Below you’ll find descriptions, contact info and photos from the world’s coolest rooftop nightlife.
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1. Sirocco
Bangkok, Thailand
No night out in Bangkok is complete without a couple cocktails at Sirocco. Perched on top of The Dome at State Tower, 64th floors above the hectic streets of Bangkok, this sexy rooftop bar boasts 360 degree views of the city with city lights in every direction, as far as the eye can see. If you’re looking for a picturesque place to dine, they also serve dinner.
The Dome at Sate Tower 1055 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
photo by www.anotacionesviajeras.com
2. The Penthouse
Madrid, Spain
The Penthouse is an ultra-chic rooftop bar owned by Rande Gerber, celeb nightlife entrepreneur and husband of Cindy Crwford. It’s located on the roof of Hotel ME Madrid Reina Victoria, in Plaza Santa Ana, and has a great view of central Madrid. The crowd is dressed to kill, the waitresses are smoking hot the drinks are pricey and the place is often frequented by Spanish celebrities. Best to get here for happy hour, because although it’s open till 3am, the line to get in is insane after midnight.
Hotel ME Madrid Reina Victoria / Plaza Santa Ana / Princesa, 27 / Madrid Spain 28008 / Tel: (34) 91 5418200
photo by grantthai
3. Luna Bar
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This super sexy rooftop and poolside bar is a hang out for the twenties and thirties nightlife scene in Kuala Lumpur. It’s got a long indoor bar with a chic design leading you out onto the breezy rooftop for the best views of the lights of KL. For a romantic night out, be sure to get there early to snag a private little enclave up against the glass.
Menara PanGlobal 34th Floor / Jalan Punchak (off Jl P. Ramlee) / Kuala Lumpur / Tel: +60-3-20262211
photo by spin spin
4. Rooftop Bar
Melbourne, Australia
An ultra cool venue for music, cinema, or just sunny boozing, this bar sits atop the Thai bar and restaurant, Cookie, on a six story 1920’s building in central Melbourne.
Rooftop Bar / Curtin House, Level 3, 252 Swanston Street / Melbourne, Australia
photo by OneDanShow
5. Gravity
Dublin, Ireland
Although not an open air bar, Gravity boasts an unobstructed 360 degree view of Dublin. It’s got a swanky style and comfortable seating right up against the glass to sit in while you enjoy the view from the highest bar in Ireland.
Top of The Guinness Storehouse / St James’s Gate / Dublin 8, Ireland / Tel: + 353 1 408 4800
photo by FoolishVanity
6. Top Floor Bar
London, United Kingdom
Looking for the perfect place to throw a swank party in London? The Top Floor Bar, the final floor of the Gherkin, London’s newest architectural darling, is available for private parties. The ultra modern venue sits under the spectacular glass cone roof and has stunning views of the city.
Top of the Gherkin / 30 St. Mary Axe / London, United Kingdom
photo by silentway
7. Moon
Las Vegas, Nevada
The Palms teamed up with the Playboy Club giving revelers in Vegas a sexy place to blow their money on the 53rd floor of the palms Hotel. The sound system here is rockin’ and although it can be tough to get in, it’s a great place to check out on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights.
The Palms Hotel 53rd Floor / 4321 W Flamingo Rd / Las Vegas, NV Tel (702) 940-7246
photo by jennywong
8. Captain Bar
Shanghai, China
This cool rooftop bar has a wide variety of cocktails and a great view of The Bund and surrounding city lights. It’s usually a cool mix of locals and travelers which makes for a diverse and thirsty crowd.
6/F, 37 Fuzhou Lu / People’s Square / Bund,Metro Line 2 Nanjing Dong Lu Station / Shanghai, China
photo by Martin Callum
9. Hudson Sky Terrace
New York, New York
This super chill rooftop bar has great service, amazing sangria and everything else you could want on a hot New York afternoon. From an air conditioned game room to a hammock with a view of the river, the Hudson has you covered, but like many of NY rooftop hot spots, you must be a guest in the hotel to enjoy it.
