I’m heading to New York in a few days, time to write something about my favorite evening venues: rooftop bars. Whether you’re planning a trip for business or pleasure, there are dozens of rooftop bars in the city that offer up more than just delicious cocktails and food. Below, you’ll find the top five rooftop bars in NYC, with spectacular views.

#1 – The Press Lounge
The rooftop of the Ink 48 hotel is home to the Press Lounge, one of the most prestigious rooftop bars in the country. Here, you’ll find a beautiful wraparound terrace, an amazing reflective pool, and gorgeous 360 degree views of Manhattan and the Hudson River from the West Side. Although the patrons of the Press Lounge are often dressed to the nines and you’re likely to find doormen guarding the entrance, the atmosphere here is incredibly relaxed and you’ll feel right at home sipping a Manhattan on a cozy couch made just for two.

#2 – The Roof
The Roof is a rather small but classy rooftop bar with a great view over Central Park. Twenty-nine stories high, on top of the Viceroy Hotel. The interior is sleek, with wooden floors and walnut-and-leather sofas. The Roof offers a great ambiance, trendy crowd and delicious cocktails.
Tip: The Viceroy hotel in New York is one of my favorite hotels in New York, offering a quality stay, excellent service and a great location. And the price / quality ratio is excellent (for New York).

#3 – Zerzura / Plunge Bar + Lounge,
Sitting 20 floors above the Gansevoort Park Avenue, Zerzura is truly a sight to behold. The rooftop bar offers 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline and Hudson River while enjoying unique cocktails and light Mediterranean flair. In the evening, Zerzura offers table service and sounds provided by a rotating roster of New York City DJs.

#4 – Upstairs at the Kimberly
Upstairs at the Kimberly is another year-round rooftop bar, and this one features a retractable roof and wall that allows patrons to drink and eat in comfort regardless of the weather. It’s most popular among New Yorkers for its brunch menu, which contains delicacies like truffled egg toast and mimosas made from the world’s finest champagne. It’s settled 30 stories above the ground in Manhattan, and they serve a cocktail called “Rum Service” which is known as the manliest drink alive.

#5 – Refinery Rooftop
The Refinery Rooftop sits atop the Colony Arcade Building, which was built in 1912 and features beautiful ornate carvings. It boasts an eclectic style complete with some of the structure’s original artwork along with vintage and brand-new furnishings. The best part is the prohibition-era whiskey and cocktail lounge serving a very cool and refined beverage menu. You’ll find live entertainment and fireplaces year-round, and it all overlooks the center of NYC’s creative hub.

There are many rooftop bars in New York that can provide you with a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Some are glamorous and posh, while others are just as comfortable as your very own home and serve the same beverages you’d make for your guests. Make sure to put at least one of them on your to do list while visiting New York. Enjoy!