The Best Rooftop Bars In NYC For City Views

• Location: 25 W 28th Street, Flatiron District, NY 10001
• Price: $$$
• Views of: the whole of Manhattan
• Why we recommend: this 50th-floor bar offers views that are heard to beat, and with two outdoor terraces you can see the city from multiple angles

Designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio and architect Rafael Viñoly, Nubeluz is one of the highest drinking destinations on our list. Found on the 50th floor of The Ritz-Carlton New York, this sultry spot is filled with back-lit velum panels, mirrored surfaces and moody lighting.

There are two outdoor terraces to soak up the views from, particularly enticing during the summer. The menu was created by award-winning Chef José Andrés, promising elevated small plates like smoked salmon with labneh and Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, with killer cocktails to match.

• Location: 15 Thompson Street, SoHo, NY 10013
• Price: $$$
• Views of: Midtown, Wall Street, the Hudson River and the East River bridges
• Why we recommend: there aren't many rooftop pools around in New York, so this one is a must-visit. And with a Michelin-starred chef having created the menu, the food is pretty spectacular too

After rooftop bars in SoHo, NYC? Flaunting one of the city's only rooftop pools, Jimmy is a sought-after venue that provides a 1,200-square-foot roof deck for lounging (or swimming) in the sun. The interior is something special too, fitted out with floor-to-ceiling windows, plush velvet seating and a roaring fireplace for the colder months.

This hotspot was dreamed up by hospitality veterans Larry Poston, Johnny Swet and David Rabin, boasting carefully crafted cocktails and a seasonal light bits menu - created with help from Michelin-starred chef George Mendes. Expect an upscale but laid-back atmosphere, with regular DJ sets to be discovered too.

• Location: 3 Mitchell Place, 26th floor, NY 10017
• Price: $$
• Views of: Manhattan, Brooklyn and the East River
• Why we recommend: this is the perfect rooftop bar for early evening drinks that transition into a party, all while you admire gorgeous views of the river from its charming terrace

Located on the 26th floor of the historic Beekman Tower in Midtown East, Ophelia Lounge is a trendy cocktail bar that boasts gorgeous views of the East River. There's an intimate outdoor terrace where you can enjoy sunset sips while snapping golden hour photos, while inside is where the party happens.

Weekends promise DJ sets and dancing, open until 2am on Saturdays. This chic space is filled with sultry lighting and vintage decorations like crystal balls and antique butterfly slides. Their creative cocktails are dreamed up by mixologist Amir Babayoff, while Executive Chef Stephen Putnam prepares delicious bar bites.

• Location: 80 Wythe Avenue, 6th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11249
• Price: $$$
• Views of: Manhattan and the East River
• Why we recommend: the Brooklyn location provides a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline from afar, and the leafy backdrop makes for some amazing photo opportunities

Sitting on the sixth floor of the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, Bar Blondeau is a top spot for sunset drinks overlooking the Manhattan skyline. This chic destination boasts a large, leafy outdoor terrace, alongside a stylish interior framed by huge glass windows and sporting a modern, French-inspired look.

From frozen cocktails to natural wines, the drinks list is diverse and designed to keep everyone happy. They also serve a seafood-focused food menu, with influences from coastal European countries including France, Spain and Portugal.

• Location: 71 W 35th Street, Midtown Manhattan, NY 10001
• Price: $$$
• Views of: the Empire State Building and the Manhattan skyline
• Why we recommend: their happy hour deals provide an affordable luxury experience, and you just can't beat their $12 martinis

A sleek penthouse on the 18th floor of the Marriott Courtyard Herald Square, Monarch Rooftop spans 5,000 square feet of pure luxury. The interiors are inspired by Scandinavian design, with floor-to-ceiling windows, cozy couches and wooden panelling. The outdoor terrace also has plenty of seating, with heaters for those colder nights.

Their in-house mixologists crafts signature serves like the spicy Sleeping with the Devil or a variety of mocktails, to be enjoyed while looking out at the Empire State Building. You can also take advantage of their tapas-style menu of light bites. And on Wednesdays and Thursdays, martinis are just $12 from 10pm until close.

• Location: 1150 Broadway, Flatiron District, 10001
• Price: $$
• Views of: the Empire State Building and beyond
• Why we recommend: this is a fairly affordable pick, without compromising on the views, and we love the versatility of this bar, club and restaurant rolled into one

One of NYC's most iconic rooftop spots, 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar has got a huge amount of both indoor and outdoor space to kick back in. It offers an amazing view of the Empire State Building, from a sprawling terrace that's covered in greenery, twinkling lights and even heated igloos in the winter.

