{"id":18779,"date":"2018-08-03T17:17:30","date_gmt":"2018-08-03T21:17:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/?p=18779"},"modified":"2019-10-09T15:26:45","modified_gmt":"2019-10-09T19:26:45","slug":"new-york-sky-rooftops-big-apple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2018\/08\/03\/new-york-sky-rooftops-big-apple\/","title":{"rendered":"New York From the Sky: Rooftops in the Big Apple"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-18787\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/new-york-sky-rooftops-big-apple-manhattan-skyline-mid-level.jpg\" alt=\"Image of the Empire State Building and surrounding Midtown Manhattan skyline.\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>Get on top of a roof for a new appreciation of NYC\u2019s splendid skyline!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>When you think of <strong>New York<\/strong>, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Perhaps you think of the bright lights and flashy advertisements of <a title=\"World-famous sights and shopping await you in Times Square!\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2013\/01\/14\/visit-times-square-new-york\/\">Times Square<\/a>, the iconic silhouette of the <a title=\"Visit the most iconic piece of the New York City skyline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2012\/10\/23\/visit-empire-state-building-new-york\/\">Empire State Building<\/a>, or the proud symbol of the American Dream, the <strong>Statue of Liberty<\/strong>. Whatever your first thought, one thing is for certain: the <strong>New York City skyline<\/strong> that contains all of these landmarks is instantly recognizable. Another thing that defines New York City is limited space, and when New Yorkers can\u2019t build out, they build up! The <strong>rooftops<\/strong> of New York buildings offer unparalleled<strong> views<\/strong> of the dazzling lights of the city, and in celebration of this, we\u2019ve gathered some of the best ways to see the \u201ccity that never sleeps\u201d from high above the streets. Read on to see some of our top picks for unique rooftop spaces in the city, from major tourist attractions to your very own <strong>New York Habitat<\/strong> <a title=\"You\u2019ll be blown away by these amazing apartments\u2019 rooftops\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2016\/06\/13\/best-apartment-roof-deck-nyc\/\">furnished apartment rental<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>\u201cRaise the bar\u201d with nightlife high above the city<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-18788\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/new-york-sky-rooftops-big-apple-1-hotel-east-river-deck.jpg\" alt=\"Image of the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge rooftop bar with views of the East River and Manhattan skyline.\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>Some may say the best views in New York are from Brooklyn\u2014the rooftop bar at the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is a great place to start! (Photo credit: Scott Heins)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>New York City\u2019s motto could be \u201cwork hard, play hard,\u201d so it\u2019s no surprise that one of the most well-known functions of the city\u2019s rooftop spaces is to give hard-working New Yorkers yet another place to party! <strong>Rooftop bars<\/strong> across the five boroughs take happy hour to a whole new level, particularly in <strong>Manhattan<\/strong>, or on the water in <strong>Brooklyn<\/strong> or <strong>Queens<\/strong>. Sweeping panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline that are only visible from above get an even bigger upgrade when New York\u2019s skyscrapers light up the sky at night. Rooftop bars make a great <a title=\"There are endless things to do in New York with your sweetheart\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2015\/09\/28\/top-10-romantic-activites-new-york\/\">date spot<\/a> or just a place to kick back after work (after all, it\u2019s hard to be stressed when you\u2019re admiring that view)! The popularity of rooftop bars means new ones are opening all the time, but here are a few of our favorites:<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lHuqJNHa3Uw\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Westlight<\/strong> at The William Vale: Enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline from <a title=\"Find out what makes Williamsburg tick by reading our local guide\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2015\/01\/05\/live-like-local-williamsburg-brooklyn-new-york\/\">Williamsburg<\/a>, Brooklyn! Whether you prefer the outdoor deck, the glass-covered <strong>terrace<\/strong>, or looking through one of the roof\u2019s cheery yellow viewfinders, you\u2019re sure to enjoy this hotspot noted for its cocktails and tapas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>1 Rooftop Garden &amp; Bar<\/strong>: Take advantage of more views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline from this sun-drenched rooftop bar, featuring crafty appetizers, wine and beer, and even a <strong>swimming pool<\/strong> for guests of the hotel!