Hot air rises and that’s definitely true when you’ve got rooftop bars like these heating up the city skyline. A cool breeze blowing in your hair while you sip cocktails on a hip rooftop bar? Ah, the perks of being a New Yorker. Whether you dig a vintage ‘30s vibe, a futuristic Japanese atmosphere or classic Mediterranean style, we’ve got the rockin’ rooftop that’ll perfectly suit your personality this summer. With these lofty lounges, the sky’s the limit—literally.
-Kelly Craig

Salon de Ning: For the ‘30s Lover The other worldly (and completely made up) socialite, Madame Ning rocked the '30s in Shanghai, and it seems she's still rocking New York. Though she’s fictional, the musings of this celebrated woman-about-town inspired an instant hotspot in Manhattan, Salon de Ning. A quick elevator ride transports you from 2012 midtown Manhattan to '30s-era chic Shanghai replete with elegance and style. The Paris of the East-influenced bar overlooks 5th Ave. and Manhattan’s fabulous skyline from a different world—a little Asia on top of The Peninsula Hotel. The East meets West vintage vibe is sure to impress with drinks like the "Cool Cucumber Cocktail" ($22) to soothe and chill you out after those killer humid days. Salon de Ning is perfect for a classy date night for all those who want to experience the romance and culture of old school Shanghai without a $1200 plane ticket or time machine. Salon de Ning @ The Peninsula Hotel, 700 5th Ave. @ E. 55th St. (Midtown East) 212.956.2888

The Sky Terrace: For Those Who Like Their Privacy  Up on the 15th floor of The Hudson Hotel lies a serene rooftop terrace tucked away from the public. The views of city skyscrapers, lower Manhattan, 9th Ave. and the Hudson River views are sure to help you unwind from the ever-moving streets below. Sunbathe in the hammock or take advantage of the terrace’s wonderful table service—just remember you’re not at a spa even though it may feel like it! While you lounge on the rooftop, grab one of their “sparkle-tinis” ($8-$15) and kick back to enjoy the summer sun. The plants that line up against the concrete walls provide a tranquil visit, allowing some shade if need be but expect your stay to be short lived—The Sky Terrace closes at 10 PM. It’s a perfect hideaway to day drink and down some martinis before a night out on the town!  The Sky Terrace @ The Hudson Hotel, 356 W. 58th St. Nr. Columbus Ave. (Hell’s Kitchen) 212.554.6000

PH-D: For Those in Search of Party Paradise Attention Penthouse partiers: the Dream Downtown Hotel’s rooftop lounge is ready to party! PH-D brings the classy and always trendy South of France scene to downtown New York with three Venini glass chandeliers, Italian Portoro marble and loads of low leather seating. With a reservation, you and your friends can grab some munchies inside and then head out to the rooftop where you’ll find deep blue skies, city lights and a retractable canopy to keep you partying on rainy nights. But no one’s stopping you if you want to get a little wet, especially the bartenders! Try a "Wet Dream" ($18) that consists of Belvedere Black Raspberry, White Cranberry, and Elderflower while you mingle with strangers. It’s not required to be Ivy League to hang at this hot rooftop, but everyone’s better off with a PH-D! PH-D @ Dream Downtown, 346 W. 17th St. Bt. 8th & 9th Aves. (Chelsea) 212.229.2511

Four: For Admirers of the Future You’ll think you’re turning Japanese at this futuristic grand terrace, but that's just the Far East-meets-East Coast digs. Perched on the fourth floor of Yotel, this ultramodern venue boasts two bars, cabanas (upon reservation), fire pits, a DJ booth and enough room to fit 400…as it should, being that it’s the largest outdoor hotel terrace in the city! Perfect for rooftop bar lovers who are a bit afraid of heights, this outdoor terrace lifts you just high enough off the ground to be off the busy streets without giving you a nasty case of vertigo. However, with a "Peach and Bourbon Tea" (bourbon, peach nectar & green tea, $13) in hand, you’ll forget all your fears and get a little rooftop R&R in instead. Four @ Yotel, 570 10th Ave. @ W. 4nd St. (Midtown West) 646.449.7700

