Here is the ultimate local city guide to New York’s Best Rooftop Bars.  Instead of escaping to the Hamptons or going upstate, take refuge in one of New York’s rooftop bars, some with soul-refreshing pools.

And because New York has culture galore, from the Guggenheim to MoMA, the greatest city skyline in the world, and spectacular food, from Chinese delicacies in Flushing to Italian comfort food downtown, there is no better way to enjoy summer in the city than rooftop pool bar hopping. Here, you can enjoy refreshing cocktails while taking in the spectacular city views from rooftop bars.

Here are some of the top New York rooftop bars and their stunning views that offer amazing cocktails and outdoor pools to cool off in the summer heat!

What’s on offer at the rooftop bars of New York

Jimmy at the James 

Located on the 18^th floor of the James Hotel in the heart of Soho, Jimmy offers sweeping 360-degree views of the city. Jimmy is known for its contemporary interpretation of the classic pub, and you can’t deny its famous 70s twist once you look at the sexy 1970s décor with a fireplace surrounded by plush seats. The outdoor terrace boasts city views with a large LOVE art sculpture perfect for pictures. There is also a small pool in the middle of the terrace to dip your feet while enjoying the view.

Selena Chelsea Hotel New York

In Chelsea, Creatures Rooftop at Selina Chelsea rooftop pool bar is only accessible by a glass exterior elevator. Creatures offers a delicious coastal food & cocktail menu and an aesthetic dining experience with sweeping views of Manhattan and the Empire State Building. The pool is tiny but gives you a spot to dip your toes and stay cool.

SoHo House

The SoHo House is the swanky who’s who of rooftop pool bars. It is a private members’ club in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. Only members and guests are allowed on the exclusive rooftop, which offers views of downtown Manhattan and has a relatively large heated swimming pool open year-round. During the summer months, they also serve food and drinks all day.

The Dominick Hotel SoHo

The Dominick Hotel’s Terrace on 7 SoHo is a resort-style oasis for spring cocktails and spectacular city views. Terrace on 7 is an indoor-outdoor oasis with exclusive cabanas and sun loungers. The terrace features an outpost of the Asian-Hawaiian culinary concept El Ta’koy, which serves up various seafood and vegetable-forward dishes alongside large-format (perfect for sharing) rum, tequila and mezcal cocktails. The exclusive and award-winning Sisley-Paris Spa, located on the same floor as the rooftop, offers nine treatment rooms and three private spa suites with a balcony and will offer an exclusive menu of spa treatments to enjoy poolside.

Mr. Purple at Hotel Indigo 

Located on the 15th floor of Hotel Indigo, Mr. Purple is known for capturing the area’s artistic vibe. The rooftop terrace is large, over 5,000 square feet, with a bar and a small pool. The pool overlooks the city, including the Empire State Building, which makes for amazing photos. On the weekends, the pool is only accessible to hotel guests.

The Beach at the Dream Hotel (Downtown)

The Beach offers the perfect escape – you will feel like you’re enjoying a nice summer vacation during your time there. With a 5,000 square feet deck, including 800 square feet of “beach” complete with imported sand, Beach is located on a 2nd-floor terrace and offers a glass-bottom swimming pool looking into the hotel lobby. This little oasis in the city’s heart offers $65 day passes on weekdays.

Rooftop at the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC

Plunge Rooftop Bar & Lounge at the Gansevoort Meatpacking offers a 360-degree view of the Hudson River and Manhattan. The sunset view makes an evening cocktail and visit well worth it. Unfortunately, the pool is only accessible to hotel guests.

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Relatively new to the scene is 1 Rooftop Garden and Bar, located at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn. This new eco-friendly hotel also has a lovely hotel pool available to guests. Harriet’s Rooftop is open to the public and serves amazing cocktails.

This list of NYC rooftop bars will keep you busy, entertained, and cool during the summer. All locations are unique and have much to offer to help you escape after a busy day at work or to cool off after a long, hot day.