Manhattan is the smallest but most densely populated borough of New York. The district covers the territories of Manhattan Island, Marble Hill, and several islands in the East River.
Manhattan is often mistakenly thought of as a synonym for New York, and the city’s history reveals where this misconception comes from. In 1626, Peter Minuit, the first director-general of the province of New Netherlands, bought the island of Manhattan from the Indians for 1.5 pounds, equivalent to 0.7 kilograms of silver.
Today, Manhattan is one of the most prominent cultural, economic, and commercial centers. It is also known for the city’s main features, making it an attractive destination for tourists.
As a cherry on top, we should not forget the various Manhattan rooftop bars that are located all over the city and are always ready to welcome guests with open arms with fine drinks and good food.
If you are ready to make your experience in Manhattan unforgettable, visit the following rooftop bars: Our/New York Bar & Vodka Distillery, 230 Fifth, The Ready Rooftop Bar, Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Monarch Rooftop, Spyglass Rooftop Bar, Castell Rooftop Lounge, Cloud Social Rooftop Bar and Haven Rooftop.
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Top 9 Manhattan Rooftop Bars
Our/New York Bar & Vodka Distillery
151 W. 26th St., New York, NY 10001, United States // +16467535556
The Manhattan rooftop bar is luxurious and spacious, and the walls are dotted with paintings by local artists, which gives the space a special charm and creates a pleasant atmosphere for visitors.
The menu is rich with a variety of cocktails made with the finest ingredients, and love is added as the main component in each one. Starting from the ambiance to the menu, everything about this rooftop bar is refined.
Accordingly to this, the prices are high but worth it for the experience. New York Bar & Vodka Distillery is here for every occasion, big or small, and for almost every generation except the little ones.
Apart from the drinks, the menu also includes snacks that, just like the cocktails, will not disappoint you. We strongly recommend you to visit one of the most attractive Manhattan rooftop bars.
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
230 5th Ave., New York, NY 10001, United States // +12127254300
This rooftop bar is located in the heart of New York and is the largest indoor and outdoor rooftop bar in Manhattan. In addition to the advantages already mentioned, a bar is also an attractive place for events that include live music.
The menu is abundantly composed of countless types of food and drinks. They offer cocktails, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, several types of wines and beers, coffees, and hot drinks. You will be served freshly prepared pizzas, burgers, snacks, and salads. For sweets, you will be offered excellent ice cream, cake, or doughnuts.
The prices are quite varied; it depends on what you order. Some of the food and drinks are affordable, and others are more expensive, but the price is consistent with the experience and atmosphere that 230 Fifth offers.
Let’s say something more about the atmosphere. The place is classy and, at the same time, relaxed and pleasant. The exterior is decorated in the spirit of summer, while the interior is also suitable for winter days.
This Manhattan rooftop bar is especially interesting for younger people or f those with a young spirit. It organizes a variety of fun events such as an after work party with DJ Jay Nyce, a throwback Thursday, 80s disco party, decades dance party, Desi comedy night and Bollywood party, Super Bowl Sunday party, a winter ski-themed igloo party, date night package, and so much more.
As you can see, there is something for everybody in the Manhattan rooftop bars and that’s why this place is highly recommended.
The Ready Rooftop Bar
112 E. 11th St., New York, NY 10003, United States // +16469082125
This place is so unique, memorable, and spectacular that I would recommend it to people looking for a place to celebrate their special moments, who want to add charm and color to their everyday life, or who take striking pictures for Instagram.
This rooftop bar in Manhattan also works as a night bar, which means that all lovers of a good party are welcome. The place is inspired by nature, so it is arranged in a garden style. The colorful chairs, tables, and comfortable armchairs give this place the freshness and comfort of a natural garden. Dishes inspired by Mexican cuisine are just as fresh and colorful, and we must add, delicious.
