The Best Rooftop Bars On Earth

Enjoying a drink high above the Earth’s more lowly places is exactly why Rooftop Bars were created! With decadent outdoor settings and incredible city views, these rooftop destinations around the world are indeed at their “peak.”

1. Aer Lounge – Mumbai

The Aer is an incredible mark of opulence in Mumbai and stands out as one of the most luxurious rooftop bars in the world. Taking up the entire roof of the Four Seasons Hotel in Worli, the Aer is the city’s highest open-air lounge and also serves as a restaurant and nightclub. Head here during sunset for glorious views or head to the open-air Pool Deck for an equally amazing daytime experience.

2. Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar – San Miguel

Views of night-time San Miguel are wonderfully enticing and there’s no better place to grab a bird’s eye view of this Mexican city than at Luna. Climb to the top of the Rosewood Hotel and you’ll also be able to indulge in exquisite Mexican and Spanish tapas, not to mention a delicious cocktail – or three!

3. Ozone – Hong Kong

If you’re lucky enough to waltz into the Ritz-Carlton in Kowloon, make sure you go as high as possible. Ozone rests on the 118th floor of the hotel and is one of the highest rooftop bars in the world. Cocktails and Asian tapas are the way to go here and the views of Victoria Harbour – especially at night – are spectacular.

4. Radio – London

This ultra-popular bar, on the 10th floor of the ME London Hotel, is the ideal place to be if you crave views over this bustling British city. Sights of the Thames, Southbank and Big Ben surround this bar, and with great food and an upbeat vibe, you can’t go wrong here, day or night.

5. Mikla Restaurant – Istanbul

In the heart of old Pera, Istanbul, the Marmara Pera Hotel gives rise to the incredible Mikla restaurant and rooftop bar. Known for its breathtaking setting and its Turkish fusion food, the bar provides an amazing lookout over the city and the surrounding Istanbul coastline.

6. Glenmore – Sydney

There are plenty of cool rooftop bars to choose from in Sydney, but the bar and bistro at the Glenmore Hotel – while not super high – stands out because of its gorgeous views of the Opera House and Circular Quay. Funky pub meals and treats make up the menu here and it's the perfect spot to be on a summer's day and especially on New Year's Eve.

7. Sky Bar – Bangkok

Hovering above the hectic streets of Bangkok, the Lebua Hotel’s Sky Bar is in a nightlife class all of its own. Other than providing remarkable bird’s eye scenes across the Thai capital and the Chao Phraya River, the venue is recognised for its futuristic, colour-changing, illuminated bar and its uniquely impressive cocktails. It also claims to be one of the highest open-air bars in the world.

8. Top of the Strand – New York

It rarely gets more American or more New York-ish than this! The Top of the Strand was designed by none other than Lydia Marks, the production designer behind Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada. Sipping a cocktail on the 21st floor rooftop of the Strand is a must for any midtown Manhattan visitor, especially if you want a superb view of the Empire State Building.

9. Bar Galaxy – Athens

Gazing at the ruins of Athens – including the Parthenon and the Acropolis – from high up in the Hilton Hotel is a hard sight to beat, which is why the Galaxy Bar and Restaurant in Athens is so popular. As with all things Hilton, chic style and lavish settings are a trademark of this bar, with an open-air terrace and an indoor bar making up the space.