One of the best things about New York City is just how many rooftop bars there are.
NYC is a city of tall buildings and a city of people who love a good cocktail with a view!
One can have a perfectly poured 'Manhattan' gazing at the shimmering lights of Manhattan.
Here's a list of some of the best affordable rooftop bars in New York City.
They all offer stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, great vibes and tasty drinks.
When I wrote this post, I considered rooftop bars I have been to as well as some that my fellow local tour guides recommended.
I also looked at suggestions from our popular New York City Travel Tips Facebook group.
This group of over 340,000 members consists of locals, regular visitors, and newbies to NYC who are happy to share their advice with others.
So take a look at the bottom of this post and see what they had to say.
Then check out the group after you've read this post for loads more tips about visiting NYC!
- Overview
- Midtown Manhattan
- Downtown Manhattan
- Williamsburg in Brooklyn
- Free Rooftop Views in NYC
- Tips From Locals and Travelers
- Other Skyline Views
OVERVIEW
New York City is known for its skyline and the best views can be found at one of the observation decks: Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Trade Center, Edge, and SUMMIT
If these attractions are beyond your budget, or you just prefer to have a casual evening with a drink with the skyline as the backdrop, heading to a rooftop bar is ideal.
Below are some of the best rooftop bars in NYC that are relatively affordable.
Keep in mind that alcohol in NYC tends to be above average prices you'd find in most other American cities.
The bars on our list charge $12-$20+ for cocktails, $9+ for wine and $6+ for bottled beer.
The prices may be a few dollars more than street-level bars, keep in mind that you are paying for the amazing views as well as your drinks.
Of course, you can order soda or sparkling water if you'd like and get the same gorgeous views.
TIP: If you are on a budget like I am, take advantage of Happy Hours if these bars have them.
I start off with a list of the best rooftops in winter to enjoy when it's cold outside. It's always rootop bar season in NYC!
In the Spring, I'll update the post to highlight which have outdoor terraces and balconies.
If you are interested in seeing more of NYC's drinking establishments, see our post, Best Pub and Bar Tours in NYC.
BEST ROOFTOPS IN WINTER
If you are in New York City in the colder months, you can still enjoy a rooftop bar and stay warm!
Here are some of my choices for the best winter rooftop bars in NYC.
Click on the link and you can read more about them below.
- Jimmy has a fireplace inside!
- Refinery also has a fireplace and winter-themed cocktails.
- 230 Fifth has cozy igloos from November to April.
- The Roof at the Public has igloos with fire pits in the cooler months.
- Panorama Room has 360-degree views from the warm indoors, which is rare.
MIDTOWN MANHATTAN
230 Fifth
230 Fifth Avenue
Located in NoMad (short for North of Madison Square Park), 230 Fifth is a very casual rooftop bar.
It's also one of the largest rooftop bars with a terrace that seats nearly 1,000 people!
Aside from its spectacular rooftop views, 230 Fifth is well-known for its dance parties with live DJs on Saturdays.
You wouldn't expect drinks to be so cheap given such an amazing location.
Specialty cocktails cost $19, beers are $10 and wine by the glass is $18.
Feel like the same great views during the day? 230 Fifth offers weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
Refinery Rooftop Bar
63 W 38th St.
Perfect year-round with a retractable glass roof, indoor seating and an outdoor terrace.
The view of the Empire State Building is magical and the cocktails are pretty darn good too!
Cocktails are $18+, beer is $ and wine by the glass is $15+. The Happy Hour drink specials have me always finding a way to get over here!
Plus, its fireplace makes Refinery a great choice among the winter rooftop bars in NYC. Be sure to try the delicious Rooftop Winter Spritz.
Cloud Social *temporarily closed as of Jan 2025
6 W. 32nd Street
Cloud Social offers guests some of the best-priced rooftop drinks in NYC, but the real allure is the spectacular views of One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower) and the Empire State Building.
Cocktails are $17, craft beers are $9 and wine is $14 and up.
You can save a few dollars during their happy hour which runs from 3 pm-7 pm daily.
The open-air rooftop is larger than most, complete with an array of plush seating options including a more intimate balcony located on the eastern side of the bar.
