The Rooftop Guide
The world's largest website and guide about rooftop venues.
We have visited over 800 rooftop bars in every corner of the world, and these are the ones that has made the biggest impact on us.
The factors we have based our listing on are: views, drinks, food, atmosphere, service, interior and sunset. Taking all this into consideration, we’ve come up with a pretty amazing list of what we consider to be 10 best rooftop bars worldwide.
"The fantastic view and atmosphere are two reasons why we absolutely love Harriet’s Rooftop in NYC!"
Perched on top of the fantastic 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Harriet's Rooftop & Lounge is an urban chic outdoor / indoor rooftop, open nightly for everyone to enjoy drinks, bites, vibes and views.
They serve well-made and tasty cocktails up at Harriet's every day of the week. You can find most classics like Aperol Spritz, Gin & Tonic, Negroni etc.
You can also combine your own cocktails with a spirit base of rum, gin, vodka or Aperol. If you rather drink wine and beers, there’s a good selection of different alternatives for that as well.
Classic bar bites is the way to go at Harriet’s Rooftop. How about some truffle fries, fish tacos, club sandwich, ceviche and many more classic bites. Everything made to perfection and with a great taste.
Bar bites are the perfect rooftop food and goes very well with the cocktail menu. And the bar bites up here are superb. A must try!
During daytime, the rooftop is only open for the hotel guests, where they can enjoy the spectacular rooftop infinity pool. The vibe is harmonious and calm during daytime.
Early evening, after 5pm, the terrace opens for the public and during these first hours the vibe is still sophisticated and nice. But slowly the atmosphere starts to pic up and goes more towards more party and louder music. A perfect transformation that feels very natural.
When entering the rooftop, you almost feel like stepping out on roof garden. The décor is very lush with lots of plants to create a cozy and natural feeling. You can find both comfy lounge sofas, simple garden furniture’s and standing seats up here.
We loved the lounge sofas. So, if you want the best experience, make sure to book one of those seats in advance. It’s well worth the effort.
One of the main attractions at Harriet’s Rooftop is the magical sunset. Probably one of the best in New York and in the whole world.
When the sun sets behind the skyscrapers of the Manhattan skyline it’s hard to find a better rooftop view when sipping on your cocktail. Always check for sunset hours before making your reservation.
"The combo of sky-high rooftop lounge and fine-dining rooftop restaurant is a winner. Add amazing 360-views over all of KL, and you have one of the best rooftop experiences in the world"
While the Vertigo Rooftop Bar and Horizon Grill Rooftop Restaurant are two different venues, and you of course can visit just one of them, they are also just a short escalator ride apart. So, if you get the chance, make it the perfect rooftop-combo, with some drinks and the best views at the top floor Vertigo, and dinner at the Horizon Grill terrace (with views almost as good).
Perched 59 floors up, at the top of Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, Vertigo offers views with a capital V. Spanning over three sides of the building, you can pretty much choose which part of KL you want to gaze upon.
Probably the best view in all of Kuala Lumpur, and one of the top views in the world. The given focal point are the majestic Petronas Twin Towers, which are right opposite. You might want to reach out and touch them, but you really shouldn’t. Really.
The Vertigo drink menu offers pretty much the classic rooftop-selection. You find the old favourite cocktails, like Negroni, Moscow Mule and Aperol Spritz, as well as some crafted signature creations.
There is also an impressive array of whiskey, gin and other spirits, and of course a selection of beer, wine and sparkling.
We tried a couple of the classic cocktails, which tasted just like they should, but without blowing us away.
Vertigo offers a nice set of bar bites, but for the best food experience, it is time to head one floor down, to the Horizon Grill.
The larger part of the restaurant is a stylish indoor dining room with panoramic windows, but try to get a table on the al fresco terrace. Surrounded by greenery, a small river and the majestic skyline, you can enjoy fine dining with both fresh seafood and premium steaks.
We tried a 3-course set menu with wine pairing, including Angus Beef, Catch of the Day and Grille Pineapple. Beautiful in presentation and great in flavours.
Both Vertigo and Horizon Grill offers great service. A bit different on each level, but suitable for the setting.
