The World’s Best Rooftops Bars - 6 minutes read
Nothing beats a summer sunset, with the orange-gold sky reaching far and wide behind the metropolitan skyline and the evening light putting a warm warmth on your surrounds. All of your concerns seem to vanish when you see the wonderful scene in front of you. So, how can you make the most of the summer sky? You enjoy it at a rooftop bar with a side of cocktails, snacks, and spritzer. Whether you enjoy your aperitifs at altitude or in a more grounded garden refuge, the allure of a rooftop bar and the views it provides is difficult to surpass.
These experiences have a glamorous look to them and offer the ideal blend of a peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views of the city. Today, bargoers and travelers alike may choose from a variety of rooftop destinations across the world. From breathtaking skyline bars to stylish eateries with stunning views (and the culinary delicacies to match), make the most of the summer with this guide to the world’s best rooftops bars.
L’Ouiseau Blanc At The Peninsula Paris, France
Image: The Peninsula Paris
Parisians, for example, are enthralled by L’Ouiseau Blanc. The vintage, aviation-themed rooftop bar sits atop The Peninsula Paris. The lounge is ideal for those searching for a drink with a touch of elegance and glamour, featuring live music on Sundays and house music on Saturdays. The interiors (which include an actual plane) and cocktails (appropriately named the Aviation and the Take Off) pay homage to French pilots Charles Nungesser and François Coli, who attempted the first transatlantic flight between Paris and New York, making it a popular destination for both tourists and aviation enthusiasts.
Ozone At The Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong
Image: Ritz Hong Kong
On the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong in Hong Kong, one of the world’s tallest rooftop bars is located. With floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking the metropolitan skyline, Ozone offers unrivaled views of Hong Kong Island. Masamichi Katayama’s marble bar, slouchy lounge, and eccentric design set it apart from other Hong Kong pubs. Their innovative original drinks, such as the Wan Chai cooler, complement the modern atmosphere (with vodka-infused liquorice, mint tea, lemon and hibiscus syrup). Expect to have a drink with the city’s brightest, who know to reserve a seat at the window in advance, dress up, and dance until the lights go out at 2:00 a.m.
Sugar At East, Miami
Image: Sugar
If you want to drink in a botanical sanctuary, visit to Sugar in Miami. Sugar, inspired by its Chinese and Hong Kong heritage, delivers an Asian-influenced restaurant and bar experience to Miami’s Brickell sector. It is nestled in a lovely garden setting and serves as an unusual refuge high above metropolitan downtown Miami. It is the place to meet and be seen, with DJ sets thumping house and a gorgeous background of the Miami sunset.
AER At Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai
Image: Four Seasons
The AER provides an unparalleled view of Mumbai’s skyline. The tallest rooftop bar in Mumbai, located 34 stories above the hectic streets of India’s most populated metropolis, offers a stunning view of the Arabian Sea. The Mumbai Kiss, a super-sweet blend of Bacardi Superior, pineapple juice, maraschino cherries, and cardamom, is their signature cocktail. The sun sets over Haji Ali Bay at Mumbai’s hottest rooftop bar, with streamlined white chairs and low-key shrubbery creating a pleasant, modern feel perfect for any occasion, from calm work lunches, buddy reunions, or romantic romances.
Gingko Sky Bar At Plaza de España, Madrid
Image: Plaza de España
Moving east, you’ll come across Madrid’s newest urban gourmet hotspot, the Gingko Sky Bar. The versatile and multi-character rooftop terrace with outstanding views of Madrid (including the Royal Palace and Debod Temple) and an equally spectacular food and drink selection is located in an unequaled location on the Plaza de Espaa. With its octopus carpaccio and Jamón Iberico served with pan con tomate, the Gingko Sky Bar celebrates the best of Spanish cuisine. Pair it with their house special — the “Daiquiri of the Rising Sun,” which features Bacardi rum, yuzu juice, ginger jelly, and egg white — and you can enjoy the Spanish sunset with ease.
The Ready Rooftop At Moxy East Village, New York
Image: The Moxy East Village
Head to The Ready Rooftop to mingle with Miami’s fashionable and handsome crowd. The bar is located on the top floor of the Moxy East Village in New York and is the ideal area to mix and meet current and stylish people. The retractable glass walls and roof provide all-season panoramic views of the Lower Manhattan cityscape, and the eclectically designed bar seems like a desired New York garden, complete with string lights, a vine-strewn mural, and a bar constructed of plastic milk crates. The Ready Rooftop offers six cans from local brewers as well as frozen and fresh drinks to accompany you this summer, drawing both local beer connoisseurs and IPA fans.
Baba Nest At Sri Panwa Resort, Phuket
Image: Sri Panwa Resort
When visiting Phuket‘s resort-paradise, one must stop at the Baba Nest, a bar located within the Sri Panwa Resort. It is located 60 meters above sea level and offers an incredible 360° view of the Andaman Sea and nearby islands. When the sun goes down, the panoramic views, trendy design, and fresh drinks make it the ideal chill-out area to unwind into the evening. It’s a wonderful location for lovers.
Folly Rooftop, Dubai
Image: Folly
Our global rooftop bar journey comes to a conclusion in Dubai, where the Folly Rooftop is located. It was created by British celebrity chefs Nick Alvis and Scott Price and is ideal for those who wish to sample both gourmet cuisine and innovative cocktails. The rooftop has a prominent location in Souk Madinat Jumeirah and offers stunning views of the city’s canals and the Burj Al Arab. Aside from the traditional drinks, the unique tasting menu specifically designed by the two famous chefs is the bar’s highlight feature.
Their hallmark meal, inspired by the multiculturalism of Old Dubai, comprises Crispy Hen’s Egg with Pancetta and maple syrup, sweet potato, chestnut and oregano, and delectable meaty Eryngii mushroom with cashew nut curry leaves. Daytime visitors to Folly may anticipate afternoon tea and pastries, while night owls can expect a lively DJ and the occasional saxophone.
Pack your luggage and prepare to fly to these legendary rooftop bars if you want to chase the sunset with a drink in one hand and a view in the other.