The music is mellow and low during the day and a bit more hip and boisterous in the evenings.
Top of the Strand
33 W. 37th Street
Featuring a glass retractable roof, this rooftop bar on the 21st floor of the Strand Hotel offers year-round dramatic views of NYC’s skyline - including its neighbor, the Empire State Building.
The atmosphere is sophisticated yet comfortable. Prices are in line with Manhattan drink prices, though a wee bit more, given the view.
The drink menu boasts an impressive selection of martinis and house specialties.
Beer, wine and mocktails are also served.
Plush lounge seating lines the aisle to the bar along with bar stools that overlook the skyline facing a glow bar. This spot is ideal for an evening out with friends.
TIP: Learn more about Midtown on one of our pay-what-you-like Midtown Manhattan tours. Be sure to check out our post 22 Things to Do in Times Square.
If you were thinking of taking in a Broadway show, we have lots of tips on how to get concessionary tickets.
ART NoMad
11 E. 31st Street
Located on the 31st floor atop the hip Arlo NoMad, this rooftop lounge has close-up views of the Empire State Building just a few blocks away.
Hotel guests mingle with native New Yorkers in a friendly atmosphere.
The “skywalk” glass floor is incredibly Instagrammable with a view downward nearly as good as the skyline view.
They serve specialty cocktails with fun names and great combos of ingredients like “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” (Vodka, Aloe, Mint, Cucumber, Lime).
All cocktails are $21, all beer and hard seltzers are $9 and all wine by the glass is between $17. Order light snacks with a Middle Eastern slant.
The Arlo Hotel is among the top nine hotels in Midtown Manhattan on our list of where to stay in NYC.
DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN
Mr. Purple
180 Orchard Street
Fifteen floors up, on top of Hotel Indigo, is this rooftop lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows. Needless to say, the views are spectacular!
Get amazing unobstructed views of the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower).
Mr. Purple has an indoor lounge area and two outdoor terraces, one of which features a pool that's perfect to sit beside and sunbathe, while the other offers a dining area complete with fuchsia-purple chairs.
Mr. Purple has a sleek yet surprisingly unpretentious vibe.
A younger, hipster crowd commands the space; mostly mid-'20s to mid-'30s.
In addition to its glowing cocktail menu, which features affordable drinks in comparison to its surrounding competitors, the food menu is not to be missed.
Cocktails are all $20, a glass of wine is $18+ and beers begin at $10 a bottle.
You can save $9 for select cocktails during Happy Hour which is Monday – Friday, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
TIP: The Lower East Side has more than great rooftop bars. It has a fascinating history and fantastic food.
Find out more on our pay-what-you-like Lower East Side Food Tour.
The ROOF at Public Hotel
215 Chrystie St.
This rooftop bar is subdued and sleek with black leather chairs and blue-ish lighting.
It has unbelievable 360-degree skyline vistas from the outdoor terrace and almost as good views from the glassed-in interior.
With igloos equipped with fire pits and blankets, the ROOF is one of the winter rooftop bars in NYC not to miss!
Specialty cocktails and mocktails cost $21+, beers are $9+ and wine by the glass is $18+.
TIP: Happy hours are Monday to Friday, 5 pm to 7 pm.
Brass Monkey
55 Little W. 12th Street
This is one of the most casual rooftop bars in NYC and one of the few that has dazzling views of the Hudson River.
The beer selection is the true standout, with dozens of import, and craft beers and ciders. Beers start at $9.
There is also a decent selection of wines, all at $12 a glass. Their diverse cocktails are $16 each.
The Brass Monkey also features a gastropub menu that features snacks, small plates, and large plates: think burgers, fries, and wings.
The bar runs along the side of the High Line, one of the best urban parks in the world and not to be missed.
We offer several pay-what-you-like High Line tours. We also have a self-guided tour and an audio tour!
Jimmy
27 Grand Street
On the 18th floor of the ModernHaus hotel in SoHo, Jimmy is chic and cozy, with 14-foot windows overlooking Midtown, Wall Street, the Hudson River, and the East River
Jimmy is among the top winter rooftop bars in NYC because it has a fireplace! Does it get cozier than that on a chilly night?
