To lift your spirits, look up – to a rooftop. Seeing the world from an urban oasis on high just might change your whole perspective. Rooftop venues provide a dramatic backdrop for catching up with friends, networking with colleagues, or meeting your latest dating app match. These rooftops combine cutting-edge design with lit nightlife and tempting cocktails, so slip into some chic threads like the flowy Marissa Dress or the Evangelista Drape Skirt and get on up there. Arrive in time for the sunset or after dark to see the cityscape all lit up – and show off that summer tan while you still can!
Sky Bar (Bangkok, Thailand)
Photo Courtesy of www.beirutnightlife.com
You’re on top of the world (or close enough) at Sky Bar, perched atop the 63rd floor of the Lebua at State Tower Hotel. The open-air bar boasts city views from a height of 820 feet. Dress code is formal (no flip-flops!), prices are steep, and service is impeccable, so come prepared to play rich and famous even if you aren’t. “Iced Poptails” (cocktails paired with popsicles) are among the signature offerings. Pop culture reference alter: the Hangovertini cocktail was created especially for the cast of The Hangover, Part II, which filmed at the Lebua.
Le Rooftop (Paris, France)
Photo Courtesy of www.shangri-la.com
The Eiffel Tower is in clear sight from the sixth floor rooftop bar of the luxurious Peninsula Hotel; visit at night and you’ll see it literally glisten. Surrounded by greenery and decked out in simple, sophisticated furnishings, this venue offers both a sense of privacy and one-of-a-kind optics of the most romantic city in the world. Signature cocktails come with clever names like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Catch Me If You Can, and Guess Who’s Back. Dress code is smart casual. With any luck, you’ll rub elbows with la crème de la crème of Parisian tourists, as this hotel is for high rollers only.
Azotea del Círculo (Madrid, Spain)
The trip to the seventh floor of the historic Círculo de Bellas Artes building isn’t free, but it’s worth the admission fee. The panoramic views of Madrid from this establishment are best enjoyed at sunset, when the antiquated architecture looks particularly pretty. Take it in from one of Azotea’s Balinese beds to maximize your relaxation. All your favorite cocktails are here – Moscow Mules, Negronis, Mojitos, and Piña Coladas – in addition to a limited selection of beer and wine by the glass or bottle, but make sure to bring your appetite for seafood, tacos, and
regional small plates.
The Rooftop (Toronto, Ontario)
Get a bird’s eye view of Toronto and the Don river from this casual eatery on the seventh floor of The Broadview Hotel. Stop by for brunch, served until 3 p.m., and start your day right with pastries or smoothie bowls. Savory offerings include charcuterie and cheese as well as shareable fried chicken, fries, and blistered Shishito peppers. Bring your sunglasses and a hat so you can soak up all that sunshine comfortably.
Charmaine’s (San Francisco, California)
The epitome of California cool resides at the Proper Hotel in San Francisco. Dizzying décor, fire pits, and craft cocktails are the calling cards of the hotel’s rooftop bar, where you’ll have views of the financial and midmarket districts from 120 feet high. Cocktails are divided into cute categories like “High & Bubbly,” “Spiritous and Stirred,” and “Pretty and Proofless.” California beer and over two dozen varieties of wine are also on the menu. Weekends often bring live music or DJ nights. Expect a chic and sexy experience.
The Crown (New York, New York)
It’s a concrete jungle out there, but somehow that won’t seem so intimidating from the 21st floor of the Hotel 50 Bowery. Sleek and sparse, Chinatown’s The Crown knows its draw are the views of Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan and it doesn’t try to upstage that vista with décor or gimmicks. Cocktails come in refreshing, fun varieties like the Thai Basil Watermelon Margarita and Black Dragon Tea while appetizers stick to the tried-and-true like chips and guac or hummus and naan. Dress code is uptown chic and attitude is bougie.
The Crown (New York, New York)
It’s a concrete jungle out there, but somehow that won’t seem so intimidating from the 21st floor of the Hotel 50 Bowery. Sleek and sparse, Chinatown’s The Crown knows its draw are the views of Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan and it doesn’t try to upstage that vista with décor or gimmicks. Cocktails come in refreshing, fun varieties like the Thai Basil Watermelon Margarita and Black Dragon Tea while appetizers stick to the tried-and-true like chips and guac or hummus and naan. Dress code is uptown chic and attitude is bougie.
Jimmy (New York, New York)
Jimmy is the place to see and be seen in NYC. Its popular spaces indoors and out offer posh ambiance, turnt tunes, and unparalleled views of SoHo from the 18th floor of the James Hotel. Toast to summer with innovative cocktails like the Frosé Slushie, Grilled Pineapple Mojito, and the Frozen Peach Margarita. Edibles are sweet and cheeky; order a bucket of caramel popcorn or a cheesecake lollipop tree to share. To avoid the crowds, make a reservation or stop by on Sundays when everyone else is out getting their brunch on.
