Starchild

Las Vegas glam has landed in NYC at Starchild, the recently opened rooftop lounge from Sin City’s acclaimed Carver Road Hospitality. Whether you’re looking for civilized cocktails (and caviar) or a jumpin’ late-night party scene, head to the 27th floor of the Civilian Hotel for sweeping views and strong sips inside a convertible terrace. Considering the fact that it’s already gotten a stamp of approval from Leonardo DiCaprio, you can be sure you’ll be in very stylish company.

Starchild, 305 W 48th St.

The Highlight Room

Supplying indoor-outdoor views for year-round revelry, The Highlight Room is a new downtown destination bringing the greenhouse vibes to the 16th floor of the buzzy Moxy Lower East Side. Inspired by the German Winter Garden that stood along the Bowery in the mid-18th century, the 2,000-square-foot hot spot from Tao Group boasts bold foliage swaying from the ceiling and a sprawling tree spreading its branches over the luxe lounge areas. The space glitters with a smattering of chandeliers and an al fresco backdrop of city lights stretching to the Empire State Building and beyond.

The Highlight Room, 145 Bowery

[Photo via The Highlight Room]

Everdene & The Pool Club

At the recently debuted and much buzzed-about Virgin Hotel NYC, you’ll find two elevated outdoor haunts to bask in the sunlight – and moonlight – this season. First there’s Everdene, an expansive all-in-one watering hole on the third floor which combines rock star glam with British charm, featuring a weekly lineup of live music and DJs, as well as a massive al fresco terrace with a front-row view of the Empire State Building.

Up a flight of stylish red stairs, you can dive right into the fun at the Pool Club, Virgin Hotel’s splashy roof deck boasting, as its name suggests, a large pool and indoor-outdoor bar areas serving up boozy ice pops, craft cocktails, and refreshing light bites. We can guarantee it’ll be the hottest spot to cool down this summer. Everdene & The Pool Club, 1227 Broadway

LilliStar

Over at the brand new Moxy Williamsburg Hotel, you’re in for a serene treat at LilliStar, the just-debuted rooftop lounge from Bar Lab Hospitality, the team behind the award-winning Broken Shaker. The whimsical space is inspired by Bali, lit by lanterns and hanging with giant lotus flowers. Dramatic views of the Williamsburg Bridge serve as the perfect backdrop for a night spent sipping on innovative cocktails by acclaimed beverage director Christine Wiseman, who was just named this year’s Best Bartender in North America. Cheers to her!

LilliStar, 353 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn

[Photo courtesy LilliStar]

Darling

Towering above Central Park South, Darling is the elevated hideaway atop the recently revamped Park Lane Hotel. Considering the fact that it’s the only high-up watering hole on the strip famously dubbed “Billionaire’s Row,” the spot offers, as expected, a true wealth of riches. Sip like a socialite on the 47th floor, surrounded by Art Deco style opulence, bold accents, and plush canopied seating inspired by the iconic horse carriages in the park below. The gilded space feels like the secret garden of a grand estate, featuring a whimsical floral mural, vibrant greenery, and, of course, a wraparound patio providing stunning views of Central Park and the surrounding city skyline.

Darling, 36 Central Park South

[Photo via Darling]

Jimmy SoHo

The reimagined JIMMY rooftop lounge has been a Soho mainstay for over 10 years. When you take a look around, it’s not hard to see why. Perched 18 stories atop the ModernHaus SoHo hotel, the indoor-outdoor hot spot boasts breathtaking views of One World Trade Center, the downtown skyline, and the Hudson River – as well as a consistently cool crowd. Sip frosé at sunset and try to resist jumping in the pool (oh yeah, and there’s a pool).

JIMMY SoHo, 15 Thompson St.

Nubeluz

For a nightcap moment that’s sure to impress, head 50 stories up to The Ritz Carlton New York, NoMad’s rooftop spot, Nubeluz. Envisioned as “a lightbox in the sky,” the swanky and sophisticated watering hole boasts glittering mirrored accents, back-lit marble panels, and shiny onyx bar tops. Whether you opt for an al fresco seat on the terrace or nestle inside the luxurious lounge, you’re in for an elevated experience (no pun intended) with a lineup of innovative libations from Miguel Lancha and a selection of signature bar bites courtesy of Chef José Andrés.

Nubeluz, 25 W 28th St.

The Rooftop At Selina Chelsea

Decked out in greenery, florals, and colorful Tulum-inspired décor, the rooftop at the Selina Hotel in Chelsea provides all the vacation vibes right here in the city. Indulge in healthy-ish bites like the Garden Guacamole and the shrimp and octopus ceviche while toasting holistic cocktails that combine mezcal and tequila with fresh, seasonal ingredients. No one needs to know you skipped the flight to Mexico.

The Rooftop at Selina Chelsea, 518 W 27th St.

The Ready Rooftop Bar

Get ready for The Ready, the new-ish rooftop bar atop the Moxy East Village. With colorful decor, a hand painted mural, string lights, and mix-and-match tableside coolers filled with cans of local brews, the watering hole boasts laid-back vibes reminiscent of a backyard bash. In addition to beer and booze offerings including frozen cocktails, The Ready serves up a selection of gourmet bar snacks (truffle chips, anyone?) and freshly made-to-order tacos, ranging from chicken tinga to crispy pork carnitas. 

The Ready Rooftop Bar, 112 E 11th St.

[Photo via The Ready]

Daintree

Pull up a front row seat to the towering Empire State Building at Daintree, the plush penthouse lounge at Chelsea’s Hotel Hendricks. There’s an entire section on the drinks menu dedicated to martinis (yes, please!), a selection of natural wines from around the world, and all the oysters you can throw back this spring and summer. Not to mention a smattering of chic rattan seats and plush lounges to sit back and sip in.

Daintree, 25 W 38th St.

Westlight

Head up to the 22nd floor of the William Vale Hotel for an evening at Westlight. This swanky spot soars above Williamsburg, serving up stunning skyline views of Manhattan along with creative libations and snacks dreamed up by Chef Andrew Carmellini. Sit back and bask in the stylish atmosphere livened up by pumping tunes, and indulge in everything from charred octopus skewers to duck carnitas tacos while taking in the scene.

Westlight, 111 N 12th St., Brooklyn

[Photo via Westlight]

Bar Blondeau

Perched on the 6th floor of Williamsburg’s Wythe Hotel, this swanky French-style wine bar and eatery has it all. Completely unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline on its recently opened al fresco terrace, a seafood-forward menu of small plates with a decidedly European bend, and a cocktail menu brimming with creative takes on classic signature sips, frozen drinks and plenty of zero proof options that are anything but boring.

Bar Blondeau, 80 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn

The Roof At PUBLIC

Ian Schrager’s PUBLIC Hotel is set to be as sizzling as ever this season. After dinner at its vibrant Peruvian eatery, Popular, make sure to grab a drink at the hotel’s lush rooftop lounge, where a large landscaped terrace filled with greenery offers a panoramic scene of the skyline and a sexy late-night crowd. With a lineup of global DJs hitting the decks at the adjacent “micro-club,” the spot is a guaranteed good time for views and grooves.

The Roof at PUBLIC, 215 Chrystie St.

[Photo via PUBLIC]