Curator’s statement
New York City during the summer is not a city, it’s a lifestyle. I curated this guide for travelers who are ready to sweat in gorgeous settings, fuel up on city views, and savor something cold where it matters. From rooftop workouts to poolside cocktails, these are the essentials that make up a higher, frantic NYC summer. Let’s glow, not grind.
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Things to do in New York City
Pool day at Equinox Hudson Yards
The most coveted pool of NYC summer. On the rooftop of the Equinox Hotel, with sunbeds and skyline views. Book a spa treatment or hotel stay for access.
Pool and yoga at Equinox Printing House (West Village)
A more intimate rooftop pool and yoga studio with floor-to-ceiling windows and downtown views. Stretch, flow, then dip into calm luxury.
SoJo Spa Club (Edgewater, NJ)
Infinity pool, skyline views, saunas, and hot tubs just across the river. Feels like a resort escape without leaving the city’s energy behind.
QC NY Spa (Governors Island)
An Italian wellness sanctuary with skyline-facing thermal pools, over 20 spa experiences, and a dreamy atmosphere only 8 minutes by ferry.
High Line stroll, Chelsea Market, and Le Bain
Walk from Hudson Yards to Meatpacking via the High Line. Grab a bite at Chelsea Market and sip rooftop cocktails at Le Bain—with a summer jacuzzi surprise.
Places to eat & drink in New York City
Press image courtesy of Boucherie NYC
Electric Lemon (Hudson Yards)
Modern rooftop restaurant at Equinox Hotel with golden hour cocktails, sleek design, and a curated summer crowd. Reservations recommended.
Sadelle’s (SoHo)
Old-school glam meets fashion brunch. Tower of bagels, iced lattes, and people-watching in the heart of SoHo.
La Grande Boucherie (Midtown)
Parisian elegance in Midtown. Art Nouveau décor, timeless bistro classics, and a see-and-be-seen crowd under soaring glass ceilings.
Catch NYC (Meatpacking)
Sexy, social, seafood-forward. Tri-level hotspot with rooftop views, DJs, and post-dinner access to Le Bain just steps away.
Eataly and SERRA by Birreria (Flatiron)
Eataly’s seasonal rooftop restaurant with cozy-chic themes and house-made pastas. A sunny bottle-of-wine-and-linger kind of spot.
Dante (West Village)
Award-winning and iconic. Italian aperitivo vibes, world-class cocktails, and golden hour magic in the heart of the Village.
Need to know
New York summer is electric—and intense. Book rooftop experiences and spa passes in advance, especially on weekends.
Bring a reusable water bottle—hydration is everything when you’re pool-hopping or power-walking the High Line.
Sunset times shift quickly, so plan golden hour cocktails around 7:30–8 pm.
Wear stylish but comfortable shoes—you’re walking a lot more than you think.
Most spots listed here are LGBTQ+ friendly.
Some rooftops may have door policies at night—confidence and a little charm go a long way.
Travel Advisor
Lucas El'Osta
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