When the warmer weather arrives, enjoying a glass of something at a rooftop bar in New York City is a seasonal tradition. Here are some of the best places to raise a glass to your New York City vacation, and experience this very enjoyable NYC ritual in the process.
Do you fancy relaxing, with a cocktail in hand, whilst gazing upon one of the classiest and best-known New York Skyscrapers? If the answer is yes, then make your way to the Top of the Strand. It’s the 21st-floor bar of the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse and delivers wonderful views of the Empire State Building. I find that at night, draped in light, the Empire State is at its most handsome. It’s easy to see why this place was voted amongst the top ten-rooftop bars in the world.
Seeing the Empire State Building at sunset, draped in lights is one of the benefits of heading to one of NYC’s rooftop bars during your visit (Image Credit:@timeasley via Unsplash)
The Knickerbocker Hotel’s St. Cloud Social is based bang in the middle of Times Square. Chances are, your inner traveller has suggested that the area is too much of a tourist trap for you to frequent for dinner or drinks. If that’s the case – think again. Sitting on top of The Knickerbocker Hotel – the St. Cloud Social is the perfect place from where to survey the hubbub of Times Square. The cocktail menu is seasonal and incredibly imaginative.
St. Cloud Social is the ultimate rooftop bar experience – right above Times Square, the beating heart of NYC. (Image Credit: @josephyates_ via Unsplash)
If you’d like to mix culture with your cocktails, then may we suggest a trip to the fifth floor of the Metropolitan Museum of Art? Here at the Cantor Roof Garden, along with your cocktail, you’ll be able to take in the annual summer art installation that graces this garden on the museum’s roof. You’ll also be able to enjoy exquisite views of the captivating oasis that is Central Park.
A trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without a chance to survey the twinkling skyline of Manhattan itself. You can combine this joy with a refreshing cocktail on a summer evening over in Williamsburg. From the terrace of the Ides Bar at the Wythe Hotel, six floors off the ground, you’ll get a beautiful view of the East River and Manhattan. It’s a magical sight as the sunsets. Similarly, Westlight at The William Vale also offers the same view – but over 360-degrees and the food is incredible too.
Enjoy the sights of the city from Williamsburg this summer at the Wythe or William Vale – the perfect places to enjoy a cocktail from high above the East River. (Image Credit: @matteocantanese via Unsplash)
The Refinery Rooftop Bar at the Refinery Hotel – in the vicinity of Grand Central Station and The Empire State Building, was previously voted the best rooftop bar in the USA. So, given its credentials, it would be remiss not to check it out. The food is simple but excellent and the cocktails are just perfection – as is the view.
New York’s Roof Top Bars are the best place from where to survey the giants of New York, and experience Manhattan’s unique atmosphere. (Image Credit: @ctjtagupa via Unsplash)
For something a little different, why not try the Gray Line Night tour – one of the most popular New York sightseeing tours and a perfect way to experience Manhattan’s unique atmosphere at night. Gray Line New York will whisk you off to enjoy beautiful views of the city. The twinkling night-time lights create a very special atmosphere on this tour.
Raising a glass to our exceptional city, from one of our many rooftop bars, is the perfect way to soak up the unique evening atmosphere of New York City. So, do come and enjoy the culture, enjoy the crowd, enjoy the cocktails. If you’d like to find out more about our Gray Line Night Tour or our other options to tour New York, then please do just head over to the Gray Line New York website – it is also full of the very best information on ways to see our city and all its famous sights. From bus tours, to ferry cruises to passes to see our most famous sights – GrayLine New York has your visit to New York City covered.
We look forward to helping you during your time in the Big Apple!
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