New York City earns its skyline reputation every single evening, and nowhere does that feel more true than from a rooftop bar in the heart of Manhattan. Whether you’re watching the sun dip behind the Hudson River or counting the lights as they flicker on across the grid, the city looks different, and better, from above. If you’re exploring Midtown rooftop bars, here’s your guide to the best spots to raise a glass high above the streets.
ART Midtown at Arlo Midtown: The Best Seat in the House
There’s no better place to start and arguably no reason to go anywhere else than ART Midtown, the rooftop bar perched atop Arlo Midtown at 351 W 38th Street. Sitting 26 floors above the streets of Manhattan, ART Midtown delivers sweeping views of the NYC skyline, including Hudson Yards and One World Trade Center.
The vibe hits the sweet spot between energetic and effortless. The cocktails are on point, the energy rolls from golden hour straight into late night, and a simple, elevated menu of food and drinks makes it an easy place to unwind, whether you arrive with a date, meet up with friends, or simply settle in solo. This is a rooftop bar that takes its atmosphere seriously without taking itself too seriously, and that balance is exactly what makes it stand out among rooftop bars in Midtown Manhattan.
Best of all, if you’re staying at Arlo Midtown, the elevator is all you need. For everyone else, the trip up is absolutely worth it.
The Skylark: Classic Cocktails Above the Fashion District
A short 4-minute walk from Arlo Midtown brings you to The Skylark at 200 W 39th Street, one of the most well-regarded rooftop bars in Midtown Manhattan. Set 30 stories above 7th Avenue, The Skylark boasts sweeping views of the Empire State Building, Hudson Yards, and Times Square.
The Skylark operates as a multi-level indoor-outdoor cocktail lounge, open Monday through Friday from 5 pm. The dress code leans toward upscale casual, and the crowd skews professional, making this a prime after-work destination. The mixologist-driven cocktail menu pairs beautifully with a dinner-by-the-bite small plates program.
On warm evenings, guests flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces as the sunset works its magic on the skyline. Note that weekends are reserved for private events, so plan accordingly and visit on a weekday.
Daintree: An Aussie-Inspired Escape Above Midtown
Head seven minutes on foot from Arlo Midtown to 25 W 38th Street and you’ll find Daintree, one of the more distinctive rooftop bars in Midtown NYC. Perched atop Hotel Hendricks on the 29th floor, Daintree spans two levels, a 180-seat indoor lounge and a 70-seat outdoor terrace called The Treetop.
The interior draws inspiration from Australia’s lush Daintree Rainforest, with coral reef-shaped chairs, deep gem-tone accents, wicker seating, and plush velvet couches creating a tropical yet upscale ambiance.The cocktail program leans into a well-crafted martini selection alongside contemporary New York classics, while the food menu takes a playful approach to Aussie-Asian cuisine.
The south-facing views offer an unobstructed view of the Empire State Building. Reservations are recommended, though walk-ins are welcome at the outdoor terrace.
The Hudson VU Rooftop: 360-Degree Views from Hell’s Kitchen
If you’re willing to ride a few minutes from Arlo Midtown, the Hudson VU Rooftop in Hell’s Kitchen earns a spot on this list for its panoramic perspective. Hudson VU Rooftop offers 360-degree views of both the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River, making it a standout for those who want to see the full picture of the city from above.
The premium lounge blends a warm interior with an open-air terrace, and the atmosphere skews sophisticated without requiring a reservation. A quick rideshare from Arlo Midtown gets you there in around ten minutes.
Your Midtown Home Base
Rooftop bars in Midtown Manhattan reward guests who stay close to the action, and few hotels put you closer than Arlo Midtown. Situated between Times Square and the newly redeveloped Hudson Yards, Arlo Midtown places guests at the center of it all, with ART Midtown’s garden rooftop overlooking the West Side from 26 floors up right on-site.
Book your stay at Arlo Midtown now and make ART your personal rooftop every night of the week, with every other bar on this list just a short walk away.
