Beautiful bars and restaurants can be found right around the world, but there is something endlessly charming about rooftop bars. These fascinating places blend luxury, ambience and panoramic views that seem far too beautiful to be real. Today, we are going to be taking a look at nineteen of the most amazing rooftop bars in the world.
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1. Cé La Vi Restaurant and SkyBar – Singapore
The Singaporean skyline is known for its beauty, where rapid modernisation is occurring against an ancient landscape. At night, the sweeping city views offered from some of Singapore’s highest points are enough to captivate both mind and spirit, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.
The Cé La Vi Restaurant and SkyBar offers all of its guests every opportunity to soak in views of Singapore’s illustrious skyline, settling to relax amongst friends as they sip on innovative cocktails and delicate spirits. The 360-degree view that is available here is enough to captivate everyone, from locals to road-worn travellers.
2. New York Bar – Tokyo
Our honourable mention. This bar isn’t really a rooftop bar, and yet it towers above most of the open-air rooftop bars that can be found in Tokyo. We understand that many of our readers are looking for phenomenal views, and no list would be complete without the bar that featured in the movie “Lost in Translation”.
This bar can be found tucked away in a five-star Park Hyatt hotel, and that alone should be enough to tell you all about the ambience that can be found there. Through its floor-to-ceiling windows, you can see the endlessly stretching metropolis that lies below, and you might even capture a glimpse of the elusive Mt Fuji on a perfectly clear day. Sit back and relax as jazz music surrounds you and ambient lighting pulls you further into this charming bar.
3. Vertigo and Moon Bar – Bangkok
Bangkok is quite literally full of rooftop bars, with each offering splendid views of the surrounding cityscape. But, the Vertigo and Moon Bar is bound to leave an everlasting impression, holding its title as one of the highest rooftop bars in the entire city.
Here, you can soak in the illustrious views of the Grand Palace and Wat Pho Temple whilst indulging in some of your favourite drinks. If you should wish to, perhaps also try some of the exquisite dishes that can be found in the interconnected restaurant, where regional produce has been used to create a truly tantalising experience.
4. Sevva – Hong Kong
If you are looking for a rooftop bar that perfectly encapsulates the opulence of Hong Kong, then you might have just found it. Sevva can be found gracing the 25th floor of the Prince’s Building, a recognisable feature of Hong Kong. Here, you can enjoy a stroll around the terrace as you take in incredible views, from the quaint harbour to skyscrapers whose lights make the city glimmer at night.
Just as you would expect from a luxury bar in Hong Kong, every detail has been taken into consideration at Sevva. The décor is perfect, and the furnishings are both detailed and luxurious. If you should wish to, perhaps visit Sevva in the afternoon to enjoy afternoon tea.
5. AER – Mumbai
Sit back and watch as the sky turns from light to dark whilst you stroll around AER, a bar that is perfectly situated on the 34th floor of the Four Seasons in Mumbai. Offering perfect open-air views of the surrounding cityscape, this is by far one of the fanciest bars in the country.
Naturally, this tropically-themed bar comes complete with a cocktail menu that leaves nothing to be desired, and bartenders who are quite literally craftsmen when it comes to their work. If you wish to enjoy this rooftop bar, you will have to make sure that you make a reservation well in advance.
6. The Skylark – New York
When we are in New York, The Skylark is one of our favourite places to frequent. Here, the ambience that you would expect from a classic cocktail lounge blends in perfectly with the panoramic views of the city that you get from this 30th floor bar.
Relax with your favourite tipple as you soak in views of the iconic Empire State Building and the Hudson River, both best viewed from this noteworthy perch. Please note, this charming rooftop bar is only open to the public during the week, being held for private events on Saturdays and Sundays.
7. A’YA Rooftop Lounge – Istanbul
History truly comes to life in Istanbul, where a simple stroll can make you feel as though you are walking in the footsteps of travellers who perused the ancient city streets centuries before you. The A’YA Rooftop Lounge in Istanbul has history right on its doorstep, with the iconic Hagia Sofia adorning the view.
Here, you can indulge in pleasant cocktails and gentle spirits as the sun begins to set, glancing around you as panoramic views introduce you to some of Istanbul’s main highlights.
8. Alfresco 64 – A Chivas Bar, Bangkok
If whiskey is your traditional tipple of choice, then Alfresco 64 – A Chivas Bar in Bangkok might be a dream destination for you. This fascinating bar offers incredible panoramic views, perched on the 64th floor of the Tower Club.
As a luxurious whiskey bar towering high above Bangkok’s iconic skyline, this bar offers everything that you would expect an opulent bar too. Here, you can enjoy the ultimate drinking experience whilst soaking in aerial views that appear to have been pulled straight from the cover of a glamorous magazine.
9. White Rabbit – Moscow
If you get the opportunity to visit Moscow, then you will be in for a true delight. Here, there are plenty of experiences to be had, from viewing postcard-worthy buildings to learning about Russia’s turbulent past.
But, you are probably going to want to sit back and relax after a full day of exploring the city. The White Rabbit in Moscow will offer you the opportunity to do just that. This fascinating bar isn’t entirely open-air, but it is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that have been arranged in spectacular patterns. If you would prefer to drink and dine outdoors, then you will be happy to hear that there is a small outdoor terrace.