The Crow’s Nest: For Beach Lovers Lost in City Cement The upper deck of The Water Club has New York beach lovers flocking with backdrops of both Manhattan and the East River. Come casual and relax with a picture-perfect pitcher of sangria ($35) shared with friends or a beer bucket ($35 for 6 beers of your choice) to complement the shore-inspired bar bites. The classic lobster bisque ($11), cauliflower and cheddar skewers ($7), and a variety of “some of the best burgers in New York” ($5-$15) as touted by the Times makes a Crow’s Nest a perfect place to drink and dine on the waterfront. Plus, no great beach spot is complete without a raw bar! All that’s missing is the sand in your sandals. The Crow's Nest @ The Water Club, East River & 30th St. (Kips Bay) 212.683.3333

Night of Joy: For Love-Searching Hipsters Vintage romante meets just-rugged-enough masculinity at this Billyburg rooftop bar. With lace curtains, strings of lights and an overall home-y vibe, this old favorite's whimsical ambiance will attract vintage-loving ladies, while the men come for the graffiti accents, outdoor furniture and, well, the ladies! Punky art folk regularly fill this neighborhood watering hole's rooftop overlooking the BQE, where generous servings of margs ($8) can be enjoyed as you wave to passer-byers below while they’re left in wonderment as to how you got up there. Come for a night of joy and leave happy because this rooftop is a true hidden gem! Night of Joy 667 Lorimer St. @ Meeker Ave. (Williamsburg) 718.388.8693

La Piscine: For The Mediterranean-Minded La Piscine is the new must-be-at rooftop grill and bar topping the Hôtel Americano. The hotel highlights the best of every culture, but once you reach the roof, you enter Mediterranean country with the clean-cut European design. Chelsea provides a beautiful backdrop to the pool, cozy cabanas, and comfy white seating ready for some poolside fun day or night. The food and beverage director has expert knowledge of everything from chanterelles to champagne so be sure make use of cocktail and para picar service. Specialty ‘tails are priced at $16 each but that beats paying airfare for a taste of the Mediterranean! La Piscine @ Hôtel Americano 518 W. 27th St. Bt. 10th & 11th Ave. (UES) 212.525.0000

The Sky Room: For Those That Want To See & Be Seen Sky Room is the city’s highest rooftop lounge and also provides 360° views of Manhattan and the Hudson. This bi-level rooftop bar is one of Shecky’s favorites for five reasons: the Times Square Lounge, the Cube balcony, the Private Salon, the North terrace with its retractable roof, and the South Terrace with private cabanas. Try one of our fave specialty cocktails, Bing Bang made with Captain Morgan, banana liqueur, coconut milk and mango Juice, served frozen! The retractable glass roof and panoramic glass walls won’t let you waste a good view and is almost as sweet the drink in your hand…we’re still trying to decide which is better! The Sky Room 330 W. 40th St. Bt. 8th & 9th Aves. (Hell's Kitchen) 212.380.1195

The Rooftop Garden: For Those Who Think the West Coast is the Best Coast You might mistake the Williamsburg Bridge for the Golden Gate as The Delancey’s rooftop atmosphere is so Californian. The place has actually more of a South Beach feel as there are mini palms placed at every corner amongst the dark wood floors. and Kick back on the low furniture clad in white fabric with an ice cold beer ($6 for each) and say hello to the laid back atmosphere of a Venice beach patio. The Rooftop Garden has a retractable roof so you can enjoy a drink rain or shine so no matter the weather, you can get your Jim Morrison on. The Rooftop Garden @ The Delancey, 168 Delancey St. Bt. Clinton & Attorney Sts. (Williamsburg) 212.254.9920

The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden: For Art-Loving Intellects One rooftop bar is located at a place flocked with tourists from around the world. I know what you’re thinking, why would a true New Yorker want to drink with the tourists? The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden at the top of the Met has dramatic views of Central Park and the New York City skyline, features a walk through Tomás Saraceno's new modular exhibit Cloud City on display, and is a place known for their frozen daiquiris, margs, and mojitos ($5-$12.50)! Just be sure to wear flat, rubber-soled shoes if you’re looking to walk through the exhibit, soaking up all the art (and hot foreign tourists) will give you a work out! The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden @ The Met, 6 E. 82nd St. @ 5th Ave. (UES) 212.731.1400