4 of the Best Rooftop Bars and Observation Decks for Incredible New York Views
There is something special about seeing New York from above. Streets that feel overwhelming at ground level become a grid of yellow taxis, rooftops and familiar landmarks, with the rivers stretching out beyond them. Whether you visit in daylight or watch the city light up after sunset, a good skyline view is worth making time for.
You can book an observation deck for a sightseeing experience or head to a rooftop bar for drinks with a view. They offer quite different ways to enjoy the city, so your choice might depend on who you are travelling with and how you want to spend your evening.
These four spots are a good place to start when planning your trip.
Empire State Building Observation Deck
Few buildings are as closely associated with New York as the Empire State Building. Visiting its observation decks gives you the chance to experience this famous landmark from the inside, as well as look out across Manhattan.
The main observatory is on the 86th floor, where an open-air viewing area offers 360-degree views. You can also book a ticket that includes the enclosed 102nd-floor observatory, which has floor-to-ceiling windows and is reached by a glass lift from the 86th floor.
On a clear day, there is plenty to pick out across the city and beyond. Allow yourself time to walk around the viewing areas rather than taking a few photographs from the first available spot. Different directions reveal different parts of the skyline, and the exhibitions are also part of the visit.
Daylight makes it easier to spot landmarks, while an evening visit lets you see the city illuminated. If you want to watch the sunrise, check the separately bookable sunrise experience and available dates; ordinary admission should not be assumed to include early-morning access.
Remember that you will be standing on the Empire State Building itself, so it will not appear in your skyline photographs. If having it in the picture matters to you, Top of the Rock is another option.
The Skylark
For cocktails with a Midtown backdrop, The Skylark combines an indoor lounge with an outdoor rooftop terrace. It is on the 30th floor at 200 West 39th Street, with views that include the Empire State Building, Hudson Yards and the Times Square New Year’s Ball.
The indoor space has floor-to-ceiling sliding windows, private nooks and communal seating. On a suitable evening, the terrace gives you the chance to enjoy the skyline in the open air over seasonal cocktails and shareable bites.
This is a useful choice for a date night or an evening out with friends, but there are a few details to check before adding it to your itinerary. All guests must be at least 21, and business or smart casual dress is suggested.
At the time of writing, The Skylark opens to the public from 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Saturdays and Sundays are reserved for private events. Check its current opening information and availability before travelling, particularly if you only have a weekend in New York.
Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center
If you want a skyline photograph with the Empire State Building in it, Top of the Rock is well worth considering. Its position at 30 Rockefeller Plaza gives you views across Midtown, with Central Park to the north.
The observation experience spans the 67th, 69th and 70th floors, combining indoor areas and outdoor terraces. The uppermost deck is open-air and has no glass enclosure interrupting the view, which is particularly appealing if you enjoy taking photographs.
Take time to explore the different levels. It is easy to become absorbed in the view towards the Empire State Building, but looking in the other direction gives you a different perspective on the city.
You can also book experiences including The Beam and SKYLIFT. The Beam offers a recreation inspired by the famous photograph of construction workers sitting high above Manhattan, while SKYLIFT is a rotating platform that rises above the upper observation deck. Check what your chosen ticket includes, as these experiences are listed separately from standard timed admission.
For a visit around sunset, book a suitable time and leave room for entry procedures before you reach the viewing decks. The changing light is part of the appeal, but clear views depend on the weather.
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
230 Fifth is another option if you would like to enjoy New York’s skyline over a drink. Located in the Flatiron district, a few blocks from the Empire State Building, it has both indoor and outdoor spaces and operates throughout the year.
The Empire State Building is a focal point of the view, making this a good choice if you want to spend part of your evening looking out over Midtown without booking a dedicated observation deck.
You can order drinks and food, although it is worth checking the current menus rather than planning around a particular dish. Events can also shape the atmosphere, so look at the listings for your intended date if you have a quiet drink or a livelier night in mind.
Dress for the weather if you want to sit outside. Even when the streets feel comfortable, an evening on a rooftop can call for an extra layer.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
Choose your viewpoint around the experience you want. The Empire State Building and Top of the Rock suit a dedicated sightseeing visit, while The Skylark and 230 Fifth let you combine skyline views with drinks and food.
Before booking, check admission arrangements, opening times and any age restrictions. This is especially useful when travelling with children, as rooftop bars have different entry policies from observation decks.
Keep an eye on the forecast, too. Low cloud or poor visibility can hide the landmarks you have come to see. If your itinerary allows, leave yourself some flexibility when choosing the day.
You do not need to visit every viewpoint to appreciate the skyline. Choosing one observation deck and, if it suits your trip, one rooftop bar can give you a lovely mix without filling your holiday with similar experiences.
Seeing New York from above is a memorable way to appreciate just how much there is to explore. Whether you choose an open-air observation deck or a table with the Empire State Building in view, make time to put your phone away for a few minutes and take it all in.
For more ideas to add to your itinerary, have a look at my favourite New York attractions and the places I would like to visit next time.