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Top of the Standard<\/strong>: Feel like you\u2019re the star of a glamorous New York movie like <em>The Wolf of Wall Street<\/em> or <em>The Great Gatsby<\/em> in this enclosed rooftop bar with gilded walls and floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering views of the city from the heart of <a title=\"Chelsea is one of New York\u2019s most chic neighborhoods!\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2013\/07\/15\/live-like-local-chelsea-manhattan\/\">Chelsea<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mr. Purple<\/strong>: Featuring indoor and outdoor spaces, Mr. Purple truly elevates your bar-going experience with more views of the skyline and a fancy black-tie dress code.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-18783\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/new-york-sky-rooftops-big-apple-NY-17339-upper-west-side-apartment.jpg\" alt=\"Image of rooftop lounge with patio furniture and string lights at furnished apartment NY-17339\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>Soak in the swanky atmosphere of a rooftop bar without leaving your apartment building!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Of course, sometimes you and your friends or sweetheart just want a night in\u2014and with a stay in this fabulous <a title=\"Access to a roof deck is just one of the luxurious amenities included with this studio apartment\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/furnished\/17339\">studio furnished rental in the Upper West Side<\/a>, you won\u2019t have to compromise on any of the breathtaking views from a rooftop bar. Wow any of your guests with the exclusivity of this view: in addition to only being accessible to residents of the building, you can enjoy plenty of space to entertain with a homemade meal prepared in your very own <strong>full kitchen<\/strong> or the barbecue grills available on the roof. You will feel like a true New Yorker every time you step out onto this <strong>rooftop terrace<\/strong> to admire the city straight from its heart.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Lose yourself in a green oasis multiple stories above the streets<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-18789\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/new-york-sky-rooftops-big-apple-rooftop-green-space.jpg\" alt=\"Image of people walking through a landscaped rooftop garden\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>Rooftops are a great place for a garden or green space, and New Yorkers love the opportunity to enjoy nature! (Photo credit: Urban Green Council)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Rooftops function as more than just commercial spaces in New York City. With space in the five boroughs becoming ever more limited, those seeking <strong>green spaces<\/strong>, natural habitats, and farm-fresh food have learned to look beyond <a title=\"Make sure to plan time to visit one of New York\u2019s many beautiful parks\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2015\/08\/17\/top-ten-parks-new-york\/\">New York\u2019s major parks<\/a>. Rooftops provide a unique opportunity to cultivate a garden, or sometimes even a full farm, in the heart of an industrial metropolis! Areas like the roof of the <strong>Javits Convention Center<\/strong> or <strong>The Grange<\/strong> in Brooklyn have been converted into full natural paradises, complete with plants, soil, and even protected habitats for wild birds, bats, and bees. These natural environments offer a rare opportunity for New Yorkers to learn about <strong>sustainability<\/strong> on <strong>guided tours<\/strong>, experience wildlife, or enjoy a <strong>farm-to-table<\/strong> meal from rooftop <a title=\"See the outdoors on a smaller scale with one of NYC\u2019s community gardens\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2016\/05\/30\/apartments-downtown-nyc-parks-gardens\/\">community gardens<\/a>. However it is used, you can head to a rooftop green space for a true reflection of New Yorkers\u2019 ingenuity and commitment to sustainability and <strong>ecology<\/strong>!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-18784\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/new-york-sky-rooftops-big-apple-NY-17536-upper-east-side-apartment.jpg\" alt=\"Image of private terrace at NY-17536 with patio furniture and potted plants\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>A private garden oasis is waiting for you at this Upper East Side studio<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>In some apartments in New York City, a love of nature can be found on a more individual level, like in this <a title=\"Find privacy to spare and your own personal garden in this Upper East Side studio\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/furnished\/17536\">furnished studio apartment in the Upper East Side<\/a>. New York studio apartments can have a reputation of being cramped, dark, or stuffy, but like the unexpected surprise of finding a green space in the heart of Manhattan, this rental breaks the mold with access to a spacious <strong>private terrace<\/strong>! Inside the apartment, all the essentials are covered thanks to a queen-sized bed, seating area, and a bathroom outfitted in tile and gilded fixtures. You will also enjoy plenty of <strong>natural light<\/strong> courtesy of the <strong>floor-to-ceiling windows<\/strong> on the back wall. Step through the built-in door to enter your very own private terrace brimming with potted plants, ivy, and natural wood furniture. With the unique opportunity to live in privacy in a studio, as well as all the greenery you can tend and enjoy in this <strong>secret garden<\/strong>, you may forget you\u2019re in a bustling city like New York! Private terrace and rooftop areas are especially popular in the <a title=\"Get the scoop on a quintessential classic Manhattan neighborhood\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2013\/12\/09\/live-like-local-upper-east-side-manhattan\/\">Upper East Side<\/a>, so be sure to say hello to your new neighbors too\u2014you may make a few friends with outdoor spaces of their own.