The Hudson Hotel / 356 W. 58th St between Eighth and Ninth Aves / Tel 212-554-6317
10. Condesa DF Rooftop Bar
Mexico City, Mexico
This is an awesome bar in an all-around cool hotel. The Condesa DF is decked out in extraordinary design, from the table cloths to the couches. This super-chic hotel only has 40 rooms so make sure to get a reservation, and make sure to hit its rooftop paradise for some cocktails as the sun goes down over Mexico City.
Condesa DF / Avenida Veracruz 102 / Mexico City DF 06700 Mexico
Do you know any rooftop bars that should have made the list? Share in the comments!
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118 Comments... join the discussion!
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I went to one once in Rome in 2005, couldn't say where it was now but it was on top of a gallery and pretty central. I think it was a cafe though, so I'm probably not being that relevant!
Great post!
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Theres one in Sao Paulo, Brazil called SKY.
Is on the roof of a charmous hotel, and is much prettier then most of these listed bars! During the day or nights, is always worth a visit.↵ -
Ross- Great article. I’ve been to Condesa DF’s rooftop bar and it’s amazing. Great views of Mexico City at night. This is a great place for couples. There’s also a nice bar/restaurant inside the hotel that has a retractable ceiling– pretty nice, too. Great drinks. Good food. Great atmosphere.
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Great page! Another one that comes to mind is the roof gardens in high street ken in London : )
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My cousin helped design the menu at 230 5th, a rooftop bar in Manhattan. Pretty cool place, good looking crowd and a great view of the Empire State building. Here's a write-up in the Times.
http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/05/21/travel/21we...
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I went to one once in Rome in 2005, couldn’t say where it was now but it was on top of a gallery and pretty central. I think it was a cafe though, so I’m probably not being that relevant!
Great post!
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Yea those are good and all, but i cant believe the rooftop at 12th and Euclid didnt even get an honorable mention.
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Theres one in Sao Paulo, Brazil called SKY.
Is on the roof of a charmous hotel, and is much prettier then most of these listed bars! During the day or nights, is always worth a visit.↵ -
Great page! Another one that comes to mind is the roof gardens in high street ken in London : )
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My cousin helped design the menu at 230 5th, a rooftop bar in Manhattan. Pretty cool place, good looking crowd and a great view of the Empire State building. Here’s a write-up in the Times.
http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/05/21/travel/21weekend.html
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Lest we forget the Shilthorn in Switzerland, where the James Bond movie was shot when they blew us the original building
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Nice list, although you left one out called Panorama. It's in toronto and has gorgeous panoramic views, especially of the downtown skyline. Not to mention it's 53 stories up…
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Amazing places and two of the best are Condesa D.F. because of their environment and Moon in Las Vegas, the last one has an incredible view.
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Nice list, although you left one out called Panorama. It’s in toronto and has gorgeous panoramic views, especially of the downtown skyline. Not to mention it’s 53 stories up…
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Amazing places and two of the best are Condesa D.F. because of their environment and Moon in Las Vegas, the last one has an incredible view.
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Georges in Paris
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Nice! I'd love to check some of these out sometime.
I have to say, though, my favorite rooftop bars in the world didn't make the cut. The entire Taksim district of Istanbul is _full_ of rooftop bars…it's kind of the thing there. With the lights of downtown Istanbul stretching to the Bosporus, the stars overhead on warm nights, the amazing local bands, and best of all cheap beer it's tough to think of a rooftop I'd rather spend a late night/early morning on.
Andris
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They all sound great, just one thing about vertigo, make sure you reserve a place or book in time, otherwise you get stuck in the part of the bar right above the kitchen extract and air-con plant.
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Nice! I’d love to check some of these out sometime.
I have to say, though, my favorite rooftop bars in the world didn’t make the cut. The entire Taksim district of Istanbul is _full_ of rooftop bars…it’s kind of the thing there. With the lights of downtown Istanbul stretching to the Bosporus, the stars overhead on warm nights, the amazing local bands, and best of all cheap beer it’s tough to think of a rooftop I’d rather spend a late night/early morning on.
Andris
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Hi Ross,
the photo that you put for the Vertigo Lounge is not actually Vertigo but it is a photo of Sirocco.
