New Yorkers spend many of their evenings going out onto rooftops, that is, if they pass the mighty guard who is selecting the beautiful people from the line of spectacular candidates. Not very politically correct a process, nor pleasant to go through, but the view and the atmosphere make it worth playing the game… So be prepared, smile, be cool, look good and go.

THE STANDARD HIGH LINE HOTEL

My favorite nocturnal terrace is at the top of the Standard Hotel. It is so high up and so vast that the breeze always reaches it. The view over the Hudson River and the skyline is spectacular, especially at sunset. The bar is great, the furniture comfortable, even though spare, and the crowd trendy, ready to party. The terrace connects to two other desirable venues at the Standard: the very VIP Boom Boom Room and Le Bain, its adjacent nightclub, with a Jacuzzi the size of a pool. That makes three reasons to go.

 

848 Washington St., New York

SALON DE NING AT THE PENINSULA

Elegant and impenetrable, the Salon de Ning is in such high demand that you most likely need to know someone, who knows someone, to get a table at prime time. Is it worth it? Of course it is: the view is majestic, the food and drinks, amazing. The décor straight out of 1930’s Shanghai makes you feel like you are in a movie. Come in Alexander McQueen and you will be set for the evening.

 

700 5th Ave., New York

BAR 54-HYATT HOTEL

You want a serious cocktail list to accompany your sightseeing? Bar 54 is your destination. Mixologist Julie Reiner is the genius behind the cocktail list. You will not regret your sipping, nor will you be disappointed by the view of the surrounding skyscrapers.

 

135 W 45th St., New York

 

THE ROOFTOP AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

This is the most artsy of the rooftops in NYC, with a unique view of Central Park and a great outdoor installation. The rooftop at the MET is a place where an incredible numbers of dates take place. In the late afternoon or early evening on the weekend, it is a great first stop for a romantic evening. The art is smart, the view spectacular, the bar menu is ok: prepare to dine somewhere else to impress your date.

 

1000 5th Ave., New York

THE SKYLARK

Open to the public only during the week, the weekend being booked for private parties, so you need to make your reservations early for this classy spot in midtown, in the heart of the fashion district. A chic destination, it has built an all-season loyal clientele because its indoor/outdoor space combination allows it to be open all year round. Yhe view is stunning and the menu tasty.

 

200 W 39th St., New York

 

BAR HUGO

Quiet and chic, Bar Hugo on the rooftop of the Hotel Hugo is one of a very few accessible rooftops in Tribeca. It is usually not crowded and thus lovely. The drinks are delicious, the Italian bites delectable and the river views splendid. The Statue of Liberty is visible in the evening light. All the more reasons to come here!

 

525 Greenwich St., New York

THE DELANCEY

The Delancey makes this list because it is trendy and fun! The food is good, the drinks great and the bill more affordable than most. A pillar of nightlife on the Lower East Side, it is unlike any other place in the city. Most nights you will find a youngish crowd of hipsters and artists. Decorated with red sofas to lounge on in the midst of a palm tree garden, The Delancey is like an urban oasis. The “In the know“ crowd gathers there for the DJ parties. Ambiance assured.

 

168 Delancey Street, New York

 

THE GANSVOORT

Located in the meatpacking district near the Standard Hotel, the Gansvoort Hotel has a rooftop on its 11th floor with a swimming pool and bar. The pool is reserved for guests, but outsiders are welcome for a drink and snacks. The Plunge bar and Zerzura lounge are protected from the sun, while a narrow terrace runs around the outside. The view over the elevated skyline and the Whitney Museum neighborhood is lovely.

 

18 9th Ave., New York

 

 

Text: Barbara Stehle