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Rooftop pools: a new kind of \u201chigh dive\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-18790\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/new-york-sky-rooftops-big-apple-royalton-swimming-pool.jpg\" alt=\"Image of rooftop swimming pool at the Royalton Hotel with Empire State Building in the background\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>Swim high above the streets and enjoy scenic views in a rooftop pool!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>When you think of an outdoor pool, you may imagine it to be sunken into the concrete, but believe it or not, pools can also be found hundreds of feet above ground! When the weather gets hot, New Yorkers can also flock to a roof deck to cool off in a <strong>rooftop pool<\/strong>. A rooftop pool is a unique place for visitors to enjoy fantastic views of the city, get some exercise (just in case your furnished rental doesn\u2019t come with <strong>gym access<\/strong>!), and an elevated <strong>social space<\/strong> (some rooftop pools also function as rooftop bars). Here are just a few of the can\u2019t-miss places to make a splash in the <strong>Big Apple<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Royalton Park Avenue<\/strong>: The pool atop this chic contemporary hotel (formerly the Hotel Gansevoort Park Avenue) features peerless views of the Midtown Manhattan skyline, including the Empire State Building. The pool is currently for hotel guests only, but the rooftop hosts special event parties for events like Halloween, New Year\u2019s Eve and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Jimmy at The James New York<\/strong>: Located in lower Manhattan and coveted for its fantastic views of the <strong>Freedom Tower<\/strong>, Jimmy at the James hosts pool parties for the general public every Saturday and Sunday after 3:00 pm in the summer months. Reservations are necessary to get in, but the interesting architecture and on-deck bar make the gamble worth it!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Sixty LES<\/strong>: This rooftop pool is one of the best-kept secrets in NYC, a favorite of Instagram stars and social media influencers! You\u2019ll need a friend to get in, as the pool is for hotel guests only, but the trendy pool has super-hip features like a tile Andy Warhol mosaic and underwater soundsystem you\u2019ll have to see to believe.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Beach at the Dream Downtown<\/strong>: Head to \u201cThe Beach\u201d for a supplemental Hamptons vacation! This rooftop pool has luxury cabanas available for rent and a chic white color scheme, as well as views to spare from both the rooftop deck and the pool, which has a glass bottom! Daily passes are available for sale during the summer season.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Turn your rooftop visit into a full experience at The Met<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20569\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20569\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-20569\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/4715800915_838d7cc49d_k.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"498\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/4715800915_838d7cc49d_k.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/4715800915_838d7cc49d_k-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/4715800915_838d7cc49d_k-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/4715800915_838d7cc49d_k-1024x680.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20569\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The roof at The Met has plenty of greenery and art through which to wander.<\/p><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<p>Commercial restaurants and hotels aren\u2019t the only place in New York to experience the city from the sky. With the modern popularity of rooftop spaces, even major tourist attractions have gotten in on the fun (and not just the Empire State Building and the <a title=\"The view from the Top of the Rock might be the best in all the city\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2008\/05\/13\/top-5-manhattan-views-2-the-top-of-the-rock\/\">Top of the Rock<\/a>!). At <strong>The Metropolitan Museum of Art<\/strong>, you can now spend a day not only admiring the world-class art collection in the museum, but also the breathtaking views of <a title=\"No matter the season, there\u2019s something to see at New York\u2019s most famous park\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2013\/03\/18\/explore-central-park-manhattan-new-york\/\">Central Park<\/a>! Enjoy a feeling of exclusivity that\u2019s unique to the established <strong>Upper East Side<\/strong> neighborhood as you wander through the rooftop of the Met. If you still haven\u2019t gotten your full art fix, there are even more sculptures and other pieces to see up here, as well as manicured hedges, a bar, and even a <strong>caf\u00e9 restaurant<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>If you came to the roofs of NYC for art and eats, you\u2019ll also love the rooftop at the newly-opened <strong>Vida Verde<\/strong> Mexican restaurant, featuring atmospheric lighting, bold and colorful <strong>murals<\/strong> on the walls encompassing the rooftop, and of course, Mexican food and margaritas!