Rooftop Recommendation: Top 3 in NYC

PHD at Dream Hotel

All-rounder.

Young and beautiful crowd.

As for coincidences, this one is located right in the same hotel as Bodega Negra, the mexican restaurant I wrote about. Even more, it is a rooftop bar perfect for having dinner, drinks and dancing the night away, while having an incredible view over New York City, including the Empire State building. The place is “divided” into two spaces: the outer part where you’ll sit on black leather couches, surrounded by green plants, the skyline and the inner part where all the dancing is happening under sparkling chandeliers.

Best time to go there: late in the evening. What music to expect: mostly Hip-Hop ( as in most clubs ) blended with a bit of house-music.

A Downtown place you can’t miss.

The Strand Rooftop

High-class, pricey, the Empire State literally in front of your nose.

This bar, right on top the Strand Hotel, in Garment District, tends to be populated by mature people. Business-people that would be. Menu for cocktails is unusually small, like the place itself. It offers, however, nice bites for, let’s say, an afternoon snack. So, best time for visiting this rooftop tends to be noon, grabbing a bite between working hours.

Tip: As it is not a big space, one is likely to not getting a table unless you reserve one beforehand.

The Skylark

Between the clouds.

Floating amidst New York’s skyline on the 30. floor. Located on 39th Street, Skylark is close to Times Square, which is on 42nd Street. Due to that, this area is crowded by gigantic buildings who make an incredible view, which you CANNOT miss when visiting New York City. Recommended to visit in the evening, one will enjoy the glitz and glam of the surrounding skyline as the bar has huge glass facades.

When populating the outer part of the bar, you’ll have the most beautiful view of the Empire State. But beware, there is one downside to it. The prices are incredibly high even though the drinks are tiny ( see the “cocktail” in the picture? It was 22 dollars. ).

Other rooftop alternatives I visited but didn’t come to photograph:

210 Fifth ( also offers a breathtaking view of Empire State )

The Catch ( not the spectacular view, but young crowd, lots of dancing going on )

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