The European summer has officially arrived and with it, a seemingly never ending list of panoramically perfect rooftop bars from which to watch the sun set, people watch and of course taste test each and every cocktail. But with so much choice, where to head first? Tried and tested (cocktails included), these 10 tick all our boxes…
The Queen of Hoxton – London, England
Fast becoming one of London’s most celebrated outdoor spaces, the Queen of Hoxton has everything you could want from a rooftop, and then some. Open from May through to September, the rooftop reinvents itself each summer, this year turning its creative theme to the streets of Havana. Expect faded glamour, eccentric beauty, Cuban cigars a plenty and rum on rum on rum.
The Queen of Hoxton, 1-5 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3JX
Terrace Bramante Bar at Hotel Raphael – Rome, Italy
Soak up the history, energy and sheer ‘WOW’ factor of Rome at Hotel Bramante, perfectly located in the heart of the city with views of the Vatican and overlooking the buzzing Piazza Navona. Whether dropping by for a morning espresso, pre-lunch bellini or evening cocktail, this little beauty is perfect for any occasion.
Terrace Bramante bar at Hotel Raphael, Piazza Navona, 00186, Rome
The Top Bar, Adriana Hotel – Hvar, Croatia
Prepare to rub shoulders with Russian millionaires and minor league celebrities knocking back magnums of Champagne at Top Bar. Aptly named, the bar is split over multilevel garden terraces and offers wrap around views of the ancient city, the yacht harbour and Paklinski Islands. We might not have the money of the regular clientele, but we sure as hell love the VIP vibes!
Top Bar, Adriana Hotel, Fabrika 28, 21450, Hvar
5.Kat – Istanbul, Turkey
Don’t let the quiet side street or unimposing entrance to 5.Kat deceive you – this place is a diamond find. Ride the elevator to the fifth floor and be amazed as the doors open into a garden paradise abundant with plants, flowers and atmospheric red hanging lanterns. The music is good, the food is great, and the views…well you’ll just have to visit for yourself to find out…
5.Kat, Soğancı Sokak No: 7 Kat 5, Cihangir İstanbul
BA Terrace, Bairro Alto Hotel – Lisbon, Portugal
A local and traveller favourite alike, BA Terrace is located on the top of the restored 18th century Bairro Alto Hotel. Afforded with stunning views of the River Tagus and Lisbon’s sprawling terracotta roofs, come for the ever changing menu of delicious offerings and beyond chilled atmosphere.
Bairro Alto Hotel, Praca Luis de Camoes, 2 1200-243, Lisbon
The Ninth, Hard Rock Hotel – Ibiza, Spain
As the big player on the European nightlife scene you’d expect Ibiza to pull out it’s A game when it comes to rooftop bars and The Ninth doesn’t disappoint. Futuristically furnished to perfection, the view from up here is quite honestly mind blowing. Playa d’en Bossa, Formentera, the Salinas salt flats and the glittering lights of the Ibizan hills can all be spotted from this futuristic fortress, and did we mention they have a happy hour?
The Ninth at the Hard Rock, Carretera Playa D’en Bossa S/N, 07817 Ibiza Town, Ibiza
Deck 5 – Berlin, Germany
What do you get when you combine a rooftop bar and a beach? Deck 5! Found atop the Schönhauser Allee Arkaden, Deck 5 has all your holiday needs covered, think sand, deck chairs, palm trees and even some Buddhas thrown in for good measure!
Deck 5, Schönhauser Allee 79, 10439 Berlin
Nüba, La Cité de la Mode et du Design – Paris, France
A cool kids hangout without the price tag, Nüba is all about good music and happy vibes with the wooden beach hut DJ booth, big communal tables, table football sets and deckchairs setting the tone. A top tip? Don’t forget your dancing shoes – live concerts and DJ sets featuring both local and international DJ’s happen most nights.
Nüba, La Cité de la Mode et du Design, 36 Quai d’Austerlitz, 75013 Paris
Himlen – Stockholm, Sweden
High atop the old tax building known locally as Skrapan “the skyscraper” you’ll find Himlen and with it incredible views of the cool Södermalm district. This being Sweden the drinks don’t come cheap, but with sights like this you forget to care.
Himlen, Götgatan 78, 118 30 Stockholm
Galaxy Bar, Athens Hilton – Athens, Greece
Cool beats, cooler clientele and stunning views of the ancient Acropolis make the Galaxy bar one of Athens most sought after hangout spots. Located on the rooftop of the Hilton, this bar is the epitome of see and be seen.
Galaxy Bar, Hilton Hotel, 46 Vassilissis Sofias Avenue
