5 Amazing Rooftop Experiences in NYC

There is no denying the lure of a New York City rooftop. After what seemed to be an eternal and bitterly cold winter, folks are making their way to rooftops to enjoy the pleasures of Summer. Surrounded by the spectacular views and charm of the city, it’s no wonder why everyone can’t seem to get enough of the rooftop scene here in NYC. From a garden on the roof of The Metropolitan Museum, we’ve rounded up five amazing rooftop experiences in NYC to explore this summer.

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Roof Garden Commission: Dan Graham with Gunter Vogt

This year the Met has commissioned American artist Dan Graham to create an installation on the museum’s rooftop garden. The stunning installation was done in collaboration with Swiss landscape architect Gunter Vogt. Together the two have created the Hedge Two-way Mirror Walkabout, a structure described as part garden maze, part modernist skyscraper façade. Take a moment to relish in the beauty of the structure, which is said to be both transparent and reflective. With the city’s skyline as a backdrop, the view from this rooftop garden is simply amazing. A visit to the exhibition will leave you feeling as though you spent the day exploring the modern day secret garden in the middle of the city. The exhibition is on display until November 2, 2014.

2. Rooftop Films Summer Series

As soon the sun sets and the warm summer breeze cools the night, NYC rooftops transform into the perfect pop-up cinemas. Enjoy more than 120 films across 45 outdoor screening locations at the highly anticipated Rooftop Films 2014 Summer Series. Back again this year with an amazing line up of cutting edge, independent and foreign films, you’ll detest the thought of ever having to watch a movie in a stuffy theater again. Check out a list of the ten most anticipated films this season.

3. Bivouac NY

In the midst of a city that never sleeps, Bivouac is a temporary encampment where guests will have the opportunity to spend the night on an undisclosed rooftop in NYC. This giant slumber party is not quite glamping — there is no Internet, electricity or showers, but there will be plenty of laughs shared among the many new friends you will make. Bivouac is hosted by artist Thomas Stevenson, who will serve as the coolest “camp counselor/park ranger.” Bivouac is a great way to disconnect from everything, although it isn’t mandatory for the evening. Guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share potluck style. Don’t worry about Instagramming the festivities, you can do that in the morning. For the night, enjoy the good company, food and stars all from a little tent somewhere in the city.

4. Refinery Rooftop

OK, so we might be a tad partial, but even the New Yorker agrees: the Refinery Rooftop has a “stunningly gorgeous view” that just can’t be beat! Whether you’re here to see the twinkling city lights or to sip on one of our classic cocktails with a twist, you are in for a good time. With an impressive view of the Empire State building, The Refinery Rooftop is in the center of it all right here in the Garment District. Relax, enjoy the moment, and let our wonderful staff take care of your every need — rumor has it, they’ve found the fountain of youth!

5. Yoga On The Roof

Relax, take a deep breath in and enjoy a yoga class on a rooftop with sprawling views of the New York City skyline. Z Hotel, located across the bridge in Long Island City, hosts a Sunset Rooftop Yoga Series. Dina, who leads the yoga sessions, invites all to “breathe, play, grow.” Classes are an hour long followed by skinny cocktails and light bites. If only exercising were this easy all year round!