Viewnary's guide to the 3 best rooftop bars in NYC

One of the best parts about living in New York City is its energy, which doesn’t cease even when the temperature drops below freezing. In New York City, you’re never too far from an indoor activity, but it’s always nice to have an excuse to get outside and soak up some vitamin D on your lunch break or after work. When it comes to fun things to do in New York City, locals and tourists alike end up visiting places like observation decks. The most popular ones include Top of the Rock Observation Deck, The Edge Observation Deck, and One World Trade Center Observation Deck. But when it comes to more outdoorsy type activities,  what better place to do that? The best rooftop bars in NYC, of course. With these three rooftop bars in New York City, you’ll be able to enjoy some fresh air and take in some of the most beautiful views in the world. Not only that, we’ll suggest some private space rentals in NYC available on Viewnary as unique and exclusive alternatives.  

Admire the New York City skyline from Upstairs Rooftop

 With the amazing Manhattan skyline views and laid-back vibes, it's no surprise that rooftop bars are one of the best places to have a drink in NYC. For first timers to the scene, we recommend grabbing a seat at theUpstairs Rooftop at The Kimberly Hotel. With an unbeatable, direct view of the Chrysler Building and so many food and beverage options, you might never want to leave. Located in the middle of Midtown, this all-season venue has a lounge atmosphere that’s reflected by the furniture and interior design. Wondering where to take your partner for a drink in NYC? Try Upstairs. It’s equally suitable to get together with a group of friends for a great time out, although you might feel like canned tuna if there’s too many of you. Speaking of being packed like canned tuna, have you ever considered doing private experiences in NYC as an alternative to public spots? If not, give Viewnary a swirl and find out what it’s like.

You don’t have to venture far. A few miles away, in the heart of SoHo, lies a fancy and modern penthouse with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline that you can book all to yourself. Bring along a few friends, if you’d like. The penthouse comes with a huge, private rooftop fitted with lounge-style seating. If you look around you, you’ll see some of the best skyline views in New York that you can possibly find. Being able to enjoy that in all privacy is just a bonus. Spanning over 3,000 square feet, the plush property also features contemporary artworks and impressive detailing. It’s certainly worth trying as a private rooftop rental in NYC. As a platform, Viewnary makes these kinds of exclusive locations accessible to all. It’s easy to use – simply select a listing that catches your eye and go through a few steps before booking it. Part of that process includes sending the Host a brief message on Viewnary Chat, wherein you can tell her/him what you’re planning to do at the property, and how you’d like to personalize your experience. For example, you can make your experience uniquely yours by requesting catering, bring-your-own, or even having the Host prepare something for you upfront. Now that’s something no public rooftop bar will offer you. If you need a helping hand with the booking process, please reach out to us and we’ll assist you all the way.

The Skylark NYC: drinks with a view in New York

Rooftop bars are a great way to enjoy a drink with your partner. Not only do they typically have amazing views of the city, but they also give you a great view of the sky, which helps make any occasion feel special. There are a few rooftop bars in New York that will make you feel like you're on top of the world, one being The Skylark NYC. Enjoy sweeping vistas from this gorgeous outdoor (and indoor) rooftop bar and lounge that features beautiful stone tables and an outdoor fireplace. Set 30 stories above Times Square, it’s located in one of the most popular neighborhoods in town. The Skylark combines classic cocktails, swanky interiors, and spectacular vantage points. The indoor spaces are spread across multiple floors, which feature private rooms as well as larger, communal seating areas. Another eye-catcher is the floor-to-ceiling windows that provide plenty of natural lighting. Some well-documented downsides: extremely pricey and very busy.

If you need fun places to go with friends in NYC - minus those pesky downsides – perhaps check whether Viewnary has something for you. An equally exclusive, but infinitely more private, alternative is this penthouse suite with a spacious terrace overlooking the Manhattan skyline. It boasts views over the Hudson River and is conveniently located in Midtown West. There’s no shortage of space, either; the indoor area covers 1,100 square feet while the outdoor terrace spans 2,000 square feet. Best of all, it’s convenient to book on Viewnary. You have total control over how long you want to book the penthouse suite, so you can enjoy it to the fullest. It’s like having The Skylark all to yourself – and whoever you want to bring along – for however long you’d like.  

Some of the best views in New York at Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge

 When you talk about rooftop bars in NYC, you can’t forget Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge. It’s yet another great place to have a cocktail and enjoy a view of Midtown Manhattan. With different levels of seating, you can sit by yourself or with friends. It’s also dog-friendly, so bring your pooch along. Situated right by Brooklyn Bridge, the venue offers an expansive view of Manhattan in its entirety. Moreover, this is one of the better spots to get golden hour drinks in NYC, since you get a direct view of sunsets from the terrace. With that said, Harriet’s is far from the only place where you can enjoy broader NYC skyline views with a cocktail and snack in hand. Down in Brooklyn itself is a luxury townhouse rooftop with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. Ever wanted to try a private rooftop dinner in New York? Look no further. The 3,000 square foot property features a large rooftop fitted with a BBQ set and plenty of space for you and your friends to hang out. Not to forget it’s possibly one of the best places in New York to take pictures. On top of that, there’s a full chef’s kitchen (with a private chef, to be arranged through the Host on Viewnary Chat) and a cozy garden. And no, you don’t have to book the townhouse for an entire day or night to enjoy it, you have the flexibility to determine how long to stay. We hope you have fun and create some unforgettable memories – should you have any questions, just ask us.