When the sun starts to drop in New York City, there’s no better place to be than on a rooftop bar with a drink in your hand. The city’s skyline lights up as the day fades, and you get a front-row seat to it all. These best rooftop bars aren’t just about the view—they’ve got great drinks, good vibes, and a chance to see NYC from a different angle. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or you’ve lived here forever, hitting up a rooftop bar at sunset is something you’ll want to do.
You’ve got options all over the city, from Manhattan’s high-up perches to Brooklyn’s laid-back setups. Each one brings something different—some have fancy cocktails, others keep it casual with beers and bites. Let’s walk you through the best NYC rooftop bars for sunset cocktails, starting with a mix of well-known spots and a few you might not have heard of. If you’re planning a trip, you can make it easy on yourself with a guided tour to get around.
1. Westlight in Brooklyn – Panoramic Views and Creative Drinks
If you’re in Brooklyn, Westlight is one of the top rooftop bars with an NYC skyline view you need to visit. It’s on the 22nd floor of The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg, and the view is hard to beat. You’re looking at the entire Manhattan skyline, with the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center standing out as the sun sets. The East River sits between you and the city, and you can see all the way to Queens on a clear day. It’s a 360-degree setup, so you’re not stuck facing just one direction—turn around, and you’ve got Brooklyn stretching out too.
Westlight opens at 4 p.m. most days, which gives you plenty of time to grab a spot before the sunset rush. In April 2025, expect sundown around 7:30 p.m., so showing up by 6 p.m. is a smart move. The bar’s got a sleek, modern look with long tables and cushioned benches, plus a few standing areas if you want to move around. It’s popular, so reservations are a good idea—check their website or call ahead. If you’re going without one, weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
The drink menu is where Westlight stands out. They mix classics like martinis with their own creations—think cocktails with ingredients like yuzu or smoked pineapple. A standout is the “Westlight Spritz,” made with Aperol, grapefruit, and prosecco—it’s light and perfect for sipping as the sky turns orange. Prices sit around $18-$22 per drink, which is standard for NYC rooftop bars. If you’re hungry, they’ve got small plates like truffle fries or crispy calamari, usually $15-$20 each. You’re not here for a full meal, but it’s enough to keep you going.
Getting there is simple—take the L train to Bedford Avenue, then walk about 10 minutes to 111 North 12th Street. The hotel’s lobby has an elevator straight to the roof, so you won’t get lost. Dress is casual but neat—think jeans and a nice shirt, not flip-flops. It’s an open-air spot, so bring a jacket if it’s breezy. Westlight’s mix of killer views and solid drinks makes it a must for your sunset plans.
2. Dear Irving on Hudson in Manhattan – High Up with a Classic Feel
Manhattan’s got plenty of NYC rooftop bars, but Dear Irving on Hudson is one you’ll want to put on your list. It’s on the 40th and 41st floors of the Aliz Hotel in Times Square, so you’re way above the chaos of Midtown. The view here is all about Manhattan’s core—you’ve got the Hudson River to the west, the Empire State Building to the south, and a clear shot of the sunset lighting up the skyline. On a good day, you can even spot the Statue of Liberty in the distance. The floor-to-ceiling windows inside and the outdoor terrace outside give you options depending on the weather.
They open at 5 p.m., which works perfectly for catching the sunset in April 2025. You’ll want to get there by 6:30 p.m. to snag a spot—the terrace fills up fast. Reservations are available online, and I’d recommend booking a week ahead, especially for weekends. The 41st-floor terrace is the real draw, with cushioned chairs and small tables set up for groups of two or four. The 40th floor has an indoor lounge with a retro vibe—leather seats, dim lights, and a bar that feels like a step back in time. If it’s chilly, the indoor spot still gives you that view through the glass.
Drinks here lean toward classics with a twist. The “Hudson Mule” is a favorite—vodka, ginger beer, and a splash of elder flower, served in a copper mug for $20. They also do a solid Old Fashioned with bourbon and a hint of orange zest, around $22. You’re paying for the height and the atmosphere, and it’s worth it. Food-wise, they keep it light—think charcuterie boards or sliders for $18-$25. It’s more about snacking than filling up, so plan dinner elsewhere if you’re starving.
