Any amazing rooftop bars in this city? Asking for a friend. When traveling, the rules are different. A cocktail is almost always a good idea, and scientifically speaking, they’re always more refreshing. If you’re looking to further heighten your gustatory delight, why not indulge in a cocktail (or a few), literally perched high above an incredible city, or a dramatic beach. Since only the best will do, these are a few of the very best rooftop bars you’ll find anywhere in the world…

a rooftop bar with red umbrellas

Cé La Vi Restaurant and Skybar – Singapore

Sitting atop the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, it’s hard not to love the 360 degree skyline views, whilst sipping on a refreshing cocktail, where surely they make a decent Singapore sling. Boasting 40,000 square feet, which happens to casually include a rooftop infinity pool (for hotel guests), and a restaurant serving some unforgettable modern Asian cuisine you’ll find the Skybar. Make sure to keep sipping the cocktails flowing into the evening so you can enjoy the Gardens by the Bay light show.

a rooftop bar with a city skyline in the background

Felix – Hong Kong

An amazingly cool- designed restaurant by the famous Philippe Starck sits at the top of The Peninsula in Kowloon, offering wonderful views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. Serving up modern European cuisine, Felix is primarily a restaurant, but within the space you can also find equally bold and unique spaces to grab a drink which include the Wine Bar, the Balcony, the American Bar and the Crazy Box. Wherever you go, you certainly won’t be disappointed.

a city skyline with a river and a city at night

Flair – Shanghai

Let’s be honest, most people are stopping here to check out the view. You’re getting the highest outdoor bar in Shanghai and on a clear night, can fully enjoy that spectacular skyline with the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower right before your eyes. The drinks may be a little pricey, but I think we all know we’re paying extra for. That incredible view whilst enjoying every little sip is worth it. Flair can be found on the 58th floor of the Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong.

a view of a city from a balcony

Aer – Mumbai

Who doesn’t love a happy hour? Escape the bustling streets down below and instead look them over from the 34th floor of Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, with beautiful sunset views. The open air lounge, covering the entire roof is open all year long, even including monsoon season, and offers a generous happy hour from 5.30pm-8pm.

a view of a city from a window

The Top Of The Standard – New York

With all rooms at The Standard offering floor to ceiling window views, it’s safe to assume the oversized bar windows atop the hotel are pretty good too. New York has plenty of roof top bars to choose from, but you’ll definitely get what you’re looking for at either The Top Of The Standard or Le Bain, both part of the fashionable Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District. Offering stunning skyline views, The Top Of The Standard is a beautifully stylish lounge space offering an extensive cocktail menu, live jazz music and that quintessentially cool New York feeling. Le Bain is more for the late night crowd, with live DJs, rooftop bar and a crêperie.. because who doesn’t want a drunken late night snack.

a deck with chairs and tables overlooking the ocean

Baba Nest – Phuket

The picture says it all with this one. 360 degree rooftop bar floating on a 360 degree infinity pool with glorious sunset views.. sold! Sit on large pillows, sip on refreshing cocktails and take in the idyllic atmosphere and breathtaking surroundings. Just make sure to reserve in advance, because this spot fills up quickly. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

a restaurant overlooking the ocean

Rock Bar – Bali

Looking for those perfect sunset views? Understandably, this is a popular spot. Rock Bar is located at Ayana Resort and Spa and sits 14 meters above the Indian Ocean on a secluded cliff with a DJ booth carved directly into the rock face. Into the rock face! There are additional viewing points either side of the main rock, one of which is accessed via a natural cave. Get there early to enjoy the best spots for sunset and stay late into the evening for the after dark ambience and DJ sets. Cocktails are made using local fruits, herbs and spices…as if you would expect anything less.

a rooftop patio with tables and chairs and trees and a city skyline

Treehouse – Dubai

Not quite a rooftop, but third floor restaurant and lounge, Treehouse is part of the Taj Dubai and offers fantastic views of the Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest tower. Feeling like a living room outdoors, with sofas, comfy chairs, ornate trees and an open air fireplace, where better to enjoy some of their amazing cocktails like the Kiss From A Rose (Rose petal-infused gin, fresh bamboo shoots, Treehouse avocado and pear liqueur, celery bitters, lime juice and agave). Yum!

a patio with tables and chairs and plants on it

The Culpeper – London

A perfect place to enjoy a botanical cocktail on a summer evening. The rooftop greenhouse and garden is exactly how you would imagine them, growing plants, herbs and vegetables for The Culpeper, while fitting in a bar, dining tables and a large wood-fired grill. The beautiful restored building has four floors, also offering a pub, restaurant and five guest rooms. An Ideal setting for that quintessential British feeling with great food, drinks and ambiance.

a pool with a city in the background

Skye Bar – São Paulo

In search of a unique drink? Set on the rooftop of Hotel Unique, Skye Bar offers beautiful 360 views over Ibirapuera Park and the captivating São Paulo skyline. The pool has an underwater sound system (to ensure you don’t miss your favourite chorus whilst swimming underwater) and is a favorite spot for locals and travelers alike to relax- day or night. The good food and cocktails go hand in hand with the atmosphere, just sit back and enjoy.

Which Bar Are You Headed To First?!

Gilbert Ott

Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly...

Join the Conversation

5 Comments

  1. Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar at the Marriott Sukhumvit in Bangkok was pretty amazing. Three different levels all with outdoor seating and connected by exterior stairs.

  2. The photo you are using for Felix Hong Kong is 100% wrong. The photo you used is from a roof top bar on the opposite side of the harbor. Whoever wrote this article has clearly never been there. It hurts your credibility when you make mistakes like this.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *