Gramercy Hotel Rooftop
2 Lexington Ave, New York NY, 866-784-1300

An exotic hybrid of a lush greenhouse crossed with Julian Schnabel’s infallible palette, Gramercy Hotel’s exclusive penthouse features art by Damien Hirst, thick flora and fauna accents, and an arresting light-bulb chandelier inspired by the infamous installation in “Blade Runner.” Masterminded by New York’s hotelier prince Ian Schrager and bathed in the rosy, luxurious glow that haloes all of Mr. Schnabel’s artistic endeavors, this stunning indoor/outdoor space uses a retractable glass roof to open up to a starry New York sky.

Roof Garden Café @ MET
1000 Fifth Ave., at 82nd St., 212-535-7710

The seasonal sculpture garden off the fifth floor European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art debuts three of Jeffrey Koons’ Pop sculptures in an exhibit aptly named “Jeff Koons on the Roof.” Here, young and old, native and tourist alike gather to sip wine and beer and admire oversized, brightly colored balloon dogs. A martini bar on Fridays and Saturdays serves up three new specialty drinks for the occasion: Balloon Dog, Coloring Book and Sacred Heart.

Soho House Rooftop
29-35 Ninth Ave, 212-627-9800

Long after its heyday as a Sex-and-the-City backdrop, Soho House still draws its appeal from the leggy models and socialites lucky enough to get in.  If design is what you’re after, try somewhere else.  The pool area is hardly cutting edge, and better views can be caught from Plunge across the street. But if you’re looking to rub elbows with celebs, the ultra-exclusive membership and intimate pooldeck work in your favor.

The Delancey (Lower East Side)
168 Delancey St., 212-254-9920

This tri-level rock club may be known for its live music performances in the basement, but equally of note is the roof bar oasis of benches, fountains and palm fronds. Naturally, given its location between Williamsburg and the Lower East Side, a downtown hipster crowd prevails.

Ava Lounge
210 W. 55th St., 212-956-7020

Perched on the 15th floor Penthouse-level of the uber-modern Dream Hotel, this rooftop lounge overlooks Midtown Manhattan with views of Times Square, Columbus Circle and the Hudson River. Named after Sinatra’s one-time love, Ava Gardner, the lounge boasts wicker stools, dune grass, and a 10-foot palm tree.