Lower Manhattan owns one of the most dramatic skylines on earth, and the best way to take it in is from above. Whether you want views of the Freedom Tower, the Hudson River stretching west toward New Jersey, or the rooftop water towers that give SoHo its unmistakable character, this part of the city delivers. Here’s your guide to the best rooftops in Manhattan, starting with the one you need to know first.
ART SoHo: The Crown Jewel of SoHo Rooftop Bars
No list of the best rooftops in Manhattan starts anywhere but here. ART SoHo sits on the 11th floor of Arlo SoHo at 231 Hudson Street, and it sets the standard for what a downtown rooftop bar should feel like. The outdoor terrace delivers breathtaking views of the Freedom Tower and the Hudson River, while the indoor space keeps the party going year-round regardless of weather. String lights, graffiti art, and a sprawling open-air deck create an atmosphere that feels distinctly New York, relaxed, social, and alive with energy.
The cocktail menu leans into creativity, with signatures like the Arlo Margarita, the Kiwi Swizzle, and rotating frozen drinks built for warm evenings above the city. The food menu covers tacos, shareable small plates, raw bar items, and seasoned fries that pair perfectly with a pitcher on the terrace.
ART SoHo hosts DJ nights regularly, runs weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 PM with live music, and keeps a Fiesta Night going every Tuesday with food and drink specials. Whether you’re planning a birthday, a corporate event, or a spontaneous after-work drink, ART SoHo handles it all with ease. It’s the go-to SoHo rooftop bar, and it earns that reputation every single night.
Azul on the Roof at Hotel Hugo
A short walk from Arlo SoHo, roughly five minutes on foot, Azul on the Roof brings Old Havana energy to Hudson Street. This seasonal Cuban-themed rooftop, which reopens in April, sits atop Hotel Hugo and delivers 360-degree views of Lower Manhattan, including both the Freedom Tower and the Statue of Liberty on clear days. The boozy slushies are legendary, the string lights set a festive tone, and weekend evenings draw a lively crowd. Azul runs a seasonal schedule, so plan accordingly.
The Rooftop at The Manner
Head a few blocks north into SoHo proper, and you’ll find The Rooftop at The Manner, a refined bar perched above one of downtown’s most stylish boutique properties. Bar seating faces out over panoramic SoHo views, and the menu focuses on spritzes, seasonal cocktails, and elevated small plates. The pace here is unhurried, as this is a rooftop for lingering, not rushing. It’s a roughly ten-minute walk from Arlo SoHo and well worth the stroll, though it’s also a seasonal bar that will reopen this spring.
JIMMY at ModernHaus SoHo
JIMMY on the 18th floor of ModernHaus SoHo commands some of the most expansive views in the neighborhood. On clear days, you can see the Freedom Tower to the south, the Empire State Building to the northeast, and across to New Jersey to the west. The outdoor terrace includes a pool, and the indoor space stays open year-round. Specialty cocktails and a chic atmosphere draw a fashion-forward crowd that perfectly matches SoHo’s energy.
Brass Monkey, West Village
If you want a rooftop bar that skips the velvet rope attitude entirely, Brass Monkey in the West Village delivers. Located on Gansevoort Street near the Whitney Museum, this relaxed neighborhood spot has an outdoor deck with Hudson River views and an extensive beer list that puts approachability at the center of the experience. It’s a roughly 15-minute walk from Arlo SoHo or a quick rideshare ride. Its energy is casual, fun, and unpretentious in the best possible way.
Make Arlo SoHo Your Downtown Base
The best way to experience Manhattan’s Downtown NYC skyline from above is to stay at the address where the rooftop scene begins. The Arlo SoHo is also perfectly positioned for some of the best attractions in the neighborhood.
Book your stay at Arlo SoHo and wake up steps from ART SoHo, the West Village, Hudson Square, and every rooftop on this list. It’s the perfect home base for exploring the best of Lower Manhattan.