Drinks include a range of cocktails, juices, coffees, and teas. From all of the things listed on the menu, the bar itself recommends fresh tacos and classic bar snacks that pair perfectly with frozen hot chocolate and salted caramel espresso martinis. The prices are affordable, so everyone can enjoy this fantastic nature-inspired and one of the best Manhattan rooftop bars.
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge
485 7th Ave. 18th floor, New York, NY 10018, United States // +12122680188
This Manhattan rooftop can proudly bear its name because it is so magical that, at first glance, you will not believe your eyes. The bar’s elegance, delicate decorations, and elegant interior will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale.
The beauty of this place especially comes to the fore in winter, when snow-white Christmas trees and baby-pink details enrich the already beautiful atmosphere.
Due to its position 18 floors above the city, Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge provides a breathtaking view of the Empire State Building, and as a cherry on top, they even have a special winter menu.
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge is divided into indoor and outdoor bars. It is the perfect place for celebrating your special moments. Their menu includes light sharable bites, the famous Pink AF Pancakes Stack, Pink S’mores Stack, The Sweetest Surprise, and much more.
In addition, they prepare winter-themed cocktails such as Ice Queen (made with Frozen Margarita, Hot Honey, and Gilded Salt Rim) and Après Ski (their signature cocktail, made with New Amsterdam Vodka, White Chocolate Liqueur, Mini Marshmallows), along with beer, wine, and champagne.
The prices are quite high, but everything mentioned on their menu and the experience itself is worth the money. If you want to feel like a prince or a princess and be treated as one, make sure to go to the Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge in Manhattan and experience one of the most attractive Manhattan rooftop bars.
Monarch Rooftop
71 W. 35th St., New York, NY 10001, United States // +12126309993
Monarch Rooftop is placed hundreds of feet above West 35th Street in Herald Square. It is located on the 18th-floor penthouse and offers modern, refreshing cocktails, delicious bites, unbeatable views, premium table service, and hospitality.
It is excellent for your private events since they have a special event team that will take care of every detail and personalize your celebration. Yet, its coziness makes it perfect for a regular night or day out with your friends or family.
Due to its location, this place provides a breathtaking view of Manhattan and the Empire State Building, and it’s great for taking remarkable photos.
This local is separated into outdoor and indoor bars, a place to see and be seen, to drink inventive, designer cocktails made by a professional mixologist, and watch the magical sunset over Manhattan.
To be more precise, their menu includes modern plates, providing vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Talking about the drinks, besides the cocktails, they also have different sorts of wine, beers, whisky, and tequila.
The prices are pretty high, but it is worth the quality and experience. Because of everything said above, we highly recommend one of the best Manhattan rooftop bars.
Spyglass Rooftop Bar
47 W. 38th St., New York, NY 10018, United States // +12127300538
Spyglass Rooftop Bar is a Manhattan rooftop bar with a large capacity and a pleasant atmosphere. With a stunning view of the Empire State Building, the array of food and drinks are suitable for relaxed outings with colleagues, friends, or family, but the elegance of this bar also makes it ideal for your special occasions.
Spyglass Rooftop Bar offers three separate rooms you can rent for special occasions depending on your needs: Empire Room and Terraces, the Back Lounge and Terraces, and the East and West Terraces. The characteristic of the bar and what makes it unique is that it is inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s film Rear Window and welcomes guests who are 21+
Their menu includes entrees, appetizers, premium wines, champagne, cocktails, soft drinks, and more. The cuisine is mainly inspired by fast food, but here you will find it more luxuriously and healthily.
So if you are a fan of good food and an even better, relaxed atmosphere, we recommend Spyglass Rooftop Bar in Manhattan.
Castell Rooftop Lounge
AC Hotel, 260 W. 40th St., New York, NY 10018, United States // +19292843761
Decorated in the spirit of old New York, Castell Rooftop Lounge offers you sophistication, elegance, and comfort on ordinary days or for your special moments or even weddings.
Suitable for all generations, Castell Rooftop Lounge is regularly home to music events such as Jazz Friday, mainly in winter, and on hot summer days, it gathers trendy parties with a DJ. As we said, all visitors are welcome to the Castell Rooftop Lounge, but after seven o’clock, the place is open only to those guests who are 21+.