Specialty cocktails cost $23+, beers are $11 and wine by the glass is $20+.
I confess that Jimmy’s prices are more expensive than I’d care to spend, but one visit every winter is worth it.
After all, as an apartment dweller in NYC, when do I get to enjoy a fireplace?
WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN
Westlight
111 N. 12th Street
Perched atop the 22nd floor of the William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg, this rooftop venue offers panoramic views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Visit at sunset for a special experience.
Beer is $11 and up, wine is $16 and up, and cocktails are $18 and up.
Though prices are slightly higher than other rooftop bars, the view cannot be beaten!
The cocktails are inventive and complement their small bites menu with options like Tequila Cured Salmon and Duck Carnitas Tacos.
To explore more of Williamsburg, use our guide on things to do in Williamsburg.
ROOSEVELT ISLAND, QUEENS
Panorama Room
22 North Loop Rd.
This glamorous rooftop bar is located on the 18th floor of the Graduate Roosevelt Island Hotel.
It has unbelievable 360-degree views and creative cocktails like the aptly named Pinnacle Punch (rum, mezcal, house falernum, passion fruit, vanilla honey, grapefruit, and lemon).
Cocktails are priced from $10 to $21, beer is $10 to $12, and wine is $17 to $20.
Getting to the Panorama Room is half the fun! Take the Roosevelt Island Tram for a jaw-dropping ride over the East River.
FREE ROOFTOP VIEWS IN NYC
If you're looking for a free spot to enjoy great views without having to order anything, here are a few spots to check out.
Pier 57
25 11th Ave at West 15th Street
This public rooftop in Chelsea has green lawns, benches, and some pretty awesome views, including Little Island in the foreground and One World Observatory in the background.
While the rooftop is not sky-high, it’s a really nice place to chill out.
Grab food at nearby Chelsea Market and plan on walking the High Line before or after for more views from an interesting perspective.
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library
The outdoor terrace on the 7th Floor of the Midtown Manhattan branch of the New York Public Library is one of the best-kept secrets in NYC.
This is not the majestic library building with the lions in front you may be familiar with. Rather, this branch is across the street at 455 Fifth Avenue between 39th and 40th Streets.
The surrounding views are of some of midtown’s skyscrapers and also the tops of handsome turn-of-the-century beaux-arts buildings.
When you look down you’ll see the top of the gorgeous, massive New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman building. Yes, you can see the lions too!
You don't need to be a library member to enter the building and visit the terrace. See the website for hours and more information.
Time Out Market
On the 5th floor of this restaurant and bar complex in DUMBO, you’ll find an outdoor terrace with fantastic views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.
You aren’t required to buy anything to access the terrace. Just walk in, head to the rear of the ground floor and the elevators are on the left.
The market is located at 55 Water Street in DUMBO in Brooklyn.
Riverdeck at Pier 17
At the South Street Seaport, Pier 17 is a hub for dining and entertainment. On the northern side of Pier 17 is the Riverdeck, where you can sit for free and take in the views of the East River and the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges.
Elevated Acre
This little-known one-acre lawn atop a four-story parking facility at 55 Water Street is an escape from the hectic pace of Manhattan’s Financial District.
From the small boardwalk surrounding the lawn, you’ll have great views of the Brooklyn Bridge and New York Harbor.
There are benches and tables - or just plop down on the grass! There’s a seasonal beer garden and summer movies on some evenings.
It’s open daily 7 am-10 pm from May 1 to September 30 and 8 am-8 pm from October 1 to April 30.
TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS
Here are a handful of comments and recommendations from members of our New York Travel Tips group on Facebook.
230 Fifth was one of the most frequently mentioned rooftop bars, though there was mixed consensus.
Lots of comments warned to steer clear of the food, as it’s more a bar than a restaurant, despite serving food.
Still, the view wins out every time!
Mr. Purple also got some thumbs up for great views and cool vibes.
And Westlight was mentioned several times, as was Arlo NoMAD.
You can find many more on our Facebook group, be sure to check our New York Travel Tips group.
You don't need to become a member to read the posts, comments, and advice! Why not even post a question yourself?
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