If I had a travel superpower it would be sniffing out fabulous Rooftop Bars to enjoy a drink (or two) with a view. There’s something special about rooftop bars. Whether it’s sipping on champagne while overlooking an exotic city or drinking your favourite cocktail soaking up the sunshine at a height, nothing compares to having a drink just a little bit closer to the clouds. So pack your bags and take the lift to the top floor, because here are some of my favourite rooftop hangouts around the world, which I will add to as I discover more.
Athens
The Galaxy Bar at the Hilton Athens
The Galaxy Bar at the Hilton Athens is a fabulous place to enjoy the cool breeze and look at the glistening Acropolis in the distance amongst the sparkling gems of the city lights. The food here is also fantastic so you could make an evening of it or simply just come here for drinks. They have an inside seating area available too and they make a pretty mean Mojito 😉
Hong Kong
The OZONE Bar at The Ritz Carlton
This is officially the second highest bar in the world, on the 118th floor of the ICC, and an amazing spot for cocktails and stunning views. We decided to go to Sky100 when it wasn’t yet dark and then pop to OZONE Bar when night was falling just so we could get the contrast and experience both.
For more information visit their website here.
Café Gray Bar at The Upper House Hotel
This bar came highly recommended to me prior to my trip and it certainly lived up to the hype. I loved the luxe feel and the gorgeous views, and the cocktails were absolutely delicious too. Considering we waltzed in without any booking, the staff were so welcoming.
We opted to sit in one of the nooks with the views right behind us and it was just fabulous. At no point did we feel rushed and the staff were absolutely fantastic.
For more information visit their website here.
Bangkok
The Vertigo & Moon Bar at Banyan Tree
Bangkok by night is a glittering rainbow of lights and there is no better place to take it all in than one of the many rooftop bars dotted across the city. I loved the The Vertigo & Moon Bar at Banyan Tree as it offers spectacular views of the city.
The Sky Bar at Sirocco
The Sky Bar was featured in the movie Hangover II and the views are immense! It is slightly on the pricier side but is definitely worth it.
Rome
La Grande Bellezza
For drinks with a seriously amazing view, reserve a table at hotspot at the top of Eitch Borromini hotel called ‘La Grande Bellezza,’ after Paolo Sorrentino’s Oscar-award winning film of the same name.
It can be found on Via Santa Maria dell’Anima, 30 (Navona). It is pricey but totally worth it for the views, especially for sunset! Just have a drink (or two) and then head close by for dinner.
London
Aqua Nueva, Soho
Just steps away from Oxford Circus tube station, aqua nueva offers a glorious rooftop terrace which is a great place to retreat for a drink after shopping or to spend a lovely evening.
5th Floor, 240 Regent Street (entrance 30 Argyll Street) W1B 3BR; aquanueva.co.uk / aquakyoto.co.uk
Rooftop, Trafalgar St James
One of my favourite spots for its incredible views of London’s landmarks and such a great place to spend time in the sun on a fine day.
Address: 7th Floor, 2 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2TS
Madison Rooftop Terrace
Another fabulous rooftop terrace bar to enjoy a tipple or bubbles with fantastic views of St Paul’s Cathedral. It is best on weekdays as its not as busy as the weekend, and I find afternoons are a particularly good time to visit.
Address: Rooftop Terrace One, New Change, London EC4M 9AF
Aqua Shard
This list would not be complete without a mention of The Shard, and my favourite place to enjoy a tipple whilst being mesmerised by London’s dazzling sky line, Aqua Shard. They have a sensational cocktail list as well as make any of the classics superbly!
New York
The Moxy Chelsea
So good that we went twice in one week! If you are in NYC I highly recommend going to the glass-enclosed rooftop lounge at The Moxy, Chelsea. The drinks are good and the music is amazing – we were there till 4am!
Mumbai
Aer at Four Seasons Mumbai
For somewhere spectacular with amazing views for drinks we loved Aer at the Four Seasons Mumbai. It is Mumbai’s highest rooftop bar and has a fantastic range of innovative cocktails and a fab wine selection. By luck we turned up at Happy Hour and were pleased to find that the Champagne was included in the Happy Hour offering!
Address: 114, Dr E Moses Rd, Gandhi Nagar, Upper Worli, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400018, India
Do you have a favourite Rooftop Bar in a destination? Let me know in the comments xx
Bejal says
This is the best super power ever and I have a partial one for rooftops in pretty cities! The sun is out and I want to head one of these !
Angie Silver says
Well I definitely know who to come to when in need of a bar!
Sarah says
I love the specificity of this superpower!! I think most of us have that one little thing we always like hunting down when we travel… for me it is usually gluten free baked goods, haha! I think of all these places you list, I’m most likely to be in London next. So I will definitely check back when I’m there for some rooftop bar recommendations – I’ve wanted to go to the Aqua Shard for years (literally years!) now. Maybe next time I’ll make it happen!
Laura says
I love a rooftop bar! What doesn’t love a good drink and an amazing view!