- January 13, 2021
- 9 min to read
15 Best Rooftops NYC in 2021
There are many views to behold in the beautiful place that is NYC. And a natural way to see these incredible views when you’re playing tourist or photo-traveler is to find the best rooftop you can.
That’s why the Photolemur team scoured the web for the top 10 picture-perfect rooftops we could find.
So, grab your camera, get out there, and get your golden shot!
1. St. Cloud Social at The Knickerbocker Hotel
Set on top of the 1906 Knickerbocker Hotel you’ll find St. Cloud Social. As you sit, you’ll be able to watch the busy nature of Times Square bustle below. High above the city, relax in the open-air seating surrounded by lush living green walls and the bright lights of the grand buildings.
2. Le Bain at The Standard, High Line
Atop The Standard Hotel, you’ll find the perfect place to shuffle your shoes on the AstroTurf as you stare at the beautiful buildings and water views. Le Bain is a penthouse discothèque and rooftop bar that features world-famous DJs and a crazy sound system so you can groove all night long.
It’s charming, whimsical, and a brick-clad ode to the past on the the 17th floor of this 1916 building where you’ll enjoy rooftop views of 1 World Trade Center and the Empire State Building. Did we mention you can also indulge in bites from Salvation Taco — a collaboration between Michelin starred Chef April Bloomfield and acclaimed restaurateur Ken Friedman — while you bask above the city?
4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
After you’ve seen the art at The Met (or even, to take a break as you saunter about) venture to The Cantor Roof Garden Bar where you will be dazzled by sweeping views of both Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. Make sure to find the right elevator and catch the sunset if you can.
Also, The Met Store offers products, publications, and gifts.
New York Rooftops
5. Rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
For a fantastic north-facing view of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, and the Williamsburg Bridge, pay a visit to the open air rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. Treat yourself to some fried mochi bites or lobster rolls and (depending on the season) take a dive into the magical rooftop plunge pool for a refreshing way to enjoy the day.
6. Top of the Rock Observation Deck
Give a visit to the rooftop of Rockefeller Plaza — where 70 floors up, you’ll find an incredible open air view of the beautiful Big Apple. See the Empire State Building and Central Park and make sure to bring your camera. Because there are no glass or metal enclosures on the 70th floor, this makes it the perfect place to snap that ever-lasting golden shot.
For access to the observation deck of the tallest building in New York and the Western Hemisphere (and the sixth tallest building in the world) you’ll just have to buy a $34 ticket. With this, you’ll be granted access to the observation deck on three levels (100, 101, and 102). Here, you can marvel at the views of the city from a building that was built in 2014 — but is already an iconic New York Landmark.
In this former hat factory now home to the Refinery Hotel, you’ll find one epic rooftop bar, 3,500 square feet of space, and dynamic panoramic city views. At night, the NYC crowds gather for the natural ingredient driven cocktail menu — and the chance to Instagram that envy-inducing NYC live story.
In the rooftop of The Kimberly Hotel, you’ll find something called Upstairs. It has a retractable glass ceiling and walls and and sits 30 stories above the city with views of the famous Chrysler Building. Enjoy the whimsy of the twinkle lights as they mingle with the busy, bright buildings of the skyline in the distance.
10. Rockefeller Center's Hidden Rooftop Gardens
It’s true — Rockefeller Center is home to some seriously stunning (and somewhat secret) rooftop gardens. Often rented out for private events, these gardens give viewers a peek into the views of Fifth Avenue below. The 620 Loft and Garden Space, in particular, you might recognize (it was a film location for the original Spiderman movie).
Whether you’re venturing to the rooftop deck to have a beverage, to find your perfect photo op (or to do both) we hope these top 10 places have given you inspiration for your New York City adventure ahead
From all of us at Photolemur, happy photo-taking. We look forward to seeing your explorations unfold!