Vertigo has table service (or you order at the bar if you wish), and the quick, friendly and efficient waiters dodging around the terrace helps in creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere.
At Horizon Grill you can expect top class service, worthy of a fine dining venue. Several knowledgeable and friendly waiters will keep you updated on the food and drinks served, and pretty much cater for all you needs. Maybe a photo with the Twin Towers? No problem.
Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur and the rooftop venues opened in 2018, so it is no surprise that the decoration is modern and stylish.
The Vertigo terrace is covered with comfy lounge chairs, sofas and standing bar tables, all offering great spots to the views. Inside you also find a futuristic bar and a DJ booth.
The Horizon Grill terrace is a bit more subtle, and really beautiful with its garden-like setting. It also feels spacious, with dining tables far enough apart to offer a private experience.
Time for some big words: we would argue that it is almost criminal to visit Vertigo, and not do so during the sunset. If you have a great excuse, ok fine. But it is really something you don’t want to miss.
We visited at a pretty cloudy evening, and it was still a magical experience watching the sun set behind the KL skyline. We can just imagine what it would be like on a clearer day.
"Rossio is a modern art-deco dream. And while the stylish interior is very impressive, it almost fades in comparison with the amazing cocktails and grand views."
Rossio Gastrobar is found on top of the 5-star hotel Altis Avenida, located pretty much right in the heart of Lisbon. While the hotel has had rooftop venues previously, Rossio Gastrobar opened its doors during 2019.
The beverage options up here is really something special. The wine list prepared by sommelier André Figuinha is impressive, but the real wow-factor is in the cocktails.
With a menu that changes by the season, and all ingredients made in-house, the cocktails are namned after the one dominant feature in the drink. Like the ‘Ginger’ (Jack Daniel’s, Rum, Ginger, beer & salted coffee), or the ‘Basil’ (Basil flavoured Tequila, St Germain, Luxardo, Green Chartreuse).
Crafted to perfection, they are both fresh and amazing in taste, as well as beautiful to look at. Naming just one favourite is hard, but it is easier to say that some of them are the very best cocktails we’ve ever had.
While foremost a bar, Rossio also offers an impressive selection of food, that would keep most stomachs happy. And it's definitely not just quantity, but also top-class quality, with dishes created by Michelin star Chef João Rodrigues.
From smaller bites to larger dishes and desserts, the food is perfect to share and presented in a very aesthetic way. Like the shining ‘Fake foie-gras cherries’.
Oh, the great feeling of saying: 10/10! We found the service at Rossio to be just about as good as it gets.
So many smiles all around, knowledgeable staff that really felt like they love what they do, and also loved telling about it. Stories behind the drinks and the food, which are many and interesting.
As stated, Rossio Gastrobar is somewhat a modern art-deco dream, with a definite wow-factor to it.
Blending indoor lounge and bar with outside terrace, the rooftop is really beautiful, and also feels both spacious and intimate. From the green, black and white armchairs to the lounge sofas and wooden tables, all furniture and details feels well thought of.
And pretty much all seats come with great views.
The sunset over Lisbon is truly amazing. There is something with the ‘color’ of the city that makes it look spectacular during the golden hour.
There are several rooftops in the city that offer fantastic views during sunset, and Rossio Gastrobar is no exception. Golden hour is definitely peak-hour here.
"Since our first visit back in 2016, Wooloomooloo has always been a big favorite for us"
There are actually two Wooloomooloo's in HK, but it is the one at the Hennessy Building in Wan Chai that offers a magical rooftop with a magical view. Part stylish indoor steakhouse, and part open-air rooftop bar, this is a venue for many occasions.
The drink menu at Wooloomooloo is fantastic. There is a great variety of both wines, beers, and cocktails.
This is also heaven for those who like a tasty Gin & Tonic. You can choose several different G&T cocktails up here. And also, some different Prosecco drinks and Martinis.
Of course, there’s also classic cocktails like Negroni, Aperol Spritz etc. All made to perfection.
As the restaurant serves steaks, you’ll find many great wines at Wooloomooloo. Especially red wines. Both on glass and bottle.
Full drink menu can be found here.
