The Best Rooftop Bars in New York

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New York winters are long and brutal, often outstaying their welcome into the months of March and April. This means that when spring arrives and temperatures finally creep above 15 degrees Celsius, New Yorkers flock to the nearest rooftop bar to soak up some much needed Vitamin D. While most people will tell you to visit the packed rooftop at Soho House, the city has a diverse offering of just-as-good (but less crowded) options. We've teamed up with Expedia.com to bring you the best New York City hotels that make our top 10 rooftop bars.

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Westlight, William Vale Hotel

Williamsburg

The perfect spot for sunset cocktails and light bites, Westlight offers an impressive view of the Manhattan skyline in an upscale setting that’s somewhat unique for Williamsburg. Though the menu is on the expensive side, the experience (and inevitable Instagramming) are worth it. Order the “In Bloom” cocktail (Stoli vodka, lemon juice, cava, beetroot) with a side of charred-aubergine dumplings and spiced-chicken empanadas to pique your appetite.

Address

111 North 12th Street Brookyln 11249

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Azul on the Rooftop, Hotel Hugo

Soho

Channelling a “Cuban cantina” feel, Azul on the Rooftop in the sophisticated Hotel Hugo is ideal for happy hour with girlfriends. Though the space is small, it packs personality with vibrant decor, 360 views of downtown Manhattan and live Cuban music on Sunday evenings. Be sure to make this a stop on your rooftop bar crawl.

Address

525 Greenwich Street 10013

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The Ides, Wythe Hotel

Williamsburg

Another scene-y Williamsburg hotel bar, The Ides is the kind of place you stop by with friends on a Sunday afternoon, when you really, really don’t want the weekend to end. Order a couple of bottles of rosé and kick back to the carefully curated soundtrack. Views of the skyline (and the stylish, international clientele) aren’t bad either.

Address

80 Wythe Avenue Brooklyn 11249

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La Piscine, Hotel Americano

Chelsea

For those with a flexible schedule, the rooftop pool and bar at the Hotel Americano in Chelsea is best visited on a weekday afternoon, when crowds are nowhere to be seen. Book a sun lounger and take a dip if the weather permits, then linger over a late lunch of shrimp tacos and frozen margaritas.

Address

518 27th Street 10001

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Harriets Rooftop & Lounge

Brooklyn

One of the most recent entrants on the rooftop scene, the open-air pool and bar at the 1 Hotel in Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighbourhood has started drawing in the masses on Friday evenings. With views of downtown Manhattan (including Lady Liberty herself), it’s no wonder that long lines form in the hotel lobby at peak hours. This is an ideal spot for those who want a taste of nightlife outside of downtown Manhattan and Williamsburg, but note that if you’re not a guest a dip in the pool is strictly out of bounds (leave that bikini at home to avoid temptation.)

Address

60 Furman Street 11201

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Mr Purple, Hotel Indigo

Lower East Side

In keeping with its Lower East Side location, the rooftop bar at Hotel Indigo feels artsy yet low-key, drawing in a young crowd that skews slightly male. While there’s no dance floor, Mr Purple definitely feels like a place to party, with a vibe that transitions from relaxed hangout in the daytime to singles ready to mingle come evening.

Address

180 Orchard Street 10002

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Refinery Rooftop, Refinery Hotel

Midtown West

Few things are more infuriating than crowded streets of Midtown Manhattan on a sweltering summer’s day. Should you find yourself between museum visits, skip Bryant Park for lunch and head instead to the rooftop at the Refinery Hotel around the corner. With its Parisian loft feel, the open-air restaurant-bar provides perfect respite from the madness downstairs.

Address

63 West 38th Street 10018

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Gallow Green, McKittrick Hotel

Chelsea

The McKittrick Hotel in Chelsea is perhaps best known as the venue for the interactive theatre phenomenon Sleep No More. The rooftop bar has definitely captured the romantic, whimsical feel of its flagship show, with picturesque lanterns and succulent greenery throughout the space. While there aren’t magnificent views, you’ll certainly feel transported away from the concrete jungle

Address

542 West 27th Street 10001

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Roof Bar, The Jane Hotel

Meatpacking District

The roof bar at The Jane Hotel opened fairly recently and has managed to remain, somewhat miraculously, under the radar. Most visitors to the hotel are here for the ground-floor bar and nightclub, oblivious to the romantic oasis that awaits upstairs. Come for date night, cosy up on the outdoor couches and enjoy views of the Hudson river.

Address

113 Jane Street 10014

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The Roof, PUBLIC Hotel

Lower East Side

Ian Schrager’s PUBLIC Hotel made a splash when it opened last summer in the Lower East Side. New York visitors were excited to finally have an affordable luxe hotel option downtown, while locals became enamored with the party scene on the rooftop. This year, The Roof at PUBLIC is expected to be just as hot.

Address

215 Chrystie Street 10002

The Lowdown

View all of these New York City hotels on Expedia.com.