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-18785\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/new-york-sky-rooftops-big-apple-NY-17115-chelsea-apartment.jpg\" alt=\"Image of rooftop of NY-17115 with sectional seating and metal cabana structures.\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/new-york-sky-rooftops-big-apple-NY-17115-chelsea-apartment.jpg 585w, https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/new-york-sky-rooftops-big-apple-NY-17115-chelsea-apartment-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/new-york-sky-rooftops-big-apple-NY-17115-chelsea-apartment-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The vibe of the rooftop at the Met will follow you home with a stay in this <a title=\"Make the rooftop at this Chelsea apartment your ideal retreat!\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/furnished\/17115\">1-bedroom furnished apartment in Chelsea<\/a>. The apartment itself features an open floor plan with a full kitchen, contemporary furnishings and hardwood floors, and the building\u2019s <strong>amenities<\/strong> will make your stay truly luxurious! The building offers a <strong>fitness center<\/strong>, <strong>bike room<\/strong>, lounge, and of course, a <strong>furnished rooftop terrace<\/strong>. Like the roof at the Met, the space is overflowing with well-groomed greenery and landscaping, and the wider aisles and benches lend to a more \u201cpark-like\u201d feel. Cultured types will love this roof space, as it\u2019s perfect for lounging out with a good book, or just enjoying a private retreat. Plus, the sectional seating is great for a social gathering.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-18786\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/new-york-sky-rooftops-big-apple-NY-16001-clinton-hill-apartment.jpg\" alt=\"Image of terrace of NY-16001 with yellow sectional sofa and umbrella\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>This Brooklyn apartment has multiple balconies as well as this rooftop with a personalized feel.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Our last apartment recommendation for rooftop fanatics takes us to this <a title=\"Can\u2019t decide what kind of rooftop is your favorite? This apartment has options to spare!\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/furnished\/16001\">1-bedroom furnished apartment in Clinton Hill<\/a>, Brooklyn. This fully-modern apartment boasts 2 <strong>balconies<\/strong>, a private terrace, and a rooftop deck! The multi-functional terrace space can be used as a social area, with a large yellow sectional sofa (enough seating for all your friends), or a place to just stretch out, relax and unwind by yourself. Soak in the views of <strong>Clinton Hill<\/strong>\u2019s tree-lined streets and the rest of Brooklyn, as you can stay out here as long as you would like\u2014the space has an umbrella to shield you from the sun. As with any of our furnished rentals, there is plenty to offer on the inside as well, including a double-sized bed, an indoor sofa, and even a hammock to add a bit of fun to the space!<\/p>\n<p>With our tour of New York\u2019s rooftops now coming to a close, hopefully you\u2019ve gained a new perspective on <strong>The City That Never Sleeps<\/strong>: one from the air! Why not head to a rooftop pool, <strong>garden<\/strong>, bar, or any of <a title=\"Browse apartments for all tastes and wishlists\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment.html\">our furnished apartments<\/a> with roof access to <a title=\"You\u2019ve read all the best views, now watch the sunset over New York\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2014\/12\/29\/top-5-spots-watch-sunset-new-york\/\">watch the sunset<\/a> over the city?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you think of New York, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Perhaps you think of the bright lights and flashy advertisements&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[17],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18779"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18779"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18779\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20570,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18779\/revisions\/20570"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18779"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18779"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18779"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}