7 Great Rooftop Bars to Visit This Summer

May 7

It's finally rooftop season here in NYC.

When the weather starts warming up, birds start chirping, flowers start blooming, you truly get a sense of the New York City life. It almost feels like the population doubles or even triples when the weather gets really nice, and just like everyone else out there... you'll want to spend every second outdoors. Whether you're visiting or wanting some plans for the weekend, I'm sharing 7 rooftop bars that you need to add to your list this summer.

1. The Roof at The Viceroy Hotel

I attended a Happy Hour event at The Roof a few weeks ago and fell in love with the view here. There's a beautiful rooftop space overlooking Central Park and perfect photo opps near the outdoor patio seating area. Grab a couple of your girl friends and bring a Polaroid camera (this is a good one from Wikibuy) to cherish all the memories. There's also a cozy and more intimate space where you can socialize, sip on cocktails, and eat indoors.

2. Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar at Conrad New York Hotel

This rooftop terrace is located in Lower Manhattan and also tops my list of favorite rooftop bars in the City. Main reason? The views are incredible. You're overlooking the view of the Hudson River, the Statute of Liberty, and the New York Harbor while sipping on their famous Prosecco & Ice Pop cocktails (see image above). These fruity ice pops include chilled Prosecco or Rosé from their own tap. I highly recommend coming earlier just in time to catch the sunset. You will not regret it.

3. The Crown at Hotel 50 Bowery

This rooftop bar and lounge is located in the heart of Chinatown, which overlooks the views of downtown Manhattan and even Brooklyn. I have to admit, if you're looking for the perfect city-esque shot, this is a good one.

4. Spyglass Rooftop Bar at Archer Hotel New York

If you want a beautiful shot of the Empire State Building, this is my favorite go-to bar. This bar is definitely a bit smaller than most rooftop bars, but has an indoor / outdoor space to enjoy the warm weather with good company.

5. Refinery Rooftop at Refinery Hotel New York

This is another rooftop with unparalleled Empire State Building views, but the space is much larger. Their mojitos and margaritas are amazing, and and every time I've visited, there's been party events going on in their event area. Just go ahead and forewarn your happy hour date that you'll probably be a bit distracted by the view of the Empire State Building above you. True story.

(image via)

6. CATCH Rooftop at Catch New York

I've been to CATCH a couple of times in different seasons, but this is a beautiful space with great music and drinks located in Meatpacking. I'd recommend coming here for a date night or with a group of friends because it's actually a great dance spot as the night progresses!

7. 230 Fifth Rooftop

This is New York's largest outdoor rooftop garden and penthouse lounge. Known as the Winter Igloo bar, you've probably seen this on my Instagram a couple of times this past winter. However, in the summer, it transforms into a beautiful garden with large umbrellas for sunny or rainy days. I actually haven't been to it for the summer, but it's definitely on my list.