Little-Known Free Rooftop in NYC Is the Big Apple's Best-Kept Secret

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The New York Public Library is so much more than a library — it's a landmark, an icon, and a piece of history. Located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, the large, imposing building is flanked by two lions and has been standing since the late 1800s. Even if you're just visiting the city and have no plans to check out a book, it's worth spending time here during your travels. The architecture is gorgeous, and it's a completely awe-inspiring place.

And just in case you didn't know already, there's another reason to love this library: the rooftop, which will offer some seriously stunning views. And best of all, it's free.

On Wednesday, June 19, @newyorkbucketlist shared a New York City hidden gem that many people were probably unaware of until now. If you go up to the 7th floor, you can access the rooftop for free, which has plenty of places to sit and take in the view (and get lost in a good book, of course).

The footage here looks to have been taken just after sunset, but given the location, I'm willing to bet it looks just as beautiful regardless of the time of day.

Best of all, it doesn't look crowded at all up here — in fact, there seems to be plenty of room to stand and available chairs. This is amazing, especially in a city where rooftop views are usually going to cost you.

Visiting the New York Public Library

How long you spend at the library when you visit is totally up to you. You can stop by, check out the building and the rooftop, and leave if you have a packed schedule. Or you can hang out for awhile and even sign up for a guided tour (which are free, but need to be booked in advance ) and take your time exploring.

You might want to stop by the Visitor's Center when you first arrive to make sure you can really make the most of your visit. You can also learn more about the library and its history here. You can also visit the Polonsky Exhibition, which features the library's "treasures" dating back as many as 4,000 years.

There's also a library shop and a café. Imagine how awesome it would be to grab a coffee and sit on that rooftop with a good book to end your day in NYC? Perfection.

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