Best Rooftop Bars in Times Square

Sipping bubbly or savoring a scotch on one of the best rooftop bars in Times Square is a must for elevating your New York City vacation. It’s also the perfect way to celebrate seeing your photo on the giant Welcome to Times Square Billboard. These Midtown rooftop bars are often local secrets, but we at Welcome to Times Square are your local NYC BFFS, and are not going to gatekeep. Like any good friend, we’re gonna spill on the best rooftop bars in Times Square for your adult beverage pleasure.

KNICKERBOCKER HOTEL (ST. CLOUD)

6 Times Square 17th Floor

The Knickerbocker Hotel is located at the crossroads of 42nd Street and Broadway, just about as close to the New Year’s Eve ball as you can get. The New Year’s Eve Ball is up year round, and you should see it from the rooftop of the Knickerbocker Hotel! The Knickerbocker’s rooftop bar is called the St. Cloud. It is open daily from 4pm to 11pm, and seating is on a first-come first-served basis. Pro tip: If you’re traveling with a group of 10 or more, you can get a reservation by contacting their catering team. Cocktails at the St. Cloud are pricey, starting at $24 a piece, but what you’re really paying for is the unparalleled view of Times Square. Light bites and snacks are also available to satiate your hunger whilst you sip. The St. Cloud Rooftop bar is a true luxury experience, and will create a lifetime of memories.

BOOKMARKS

299 Madison

If you are a literature lover, Bookmarks rooftop bar at the Library Hotel is an absolute must. This cozy rooftop bar transports guests to the world’s chicest reading nook. The Library Hotel is the flagship hotel in the Library Hotel Collection. The entire hotel has a library theme, with each room representing a topic of the Dewey Decimal System. Many rooms even have a view of the Schwarzman Building, the main building of the New York Public Library (NYPL) system. You can also view the library from certain vantage points at Bookmarks. The rooftop has decadent cocktails with literary themes. Many have punny names such as “Gone with the Gin,” a mix of butterfly tea-infused gin, ginger liqueur, Chartreuse, and fresh lemon. Light bites are also available. 

LiFE Rooftop

129 West 57th St.

LiFE Rooftop Bar is located on the northern end of Times Square, near Carnegie Hall. This trendy midtown rooftop bar offers breathtaking views of Central Park and fabulous photo opportunities. Its picturesque setting makes it a favorite of influencers, and its artisanal cocktails makes it a favorite of foodies. This NYC rooftop bar is open Wednesday-Sunday, 4pm until midnight, which makes it the perfect post-show hot spot. Elevated light bites such as charcuterie boards and crispy french fries will keep the party rolling even longer. LiFE also hosts several corporate events, so if you’re looking for a chic rooftop event space, you’ll definitely want to contact LiFE Rooftop. 

THE SKYLARK

200 West 39th St. 30th Floor

If you seek a Times Square rooftop bar with a great view of the Empire State Building, The Skylark will make your dreams come true. Many have even claimed that this NYC rooftop bar has better views than the NYC observation decks! This classy upscale cocktail lounge even has a view of the New Years Eve Ball! It is perfect for a girls date, date night, or after work drinks. Signature cocktails start at $20. Make sure to try the Cherry Blossom Old Fashioned, which consists of Toki Japanese whisky, cherry blossom syrup, and orange bitters. Bar bites are available until 11pm, and a late night menu will keep you satisfied until close. 

SALON DE NING

700 Fifth Avenue Floor 23

Salon de Ning is a rooftop bar with a speakeasy feel. Located on the rooftop of the historic Peninsula Hotel, Salon De Ning frequently has seasonal themes. The cocktails are a bit pricey, but they are relatively huge and absolutely delicious. If you love bubbly beverages, you must check out the “Spritz on Fifth.” We can happily report they are worth every penny, and the bartenders elevate the experience with their friendly manner. Expect to get glamorous views of Fifth Avenue and rub elbows with small corporate groups and Manhattan socialites. Salon de Ning would be a perfect date spot. 

HAVEN ROOFTOP

132 West 47th St

Haven Rooftop is the best rooftop for anyone seeking a Times Square rooftop bar during the day. Whereas many Times Square Rooftop bars open around 4 pm, Haven opens as early as 11 am, making it perfect for lunch or brunch. Haven Rooftop is an urban oasis, with a casual yet chic atmosphere. In addition to craft cocktails, Haven Rooftop has a full food menu. For light bites check out their Tower of Tuna Tartare and Crab & Avocado Palette. For cocktails try the Cielo, which is a delightful mix of Casamigos Tequila, jalapeno, cucumber, cilantro, and lime juice.

All of these Times Square Rooftop Bars are a magnificent escape from the hustle and bustle of the city below. Our recommended pairing is to see your photo on the Welcome to Times Square Billboard, then gather your friends who just saw your face in lights and toast one another with these rooftop libations. 

We have the unbeatable price of $500 per day for your Billboard:

Option 1: Your 60 second video/photo will be shown, 60 seconds per hour 22 times a day.

Option 2: Your 30 second video/photo will be shown, twice an hour, 44 times a day.

Option 3: Your 15 second video/photo will be shown 4 times per hour 88 times per day.

Please let us know which option you would like to choose. Remember that we have a response time of 72 hours.