Stretching from the colder part of the Atlantic in the north, to the much more pleasant Mediterranean in the south, Europe is a diverse continent. It is also home to a range of the world's largest and most historic cities, offering many superb rooftop bars.
There aren’t that many high-rise buildings and skyscrapers in Europe (compared to Asia and America), but still you can find some of the best rooftops in the world here. Much thanks to the great food.
Another thing that’s fantastic about the best rooftop bars in Europe is that they are often open for lunch. Something that is more rare in other parts of the world. The lunch-hangout is often the best rooftop experience: more relaxed, and the view is usually better in daylight.
While Europe holds much more than 10 fantastic rooftop bars, this is our hot-list of the 10 best rooftop bars in Europe you should visit during your next city break in Europe in 2024.
Perched on top of the fabulous Kimpton St Honoré, right in the heart of Paris, Sequoia Rooftop Bar offers an elegant venue to enjoy the French capital from above.
Filled with greenery, the rooftop terrace is truly an elevated garden escape, dotted with stylish lounge sofas and dining tables.
Impressive in decor, the rooftop offers even more impressive views, with iconic 360° panoramics over central Paris and its famous monuments.
Open during the warmer season, Sequoia Rooftop Bar serves a fine selection of wine and champagne, as well as crafted signature cocktails and a small array of finger food.
Perfect for sunny sessions with a refreshing drink, or to wine, dine and enjoy the sunset in an intimate and glamorous atmosphere.
SEQUIA ROOFTOP BAR
In the hip and popular Karaköy area you find The Bank Hotel, an historic old bank building turned into a modern hotel, featuring a beautiful rooftop bar to enjoy Istanbul from above.
Called The Bank Roof Bar, the 7th floor rooftop is an open air and beautiful space, dressed with comfy loungers, lush plants and a cool bar, and surrounded with magnificent views over the Old City.
While taking in the vistas over Golden Horn, Bosphorus, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and the Blue Mosque. you can sip signature and classic cocktails, a wide variety of whiskies, and local & international wines, and nibble on a unique selection of finger food.
Filled with a pleasant upscale-casual atmosphere, The Bank Roof Bar is open daily to all for an imperishable experience elevated above Istanbul.
THE BANK ROOF BAR
Perched on the 6th floor of Hotel Mediterraneo Sorrento, Vista Sky Bar is a treat to the eye both because of its architecture and unique style, but also because of its vistas.
Located right by the ocean, up here you geta an amazing 360º panorama of the Gulf of Naples. Never more majestic than during the golden sunset.
To go with the views, Vista Sky Bar serves a wide selection of Moët & Chandon champagnes, fantastic signature cocktails and Italian wines, complemented with the chef's innovative bites and mains.
Surrounded by an exclusive and chic atmosphere, the rooftop is also a bit exclusive in opening hours, usually welcoming guests every other night from April to September. So reservations are highly recommended, both for the experience, and to secure a spot.
Expect an evening filled with a fun yet sophisticated vibe, cool DJ tunes, beautiful people and a view that will last in memory for a long time.
VISTA SKY BAR
Located by Old Harbor port in the heart of downtown Reykjavik, The Reykjavik EDITION brings a 5-star modern luxury experience to the capital of Iceland.
Featuring a variety of distinctive food, beverage and entertainment outlets, the true gem is found on the 7th floor, where THE ROOF invites to panoramic and dramatic views over the surrounding mountains and ocean.
Putting the vistas in the center of the design, the rooftop comes with a slick all-black interior lounge with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, opening up to a large wrap-around seasonal outdoor terrace.
From the rooftop bar you can enjoy a nice selection of crafted signature cocktails and local beers, as well as premium spirits, wine and a tasty selection of small plates.
Taking the Reykjavik bar scene to new heights, THE ROOF comes with a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect to enjoy the endless bright summer evenings, as well as the magical northern lights in the colder months.
THE ROOF
Located at the Altis Avenida Hotel and overlooking Lisbon's famous Rossio Square, Rossio Gastrobar is a wonderful place for enjoying top-notch drinks and delicious food.
Known for its seasonal menu, the drinks and food offered in this gastro bar are always changing and are made with local and fresh ingredients, resulting in an unforgettable culinary experience.