If you're drinking inside, there are plush couches and white marble tables, with regular live DJ sets. Cocktails include The Flamingo Mai Tai or a classic frozen margarita, while the food menu includes the likes of penne alla vodka, nachos and steak frites - with some dishes costing less than $20.

• Location: 63 W, 38th Street, Midtown Manhattan, NY 10018
• Price: $$
• Views of: the Empire State Building and beyond
• Why we recommend: this is a chilled-out bar and restaurant with pretty outdoor space, and the retractable roof makes it perfect for all weathers

A great choice of outdoor rooftop bars in NYC's Manhattan, Refinery Rooftop boasts unobstructed views of the Empire State Building. Thanks to a retractable glass roof this is a favourite all year round, and there are indoor seating options too. The space is decorated with exposed brick walls, string lights and lots of greenery, with a cozy fireplace inside.

From classic cocktails like a French 75 to smoky mezcal and pineapple blends or the cucumber and yuzu Cool Cool Cool, there's something for everyone here. They offer an extensive food menu too, ranging from double patty burgers to truffle flatbreads and shrimp tacos.

• Location: 22 N Loop Road, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
• Price: $$$
• Views of: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and the East River
• Why we recommend: the classy interiors and 360-degree views make for an amazing upmarket date night, and that's before you even try their elegant cocktails

Nestled on the 18th floor of the Graduate Roosevelt Island hotel, Panorama Room is a sleek lounge bar that offers 360-degree views of New York City. The striking interior features unique light fittings and a sweeping central bar topped with marble - adding to the pale pink colour scheme throughout.

There's also a wraparound outdoor terrace to really make the most of the scenery from, as well as a custom-designed DJ booth by Cédric Hervet, the former creative director for Daft Punk. Their cocktail menu is equally impressive offering twists on the classics like a draft espresso martini.

• Location: 70 Pine Street 64th Floor, Financial District, NY 10005
• Price: $$$
• Views of: the Manhattan skyline
• Why we recommend: the intimate atmosphere is ideal for date night , and we love that you can have a real conversation without being drowned out by a crowd

An intimate lounge bar 64 floors above the Financial District, Overstory seats just 28 people at a time. The Art Deco-inspired space is dimly lit, with 12 coveted bar stools where you can watch the mixologists at work. More interested in the views? There's a wraparound outdoor terrace too.

It's owned and run by Chef James Kent and Jeff Katz, the team behind beloved restaurants Crown Shy and Saga, who secured a prestigious accolade of being named the 15th Best Bar in the World. Their rotating cocktail menu features unique sips like a Pink Tuxedo or The Last Frontier, with small plates available too.

• Location: 25 W 38th Street, 29th Floor, Midtown Manhattan, NY 10018
• Price: $$
• Views of: the Empire State Building and the Manhattan skyline
• Why we recommend: the Australian-inspired interiors and menu offer something a little different, and we particularly enjoy the refreshing cocktail choices that you won't find just anywhere

Taking its name and design inspiration from Australia's luscious Daintree Rainforest, Daintree is sat on top of Hotel Hendricks in Midtown Manhattan. The two-storey venue is decked out in foliage and pink coral reef-shaped chairs, creating a tropical but sophisticated atmosphere.

Their treetop-style outdoor terrace is great for looking out over the Empire State building and beyond, while sipping house cocktails like the watermelon mint Collins. Executive Chef David Taylor runs the kitchen, cooking up an Australian-Asian fusion menu of Korean chicken bites, gochujang cauliflower and tuna tartare.

• Location: 485 7th Avenue, Midtown Manhattan, NY 10018
• Price: $$
• Views of: the Manhattan skyline
• Why we recommend: the unique themes and decor are super Instagrammable, and we keep returning to see what they'll think up next at this magical destination

Head 18 floors up at Moxy Times Square to enter the urban amusement park that is Magic Hour Rooftop Bar And Lounge. This whimsical location features carousel seating and a bold pink colour scheme, decorated with large, colourful flowers. The theme here changes often, but the sweeping views from the terrace always stay the same.

You can expect live DJs playing on weekends, while weekdays promise a happy hour from 5 to 6.30pm - think $10 spritzes and $6 Estrella or rosé. There's also a tasty small plates menu, ranging from chicken vodka parm sliders to wagyu pigs in a blanket.