Sirocco is on 64th floor of The Dome State Tower. While Vertigo is on the 61th floor of Banyan Tree Hotel, as mentioned in your note.
Here is Sirocco >> http://www.thedomebkk.com/web/corp_home03.html Here is Vertigo >> http://www.at-bangkok.com/detail_page.php?sub_id=...
And here is Sirocco VS Vertigo >> http://www.bangkok.com/rooftop-bars/index.html
They look similar but if you can see, Sirocco bar counter bar is in a circle shape, while for Vertigo, the bar counter is in square shape.You may try to update your photo there, or might as well just keep the photo but change the bar name to the correct one.
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Latitudes in Orlando, FL is great. Small and kind of intimate but always a great crowd, its nice to be among the larger buildings at night down on church street.
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Hi Ross,
the photo that you put for the Vertigo Lounge is not actually Vertigo but it is a photo of Sirocco.
Sirocco is on 64th floor of The Dome State Tower. While Vertigo is on the 61th floor of Banyan Tree Hotel, as mentioned in your note.
Here is Sirocco >> http://www.thedomebkk.com/web/corp_home03.html
Here is Vertigo >> http://www.at-bangkok.com/detail_page.php?sub_id=213&Oldpa_id=627&pa_id=628And here is Sirocco VS Vertigo >> http://www.bangkok.com/rooftop-bars/index.html
They look similar but if you can see, Sirocco bar counter bar is in a circle shape, while for Vertigo, the bar counter is in square shape.
You may try to update your photo there, or might as well just keep the photo but change the bar name to the correct one.
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I went to a FANTASTIC rooftop bar/ restaurant in Athens, Greece. It was called Pil Poul or something along those lines. It was very classy and had a beautiful view of the Acropolis at night, when it's all lit up. I was lucky and was there on a night when they have a light show at the Acropolis, which was wonderful to watch. There was also a spectacular view of the sunset, not to mention the lights of Athens. The food was delicious, and it was probably the best restaurant experience I've ever had.
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I went to a FANTASTIC rooftop bar/ restaurant in Athens, Greece. It was called Pil Poul or something along those lines. It was very classy and had a beautiful view of the Acropolis at night, when it’s all lit up. I was lucky and was there on a night when they have a light show at the Acropolis, which was wonderful to watch. There was also a spectacular view of the sunset, not to mention the lights of Athens. The food was delicious, and it was probably the best restaurant experience I’ve ever had.
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THESE ARE GREAT SPOTS, BUT I MUST CONFESS THIS SITE MADE ME A BIT SAD. I HAVE THE FONDEST MEMORIES OF THE BAR AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER TOWER IN NEW YORK. OFTEN THERE ON BUSINESS, I BEGAN EVERY EVENING WITH A PRE-DINNER MANHATAN OVER MANHATAN. SIGH.
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Eduardo: Is Skye on top of Unique Hotel in SP?
Jim: I'll have to check out Georges next time I'm in Paris.
Kathy: If it's good enough for James, I guess it should have made the list..
Ben, Julie: thanks for the comments. Julie, thanks for the tip on Condesa DF. I'll be sure to hit it up when I get to Mexico City–that entire hotel looks amazing
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gintOnic — Thank you for correcting me! You are absolutely right. I have been to Vertigo and I didn't even notice the bars were a different shape. That one is probably my favorite on the list so I will definitely have to check out Sirocco Next time I'm in BKK.
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San Diego – Rooftop of the "W". It is a real beach, with sand and fire pits but all very classy. You very quickly forget you are way above the ground. All the walls are large glass pannels so you can see the beauty of downtown SD.
Go check it out!
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Eduardo: Is Skye on top of Unique Hotel in SP?
Jim: I’ll have to check out Georges next time I’m in Paris.
Kathy: If it’s good enough for James, I guess it should have made the list..
Ben, Julie: thanks for the comments. Julie, thanks for the tip on Condesa DF. I’ll be sure to hit it up when I get to Mexico City–that entire hotel looks amazing
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gintOnic — Thank you for correcting me! You are absolutely right. I have been to Vertigo and I didn’t even notice the bars were a different shape. That one is probably my favorite on the list so I will definitely have to check out Sirocco Next time I’m in BKK.
