Continually rated as one of the top rooftop patios in the world, and recently the 2nd most Instagrammable such venue, Top of the Strand is a Manhattan mainstay.

Located on the 21st floor of the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse in the midtown fashion district (on W37th between 5th and 6th), the intimate cocktail loft is an urban oasis above the city that takes pride in its calm and unpretentious atmosphere far from the crowded Times Square bar scene.

Notably offering spectacular views, including the neighbouring 102-storey Empire State Building, which is affectionately called the bar’s “most notable regular,” Top of the Strand is accessible year-round thanks to a retractable roof.

In summer, however, with the glass top open, guests can lounge on comfy banquettes in a garden setting and enjoy a drink from the extensive cocktail menu, which includes the unique Sous Vide collection, featuring crafted drinks based on a “flavourful fusion of art and science” and made in the French “under vacuum” cooking tradition.

Of course, choices extend to wine, champagne, and local craft beers, while bar bites include select starters, flatbreads and sweets.

Regrettably, the venue is closed indefinitely (but not permanently) due to COVID, but you’re probably not going there at the moment anyway. But when it is open and you do go, TotS is open daily from 5 p.m. to 1 p.m. (except Sundays and Mondays until midnight) with a DJ on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 11.

With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:

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