Why look at a boring street or parking lot while you savor your favorite drinks? These rooftop bars provide stunning views of their surrounding neighborhoods, inviting you to take pictures, watch the sunset or enjoy a romantic moment. Some bars are accessible to almost everyone, while others have a more exclusive clientele.If you’re in Europe, you could enjoy breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower or River Thames. For American travelers, hit up New York, Los Angeles or San Diego to check out the rooftop bars that everyone’s talking about. You’ll also find locations tucked away in Barcelona, Madrid, Mumbai and other popular destinations.
Witness the City That Never Sleeps
New York’s Public Hotel is home to The Roof, which offers an impressive 360-degree view of the city. Food, cocktails and live music entertain guests during the day, while live DJs turn The Roof into New York’s hottest club at night. When summer arrives, The Roof’s Sun Club is your destination for a relaxing brunch.
A Journey Into the Clouds
When you stay at the Lebua at State Tower in Bangkok, make time to visit Sky. This famous bar and restaurant towers 820 feet over the city, giving you an incredible view as you sip on one of Sky’s signature cocktails. Sky has earned various awards, including the 2020 World Travel Award for Asia’s Leading Hotel Rooftop Restaurant & Bar.
The Picture of Wealth and Luxury
At the top of The Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong lies OZONE, which is the world’s tallest rooftop bar. The interior features distinct blue lighting that makes you feel like you’ve entered another universe. When you glance out the windows after grabbing your drink, you’ll see thousands of brilliant city lights sprawling beneath you.
The Perfect Backdrop for Your London Getaway
Radio Rooftop Bar takes you far above London, giving you a breathtaking view of popular landmarks. The atmosphere is equally elevated, so make sure you check the dress code before you book a reservation. Once you’re inside, you’ll dine on luxurious food and try some of the bar’s experimental cocktails.
Relax in India's Luxury Hotel
Once you’ve visited Mumbai’s tourist destinations, see the city from a new perspective with AER at Four Seasons. AER is an adults-only bar and restaurant with a semi-formal dress code. Browse the wine and cocktail list, then watch colors change in the sky as the sun gradually sets over Mumbai.
Next Stop: Spain's Incredible Architecture
Can you truly appreciate Spain’s historical buildings until you’ve seen the skyline? The Principal Madrid Hotel gives you this opportunity with Ático Restaurant & Terrace, which includes a bar and a view of Madrid from the sixth floor. The food and cocktails whisk you to a world of pure Spanish bliss as you study the famous landmarks.
Soak Up the Sun in California
Enjoy a delightful view of Hollywood when you visit Dante Beverly Hills. This rooftop bar specializes in cocktails, seafood and Mediterranean dishes that exemplify the hotel’s extravagance. If you’re a guest, you can bathe in the rooftop pool before heading back to the bar for drinks and a light brunch.
The Heart of New York's Nightlife
New York City comes alive at Bar SixtyFive, which showcases the skyline with tall windows and an open terrace. However, you’ll need to book or attend a private event to get in, making this one of the city’s most exclusive locations. Staff members serve cocktails while you relax, mingle and enjoy the view.
One of Amsterdam's Best-Kept Secrets
When you check into the Ruby Emma Hotel Amsterdam, don’t miss your chance to check out VENTUNO SKY LOUNGE: an exquisite bar and restaurant with panoramic views of the city. Try their exclusive cocktails, or visit the wine room to taste some of the world’s most cherished wines and whiskeys.
An Exclusive View of China
For a world-class view of Shanghai, climb to the top of Grand Hyatt Shanghai’s Jin Mao tower to visit Cloud 9. You’ll get an astonishing panoramic view of the city plus the chance to indulge in delicious wines, cocktails and snacks. Live performers set the mood with background music while you take in the view.
The Secret Garden Inside Paris
Disappear into the wilderness with Perruche: a rooftop restaurant and bar that frames your view of the Paris skyline with hanging gardens and delicate architecture. Instead of a hotel, this Perruche location resides at a luxury department store. Shop the latest fashions at Printemps Haussmann, then unwind upstairs with a cocktail and a cool breeze.
Relax by the San Diego Bay
If you’re a sports lover, ALTITUDE Sky Lounge gives you an elevated view of San Diego’s Petco Park. You can also grab a drink, listen to music from the live DJ or enjoy bottle service while you watch the bustling city below. Check out Cloudvue Terrace for an incredible view through the tall glass windows.
New York's Biggest Rooftop Celebration
230 Fifth Rooftop in New York City greets you with a comfortable indoor lounge that offers specialty cocktails, light appetizers, filling meals and sweet desserts. You can gaze at the skyline through the windows or step onto the patio, which features chairs, tables and an outdoor bar with more exclusive drinks.
Tower Above the Los Angeles Skyline
As one of the tallest rooftop bars in the world, Spire 73 shows you a completely new way to enjoy Los Angeles. This lounge resides in the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown and delights guests with fire pits, signature drinks and a view that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about this star-studded city.
A Secret View for Barcelona's Guests
W Barcelona is where you’ll find NOXE, a bar on the 26th floor that offers a panoramic view of the beach. You’ll also enjoy cocktails, an open kitchen and live music that keeps you entertained all night long. Grab a drink and watch the colors change as the sun appears to sink beneath the waves.