Rooftop bars are one of the most unique types of venue in the world, owing to their fundamental principle of being located high at the top of a building. This makes for a unique ambiance that cannot be reproduced in traditional bars, elevating the entire experience and making it more than just visiting a bar. If you haven’t seen one yet, but have been considering doing so, here are some of the best and most spectacular in the world. One of them might be on the itinerary of your next trip.
When you’re looking to travel to Hong Kong, make sure to secure a spot for your vehicle with Parkos beforehand. The city typically welcomes nearly 60 million visitors yearly, meaning you’ll have to be fast to secure a parking place.
Hong Kong is recognized internationally for its towering skyscrapers, so it only makes sense that it would also be home to some lofty entertainment venues. It is also home to the tallest rooftop bar at the top of the International Commerce Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui. The bar offers an unobstructed view of the city’s famous skyline, arguably the best place from where you can have a panoramic view of the metropolis.
The highest bar in the world offers a unique atmosphere due to the avant-garde, geometric furnishings, as well as the lighting. The drinks are also impressive, as you can choose between a wide array of fine wines and cocktails. In Lan Kwai Fong, you can find the Faye at the top of the California Tower. This bar offers a perfect view of the central business district of Hong Kong. The Faye is ideal if you enjoy partying until well after midnight.
Popinjays also offers a restaurant menu if you want to enjoy a sophisticated brunch with your drink. The Skye atop the Park Lane Hotel has a layout reminiscent of futuristic designs. Its diversified menu provides a casual dining experience that includes many Hong Kong signature dishes, such as a wide selection of seafood. There’s also a selection of wines inspired by zodiac signs.
Like Hong Kong, New York is known for its impressive skyline and tall buildings, making it the ideal place to visit some genuinely exceptional rooftop bars. Look for parking at Newark Airport before you head out to ensure your car will be safe throughout the duration of your trip. After you’ve set the practicalities of the journey in motion, it’s time to consider which bars you want to visit.
The Panorama Room had its grand opening in 2021. It is located on the 18th floor of the Roosevelt Island Graduate Hotel. It is a stylish, spacious place filled with art pieces. There are many martini-inspired drinks you can try, including draft espresso and lychee martinis, so if you’re ready to experience drinks that are a little bit different from the ones you’re typically used to, the aptly-named Panorama Room is the best place to get started.
There are also options available if you don’t drink alcohol, such as the Nubeluz on the 50th floor of the Ritz-Carlton Nomad. Owned by Spanish-American restaurateur José Andrés, credited with bringing the tapas dining concept to the United States, you’ll be able to enjoy several mocktails here, such as The Firefly, containing Thai basil, saffron, and chili tincture. You can also get an ample plate of grilled cheese, oysters and caviar while enjoying the 270-degree view from no fewer than 500 feet off the ground.
The Rockaway Hotel, situated right next to the ocean, offers a high-quality selection of margaritas and mezcalomas, traditionally made with fresh citrus and bitters. The menu also features food options, including charcuterie boards, ceviche, and a wide variety of cooked and raw shellfish.
The Japanese capital is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, offering a culinary experience unlike any other on the globe. The metropolis is home to no fewer than 438 Michelin-star restaurants, while Japanese cuisine earned the designation of a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Site in 2013. So, it’s no surprise that the rooftop bars in Tokyo will also make any visitor feel like they’ve had the privilege to experience something special.
Cé La Vi is one of the most popular, being an outpost of the one atop the Marina Bay sands in Singapore. You’ll have a perfect view over the infamous Shibuya Scramble Square from there, located only a few meters from the Shibuya Crossing, with as many as 3,000 people crossing at a time. The bar covers two floors at the top of the Shibuya Fukuras and includes a nightclub and a restaurant, making it the perfect place to hang out on a summer night.
The rooftop bar at Andaz Tokyo offers cocktails based on tea and seasonal fruit, as well as sake and domestic beer. During the spring, the décor includes real cherry blossom trees. The rooftop at Shibuya Sky incorporates a bar as well, with a 360-degree view, allowing you to see several important landmarks, including Mount Fuji, on a clear day.
At the top of the Mondrian Seoul Itaewon, you can enjoy a drink at the Privilege, an elegant rooftop bar with a stylish atmosphere. Offering spectacular views over the South Korean capital, it features several unique drinks inspired by traditional tales from around the globe, as well as some of the finest single malt whiskey you can find.
The M29 Terrace offers both an indoor area and outdoor spaces from which you can marvel at the Seoul skyline and Han River. The food options include cold cuts, caviar and numerous bar bites. The Side Note Club is the ideal place for those looking to socialize, offering a relaxed atmosphere filled with music, which is often played by live performers and DJs, and an eclectic assortment of cocktails and wines.
When you’re looking to visit some extraordinary rooftop bars, there are many places to choose from. The most challenging thing will be to settle on just a few of them for your trip.
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