Cheap Rooftop Bars in NYC with Skyline Views

Updated: 21 enero 2024

This post lists 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.

So why not sip on a perfectly poured 'Manhattan' gazing at the shimmering lights of Manhattan?

When we wrote this post, we talked to some of our local tour guides who offered their recommendations. 

We also looked at suggestions from our popular New York City Travel Tips Facebook group.

This group of over 225,000 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

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, Edgey 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 we list 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 in other cities.

New York Walking Tours

The bars on our list charge $12-$20 for cocktails, $9+ for wine and $6+ for bottled beer.

Of course, you can order soda or sparkling water if you'd like!

While prices below are a dollar or two more than many street-level bars, keep in mind that you are paying for the amazing views as well as your drinks.

If you are interested in seeing more of NYC's drinking establishments, see our post, Best Pub and Bar Tours in NYC.


MIDTOWN MANHATTAN

Cloud Social

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 got lots of tips on how to get discount tickets.


230 Fifth

230 Fifth Avenue

Located in NoMad (short for North of Madison Square Park), 230 Fifth Is one of the largest rooftop bars. Its huge terrace 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.


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 elicits a sleek and 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.


Brass Monkey

55 Little W. 12th Street

This informal and simple bar is one of the few remaining rooftop beer gardens with 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!


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.


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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About The Author

Courtney Shapiro

Courtney is a lifelong New Yorker fascinated with the city’s history, culture and cuisine. She loves exploring the world, as well as sharing her travel expertise with others. She joined the Free Tours by Foot team in 2011, first as a guide and then as a writer. She has a law degree, a teaching degree and a worn-out passport. Her motto is “Have backpack, will travel”. READ MORE...
Updated: enero 21st, 2024
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