Summer in New York City is hot, humid, and oftentimes not the vacation we all wish it would be. But the one thing that can get us through these long summer months is a good rooftop lounge. Thankfully, the city is full of them. With fun drinks, amazing views and dope decor, you can’t go wrong. 

So whether you’re looking for a cute date spot, a place to unwind with your friends, or just somewhere to take in the skyline and grab a quick bite or drink, we’ve got you covered.

Here are some of the coolest NYC rooftops to visit this summer:

 

Magic Hour Rooftop Bar and Lounge at the Moxy Hotel

485 7th Avenue

On the 18th floor of a Times Square hotel, this lounge offers breathtaking views of the Empire State building. With creative cocktails, a varied menu, and whimsical brunches offered every Saturday and Sunday, Magic Hour is almost too good to be true. Foreplay, the miniature putt-putt course in a corner of the rooftop is strewn with elegant garden-party decor, and is majorly Instagrammable.

The Crown at Hotel 50 Bowery

50 Bowery

Perched atop a boutique hotel, this rooftop lounge overlooks Lower Manhattan’s most stunning neighborhoods – however, the views are endless across the entire island. With classic and seasonal cocktails, regionally brewed craft beers, a wide array of wine and spirit offerings, as well as a globally-inspired small dish menu, The Crown has something for everyone.

 

The Glass Ceiling NoMad

1204 Broadway

If you think you’ve been to all of the rooftops in the city, think again. A brand new addition to the NYC rooftop family, The Glass Ceiling in the heart of NoMad is a glamorous, botanically themed rooftop, with a retractable glass ceiling offering views of the Empire State Building. This chic lounge offers light bites and cocktails in an intimate setting. Be the first of your friends to visit this luxe new site.

 

Ampia Rooftop

100 Broad Street

A warm Italian restaurant in the Financial District, the restaurateurs behind Ampia, Chef Michele Iuliano and Anisa Iuliano, are also to be thanked for seven NYC-based Italian eateries, most notably Napoletana eatery and Gnoccheria. With delicious food already a given, what sets Ampia apart are its city views, in a warm, luxe environment.

 

Westlight Williamsburg

111 N 12th Street, Brooklyn

The panorama of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn and Queens from this bar atop The William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg is a hidden gem. The global street food-inspired small plates and wide variety of drinks bring international flavors and combinations to NYC. Definitely a must-try.

Sandbar Rooftop

152 W 26th Street

For a rooftop located in the Fashion District, you would expect nothing less than elegance and style. And the Sandbar Rooftop at the Hilton New York Fashion District hits the mark. This beachy bar includes Hamptons beach decor and touches of fun, like lifeguard chairs and swings made of repurposed wine barrels. This beach getaway still has nearly 360-degree views of Manhattan – it’s the best of both worlds. Not to mention the cocktail list made by an in-house mixologist and a sophisticated menu.

 

Make Believe SIXTY LES

190 Allen Street

This new rooftop social club designed by Pao Lopez sits above the 60 LES hotel in the stylish Lower East Side. You can enjoy the Japanese-inspired drinks and bites with the sound of globally renowned DJs. This imaginative space boasts an innovative and unique environment, perfect for everything from a boozy brunch, to a work meeting, to an evening of drinks under the disco ball. 

 

Cloud Social Rooftop Bar

6 W 32nd Street

If you’re looking for something more casual, but still modern and hip, look no further than Cloud Social. The goal of this bar: to connect people and create a friendly atmosphere where people can gather and drink delicious cocktails and spirits. Paired with amazing views and an ideal Midtown location, this rooftop is the perfect gathering place.

 

Mr. Purple 

180 Orchard Street

The East Village is known for being a trendy spot to meet with friends and try cuisine from pretty much anywhere. Mr. Purple captures the vibrancy of the Lower East Side, and brings it to the 15th floor of Hotel Indigo. One of the best views in the city, this rooftop places the artist-loft ambiance against the backdrop of downtown New York. Stylish, artsy and with an expansive food and drink menu, Mr. Purple captures the essence of the city in the 21st century.

 

The Ready Rooftop

112 E 11th Street

Also atop a Moxy Hotel, this time in the East Village, The Ready Rooftop’s eclectic design and unique food and beverage offerings make it an escape from the monotony of daily life. This new addition to the rooftop bar scene is fun, funky and cool. Bright pops of color, made-to-order tacos and other bar snacks, and refreshing cocktails make this the perfect summer destination.