Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers in Times Square
Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers in Times Square
1. St. Cloud Rooftop
Perched above the crossroads of the world, St. Cloud crowns The Knickerbocker with sky pods, a wraparound terrace, and garden walls that frame neon-lit views of Times Square.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a quintessential Times Square rooftop—steps from the action yet elevated enough to feel like a sanctuary for martinis, small plates, and people-watching.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour into dusk on clear days; December evenings for holiday lights without shoulder-to-shoulder street crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve well ahead if you want a coveted sky pod; bring a government-issued ID and dress smart-casual to breeze through the door.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers love the central location and cinematic vistas; expect premium prices and occasional waits at peak times.
2. Bar
On the 54th floor of Hyatt Centric, Bar 54 pairs sleek interiors with an expansive terrace that looks across Midtown, from the Chrysler Building to the theater district.
✓ Why Go:
Height plus atmosphere—this perch delivers sweeping skyline shots and polished cocktails tailor-made for a pre- or post-show toast.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Clear, calm nights; arrive 45 minutes before sunset for photos, or after 10 pm to avoid early-evening queues.
✓ Insider Tip:
Outdoor seating is first-come; pack a light layer as wind can pick up even on warm days.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the sightlines and signature drinks; limited terrace capacity is the recurring gripe.
3. Haven Rooftop
A year-round rooftop above the Sanctuary Hotel, Haven swaps seasonal enclosures and cabanas for an upbeat, party-ready vibe just off the Broadway marquees.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an easy, festive option for groups—good music, shareable plates, and views that keep you in the Times Square glow without the street crush.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend brunch for daytime skyline snaps; late evenings after curtain call for a lively crowd.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter via the hotel’s private elevator and check for weather-related enclosures in winter.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fun and convenient with dependable energy; some note that it’s more scene than serene.
4. RT60 Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Hard Rock Hotel’s RT60 brings DJs, polished lounges, and indoor–outdoor terraces that feel custom-built for skyline selfies and night-out momentum.
✓ Why Go:
For music lovers who want Times Square views with a soundtrack—cocktails, live sets, and a sleek setting minutes from Broadway.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Wednesday–Saturday evenings when the DJ lineup is in full swing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Dress smart-casual—door staff enforce a polished look; check the nightly lineup before you go.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Electric atmosphere and easy logistics draw praise; occasional cover charges and lines are noted on busy nights.
5. Dear Irving on Hudson
Two floors of retro-chic glamour crown the Aliz Hotel, with terraces that gaze toward Hudson Yards and Midtown’s towers.
✓ Why Go:
A refined alternative to the rowdier rooftops—date-night cocktails, plush seating, and postcard views a short stroll from Times Square.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights from 5–7 pm for sunset light and fewer crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reservations are standard and 21+ is enforced; request a terrace seat when booking.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cocktails and ambiance consistently impress; the space books out quickly, so spontaneity can be tricky.
6. Castell Rooftop Lounge
Above the AC Hotel, Castell leans classic—think martinis, a granite bar, and a cozy fireplace lounge that softens the Midtown buzz.
✓ Why Go:
For cocktail purists who prefer conversation-level music and refined nibbles with Times Square a few blocks away.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
After-work hours Monday–Thursday; shoulder seasons (May–June, Sept–Oct) for patio comfort.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look out for martini specials and weekday happy hours to sip with a view without the splurge.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Welcoming service and balanced drinks get top marks; capacity is limited on chilly nights when everyone favors the indoors.
7. Elsie Rooftop
A glam, 25th-floor salon near Bryant Park with statement décor, day parties, and skyline terraces made for celebratory rounds.
✓ Why Go:
When you want a stylish, social rooftop minutes from Times Square, with brunches, themed nights, and photo-ready corners.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend afternoons for brunch and daylight photos; evenings for DJ-led energy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the calendar for private events; note the 21+ policy after evening hours.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the vibe-forward setting and views; music volume and cover charges can spike later at night.
8. The Skylark
Thirty floors up, The Skylark is a polished lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows and a roof deck that frames the Empire State Building and Times Square.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a sophisticated Midtown rendezvous—craft cocktails, attentive service, and cinematic perspectives without the crush below.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays right at opening for the best seats; sunset for picture-perfect light.
✓ Insider Tip:
It’s typically closed to the public on weekends—plan a weekday visit and dress smart.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for upscale ambiance and cocktails; pricing reflects the premium setting.
9. 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar
Atop Margaritaville Times Square, this laid-back rooftop looks toward the New Year’s Eve Ball with breezy seating and tropical-leaning cocktails.
✓ Why Go:
A casual, colorful counterpoint to the luxe rooftops—easy vibes, big views, and pre-theater convenience.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into early evening for sunset and shorter lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
The upper floor opens seasonally; confirm hours, and expect a family-friendly crowd earlier in the day.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fun and unfussy with standout views; food is secondary to the scene.
10. Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Moxy Times Square’s all-season rooftop channels an urban amusement-park vibe with multiple bars, DJ nights, and Empire State Building views.
✓ Why Go:
For high-energy nightlife a few blocks south of Times Square proper—big groups, birthday toasts, and Instagram-forward pop-ups thrive here.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Friday and Saturday nights for full-throttle energy; weekend brunch for daylight photos and broader age access.
✓ Insider Tip:
Walk-ins are welcome at the bar, but reservations help; 21+ except during brunch and a physical ID is required.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Lively, photo-worthy, and spacious; expect music, crowds, and a party atmosphere over quiet conversation.
