It’s rooftop season, babbyyy!!

The sun has blessed us with its steamy return, and there is no better way to bask in the summertime NYC heat than to jump on a rooftop. With so many articles and rooftops to choose from, here are a few of our tried and true favorites to enjoy the sun (sans the insane touristy, fratty crowds). Dawn your romp-hims and sun hats, we have your back for the best rooftops in town.

Photo Credit: Noah Fecks
Drink

You Don’t Need to Be Good To Visit Good Behavior

Anyone else in the mood for a jungle vibe and the Empire State Building? On the 18th floor of the Made Hotel, Good Behavior offers a panoramic view of Manhattan. And get this! Happy hour Monday – Friday, 5pm to 7pm! If you’re on the chill side of things, get there before 11pm. The DJ starts pumpin’ jams after that. While you’re there, try my personal favorite drink, Sweat and Glitter!

Photo Credit: Tolga Dogan
Drink

Make Believe

If you’re in the mood for a Zombie and views, hit up Make Believe. The only rooftop tiki bar on the LES. You’ll find your heart’s desires on the 7th floor of 60 LES. Catch some views of Houston and Allen on the astro turf. This bar is so undervalued despite being nearly four years old. With its lush couches, it always seems to have space for a big group of friends even past 9pm. I love popping in for a lo-fi DJ break in between happy hour and dance team.

Photo Credit: HGU Rooftop
Drink

HGU Rooftop Bar

This Secret Gem is hidden right off 33rd st, at the top floor of HGU hotel. Once you take the elevator up, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a mellow wooden patio. Unlike most rooftops, the music is kept at a moderate level which makes it perfect for intimate one on ones. Though it’s small, HGU packs a punch. It’s barely crowded, and offers daily specials— my favourite Montauk Mondays. Any Montauk beer for only five bucks!

Photo Credit: Haven Rooftop
Drink

Haven Rooftop

Haven is the oasis of Times Square. At the top of Sanctuary Hotel, you’ll find a lush outdoor garden decorated with plush red seats. You’ll find $10 Margaritas and $6 dollar beers if you should up during happy hour. Don’t dawdle at the office, it only runs from 4-6 pm. If you’re too slow, come back on Sundays for their bottomless brunch special. Haven is an all year round rooftop! Keep it in your back pocket when you want to show off your winter rooftop game. (Don’t worry they have heat lamps)

Photo Credit: Noah Fecks
Drink

Westlight

Located inside The William Vale on the 22nd floor. Set your eyes on the Manhattan sunset and then stay afterward for a bit of a jiggy on the dance floor. Do eat before coming — the food menu is tiny and uninspired. If you want to save yourself some time, call ahead for a rezzy. You’ll feel like a VIP as you skip past the queue!

Photo Credit: Liz Clayman / Free Williamsburg
Drink

The Water Tower at the Williamsburg Hotel

Missed out on Night Heron– The water tower speakeasy for two? Don’t worryWater Tower is fits more than two (and has better cocktails!) Located on the 18th floors of the Williamsburg Hotel, you can catch part of the Brooklyn skyline with a kitschy late 60’s feel. Best to make a rezzy, the joint it pretty small. You can try your hand at walking in, but best not to do during peak times.

Photo Credit: Noah Fecks
Drink

Gallow Green

We promise you there is more to Gallow Green than Sleep No More. You can climb up McKittrick’s Hotel’s steps straight to Gallow Green. The rooftop is covered in green and a large amount of seating, perfect for the whole gang. If you plan well enough, you might be able to catch one of their free jazz sessions.

Tessie Viola

Tessie Viola is a native New Yorker from Queens. When she's not writing for ciaooo!, she can be caught eating dirty water dogs near Lincoln Center.

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