There’s no shortage of bars in New York City, everything from rooftop to underground, mega clubs to hidden gems. Outdoor rooftop spaces have become popular in the past few years, with dozens of spots popping up in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.

It’s in the spring and summer months that New Yorkers tend to gravitate to the tops of skyscrapers to enjoy a few drinks, but that trend almost completely disappears in the cold winter months. With artisanal blended cocktails and a retractable glass roof that shields people away from the bitterness of winter, the Top of the Strand is the ideal spot to experience rooftop cocktails, even when summer is far away.

Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Top of the Strand sits at the highest level of the Strand Hotel. As one of the tallest rooftop bars in all of New York City, at 254 feet high, the Top of the Strand’s signature view of the neighboring Empire State Building is one feature that sets it apart from the rest.

Both hotel guests and public visitors can bask in the glory of the tallest building in New York City, close enough it almost feels like you can touch it. The unparalleled views of the Empire State Building give this rooftop bar an edge, while its extensive cocktail menu reminds visitors that they are in upscale Midtown. Cocktails can set you back an average of $15, but with strong options like a pear infused drink or an equally potent traditional Manhattan are easily great choices while at this rooftop lounge.

The glass retractable roof at the Top of the Strand makes the stunning views available year round, something not many other rooftop lounges in New York City can stake their claim on. A short elevator ride from the welcoming lobby opens up to an intimate yet trendy setting on the roof, where rows of comfortable seating face directly towards the view.

Two larger lounging areas backed with a wall full of bamboo and greens helps loungers feel as if they’re in a faraway oasis, framed by curtains that give a more intimate ambiance. The space was created by Lydia Marks, who knows a thing or two about urban design after helping on design aspects of Sex and the City. Unlike other rooftop spots in New York City, the Top of the Strand has more of a relaxed environment, where heat lamps and robes aren’t needed to keep warm.

This 21^st floor lounge offers up some traditional cocktails such as martinis and mojitos, along with more exotic, fruit filled blends. The staff at the Top of the Strand is extremely welcoming and attentive, making it easy to enjoy a night out without spending too much time waiting at the bar for a drink.

DJ Stone Joy, a London native, is the resident DJ at the Top of the Strand, where he brings his style of mixing both modern and classic songs throughout the night. Although this rooftop lounge favors a more relaxing atmosphere, the continuously upbeat music helps everyone remember that they’re in the city that never sleeps.

The Top of the Strand is the perfect year round rooftop lounge with a unique view of the Empire State Building just three blocks away. It’s a great place to sip some cocktails with a group of friends, or have a date night with that special someone. The Top of the Strand is located in The Strand Hotel at 33 West 37^th Street and opens at 5pm daily.

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New York City is known for its fast paced lifestyle. New Yorkers have become accustomed to what seems like never ending traffic noise and construction sites. New Yorkers find places to unwind in relaxing and tranquil spaces. Brooklyn Bridge Park is a beautiful outdoor area on the edge of Brooklyn with a direct view of lower Manhattan’s skyline.

Located right on the East River, the newly opened Brooklyn Bridge Park is a perfect waterfront destination and a quiet location in New York City. Originally created in 1642 as the first ferry port that connected Brooklyn to Manhattan, the park has gone through extensive renovation in recent years to create an outdoor oasis for New Yorkers.

Pier 1 of the park is now open to the public and includes acres of grass to enjoy sporting activities or a lazy day out in the sun. Its location is away from busy streets. Brooklyn Bridge Park is a quieter area where all you’ll hear is children playing in the playground and the sounds of the East River lapping against the park’s foundation.

In upcoming years, the park will expand and will have a skating rink, waterfront areas for kayaking, as well as lacrosse, soccer, baseball, and football fields. The park offers stunning views of skyscrapers and the famous Brooklyn Bridge. It is a wonderful spot in New York City to relax and take in the beautiful city’s skyline.

In the heart of Manhattan is one of the largest and quietest areas throughout the city. Located at the crossroads of 42^nd Street and 5^th Avenue is the landmark New York Public Library. The library opened its doors in 1911 and is rich in history. Walking through the massive building is like stepping back in time as the intricate architectural details of the structure allow people to get lost in its old world style.

Over one million books sat on the library’s shelves on opening day and this library is still one of the most tranquil spots in the city. There are now over 65 million items in the library that are available to the public, including books, DVDs, and CDs. The New York Public Library is a perfect place to read a favorite book in one of its many reading rooms.

One of the most famous reading rooms in the library is the grand Rose Main Reading Room. This reading room is about the size of two city blocks, and offers people plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the overall peacefulness of the building. Heading uptown to the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City is the location of an often overlooked museum.

In the depths of Fort Tyron Park is the Cloisters Museum & Garden, which is a branch of the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum houses works of art from the medieval period, dating back from the 12^th to 15^th centuries. Located high atop the Hudson River, the Cloisters has an outdoor area with wonderful views of the river.

It is a spot where not many people go and is often quiet and relaxing. The courtyard garden is another highlight of the museum and allows visitors to forget they are in the middle of New York City.

Although New York City is often synonymous with being a loud and busy cosmopolitan area, there are plenty of beautiful and relaxing places throughout the five boroughs where people can get away from it all. Whether at the foot of panoramic waterfront views or tucked away behind a book in the legendary New York Public Library, quiet spots around the city are just waiting to be found.

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