10. Rock Bar – Bali
Bali is known as a luxurious destination, where sweeping coastlines sit against landscapes that are renowned for their natural beauty. The Rock Bar in Bali is unique because it perfectly encapsulates that natural beauty. Instead of towering over a cityscape like most rooftop bars do, this charming rooftop bars towers over cliffs and a seemingly endless coastline.
Naturally, the ambience here is incredible, especially at sunset. As the sun begins to set, colours appear to dance across the horizon out at sea, and international DJs take their place in their cliff face booth.
11. 363 Champagne Lounge – Santorini
Santorini attracts travellers from all around the world with ease, each drawn to its distinct charm. Here, natural landscapes and bustling streets sit aside each other in harmony, creating a place where you can choose to go at your own pace.
The 363 Champagne Lounge at Grace Hotel has been carefully designed to capture the ambience that Santorini is renowned for, offering views of the very same landscape that attracts people so easily. If you are looking to relax with a cocktail, then look no further. At this bar, you will have the opportunity to indulge in Mediterranean-inspired cocktails whilst the sun dances across the waves of the Aegean Sea.
12. Baba Nest Rooftop Bar – Phuket
For a truly authentic and unique experience in Phuket, you should head to the Baba Nest Rooftop Bar. This bar is a true delight, blending together illustrious drinks, a romantic ambience and a charming infinity pool. Take a dip as you soak in views of the Andaman Sea.
Naturally, you are more than likely going to want a drink after you go for a dip. This is a bar, after all. Most of the cocktails here have been designed around unique regional flavours, whilst fine wine and champagne are always available.
13. Le 360 – Cannes
Cannes is famous around the world for its annual film festival and the glamour that lines its well-documented shoreline, where innovative bars sit perfectly alongside designer shops. When we begin to talk about iconic rooftop bars in Cannes, we know that we have to bring something truly special to the table.
Le 360 is one of our favourite places in Cannes, nestled on the very top of a Radisson Blu hotel. Here, you can relax as you spend your time looking over the Mediterranean coastline, allowing yourself to be swathed in a sophisticated atmosphere whilst lounge music fills your ears.
14. Ceresio 7 – Milan
There is something truly beautiful about rooftop bars that house feature pools. Ceresio 7 is one of those bars. It comes as absolutely no surprise to us that this bar was born when two Canadian stylists decided that they needed to create a unique place to hang out, as that summarises this bar perfectly.
If you enjoy the architecture that Milan has to offer, then you will be happy to hear that this bar sits atop the world-famous Enel Building. Here, two pools and two lounges offer plenty of relaxing opportunities, making this bar a perfect getaway after a long day of exploring the city.
15. Area 31 – Miami
Area 31 is primarily a restaurant, but its Brickell bar attracts both locals and tourists with its innovative cocktails. Here, you can soak in illustrious views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami River, as well as the surrounding cityscape.
We would highly recommend sitting down to enjoy some seasonal food, should you have the opportunity to. Perhaps take some time to learn about sustainability and the many ways in which Chef Alex infuses his dishes with products that have been sourced locally.
16. High Note Sky Bar – Budapest
Sweeping panoramic views, menus stuffed with delightful drinks and a city that has been richly steeped in history, the High Note Sky Bar in Budapest really does place you in the heart of the action. In fact, it places you right next to St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Can you imagine viewing one of the most iconic sites in Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre from a luxurious perch? That is what you have the opportunity to do here, where time appears to have halted in the surrounding area.
17. The Roof – Beirut
In Beirut, it can often be quite difficult to find a relaxed setting for night-time excursions. The city comes alive at night, and party-goers frequent all of their favourite spots. Luckily, The Roof in Beirut offers a relaxed atmosphere to anyone who wants to step away from the parties and the hustle and bustle of city life.
This subdued location is home to a number of world-renowned bartenders, each capable of crafting speciality cocktails as the sun begins to set around you. Make sure that you watch the way the light scatters across the surface of the Mediterranean Sea as it sets.
18. Floor17 – Amsterdam
When most people begin to think about charming rooftop bars, they probably don’t immediately think of Amsterdam. In fact, we’re certain that Amsterdam rarely crosses their minds.
That is quite a shame really, especially when you consider how beautiful Floor17 is. This iconic bar can be found sitting atop the Ramada Apollo Amsterdam Centre, and its natural beauty can be found throughout the year.
19. Skye Bar – São Paulo
São Paulo is a vibrant urban landscape, where people happily peruse art galleries, world-renowned restaurants and vibrant bars and restaurants. It makes perfect sense that a world-renowned rooftop bar can also be found gracing the skyline.
Skye Bar perfectly encapsulates Brazil, with regional dishes and traditional furnishings. There is also a unique underwater sound system that plays music from the nightly DJs who liven the atmosphere here.
Delightful Drinks and an Endless View
That is what the most amazing rooftop bars in the world should offer, an unbeatable atmosphere that links seamlessly to a view that is both iconic and memorable. As you indulge in a series of innovative cocktails and your favourite drinks at some of these bars, you should be able to relax and forget about the rest of the world, focusing solely on the beauty that you are being swathed in.