Except the fantastic view, it’s the food that makes Wooloomooloo stand out among all rooftop bars in Hong Kong. They are especially famous for the steaks up here. But you can also find premium seafood, salads, oystersand some delicious desserts.
If you ask us, you must try the steaks accompanied by a fine bottle of red wine. You can find the full food menu here.
The best time to visit Wooloomooloo would be just before sunset. The vibe is a little calmer around this time and it’s easier to get a good seat.
As the hour gets later, the vibe starts to pick up. At certain occasions there’s also live DJs up here that helps creating a nice party atmosphere.
During lunch hours the roof terrace is closed, but you can still enjoy the inside restaurant one floor down.
The interior on the rooftop terrace is quite simple but still elegant. Bar stoles and tables by the edge of the terrace are the seats that gives you the best view. There are also some lounge sofas available. These seats are recommended to book in advance.
In the restaurant the décor is modern and luxurious. It feels like a fine dining restaurant in there.
"You’ll be amazed by the mightiest city view in the whole world when stepping out on the roof terrace at Flair Rooftop"
The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong holds several restaurants and bars, but it is the 58th floor Flair Rooftop that is the real flagship. Not only the highest rooftop bar in Shanghai, but in all of China.
You can find most classic cocktails on the bar menu, but also some nice signature ones as well. The same goes with beer and wine, plus a good selection of mocktails (alcohol free).
As the rooftop serves tapas-style staples from Asia, the food goes very well with cocktails or other drinks. We drank cocktails throughout our whole dinner, and it was a perfect match with the sushi and other sharing plates.
As mentioned, Flair Rooftop serves tapas-style staples from Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Thailand and China. The food is superb and very well made.
For us, this is the perfect rooftop food when visiting a rooftop bar during the evening or later hours. Extra plus for the testy skewers and sushi plates.
If you like a livelier and more party friendly setting, you should book your table or visit the rooftop during the later hours. At this time, you can expect live DJs and a louder volume.
If you look for a calmer and more sophisticated experience, make sure to come here when the rooftop opens at 5:30pm. This way you’ll also get some sunlight and a seat for the spectacular sunset. More about that later.
Simple, clean and minimalistic are three words that describes the décor at Flair Rooftop. Maybe not our favorite way to furnish a rooftop bar. But it still works very good up here.
For the best experience you should book one of the lounge areas. Comfy sofas just by the edge of the terrace.
The terrace is divided in two levels. On the second level you can also find bar tables and bar stoles from where you also get a fantastic view.
It’s not easy to time a sunny, clear sky in Shanghai. If you’re lucky to do so, you’ll be in for a fantastic experience up here.
The sun sets over the Shanghai skyline just in front of the terrace which makes Flair Rooftop the best spot in Shanghai to see the sunset from. Not bad for being located in a city with over 25 million inhabitants.
Make sure to have enough batterie in your camera when this exceptional moment arrives.
"The location on top of one of the better hotel’s in the world does not hurt, but High Note SkyBar delivers enough in terms of cocktails, views and setting to stand very well on its own."
High Note SkyBar is the rooftop of the fantastic, music inspired and world-renowned Aria Hotel Budapest, located right next to the famous St. Stephen's Basilica. Open daily from lunch to midnight for everyone, it is a fantastic destination in summer, but also offers some very cosy winter-vibes.
High Note SkyBar take their drinks, and especially their cocktails, very seriously. With a menu changing every season, the cocktails are unique, and real pieces of art.
Taking inspiration from different themes, like the world of movies or ‘Legends & Myths’, they are equally tasty and beautiful in presentation. We dare to guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Apart from the cocktails, the drink menu also include a fine selection of wine, sparkling and premium spirits, served in both glass and by the bottle.
During evenings, the food menu at High Note consist of bar bites and desserts, created by a chef and a pastry chef to work in symbios with the cocktails.
Just as with the drinks, the food is well crafted and beautiful in presentation. Perfect to share as an evening nibble, but more as a complement to drinks than a full dinner.
More filling dishes are served between 12-3pm, when High Note works a great spot for a long, relaxing and (hopefully) sunny rooftop lunch.