Take the 1, 2, or 3 train to Times Square-42nd Street, then walk five minutes to 310 West 40th Street. The hotel entrance is easy to find, and the elevator ride up is quick. Dress code is smart casual—no shorts or sneakers, but you don’t need a suit either. Dear Irving on Hudson gives you that high-up NYC rooftop bar experience with a touch of old-school charm.
3. The Rooftop at The Standard, High Line – Artsy and Social in the Meatpacking District
Down in the Meatpacking District, The Rooftop at The Standard, High Line is one of those NYC rooftop bars that mixes a cool crowd with a great view. It’s on the 18th floor of The Standard hotel, right by the High Line park, and you’re looking at the Hudson River and Lower Manhattan as the sun goes down. The Empire State Building pops up in the distance, and you can see the One World Trade Center glowing as dusk hits. It’s not the highest spot, but the angle—framed by the city’s edges—makes it feel special.
They open at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon on weekends, so you’ve got flexibility. In April 2025, aim to arrive by 6 p.m. for sunset—it gets busy fast, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. You can’t reserve tables, so it’s first-come, first-served. The space is split into two areas: an indoor lounge with big windows and an outdoor deck with long benches and small tables. The outdoor part is where you’ll want to be—there’s a bar out there too, so you don’t have to go inside for refills. It’s got a lively, social feel, with people chatting and music playing in the background.
The drink list is straightforward but fun. Try the “High Line Spritz” with gin, cucumber, and soda for $19—it’s refreshing and fits the spring vibe. They’ve also got frozen cocktails like a piña colada for $20, perfect if you want something cold while the sun’s still up. Food is bar snacks—pretzels, sliders, or fries, all around $12-$18. It’s not a dining spot, but it keeps you from drinking on an empty stomach. The crowd is artsy and trendy, so you’ll see lots of jeans, jackets, and maybe a few bold outfits—no strict dress code, just don’t look sloppy.
Get there via the A, C, or E train to 14th Street, then walk five minutes to 848 Washington Street. The hotel’s entrance is under the High Line, and the elevator takes you straight up. It’s a hot spot, so be ready for a line if you’re late. The Rooftop at The Standard is all about soaking in that downtown energy with a sunset view.
4. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar in Manhattan – Big Space, Big Views
If you want a classic NYC rooftop bar with tons of room, 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar in Flatiron is your pick. It’s on the 20th floor at 230 Fifth Avenue, and it’s one of the biggest rooftop spots in the city. You’re staring right at the Empire State Building—so close you can almost touch it—while the sun sets behind Midtown. To the west, you’ve got the Hudson River, and to the south, you can see downtown’s towers lighting up. It’s a wide-open view that hits all the big landmarks.
They open at 2 p.m. daily, which gives you plenty of time to settle in. For April 2025 sunsets, get there by 6 p.m. to beat the crowd—it’s a huge space, but it still fills up. No reservations for the main rooftop, so you’re walking in and grabbing a spot. They’ve got tables, couches, and standing areas, plus heated igloos if it’s cool out (though April’s usually mild). The vibe is loud and social—music’s playing, people are mingling, and it’s less intimate than some smaller bars. There’s an indoor penthouse too, but the outdoor view is why you’re here.
Drinks are a mix of crowd-pleasers and flashy options. The “Fifth Avenue Mule” with vodka and passion fruit is $18 and easy to drink. They’re known for giant cocktails too—like a 100-ounce sangria pitcher for groups, around $90. Food’s more substantial than most—burgers, nachos, or chicken wings, all $15-$25. You can make a meal out of it if you want. It’s not fancy, but it’s solid for a night out. Dress is casual—jeans and sneakers work fine, though some folks dress up a bit.
Take the N, R, or W train to 23rd Street, then walk two minutes to the entrance. The elevator ride’s quick, and you’re up top. 230 Fifth is big, bold, and gives you that in-your-face NYC rooftop bar experience.
5. The Press Lounge in Hell’s Kitchen – Quiet with a Killer View
For a quieter NYC rooftop bar, The Press Lounge in Hell’s Kitchen is a solid choice. It’s on the 16th floor of the Ink48 Hotel at 653 11th Avenue, and the view stretches across the Hudson River to New Jersey, with Midtown’s skyline on your right. The sunset here is all about the water—the way it reflects the light makes the whole scene glow. You’ve got the Intrepid Museum below you and a clear shot of Manhattan’s west side, from Chelsea up to the Upper West Side.
