the refreshing 'Mint To Be Majestic', a few crafts on draft and a nice selection of wines. There is also a variety of international bar bites (perfect for sharing) and some delicious desserts.
What we think: We came here right before sunset to enjoy both the pre party vibe, and then we stayed for a full night party. And we weren’t disappointed. This is a fantastic party rooftop with one of the best views in the world. Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building and One World Trade are all included sights, and The Crown is actually one of few places in the city that offers unobstructed views of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines.
Dress code: The Crown dress code is smart casual. Smart casual is an approach to dressing professionally that mixes trendier pieces in with classic staples. The goal is an appearance that’s clean and professional but doesn’t look too formal.
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The Party: 230 Fifth rooftop bar is one of the largest and most famous rooftop bars in NYC, named after its location at 230 5th Ave. Come for relaxing and sunny drinks with a view during daytime or enjoy the vibrant party atmosphere at night at one of the most popular rooftop bars in New York. Both among tourists and the local New Yorkers. Here they offer multiple indoor and outdoor bars and event spaces, live DJ’s and plenty of themed party's.
Ambiance: The terrace has seatings for approximately 1 000 people at the same time, and offers some really magical views of the Manhattan skyline, with the Empire State Building as a mighty focal point. Both an inside and open-air venue, the 230 Fifth roof terrace is complemented with a large indoor lounge, fully enclosed and with panoramic windows taking care of the views.
What we think: Maybe a little touristic in some ways, but if you love a mix of both tourists and locals, this is a great spot for a rooftop party in The Big Apple. There is no cover charge at 230 Fifth rooftop, and tables are usually first come, first served. However, during weekend nights, reservations are recommended if you want a table, and weekend reservations come with a minimum spend.
Dress code: The 230 Fifth dress code is casual during weekdays, turning into upscale casual towards weekend evenings, which means no athletic wear, baggy jeans, T-shirts or hoodies on Friday & Saturday night. Also note that 230 Fifth is a +21 venue Friday and Saturday after 7pm.
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The Party: Monarch Rooftop Bar is located on the 18th floor, and it is the building's penthouse. From the terrace you get a stunning view over midtown Manhattan, and most of all, fantastic vistas of the Empire State Building. Up here you find a rooftop bar and an indoor lounge, both very modern and stylish with a Scandinavian-chic feel. Light and airy with lots of comfy lounge sofas and bar stools. One of the most vibrant rooftop bars in New York.
Ambiance: The bar serves bar bites and offers the regular selection of beers and wines along with some very well-made specialty cocktails. Like the jalapeño-hot 'Sleeping with the Devil', made of Espolón Silver Tequila, Triple Sec, Mango, Jalapeño, Cilantro, Pineapple Juice and Fresh Lime. The Monarch Rooftop terrace is not the biggest in the city, but certainly not small either, and it can accommodate about 300 people at the same time. It also has heaters for the chilly nights.
What we think: We love the party vibe up here both on the weekend afternoons and also most days during night. On a weekday afternoon you can probably just pop by and enjoy a cocktail, the view and some moderate vibrant atmosphere. But for nights and weekends, reservations are highly recommended. You will not be alone, but in return you will get a great, energetic atmosphere.
Dress code: The Monarch Rooftop Bar dress code is upscale & trendy. Athletic wear, baseball caps and large bags/backpacks/luggage are not permitted.
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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The perfect mix of fine accommodation and sky-high fun.
A waterfront retreat right by the Brooklyn Bridge.
Rooftop Features:Harriet's Rooftop + Rooftop Pool
Close to all major NYC attractions.
Rooftop Features:Castell Rooftop Lounge
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