Spacious and open-air during summer, cosy and charming in winter: High Note SkyBar looks great year round.
During the warmer months, it is an urban oasis, where you can settle down in the comfy yellow loungers, surrounded with greenery and the Budapest skyline.
Apart from the main terrace, there are also two panorama towers. Situated a level above ‘the rest’, these come with even better views, and are perfect to reserve for a larger group.
During winter, glass walls enclose the bar lounge, and the terrace is set up with cosy lighting decorations and a cabin.
No surprise, the beautiful terrace look extra beautiful around sunset hour. And while watching the sun go down behind Castle Hill and the Buda Castle, you will have some great photo-ops, starring you, Budapest and a fine looking cocktail.
"A vibrant atmosphere amidst the mighty views of the Chicago skyscrapers makes this a one of a kind rooftop"
LH Rooftop is a tri-level rooftop bar, located on top of the superb hotel LondonHouse Chicago, set right by the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Chicago River.
The drink menu up here is quite small. But nevertheless, with great quality. There are of course some classics to choose from, but the best thing is that you can order some drinks to share. Or how about a big Moscow Mule to just let everyone around the table dig into.
There’s also an afternoon tea menu you can order from during specific days and hours. And of course you can get a beer or a glass of wine as well.
Both during brunch, lunch and evening the vibe at LH Rooftop is lively and super nice. On certain occasions you can also enjoy live bands, DJs and similar, which creates a great atmosphere and holiday like feeling.
We can really recommend booking a table for lunch or brunch here. The vibe during daytime is great. Early evening tends to go more to an afterwork feeling.
We love the interior and décor at LH Rooftop. You almost feel like stepping out on a roof garden when entering the terrace. Its truly a big city oasis. The walls are green and lush, while there are plants placed out close to all lounge sofas.
Speaking of lounge sofas, you should definitely book the one of these for the ultimate experience. Both comfy and by the edge of the terrace for best possible view.
Maybe not the best sunset in Chicago, but if you’re lucky to time the sunset during a sunny day, you’ll get a superb display between the skyscrapers and over the Chicago River. But you need to be fast as the sunset view is only significant during a short period between the skyscrapers.
So get your camera ready or just enjoy watching the yellow sky behind the Chicago skyline.
"The magical rooftop lunch at SE•STO on Arno Rooftop Bar is the best in the world!"
Located on the banks of river Arno, on top of the five star luxury hotel The Westin Excelsior, SE·STO on Arno is both a cozy rooftop bar and an excellent rooftop restaurant.
Up here it’s more about good wine and bubbles than cocktails and beers. The wine list is extensive and superb. Ask the skilled sommeliers about wine paring or other questions and they happily help out.
But there are of course several great options for those who like a cocktail as well. If we would give one advice, they do make a superb Negroni here.
Along with the view, the food is the flagship of SE•STO on Arno Rooftop Bar. There are several different menus to choose from. Chefs choice, weekend menus etc. Among all the options you can choose from well-made pasta, premium meat, fish and delicious desserts.
Visit the rooftop for a long wine lunch, a business lunch or a romantic dinner during sunset. All occasions are magical here.
Our favorite is the long wine lunch. We’ve been here 4 times for just that occasion, and every visit has been fantastic.
See full food menu here.
The atmosphere at SE•STO on Arno is sophisticated with a luxurious touch. This is the place to visit if you like a bit calmer setting.
As mentioned, it suits perfect for a romantic dinner, a lunch in the sun or a business meeting. As the rooftop is located on top of the luxurious hotel Westin Excelsior you can expect the vibe to be quite posh. It’s more a place for dinner than for party.
The décor is very classic and luxurious, but also with a homey feeling. Especially on the terrace.
When entering the restaurant, you instantly get a feeling of being in an upscale restaurant. Both the restaurant area and furniture’s go in the same style. All seats here are adapted for dinner guests.
Of course you can visit for some drinks as well, but there are no lounge sofas or bar stools available.
If you want to impress your date, you should book a table during sunset hours. It’s amazing! The sun sets over the Arno River with the beautiful landscape of Tuscany as a lovely backdrop.
Perfect for some great pictures or just a memorable moment that you will remember for life.