With an Art Deco decor that still manages to be comfortable, you'll be able to kick back and relax while enjoying the views of Santa Justa, the Tagus River, and the Rua Agustina Arch.
The bar offers a comprehensive drink menu that covers all the basics, but for the adventurous, there's also a signature cocktail menu that brings together familiar tastes with a dash of the new.
Created by the Michelin star Chef, João Rodrigues, the food is some of the best you'll be able to find in Lisbon, which means you can't leave without having a bite or two.
ROSSIO GASTROBAR
Offering a new point of view, the beautiful and charming Roof 229 is found on top of the Hotel Jolly Roger, set right by the sea in Pietra Ligure.
This refined and New York-style rooftop bar is in full swing during the warmer months, inviting to panoramic views over Pietra Ligure and the Ligurian Sea.
From aperitifs to dinners, the Roof 229 menu includes classic and signature cocktails, a nice selection of wine and bubbles, and dishes ranging from grilled fish specialties to burgers.
Made to be an elevated meeting place, the rooftop comes filled with a unique and relaxing atmosphere.
ROOF 229
A subtropical oasis, found in the very heart of Rome, Hey Güey rooftop bar is set on top of the glamorous and gritty hotel Chapter Roma.
Surrounded with cactus flowers, figs of 'India' and packed with Mexican vibes, here you can get closer to the Pacific Ocean and the beaches of Acapulco, all while enjoying panoramic views over the old town Roman roofs and domes.
Bright and airy, with an informal yet trendy atmosphere, the rooftop menu offer both gourmet taqueria dishes, like signature tacos, empanadas and quesadillas, as well as fresh signature summer cocktails and frozen margaritas.
HEY GUEY
When spring hits Budapest, the amazing and luxurious boutique Mystery Hotel Budapest offers a lush and chic venue to really enjoy the city from above.
Aptly named The Sky Garden Rooftop Terrace, this green and charming oasis comes with a great mix of modern lounge furniture and bistro style tables.
Surrounded with a magnificent view over Budapest, here you can admire the Castle of Buda, the Fishermen’s Bastion and Gellért Hill, as well as the Eiffel-designed Nyugati Railway Station, which is just a short walk away.
Filled with a sophisticated and relaxing lounge atmosphere, The Sky Garden rooftop is a prime spot to indulge in crafted signature cocktails by bohemian bartenders, as well as tasty bar food, all with a side of great vistas.
THE SKY GARDEN
Perched high on top of the fantastic Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere, located right by the Schweizer Garten, Aurora offers amazing panoramic views in a chic and stylish setting.
The word Aurora comes from the magical Northern Lights, and the rooftop takes inspiration from the Nordics, both in design and menu.
Minimalistic yet beautiful, the rooftop menu is filled with creative and crafted signature cocktails with a Scandinavian touch, as well as tasty bar bites and a fine selection of spirits, beer, wine and champagne.
New for 2021 is the beautiful Veuve Clicquot Chandelier outdoor bar, which, complemented with lounge tunes and the views, makes Aurora Rooftop Bar very well worth a visit.
AURORA ROOFTOP BAR
Situated on top of the amazing hotel La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich, La Muña rooftop restaurant and bar is just about as beautiful as the classic hotel.
Set right by the water, the rooftop terrace offers an amazing 360° view over Lake Zurich, as well as the historic city center and the alps.
While the outdoor terrace is the best spot for views, the chic indoor part of La Muña is also well worth a look, equipped with antique-looking furniture and historical wooden floors.
Inside, or under the huge parasols outside, you can enjoy a fantastic selection of food and beverages, packed with Peruvian and Japanese influences. From Cheviche and Sushi to a bar menu including both sake and signature summer drinks.
With a chill-out vibe and great service, setting and views, La Muña brings the extra beautiful to the beautiful city of Zürich.
LA MUÑA
Hans has visited over 500 rooftop bars, 200 rooftop pools and 300 rooftop restaurants since 2015. This vast experience has made Hans a true rooftop expert, and one of the most knowledgeable in the field. Today, numerous of travel magazines, bloggers and media websites contact Hans to get his expertise on rooftops.
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