Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers in Midtown
Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers in Midtown
1. St. Cloud Rooftop
Perched atop The Knickerbocker at the edge of Times Square, St. Cloud pairs twinkling billboards with a refined, loungey terrace. Choose from cushy seating nooks and skyline-facing perches as cabs stream below on Broadway.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a rare, polished vantage point over Times Square without the street-level crush—ideal for pre- or post-theater drinks.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour through early evening, especially on weekdays from April–October.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve ahead for the most view-forward seating and arrive 20–30 minutes before sunset.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the calm-above-the-chaos feel and balanced cocktails; occasional waits on peak weekends.
2. Bar
High above Times Square, this sleek rooftop at Hyatt Centric blends floor-to-ceiling windows with an open terrace for sweeping south- and west-facing views.
✓ Why Go:
One of the tallest rooftop lounges in the area, it delivers dramatic cityscapes ideal for night photography.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
After dusk on clear nights; weekday evenings to avoid lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
If it’s breezy, grab a window-side table inside—the views are nearly as good without the wind.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for dazzling panoramas and date-night ambiance; note that prices reflect the perch.
3. The Skylark
A sophisticated multi-level lounge near Bryant Park with a terrace and picture-perfect Midtown vistas, including the Empire State Building.
✓ Why Go:
Classic cocktails and a chic indoor-outdoor setup make it a year-round favorite for skyline lovers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Blue hour for moody photos; weekdays for easier seating.
✓ Insider Tip:
Smart-casual attire fits best; ask staff which terrace angle frames your ideal landmark shot.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars rave about polished service, balanced drinks, and striking ESB views.
4. Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Playful, themed décor and skyline sightlines create an Instagram-forward playground above Times Square at the Moxy.
✓ Why Go:
Come for the whimsical setups and stay for the lively music and crowd energy.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoons for photos; arrive early on Fridays and Saturdays.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a backup plan—capacity fills quickly on fair-weather weekends.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the fun factor and photo ops; expect a party vibe and peak-time queues.
5. PHD Terrace
A high-energy Midtown hangout with multiple terraces and a clubby soundtrack, steps from Carnegie Hall and Central Park South.
✓ Why Go:
For celebratory nights out with sweeping views and a festive, see-and-be-seen atmosphere.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late evening Thursday–Saturday; earlier on weeknights for a mellower feel.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the venue’s door policies and consider table reservations for smoother entry after 10 pm.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Crowds praise the upbeat scene and skyline backdrop; some note tight space during peak hours.
6. The Press Lounge
An elegant, Hudson-facing rooftop in Hell’s Kitchen with cinematic sunsets and clean-lined design that keeps the focus on the view.
✓ Why Go:
It’s Midtown West’s go-to for serene river-and-sky panoramas—romantic without being fussy.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset to twilight, especially in late spring and early fall.
✓ Insider Tip:
Clear evenings disappear fast—arrive early for a west-facing spot when clouds part.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for sunset magic and a relaxed tone; pricing is premium but feels justified by the setting.
7. Refinery Rooftop
Industrial-chic space with brick, beams, and retractable sections, framing a postcard-perfect Empire State Building.
✓ Why Go:
Great for groups and after-work meetups, pairing shareable bites with iconic Midtown views.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday late afternoons for easier seating; winter for cozy covered sections.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a table with a direct ESB sightline if photos are a priority.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently praised for friendly staff, solid snacks, and that straight-on ESB shot.
8. Monarch Rooftop
A stylish terrace near Herald Square with lounge seating and skyline angles that shine after dark.
✓ Why Go:
Delivers a lively Midtown South scene without straying far from transit and shopping hubs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
After 9 pm for nightlife energy; early evening for a laid-back drink.
✓ Insider Tip:
Lines move quicker before 8 pm; bring a light layer—breezes can pick up.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors like the DJ-driven mood and central location; weekends can be shoulder-to-shoulder.
9. Castell Rooftop Lounge
A polished lounge above Times Square known for martinis, mid-century accents, and relaxed conversation-friendly corners.
✓ Why Go:
When you want views with a lower-key vibe and well-made classic cocktails.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Pre-theater and early evenings midweek.
✓ Insider Tip:
If it’s chilly, opt for indoor window seats—views remain impressive without the wind.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Applauded for balanced drinks and calm atmosphere; some mention limited standing room at peak times.
10. Haven Rooftop
A breezy perch atop the Sanctuary Hotel with a split-level layout that looks onto Midtown’s towers near Rockefeller Center and Times Square.
✓ Why Go:
Great for day-to-night transitions, from leisurely daytime sips to illuminated skyline evenings.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon through evening; spring and fall for ideal temps.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book ahead for covered seating if the forecast looks iffy.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers enjoy the central location, upbeat music, and skyline snapshots; crowds swell on sunny Saturdays.
