Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today (June 8, 2015): top 10 most spectacular rooftop bars in New York City.
Summer’s officially here (at least in the Northern hemisphere), so its time to explore one of the world’s greatest cities from its best vantage point: its rooftop bars! As warm (and often humid) weather descends on the Big Apple, Yankees and tourists flock to the city’s cooler rooftops. Indeed, it’s hard to resist the allure of sipping on your favorite drink with your friends and/or loved one(s), while gasping at phenomenal skyline views all around you. Here’s my selection of the 10 best rooftop bars in New York City.
There is more information below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite, NY rooftop bar in the comments section, or take my poll below!
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10. THE LIVING ROOM BAR & TERRACE
The Living Room Bar & Terrace, on the 5th floor of the W New York Downtown, offers a fabulous vibe against the glimmering Manhattan backdrop. The open-air terrace with cozy seating is surrounded by unobstructed views of the city and 1 World Trade Center. Here, you can groove to W’s cool mixes and sip a mixed libation from the colorful cocktail list or nibble on tantalizing tapas.
9. SOHO HOUSE ROOFTOP
The rooftop of the Soho House New York, which houses a luxury hotel and private club, has spectacular views towards downtown Manhattan and the Hudson River. The heated swimming pool is open year-round, while food and drinks are served at the loungers and tables all day during summer months. The Soho House New York is situated right smack in the center of city’s trendiest neighborhood, the Meatpacking District.
8. THE PRESS LOUNGE
Perched 16 stories above its sister venue, PRINT Restaurant, the Press Lounge atop of the Ink48 Hotel offers cocktails and light fare complimented by unobstructed and breathtaking views of Midtown Manhattan and the Hudson. Here, refined elegance comes in subtle luxuries: a glass walled interior space, seasonal cocktails, an extensive wine list, seasonally inspired small plates and informed and welcoming service.
7. PLUNGE BAR + LOUNGE
Boasting a 360-degree view of the NYC skyline and the Hudson River, Plunge Bar + Lounge’s scenic location on top of the Gansevoort Meatpacking Hotel sets the mood for cocktails. This rooftop comes with a sprawling indoor loft, wrap around balconies with plenty of seating area, a stylish main bar with a translucent roof that remains open during the warmer months, and a pool that offers spectacular sunset views (off-limits to non-guests of the hotel).
6. JIMMY
18 stories high atop The James Hotel in Soho, JIMMY is a contemporary interpretation of the classic pub, with a 1970’s New York twist. Whether indoors near the fireplace or out around the pool featuring teak wood decking , JIMMY guests are treated to one of the most spectacular views in New York City: a river-to-river vista looking over Midtown, Wall Street, the Brooklyn Bridge and beyond.
5. ROOF GARDEN CAFE & MARTINI BAR
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world’s largest museums. Admiring (some of) the two million works of art that span five thousand years of world culture is one of the top (free) things to do in New York. But The Met Museum also has a gorgeous rooftop, to socialize, connect and relax, while soaking in breathtaking views of the Midtown Manhattan skyline and Central Park.
4. THE IDES
Don’t limit your NYC rooftop exploration to Manhattan, as one of the greatest rooftops is located in Brooklyn across the East River. The Ides is an Art Deco-inspired rooftop bar space that offers unobstructed views of the Midtown Manhattan skyline and is located atop the Wythe Hotel, a century old factory on the Williamsburg waterfront that has been converted into a trendy, 70-room hotel.
3. 230 FIFTH
230 FIFTH is New York’s largest outdoor rooftop. One floor is fully enclosed, while the floor above, the rooftop garden, is open to the sky. This Midtown Bar has some of the most awe-inspiring views of the Empire State Building, which is only a few city blocks away. The rooftop has large umbrellas for those sunny or rainy days and is partially heated on colder nights.
2. ABOVE 6
Above 6, located atop the 6 Columbus Hotel under a retractable roof, offers stellar views, sophisticated vibe, and a mellow respite from the bustle of Columbus Circle. This perch high above Midtown Manhattan serves a collection of warm-weather inspired elixirs from Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, and offers views of Central Park and Columbus Circle. Above 6 is also available for private events.
1. LE BAIN
Le Bain, on the top floor of the trendy The Standard, High Line hotel, offers one of the best Manhattan views. This penthouse discothèque and rooftop bar features world-famous DJs, a state of the art sound system and superlative-inspiring views. During the summer, there’s a plunge pool on the dance floor and a crêperie on a “grass” covered rooftop, making it one of the world’s most spectacular rooftops.
The Standard, High Line, also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in New York City.
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