New York City Skyline With Apple Martini

New York City is a city of beautiful landscapes and spectacular views. What can be better than enjoying the view of the Big Apple and sipping apple martini at the same time? There are several places in New York City where it is actually very much possible. Let's look at my personal favorites.

Pen-Top Bar & Terrace (The Peninsula Hotel, 700 Fifth Ave., at 55th St.)

On the roof of a beautiful Peninsula Hotel, the Pen-Top Bar is a fantastic place for drinks and snacks all year round. In a warm night you can sit outside on a terrace, in the winter you can stay inside but still enjoy breathtaking view of Central park, Fifth Avenue and have a close look at the crowns and windows of famous New York buildings which are surrounding this precious fascinating spot in the middle of Manhattan. Drinks are pricey, however really great quality. Look at the list of martinis ($19) and choose pomegranate or passion fruit martini, you wouldn't regret. Don't care for martinis, have a beer, in any case you wouldn't notice what exactly you are drinking, you would be swallowed by the view of the city! A perfect place to stop by for a drink after work during the summer and an absolutely great idea for a romantic date at any time of the year.

230 Fifth (230 Fifth Ave. at 27th St., 20th floor)

Have you ever had Empire State Building on a palm of your hand? Well, if you come to this two-store club on the 20^th floor of 230 Fifth Ave. office building, you will! Opened about two years ago this venue offers not only fascinating views of Empire State and Chrysler Buildings but also great food and nice setting inside and outside. Palm trees, wood benches and garden chairs perfectly blend with stuffed animals, martini's list and the spectacular views of New York in this great Flatiron spot. Perfect place to escape New York heat but still enjoy sitting outside in the summer.

Plunge (The Hotel Gansevoort, 18 Ninth Ave. at 13^th St., 15th floor)

Located in the trendy Meatpacking district of Manhattan, this bar offers great views of Low Manhattan, New Jersey and the river. The bar is air-opened when the weather is warm and covered by a glass greenhouse-like structure when it's rainy or chilly. Good place to hang out after dinner or just for a dirty vodka martini when in the Meatpacking district.

Rise (The Ritz-Carlton New York Battery Park, Two West St.)

Panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor, extensive martini and wine list, snacks and Wall Street crowd - you can experience all of it in this nice bar at the 14^th floor of the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park hotel.

The Top of the Tower Bar (Beekman Tower Hotel, 3 Mitchell Place)

Have you ever seen a sunset in New York City accompanied by great food, wine or martini? If you don't, you have to visit this bar and lounge located on the 26th floor of the Beekman Tower hotel. Slightly unappreciated by New Yorkers, therefore not crowded and really cozy, serves good food and one of the most romantic. Sit outside in a warm day and just watch a sun coming down behind majestic landscape of Midtown skyline. You will remember the view forever!

The Lobby Lounge (Mandarin Oriental, 80 Columbus Circle at 60th St.)

Located literally at the lobby of the hotel but on the 35^th floor, this beautiful lounge offers delicious however pricey food and cocktails and the most stunning view of Central Park South. Perfect for any occasion from a business meeting to a romantic evening to a meeting with friends for a cosmopolitan.

The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden (The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave. at 82^nd St., 5th floor)

When you go to the Metropolitan Museum you don't want to miss this experience. Romantic rooftop of the Met, where Champagne, frozen daiquiris and amazing Central Park views combine with art sculpture installations - there is no other place like it to experience a beauty of New York landscapes during the day.

There are few other places in the city skies to worth visiting for a martini drink, unfortunately you cannot get there unless you are staying at 60 Thompson or Gramercy Park Hotel or Soho House, however even if you don't, the views I've just offered you, give you a spectacular picture of the city, great drinks and a fantastic time!