Just as special as the atmosphere are the cocktails, made in the style of old-fashioned drinks that will take you back to 1960, and quality wines, beers, and spirits. The dishes, always freshly prepared, are a paradise for the senses according to the assessment of every gourmet.
If you enjoy the luxury of old New York, if you like old things reincarnated in a new modern way, and if you need a movie picture to show off in front of your friends, don’t hesitate before booking a place at one of the best Manhattan rooftop bars.
Cloud Social Rooftop Bar
6 W. 32nd St., New York, NY 10001, United States // +12129041092
Make this spacious Manhattan rooftop bar, hundreds of floors above New York, home to your relaxed outings with family or friends. The friendly, relaxed atmosphere, true to the bar’s name, is perfect for hanging out for light chats or deep conversations.
In addition to the relaxed atmosphere, their menu is quite rich, and the prices are reasonable. However, anyone who has experienced the hospitality of the Cloud Social Rooftop Bar would tell you that the experience is worth every penny spent. From their handcrafted list of delicious cocktails, the Juicy Watermelon comes highly recommended.
Food-wise, you can’t go wrong with ordering something from the extensive list of pizzas, bar snacks and cheese boards. However, if you want to take your socializing to the next level and enjoy a beautiful view with a simple yet delicious cocktail and quality food, Cloud Social Rooftop Bar is the right place for you.
Haven Rooftop
132 W. 47th St., New York, NY 10036, United States // +12124669000
With its truly heavenly atmosphere and hospitality, Haven Rooftop Bar may be the most welcoming among all Manhattan rooftop bars ever. With its spaciousness, glamorous ambiance, and excellent food, it is suitable for private events as well as casual outings.
Just like any other rooftop bar in Manhattan, it has a truly amazing view that makes it the right place to experience and see New York. This wonderful bar offers dishes inspired by American cuisine, craft cocktails, and cool music.
They have a particular dress code which is business-casual, which means that they don’t permit flip flops, backpacks and other large bags, gym or workout gear, headgear, beach wear, or pool attire and sweat shorts.
Their menu is separated into lunch, dinner, brunch, dessert, and drinks and everything is high quality, and all of the dishes will come freshly made. In simple conclusion, everything about this bar, starting from the ambiance and ending up with the menu, is nice, just don’t forget the dress code, which is quite strict.
Manhattan Rooftop Bars: Wrap-Up
We hope we have given you some useful tips about where to spend your night out in Manhattan and make your stay there memorable.
From chill and cozy to classy and elegant, there is a perfect rooftop bar in Manhattan for everyone. Enjoy the magnificent city views with a glass of cocktail in your hand, or make a romantic dinner date with your loved one.
We carefully chose the nine Best Manhattan Rooftop Bars, and we hope you enjoy them as we did.
While in New York, don’t miss out on activities that will help immerse yourself with the city (hurry while they’re hot!):
- New York Greenwich Village Secret Food Tour with Private Tour Option
- New York’s West Village Food Tour
- New York Experience: Brooklyn Food, History & Culture Tour
- NYC: Empire State Building General & Skip-the-Line Tickets
- 60-Minute Cruise Around the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
- New York City: Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour
- New York One World Observatory: Skip-the-Line Ticket Options
Visiting other destinations in the region? Check out our other guides:
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- 5 Best Restaurants in LeRoy, New York
- 10 Must-Try Restaurants In Rochester NY
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- 7 Must-Try Batavia Restaurants
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- 5 Best Restaurants In SoHo NYC
- NYC’s Best Pasta Restaurants
- The 7 Best Albany Restaurants
- Where To Find The Best Pizza In New York City
- Seven Must-Try Ithaca Restaurants
- The 15 Best Michelin Star Restaurants In NYC
- 10 Best Pittsburgh Pizza Restaurants | The Best Pizza in Pittsburgh PA
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever