On The Roof

There’s no better way to see Manhattan than from a rooftop lounge. We’ve spied a celebrity or two in the lobby of SoHo’s James Hotel and considering the chic surroundings, that’s not a surprise. This SoHo spot boasts a see-and-be-seen rooftop pool and an adjacent bar that serves up views of the Hudson River and Brooklyn Bridge along with a heady social scene. Access is granted to non-hotel guests at night via a controlled rope line. Over at The Library Hotel in Midtown, Bookmarks Rooftop Lounge has a clubby atmosphere that reads sophisticated. Sip a cocktail from an open-air fireside chair while taking in the city’s skyline. You can mix cocktails and culture with views of Central Park at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s seasonal rooftop garden. A light-fare menu makes this a great place to turn a day at the museum into a remarkable night there, too.