The Best Rooftop Pools In New York City

Pools are hard to come by in New York City, but we’ve tracked down the best rooftop swimming spots, for those times when nothing but a cooling dip will do.

Dream Downtown

Hotel

An unconventional oasis for both guests and locals, Dream Beach boasts a stunning glass-bottom swimming pool that offers a unique view into the lobby of Dream Downtown. Enjoy two private cabanas and Cote d’Azur-inspired chaise lounges while relaxing poolside. Visitors can sink their toes into the imported sand that blankets the pool’s expansive 5,000-square-foot deck while savoring delicious bites from The Beach’s seasonally evolving menu, alongside craft cocktails from the bar and energetic music that complements the pool’s ambiance.

Royalton Park Avenue

Building, Park

This rooftop pool, on lower Park Ave, is a bit tough to get into – but there is a rooftop bar near the pool, so it’s worth making some friends who are staying at the hotel, and sneaking your way up there. You’ll get some great views of the Empire State Building, too!

The James

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Rooftop swimming pool at James New York SoHo with views over the city on a sunny day

This hotel and its rooftop bar, the Jimmy, is an excellent place to see some Manhattan skylines, enjoy a cocktail and even take a dip in the rooftop pool. There are a lot of photo opportunities here, with the large LOVE sign and the city in the background.

Mr Purple

Bar, Restaurant, American

Thin swimming pool on rooftop of Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York with views over the city

A popular destination in the Lower East Side for its gorgeous views of lower Manhattan and its Euro-chic crowd, Mr Purple also has a small pool on the roof. It’s almost more for show than anything else, but if you manage to get a reservation at the adjoining hotel, you’ll be able to take a dip to cool off here.

Soho House

Bar, Restaurant, American

This New York City hotspot in the Meatpacking District is a members’ only social club where membership includes access to the clubhouse, restaurant, lounge, bar and, you guessed it, rooftop pool. Soho House is a perfect, and very trendy, place to cool off in NYC.

Equinox Printing House

Gym

Rooftop swimming pool at Equinox Hotel New York with orange sunset and views over the city

The swanky Equinox Printing House gym has not only state-of-the-art workout machines and amenities, but also a fabulous rooftop pool overlooking the Manhattan skyline. If you happen to live near this West Village location, this is a fabulous place to take a swim.

For more pool options, discover our guide to the best hotels with pools on Long Island. Enjoyed this? Take a look at The 11 Best Boutique Hotels in New York City and book now on Culture Trip.