"Open-air, vibrant and tropical-chic rooftop bar, neighbor with one of the world’s best rooftop infinity pools."
Social Club Saigon is found on top of the luxurious Hotel Des Arts Saigon Mgallery Collection, located in District 3 of HCMC. The Social Club holds both a 23rd floor indoor restaurant, and above you find the open-air rooftop bar.
The rooftop offers an impressive drink menu. Here you find a ‘Social Club Collection’ of very tasty and crafted signature cocktails, along with a large selection of G&T’s.
There is also a wide range of champagne, wine and premium spirits, served either by the glass or in bottle.
Drinks are a bit on the pricey side for being Saigon, but visit during the daily happy hour (5-8pm), when the 2 for 1 will keep your wallet just as happy as your taste buds.
Bar bites, like ‘Mini Black Angus Burger’ and ‘Premium Cold Cuts & Cheese’, are available at the rooftop bar. But for a full dinner, you should head one floor down, to the stylish and upscale Social Club Restaurant.
Here you can indulge in fresh and seasonal cuisine inspired by European favourites. Make sure to grab a window seat to enjoy the food with views.
Set on top of a luxurious hotel in Vietnam, you wouldn’t expect anything other than friendly and professional service. And you would be right to do so.
We received quick and helpful table service, all with smiles. Just what you need, without being anything spectacular.
Social Club Rooftop really has a beautiful set up. We would call it tropical-chic, and to find that in the heart of such a bustling city as Ho Chi Minh just makes it more special.
Wicker chair bar stools, comfy lounge sofas, lots of wooden details, and of course, the amazing rooftop infinity pool. While the pool is only available to guests staying at the hotel, it does help in creating a fantastic rooftop setting.
Up here you also find the first and only glass suspension bridge hanging high in the air in Ho Chi Minh City, connecting the hotel and Centec Tower right opposite. Something for the daredevils...
Sunset hour at Social Club Rooftop does not only mean happy hour deals, but on a clear day, also a grand natural display.
Position yourself at the right spot on the terrace, and you can actually see the sun set into the rooftop infinity pool. The only better option is probably to be in the pool and watch the sun go down behind the skyline.
"Top class cocktails, bites and a smashing sunset: what more do you really need?"
The Nolen Rooftop Bar (or just The Nolen) is a modern San Diego venue, located 14 floors up at the Courtyard San Diego in the Gaslamp District. The Nolen is available for nightly visits, and also for a Sunday rooftop brunch.
With a ‘dedication to advance the art of the cocktail’, it is no surprise that The Nolen drink menu is something special.
Including crafted and tasty Nolen Classics and Nolen Originals, there is also a barrel-aged cocktail program, using unique blends of hard-to-find spirits, aged in American oak barrels.
We tried several different Gin-creations during our visit, which were both tasty and very refreshing on a sunny afternoon.
If you are not in the ‘cocktail-mood’, there is of course also a selection of beers, bubbles and wine.
Like many rooftops, The Nolen offers a menu of bar bites. But these are really some tasty bar bites!
Perfect to share, there is everything from Tacos and Short Rib Sliders to Charcuterie Boards, but our favourite was the Chili Glazed Meatballs. Being from Sweden, we like to think we know our meatballs, and these were really something special.
For an even larger selection of food, hit up the Sunday rooftop brunch, served between 11am to 2pm.
The Nolen Rooftop bar really is a beautiful venue. Modern and stylish all around, the terrace comes with over-sized lamps, both surrounding fire-pits and a large fire-pit table, lots of comfy lounge seats and of course, a fine looking bar where the fine looking cocktails are made.
Surrounded by the San Diego skyline, it looks great both in sunlight and later at night, when both the terrace and the city is shining with light.
While the central and large fire-pit table is a great spot for a larger group, we would recommend trying to get one of the lounge spots right by the edge.
The golden hour at The Nolen is fantastic, as you get a front-row seat to watching the sun set behing the city skyline and into the ocean.
Apart from a magical display, this is also the time for the Sunset Hour menu, when you can enjoy great prices on food and drinks.
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Social Club Saigon Ho Chi Minh City