The World’s Best Rooftop Bars

Looking for the a great rooftop bar with a view? Having travelled around the world, check out my guide to the world’s best rooftop bars.

As a girl who really loves a cocktail, but also an incredible panoramic view, you could say I’m a big fan of the two combined in a rooftop bar. I’ve done an awful lot of travelling in the past year or so, and as a result have been lucky to tie in my passion for rooftop bars. They’re a great spot to relax, especially in a new city where you can enjoy panoramic views while becoming better acquainted with the layout of a city. In this article, I thought I’d share a roundup of the world’s best rooftop bars so you know where to head for amazing views, innovative cocktails, and vibrant atmospheres.

Ozone, Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

Ozone deserves an immediate mention as one of the world’s best rooftop bars thanks to its prize aslo as the world’s highest. Sitting pretty on the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong’s 118th floor, your ears will pop as you reach the top. Allow the elevator doors to open and staff to lead you to one of the most spectacular views your eyes will treat you to. Soak in the views from day to night, and if you’re lucky catch the daily Symphony of Lights show from an aerial perspective. Guests can sip from their Hong Kong themed cocktail menu. Try the signature HK Skyline, which comes complete with Dom Perignon foam, chocolate stones, and lavender smoke.

Broken Shaker, Los Angeles

Atop the Freehand Hotel in Downtown LA, Broken Shaker sits on the rooftop pool deck. Attracting a young and hip crowd, it’s a top choice from all LA’s rooftop bars. This is thanks to its exotic cocktail menu and the oasis it provides in the heart of the city. Guests will arrive to pops of colour from the pink sun beds to the rainbow fairy lights hanging above the pool. If this wasn’t enough for you, Broken Shaker is a James Beard award finalist, and winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar award. Just don’t forget to grab a California burrito from the food trucks outside after.

1 Altitude, Singapore

When you visit 1 Altitude in Singapore, you come for the view. It’s one of the world’s best rooftop bars, and also the highest in Singapore. You get a magnificent 360 degree panoramic vista of the city, and it really comes to life after dark. It’s also a classy bar, with elegant decor and a young crowd. Sip on one of their classic Narcissist cocktails – a tasty blend of vodka, peach, and rosemary infused raspberries. Ladies can luckily enjoy a free drink and complimentary entry on Wednesdays.

Coq d’Argent, London

Both a sophisticated French restaurant and a classy rooftop bar, Coq d’Argent has one of the most beautiful gardens and terraces you’ll find in London. Centrally situated in Square Mile, there’s a wide selection of cocktails, wine, and spirits to enjoy, as well as a cigar menu. The stand out feature of Coq d’Argent is the manicured green garden. The lawn itself offers broad vistas across the iconic London skyline. If you’re feeling chilly, fear not. There are heaters and wool blankets for the colder months, and a DJ every Friday evening to keep the party alive.

Hotel Raphael, Rome

Rome is often known as the Eternal City thanks to its ability to withstand the ages, making it one of the world’s best rooftop bars. The best way to see the city is to head to the Hotel Raphael where you’ll find the multi storey terrace. Each offers a unique 360 degree view of Rome, across its iconic spires and domes. See which landmarks you can spot while sipping a glass of local wine or prosecco. If you prefer, you can tuck into a tasty meal from the Mater Terrae restaurant. All dishes are prepared with locally sourced, organic ingredients.

Terrat, Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona

Looking for a rooftop bar to cool off in? If so, don’t miss Terrat on Barcelona’s upmarket Passeig de Gracia. Start off by taking a dip in the rooftop swimming pool, all while enjoying 360 degree panoramic views over Barcelona. Guests can choose from the extensive menu of drinks and cocktails. If all that sun has you working up an appetite, you’re in the right place. Dine on a truly delicious menu of Peruvian food, curated by world famous chef, Gastón Acurio. Don’t miss the impressive range of delicious ceviches on offer in this excellent rooftop bar.

Dandy’s Rooftop, Brisbane

For a colourful rooftop experience quite like no other, head to Dandy’s Rooftop in Brisbane. Atop the Fox Hotel in the south of Brisbane, Dandy’s rooftop terrace features sprawling views across the Brisbane skyline. The building itself is beautiful, with art deco features blended with the quirky vibes of Dandy’s Rooftop. The rainbow interior is modelled on an old school tennis club, with chilled and unpretentious vibes. Get stuck into a menu of tasty cocktails and comfort food, from pizzas to burgers. Dandy’s Rooftop also has weekly Soho Sundays, where there’s a DJ and a party atmosphere.

Sky, Maldives

Sky is one of the world’s best rooftop bars, but with a difference. Instead of being storeys high and staring out over a skyline, it’s a complete contrast. Sky is just two storeys high for starters – but that’s really as high as you’ll get when it comes to the Maldives. Your view will be the galaxy, and the activity here stargazing. The rooftop bar boasts the largest telescope and observatory in the Indian Ocean, making it perfect for laying back and staring at the sky. Arrive for sunset with some innovative cocktails – don’t miss the Watermelon Isle. It’s a delicious blend of Ciroc, coconut, peach, and fresh watermelon for a refreshing treat.

Mr Purple, New York City

Located atop the glamorous Hotel Indigo in New York‘s Lower East Side, Mr Purple is one of the world’s best rooftop bars. With smart decor, there are two terraces – one with a more chilled vibe, and the other with a party atmosphere. There’s also a rooftop pool for cooling off in the summer months. The views are pretty spectacular, with 360 degree vistas across Manhattan to enjoy while sipping drinks with friends. You can choose from a classic cocktail menu, craft cocktails, and an impressive selection of rotating taps and wine. Classic American dishes are available, as well as a decent brunch menu at weekends.

Sir Elly’s Terrace, Shanghai

You can only really expect luxury from the Peninsula Hotel, and in Shanghai they strike again with one of the world’s best rooftop bars. Whether you prefer Michelin-starred cuisine at the rooftop restaurant, or simply a trendy cocktail with a view, head to Sir Elly’s Terrace. The bar benefits from a positioning on the Huangpu River, offering a view t the Pudong skyline. It also boasts elegant decor and a live DJ playing chilled house. Relax and enjoy the view along with one of Sir Elly’s specialty champagne cocktails or an aged whiskey.

Le Rooftop, Paris

You can’t visit the City of Lights without going to Le Rooftop for a drink. One of the world’s best rooftop bars, it’s on top of the five star Peninsula Paris hotel. Both a rooftop bar and an indulgent restaurant, you’ll gain some of the best views over Paris. There’s a manicured garden on the roof and comfortable chairs for relaxing in above the Parisian rooftops. Sip and chat as you absorb the 360 degree panorama of the French capital, with the Eiffel Tower a prominent part of the scenery. Although pricey, it doesn’t get more romantic than Le Rooftop – especially at sunset. Make sure to hang around for the Eiffel Tower illuminations.

Charmaine’s, San Francisco

Located above the Proper Hotel in the Civic Centre area of San Francisco, Charmaine’s is a charming rooftop bar. The deco is beautiful, with black and white striped armchairs dotted around outdoor fire pits. The cocktails are even more beautiful, in candy shades and decorated with fresh flowers. There’s a relaxed yet preppy vibe, with San Francisco’s young and beautiful coming to drink here. The view is 120 feet over the city’s Market Street, the perfect setting for a classy drink after work.

And that’s my list of the world’s best rooftop bars! Which one will you be hitting up next?

Looking for more of a party? Don’t miss my guide to the best party cities in the world.

Have you visited any of my list of the world’s best rooftop bars? If so, which is your favourite? Let me know any of your recommendations below!