They open at 5 p.m., so time your arrival for 6:30 p.m. in April 2025 to catch the sunset. Reservations are a must—book online a few days ahead, especially for weekends. The space is smaller than some, with a long outdoor terrace and an indoor area with glass walls. The terrace has tables for two or four, plus a few lounge chairs—perfect if you want to stretch out. It’s less noisy than Midtown spots, with a chill crowd and no blasting music, so you can actually talk.
6. Harriet’s Rooftop in Brooklyn – Downtown Views with a Chill Vibe
If you’re looking for NYC rooftop bars with a laid-back feel, Harriet’s Rooftop in Brooklyn is worth a stop. It’s on the 10th floor of the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge at 60 Furman Street, right by the waterfront. The view here is all about Lower Manhattan—you’re staring at the skyscrapers of the Financial District, with One World Trade Center front and center as the sun sets over the Hudson River. The Brooklyn Bridge is off to your right, and you can see the Statue of Liberty in the distance on a clear evening. It’s not as high as some Manhattan spots, but the angle makes it feel close to the action.
Harriet’s opens at 3 p.m. daily, so you’ve got time to settle in before sunset. In April 2025, aim for 6 p.m. to beat the evening crowd—it’s popular with locals and visitors alike. You can reserve a table online, and I’d suggest doing it a few days ahead, especially for weekends. The space has a mix of low tables with chairs and cushioned benches, plus a small standing area near the edge. It’s got a relaxed, plant-filled look—think wood decking and greenery—that keeps it casual. There’s an indoor lounge too, but the outdoor view is the main draw.
7. The Roof at Public Hotel in Manhattan – Downtown Cool with a Sleek Setup
Over in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, The Roof at Public Hotel is one of those NYC rooftop bars that keeps things stylish without being stuffy. It’s on the 18th floor at 215 Chrystie Street, and you’re looking at downtown’s best—One World Trade Center, the Freedom Tower, and the Hudson River all light up as the sun drops. You’ve got a clear shot north to Midtown too, with the Empire State Building poking out. The view’s framed by the LES’s low-rise buildings, giving it a different feel from the Midtown giants.
They open at 5 p.m., perfect for catching April 2025’s 7:30 p.m. sunset—get there by 6:30 p.m. to grab a spot. Reservations are available online, and you’ll want one on weekends—it’s a hot spot for the after-work crowd. The rooftop’s got a sleek setup: black furniture, long tables, and a wraparound terrace with glass railings. There’s an indoor bar area with big windows if you need a break from the wind. It’s got a trendy, modern vibe—people are here to see and be seen, but it’s not over-the-top loud.
8. Refinery Rooftop in Midtown – Industrial Charm with Empire State Vibes
Midtown’s Refinery Rooftop is one of those NYC rooftop bars that mixes a gritty look with a killer view. It’s on the roof of the Refinery Hotel at 63 West 38th Street, just off 6th Avenue. You’re right by the Empire State Building—it’s so close you can see the details on its spire as the sun sets behind it. To the west, you’ve got the Hudson River, and to the north, you can spot Central Park’s edge. It’s a classic Midtown view, packed with iconic buildings.
They open at 4 p.m., so you’ve got time to get there before the April 2025 sunset—aim for 6 p.m. to beat the rush. Reservations are smart—book online a few days ahead, especially for weekends. The space has an industrial feel: exposed brick, metal beams, and a mix of tables and lounge seating. There’s a retractable roof, so you’re covered if it’s drizzly, but the outdoor vibe is what you’re after. It’s busy but not chaotic, with a mix of after-work folks and visitors.
Your Guide to NYC Rooftop Bars at Sunset
April’s a great month to hit these spots—mild weather, good light, and that spring energy. Pick one near where you’re staying or mix a few into your trip.
If you’re short on time, a one-day guided sightseeing tour can help you see the city fast, leaving your evenings free for these NYC rooftop bars for date night.
Broadway theater fans might want to catch a show like MJ the musical tickets in NYC after drinks—plenty of these bars are close to the Theater District. For more ideas, check out Visit NYC —it’s got everything you need, from hidden gems in Manhattan to planning your next visit.
