Manhattan is full of amazing sites and views. Some of the best views can be seen when the city is lit up at night. Most of these views can be seen from rooftops and porches. Lucky for us, some of our favorite nightlife spots have outdoor seating and bar service. These bars provide an open escape from the darkness of the typical NYC bar.
Nightclub with the Best View in NYC: Empire Hotel
44 W 63rd Street
New York, NY 10023
The Empire Hotel, located right outside Columbus Circle, is famous for their rooftop bar. Fully equipped with candles and fire places, the rooftop at the Empire Hotel is the perfect place to cozy up with a cocktail. The roof has an amazing view of the city. Not only can you see Lincoln Center, but you can also take a peek at the Broadway & Columbus Ave gateway to the Upper West Side. Personally, I think it’s one of the best views in the city. Plop down on one of the many couches and enjoy a drink under the starry sky and brisk air.
Nightclub with the Best View in NYC: 230 Fifth
230 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10001
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that if a bar was named 2009’s Best Rooftop Bar in NYC, then the place is bound to have an amazing view. 230 Fifth features their rooftop garden. Full of flowers and trees, the roof holds up to 350 guests who can enjoy the night with the perfect view of NYC around them. With their Botanical Gardens-like feel, 230 Fifth is a major nightlife spot that is open from 4pm-4am year round.
Nightclub with the Best View in NYC: Rooftop at The Rivington Hotel
107 Rivington Street
New York, NY 10002
At the top of the Rivington Hotel, you'll find the most intense, in-your-face views of New York City around. CV, and the other floors of the hotel act like tasty tiers of a cake, with the roof deck, like a cherry on top of it all. The people are gorgeous, the view is probably the best in the city, and the parties can get pretty wild. If you’re looking for a mellow night and a romantic view, this is not your spot.
Nightclub with the Best View in NYC: Press at the Ink 48 Hotel
653 11th Avenue
New York, NY 10036
For a bite to eat and a relaxing night 16 floors above the New York City streets, Press Lounge at the Ink 48 Hotel in Hell’s Kitchen is a great way to let your stressed-out spirit breathe. Press features 360-degree views of the city and – get this – a wading pool to help cool off your toes and set the mood. While you’ll end up cornered, squished, and dodging uneasy mojitos across the deck at most rooftop venues in NYC, this place boasts an expansive 3,000-square-foot terrace, leaving you enough room to mingle, dance or sneak away with your sweetie to enjoy the view.
Nightclub with the Best View in NYC: Bookmarks Lounge
299 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10017
Like the Empire Rooftop, Bookmarks is located on top of the Liberty Hotel in Midtown. The rooftop is full of wicker furniture and closed in by brick and stone railings. The view is a typical cityscape, with office buildings all around. It is the perfect place for a Friday after work drink and to watch an awesome sunset.
Nightclub with the Best View in NYC: Cabanas at the Maritime Hotel
363 W 16th Street
New York, NY 10011
Cabanas is famous for their rooftop parties. During the summer, Cabanas is the place to be. It is a more laid-back place than any of the other places mentioned. Cabanas makes you feel like you’re visiting a typical L.A. nightclub, with celebrities around every corner. Although the roof is closed in the winter, Cabanas definitely deserves a top 5 spot on the Best Nightlife Views list. Between the city view and sunroof, you can’t go wrong.
