High Bar. Since the place opened last year, the High Bar has been one of the hottest bars in the city. Blame it on the view: The Chrysler Building has never looked better. Besides the house cocktails, there are light meals. (Gramercy Park Hotel; 2 Lexington what makes it, but the house drinks go down smoothly, too. (Peninsula Hotel; 700 Fifth Avenue; 212-956-2888)

Top of the Tower. The views are terrific, and the place has a certain glamour. While it’s a little staid, to say the least, it’s a good spot for a relaxed drink.

Rare View. You can’t eat up here, but you can drink. House cocktails like the strawberry cooler take the edge of a day at the office; the crowd is youngish (no surprise, this is Murray Hill, after all), and the place is relaxed. (Shelburne Murray Hill Hotel; 303 Lexington Avenue; 212-481-1999)

Bentley Hotel. The place is tucked atop one of the city’s lesser-known hotels, but the view of Midtown makes it worth checking out. There’s a simple menu of pastas, salads, steaks, and if you want a view with your burger, this is probably the place to find it. (500 East 62nd Street; 212-644-6000)

Roof Garden Café. You can’t beat the view from the top of the Met; besides the park, there is the sculpture – and a light menu of salads and sandwiches, plus tasty frozen drinks. You have to go early though; they close at 4:30 during the week; 8:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. (Metropolitan Museum of Art; Fifth Avenue at 81st Street212-535-7710)

Terrace in the Sky. Just because the place has been around forever doesn’t it should be forgotten. From the outdoor café, there are lovely views and dinners are relaxed. During the week, the $45 prix-fixe menu is something of a deal. (400 West 119th Street; 212-666-9490)

Sun Roof. After a heavy day of bargain hunting at Macy’s, you can park yourself at the bar atop the LaQuinta Inn and kick back with a beer. Prices are gentle, which is a reason to go all by itself. (La Quinta Inn; 17 West 32nd Street; 212-736-1391)

Alma. Brooklyn’s rooftop terrace restaurant and bar has terrific views of the harbor and skyline, plus excellent Mexican food – and good margaritas, too (187 Columbia Street; 718-643-5400)

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