THE 12 BARS WITH THE BEST VIEWS IN THE WORLD

The most breathtaking vantage points for a drink with a view.

The London, Hollywood

The rooftop of The London hotel in West Hollywood is a day-to-night destination. On another hot Los Angeles day you can lounge poolside in a private cabana, cocktail in hand; as the evening progresses the buzz grows and the space becomes a glamorous hang-out. As for the view, there are unobstructed views of the hills, the shimmering lights of Los Angeles and – on a clear day – the Pacific Ocean

Rock Bar, Bali

Admittedly more rock-top than rooftop, the Rock Bar at Ayana Resort and Spa is located on natural rocks 14 metres above the Indian Ocean. Understandly popular with drinkers who want to admire the setting sun, the bar also hosts DJ performances and remains a popular spot after dark

Radio, London

It may lack the height of some of the other rooftop bars but Radio, atop the ME London hotel wows with incredible views. From here you can look towards the towers of Canary Wharf and the City, observe the curve of the Thames, overlook the comings and goings on the South Bank opposite and admire Somerset House – particularly pleasant when its ice rink is open and the crowds skate beneath completely oblivious to you.

Sky Bar at Sirocco, Bangkok

On the 63rd floor of a Bangkok skyscraper, and part of the city’s Lebua hotel, Sky Bar at Sirocco is the world’s highest open-air bar and a popular spot for sundowners on humid Bangkok nights.

Flair, Shanghai

On the 58th floor of Shanghai’s IFC tower, Flair is the rooftop bar of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Pudong. On warm days the outdoor terrace heaves with guests, tourists and locals admiring a view that takes in the Bund, the Pearl Tower and the surrounding city

Aer, Mumbai

The incessant clamour of Mumbai is left far below at Aer. On the 34th floor of the city’s Four Seasons hotel, the open-air bar and lounge starts the evening with a daily ‘Sunset Happy Hour’ from 5.30pm to 8pm. Visit then for half-price cocktails and champagnes or visit later in the night to experience a set by “DJ Fatbat (a.k.a Shaan), who plays nightly sets of upbeat jazz, funk, house, club and a unique twist on classic hits from the 80s and 90s.”

Mercury Bar im Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach

Found atop the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, the newly opened Mercury lounge offers dazzling views of Dubai, razor-sharp staff and a cocktail maker who stands attendant in a gleaming silver ball.

MOON BAR AT THE BANYAN TREE, BANGKOK

The aptly named Moon Bar on the 61st floor at the Banyan Tree hotel in Bangkok is the city’s highest open-air bar, offering discerning punters the chance to soak up the last of the day’s rays and take pictures of the sunset, free from the obstructions of a roof or windows. Amble over to the neighbouring Vertigo for dinner if the bar snacks of crackers, olives and nuts don’t sate your appetite.

SKYLINE ROOFTOP BAR, VENICE

Experience a different side of Venice at the Skyline Bar. The modern cocktail lounge is a far cry from the historic buildings that make up the floating city, but nevertheless offers pitch-perfect views of it. What’s more, there’s also a swimming pool, so you can take a dip while you watch the gondolas float by below. Stopping by for a rooftop meal and drinks at this Venice restaurant and bar will help you see the city from a whole new angle. As you wine and dine on this open-air terrace, prepare to take in breathtaking skyline views of this charming old-world city.

O2 LOUNGE AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, MOSCOW

Nowhere can you get a better grip on Russia’s tumultuous history than at the O2 Lounge in Moscow, which overlooks some of the city’s most important sights, including Red Square, the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Take a Lonely Planet guide and sit back and enjoy the Japanese cuisine as you swot up on this fascinating country’s history without leaving the comfort of your seat.

 

 

NEW YORK BAR – PARK HYATT TOKYO

The stunning New York Bar, Tokyo’s most spectacular venue for live music, features jazz by top international artists nightly.  Even native New Yorkers have pronounced the atmosphere here ‘more New York than New York’. The decor is simple, the energy enormous. In contrast to the black ebony chairs, ebonised walnut flooring and the rugged steel supports of the floor-to-ceiling windows, are the artist Valerio Adami’s huge murals of Radio City Music Hall and the Rainbow Room in bold, fluid colours. Vintage cognac and brandy, classic and original cocktails, and the largest selection of Californian wines in Japan are served.