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San Diego – Rooftop of the “W”. It is a real beach, with sand and fire pits but all very classy. You very quickly forget you are way above the ground. All the walls are large glass pannels so you can see the beauty of downtown SD.
Go check it out!
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Here I thought I wouldn't recognize any of these bars… But I've been to the Captain and while it's small, it is a great place to be at night to see Shanghai light up. And the drunken tomfoolery that went on after nine pm…!
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Here I thought I wouldn’t recognize any of these bars… But I’ve been to the Captain and while it’s small, it is a great place to be at night to see Shanghai light up. And the drunken tomfoolery that went on after nine pm…!
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We went to Sirocco last year, just for a drink. It is a bit expensive but worth to visit once you arrive Bangkok.
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We went to Sirocco last year, just for a drink. It is a bit expensive but worth to visit once you arrive Bangkok.
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Ross, you were lucky than me. At least you have been to Vertigo. Well, you see, I live in Thailand but I haven't got any chances to go to any of the bars yet! But I have always been wanting to go to Sirroco though, and I will soon!
I was in Shanghai 2 times last months, and also went to the Bund but didn't get to read your page at the time so I didn't know about the Captain bar. But I'm going there again in a few months, I will try to check the Captain bar out then.
Thansk for sharing !! =)
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Ross, you were lucky than me. At least you have been to Vertigo. Well, you see, I live in Thailand but I haven’t got any chances to go to any of the bars yet! But I have always been wanting to go to Sirroco though, and I will soon!
I was in Shanghai 2 times last months, and also went to the Bund but didn’t get to read your page at the time so I didn’t know about the Captain bar. But I’m going there again in a few months, I will try to check the Captain bar out then.
Thansk for sharing !! =)
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<b>THC Rooftop Bar</b> – Chiang Mai / Thailand – couldn't stand next to the bars on the list as it's far from posh, still it's extremely fascinating. You can meet there every night a jolly mess of backpackers from all over the world, having a stop over in the north of Thailand.
more: <a href="http://alex.dordeduca.ro/?p=142" rel="nofollow">photos</a> / <a href="http://www.chiangmaiplan.com/nightlife/thc.htm" rel="nofollow">details</a>↵ -
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Alex, thanks for that – I'll be in Chiang Mai this fall and will be sure to stop by THC.
-Tim
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Alex, thanks for that – I’ll be in Chiang Mai this fall and will be sure to stop by THC.
-Tim
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Yes, the rooftop bar in Chiang Mai is far from posh, but the friendships I made in there are some of the strongest ever….sitting down in there changed my travel plans and my life!
Its above a vegetarian restaurant near the moat just outside the gates to the old city, anyone will know how to find it.
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Yes, the rooftop bar in Chiang Mai is far from posh, but the friendships I made in there are some of the strongest ever….sitting down in there changed my travel plans and my life!
Its above a vegetarian restaurant near the moat just outside the gates to the old city, anyone will know how to find it.
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One of the coolest rooftop bars i ever went to was at an indian "pay what you can" restaurant in Tel Aviv, Israel. I can never remember the name but anyone there would know it just from this description. The rooftop had couches, hammocks, tapestries and a big movie screen. Totally a bohemian bar heaven.
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One of the coolest rooftop bars i ever went to was at an indian “pay what you can” restaurant in Tel Aviv, Israel. I can never remember the name but anyone there would know it just from this description. The rooftop had couches, hammocks, tapestries and a big movie screen. Totally a bohemian bar heaven.
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Maan! One of the best nights I've ever had started at the rooftop bar in Thailand that's mentioned in this list. Life is good with a cocktail and beautiful view.
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Maan! One of the best nights I’ve ever had started at the rooftop bar in Thailand that’s mentioned in this list. Life is good with a cocktail and beautiful view.
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Whoah! Those are freakin' nice. The photos are great too! Anyone know of any like these in Canada?
You should get these on MakeFive. You can make top 5 lists of anything and I am positive they would be stoked on this!
Here: http://www.makefive.com
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Amazing pictures! Wow. Would love to go to these places.
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