Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers in Chinatown
Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers in Chinatown
1. The Crown
Perched atop Hotel 50 Bowery, The Crown pairs floor‑to‑ceiling windows with twin terraces that frame both the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines. Expect crafted cocktails, shareable bites, and a stylish crowd right in the heart of Chinatown.
✓ Why Go:
You get rare, unobstructed views of bridges, Lower Manhattan, and Midtown from a single perch—plus it’s one of the only true rooftop bars within Chinatown proper.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour into twilight for sunset color and sparkling skyline lights.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive early on weekends or book a table; lines grow fast after 8 pm. Ask for a terrace spot with a Brooklyn Bridge sightline.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the double-terrace setup, panoramic views, and balanced cocktail menu; many call it a quintessential first stop for Chinatown rooftop hopping.
2. Rooftop93
High above the Bowery at Wyndham Garden Chinatown, Rooftop93 mixes an indoor lounge with an open‑air deck for 360‑degree city views. It’s a sleek, intimate setting with skyline-forward sightlines.
✓ Why Go:
For rooftop bar lovers, this is a Chinatown staple—close to late‑night eats and perfectly positioned for Empire State Building views.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights for easier entry; weekends after 10 pm for a livelier scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head up just before sunset, then pop down afterward for nearby dumplings on Mott or Bayard.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the photogenic cityscape and smooth service; many appreciate the compact, crowd‑friendly layout.
3. Manhattan Bridge Pedestrian Path
Steps from Canal Street, this elevated walkway gives rooftop‑worthy vistas of the Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO, and the Lower Manhattan skyline—no cover charge required.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a free, high‑angle panorama perfect for sunset photos and skyline lovers who crave the perspectives rooftop bars provide.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning for shade and fewer people, or sunset for dramatic light.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter at Canal Street and Bowery; the south side is for pedestrians and delivers the best views of Downtown.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers call it underrated compared to the Brooklyn Bridge, with cleaner sightlines and thinner crowds.
4. Pier
An elevated riverfront perch with porch swings and long views of both East River bridges, Pier 35 feels like a calm, open‑air lounge without the bar tab.
✓ Why Go:
Rooftop fans get the breezy, above‑it‑all vibe—ideal for picnics or a pre‑bar sunset before heading back into Chinatown.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon to sunset; evenings offer glittering bridge lights.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring takeout from nearby Chinatown spots and snag a swing facing the Brooklyn Bridge.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the swings, serenity, and postcard‑worthy skyline framing.
5. The Highlight Room
Sixteen stories above Bowery at Moxy Lower East Side, this glass‑encased lounge opens to a terrace with cinematic views north to Midtown and south to One World Trade.
✓ Why Go:
A chic, all‑season rooftop a short stroll from Chinatown, with DJ‑fueled nights and a lively, fashion‑forward crowd.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknight “golden hour” for deals and daylight views; late nights Thu–Sat for energy and DJs.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve for Golden Hour to skip lines and secure window seating; use the dedicated alley elevator for quick access.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the skyline backdrop, upbeat playlist, and polished service—great for celebratory nights out.
6. cloudM Bowery
On the 20th floor of citizenM Bowery, cloudM is a modern, design‑driven rooftop bar with broad city views and comfy lounge nooks.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a relaxed, view‑first rooftop a few blocks from Chinatown—perfect for cocktails before or after a Canal Street food crawl.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset into early evening for softer light and shorter waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check for private events; arrive early for a window seat facing Lower Manhattan.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers love the casual feel, skyline clarity, and reasonable prices for the views.
7. Mr. Purple
A rooftop lounge atop Hotel Indigo LES with floor‑to‑ceiling panoramas and, in season, a pool scene—an easy hop from Chinatown.
✓ Why Go:
For a quintessential NYC rooftop moment—craft cocktails, sweeping views, and a buzzy atmosphere late into the night.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend afternoons for a sun‑splashed vibe; late nights for a party atmosphere.
✓ Insider Tip:
Dress smart and book ahead; pool access often requires reservations and minimums.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests highlight the skyline shots and high‑energy crowd, calling it a LES classic.
8. The DL
A three‑level nightlife venue with a year‑round retractable rooftop, The DL brings dance‑floor energy and skyline peeks just east of Chinatown.
✓ Why Go:
Rooftop lovers who also want a clubby night will find bottle service, DJs, and an indoor‑outdoor setup under one roof.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late nights Friday and Saturday when the rooftop is in full swing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the event calendar and arrive on the early side to avoid lines; IDs are strictly checked.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Party‑goers praise the retractable roof, solid DJ sets, and lively weekend crowd.
9. The Delancey
A beloved LES mainstay with a leafy rooftop garden, main‑floor lounge, and basement music space—easy to pair with a Chinatown dinner.
✓ Why Go:
For an approachable rooftop vibe with greenery, views, and frequent live‑music lineups below.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings after 8 pm; summer nights are especially atmospheric on the garden roof.
✓ Insider Tip:
Peek at the live‑music calendar; the rooftop is quieter earlier in the night for conversation and city views.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors like the flexible, three‑level setup and call the rooftop garden a sweet surprise.
10. Hotel Chantelle
A multilevel LES venue with an all‑season retractable rooftop serving brunch by day and high‑energy parties by night—minutes from Chinatown.
✓ Why Go:
It blends rooftop dining, dancing, and late‑night vibes—ideal for groups chasing views and a social scene.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend brunch on the roof or late Friday/Saturday for the nightclub atmosphere.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book rooftop brunch well ahead; at night, dress code is enforced and lines move faster before 11 pm.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests applaud the festive rooftop, retractable glass ceiling, and dependable party energy.
