New York City is one of the most beautiful and iconic cities in the world. With its sweeping skylines and stunning architecture, the backdrop is both historical and modern. A perfect marriage of how the city has evolved over time. It’s the kind of scenery that should be celebrated, and venues all over the city are doing just that with stunning rooftop venues that are ideal for your next event. NYC event planners can really wow their guests by choosing an expansive rooftop setting for any event. Rooftop venues are versatile and are great for corporate dinners, team-building events, office parties, cocktail receptions, fashion shows, outdoor meetings, product launches, just to name a few.
Importance of Choosing the Right Event Venue
There is no shortage of options in this city when choosing the venue for your next New York event. The main focus of any event is to create an unforgettable and positive experience for your guests, and venue selection should be at the top of the list. The venue you choose can enhance your party theme and contribute to overall guest satisfaction.
A Few Things to Consider Before Choosing Your Venue
- Size and Capacity – You’ll need to make sure everyone can fit comfortably with plenty of room to move around.
- Accessibility – This can include parking options, public transportation access, and guest accessibility, such as entrances, ramps, elevators, and restroom facilities.
- Venue Costs – Your budget is a significant determining factor in what venue you choose. Be sure to know what is included and what is an additional cost.
Why Choose a Rooftop Venue for Your Next NYC Event?
Because the backdrop of New York City is so impressive, choosing a rooftop venue will instantly elevate any event. The views are breathtaking and make for fantastic photo opportunities for your guests. These open-air spaces will have everyone stepping out of the hustle and bustle of the city below while allowing for additional privacy from above.
We have curated a fantastic list of ten popular NYC rooftop venues for you to consider for your next corporate event. And trust us – these are stunners!
1. Somewhere Nowhere
This two-level lounge with teardrop igloos sits on top of the Renaissance NY Chelsea Hotel. Somewhere Nowhere also has a rooftop pool with panoramic city views. For private events, their space has an indoor/outdoor option to accommodate all your guests. Their staff can personalize any event, and they offer customized menus and bar packages.
Capacity: up to 500.
Location: 112 W. 25th Street, New York, NY
2. Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge
With its urban amusement park theme, Magic Hour is bringing all the fun to your next event. This whimsical 10,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor lounge sits on top of the Moxy Hotel with a perfect view of the Empire State Building. Their enchanting amusements include a rotating carousel, a mini-golf course, State Fair-inspired light bites, and three separate bars.
Capacity: 10 to 450, with options for semi-private and private sections for most events.
Location: 485 7th Avenue – 18th floor, New York, NY
3. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
230 Fifth is NYC’s largest all-year outdoor & indoor bar and event space. It’s a truly luxurious venue, and the city views are outstanding! They can accommodate small and large groups with their custom-tailored service. Their private spaces include the Rooftop Garden, Penthouse Lounge, Hard Bar, and Fifth Avenue Empire Penthouse.
Capacity: 30 to 1,200.
Location: 1150 Broadway, New York, NY
4. Panorama Room
This trendy and modern space lives up to its name with beautiful panoramic views of NYC and the bridges on the East River. The Panorama Room is situated at the top of the Graduate Roosevelt Island. With its sophisticated menu and contemporary cocktails, your guests will be swooning over this venue.
Capacity: up to 150.
Location: 22 N Loop Rd, New York, NY
5. PhD Terrace
Located in the heart of Manhattan, this rooftop oasis has penthouse vibes and welcoming decor. PhD Terrace has an intimate indoor space or a scenic terrace for your guests to enjoy. They offer seasonal enclosures to ensure comfort for those chilly winter nights. This chic spot is ideal for your next office party or corporate event.
Capacity: up to 350.
Location: 210 West 55th Street, New York, NY
6. Midtown Loft & Terrace
Midtown Loft & Terrace has 360-degree views of Midtown, where your guests can enjoy production rentals, such as an illuminated sky bar, comfortable lounge furniture, and a photo booth to capture memorable event moments. They offer an upscale and simple palette so you can bring your theme to life. Their support staff is there to help you every step of the way.
Capacity: up to 300 for cocktails, 180 for formal dinner in the Loft, and up to 150 on the terrace.
Location: 267 5th Ave, New York, NY
7. Elsie Rooftop
This stylish venue is a tribute to Elsie de Wolfe, “the pioneering interior designer who revolutionized the field by introducing a more feminine, lighter, and simpler style.” Elsie Rooftop is located near Bryant Park and has a lavish and nostalgic vibe. This venue offers seasonal bites and unique cocktails that are perfect for standing receptions.
Capacity: 50 to 200.
Location: 1412 Broadway, New York, NY
8. The Skylark
Situated 30 floors up in Midtown, this elegant and versatile venue offers some of the city’s best panoramic views. Their state-of-the-art roof deck will bring your event to the next level. They offer a fully furnished roof deck, a full bar, and a mix of high tables and lounge seating. Your corporate event guests will feel like they’re on top of the world at The Skylark.
Capacity: up to 140.
Location: 200 West 39th Street, New York, NY
9. Mondrian Terrace
This rooftop lounge is set above the busy corner of Park Avenue South and East 30th Street. Mondrian Terrace boasts great sunset views for those early evening events. This is the perfect venue for receptions and intimate dinners. Their relaxed atmosphere might be just what your company guests are looking for!
Capacity: 150 reception, 60 seated.
Location: 444 Park Ave South, New York, NY
10. The Ready Rooftop Bar
The Ready, located in the East Village, might have a more casual vibe than some of the other venues, but the eclectic New York City backyard feel to this spot makes it unique in every way. They offer a retractable glass roof and walls that allow for year-round use, plus expanded menu options and open-bar packages. The Ready is ready to make your next corporate event stunning and unforgettable!
Capacity: up to 150.
Location: 112 East 11th Street, New York, NY
FAQs About NYC Rooftop Venues
Q: How will the event attendees get up to the rooftop?
This is always an important question to address with each venue you consider before making a decision. Because rooftops are many floors up in each building or hotel, finding out the easiest and most efficient way to get to the top is of great importance. Most venues will use elevators, but depending on how large your event is, you’ll want to know how those elevators are utilized.
- How fast can a large group get to the top?
- What is the elevator(s) capacity?
- Is there a private rooftop access option?
- How can they accommodate those with disabilities?
- What are the elevators’ hours of operation?
Getting up to the rooftop may seem easy, but it’s something you’ll want to discuss with the venue.
Q: What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
Weather is always a factor when planning an outdoor event, especially in NYC. The possibility of rain or chilly weather (depending on the season) should always be considered in your planning. Ask your potential venues what their inclement weather plan is in case of bad weather.
- Do they provide a tent or temporary covering? And if so, how large is it?
- Do they have an indoor/outdoor option, and will it fit the entire party?
- Do they have space heaters in case the temperature drops?
Q: What is the best way to enhance a rooftop event?
The easiest way to create a lasting and memorable experience for your guests at a rooftop event is to embrace the atmosphere and make it a comfortable setting. Sample the seating yourself and anticipate mingling and corporate event networking spaces, as well. People love going to rooftops because it’s an escape from the busy streets down below. Pick a fun theme, work your decor into the city views, and encourage your guests to take in the special atmosphere of your exclusive and elevated event. They’ll feel like they’ve been transported to another world!
The Best NYC Event Venues Attend The Event Planner Expo
Event planners can always use a freshly curated list of hotspot New York City venues. When your corporate events or office parties call for spectacular skyline views, consider these iconic rooftop venues! And don’t forget, you can meet all the best NYC rooftop venues for all your corporate events when you attend The Event Planner Expo! Get tickets or reserve your booth by clicking HERE.
