5 of New York City’s most enticing rooftop pools

In the city that never sleeps, the best views of the glittering metropolis are from above. And many of New York City’s top vantage points also feature outdoor swimming pools – by far the best places to cool down and relax if you’ve flown in during the warmer months. Head up to any one of these rooftop pools and see for yourself.

Sporting a futuristic glass facade, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is an eco-conscious hotel straddling the banks of NYC’s East River. Just a stone’s throw from Brooklyn Bridge, it’s home to one of the city’s most sought-after vistas, best enjoyed from the tenth floor and the slim plunge pool that overlooks the river toward the soaring skyscrapers of Manhattan. The incredible views are worth enjoying from the Brooklyn Heights Social Club bar next to the pool, with a signature cocktail in hand and maybe a lobster roll in the other. Keep an eye out for Lady Liberty, too, which cuts a regal figure on the horizon.

Tucked in the gritty but glamorous Lower East Side, Sixty LES is an artsy hideout complete with a rooftop pool. Head up to the roof where you’ll find a slice of blue water broken up by a stark picture of Andy Warhol painted on the bottom of the pool. Metallic accents grace the rooftop area, a continuation of the hotel’s trendy interior. If you’re stopping by with a few friends, consider renting the poolside cabana, a relaxed space that houses a wet bar, booming sound system, and fully stocked refreshment area. Order a selection of small plates from the on-site Japanese restaurant to fuel up before celebrating long into the night – there’ll be plenty of lounge chairs to recover on the next morning.

There’s an effortless cool to The Williamsburg Hotel. The brainchild of the architects behind Soho House Berlin, it’s a modern hotel with innate class. The pool is no different. A long strip of aquamarine that stretches across the roof, it’s surrounded by a collection of pinstriped sunbeds and potted plants. Linger over some of New York’s most prized views, from stately Manhattan to the red brick architecture that Williamsburg is known for. The terrace has a rooftop café for when you’re done swimming. You should try to hang around until sundown to head up to the hotel’s water tower, which is home to the dark arts of mixology and late-night dancing.

What was once the Gansevoort Park Rooftop is now rebranded as the Royalton Park Avenue, but the roof continues to draw in trendy New Yorkers. This Park Avenue pool can be found high up on the hotel’s 20th floor. Up here, it’s a veritable oasis. A 40-foot plunge pool is overlooked by a wall cloaked in ivy, with sunbeds lining its perimeter. The pool is at its most magical at night, when tangles of rope lights crisscross overhead, candles are scattered on the tables, and the Empire State Building glows in the distance. It’s the quintessential view of the New York City skyline, unforgettable when paired with the pool bar’s delicious cocktails.

Unsurprisingly, Brooklyn is home to one of the most stylish pools in New York City. The William Vale is a new addition to the Williamsburg neighborhood and is a vision of the future. This hotel’s pool sets the precedent for game-changing design. At 60 feet long, it’s the largest hotel pool in the city. A sweep of blue and dove gray, the pool looks out over the East River with a view that captures New York at its most majestic. It’s a welcoming spot for all types of guests, including families who will appreciate the lifeguard service. But the biggest draw has to be the poolside bar, Westlight. Artisanal cocktails like frozen mai tais and cucumber margaritas are the specialty here. Snag yourself a spot at this 22nd-floor drinking den and raise a toast to the vast panorama. And don’t forget to eat – the hotel restaurant is award-winning, with a focus on coastal Italian cuisine using wood-fire cooking techniques. The kind of niche and exciting approach you can only expect from a Williamsburg hotel.