By Rachael Funk
When you feel on top of the world, why not be on top of the world? There’s no better way to cap off a perfect vacation day than kicking back with a drink in your hand and the breeze in your hair. Here are eight rooftop bars to try on your next vacation!
Photo posted by Instagram user @jidaa.p
Baba Nest • Phuket, Thailand
If you’re ready to treat yourself in the most gloriously ostentatious rooftop bar, look no further than Baba Nest in Phuket. This lavish bar is located atop Sri Panwa, an exclusive luxury hotel, which means high-end cocktails, excellent service, and of course, mandatory reservations. An unbeatable spot to watch the sun set over Thailand, this bar floats in the middle of a wrap-around infinity pool and offers 360 degree views of the sky surrounding you, the city, and the sea below.
88/5 Sakdidej Rd, Tambon Wichit, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand
Hours: 5 pm – 9 pm daily
Photo posted by Instagram user @chiccosway
Floor 17 • Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s highest bar (wink) not only shakes up your favorite cocktails, it also holds spectacular seasonal events. Get cozy on the lounge sofas or dance the night away while a DJ spins some great tunes. If you’re traveling during the winter, be sure to stop by to see the sun deck converted into an ice skating rink!
Staalmeesterslaan 410, 1057 PH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: 10 am – 12 am Sunday - Wednesday, 10 am – 1 am Thursday - Saturday
Photo posted by Instagram user @tripsteri
The Culpeper • London, England
If you like your cocktails earthy and herbal, don’t miss the rooftop greenhouse and garden at The Culpeper. Relax on the roof of this restored building where they grow plants, herbs, and veggies for the restaurant downstairs. Named after the 17th century herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper, The Culpeper uses their fresh herbs in their cocktails as well as their cooking. Sip a seasonal cocktail (the drink menu changes based on what herbs are growing on the roof) and feel free to pop by one of their many events which include astronomy nights, gardening workshops, botanical drawing classes, and skyline sketching.
40 Commercial St, London E1 6LP, UK
Hours: 11 am – 11 pm Sunday, 11 am – 12 am Monday to Thursday, and 11 am – 2 am Friday to Saturday
Photo posted by Instagram user @sbarrosourbano
Room 09 • Santiago, Chile
This bohemian dream of a bar is located over Tinto Boutique Hotel. Generally a members-only lounge, non-members can get in if they first have a meal at Restaurant 040 on a lower floor, then telling a waiter, “Quiero conocer la habitación número nueve” which translates to “I want to see room nine.” A self-proclaimed speakeasy, the space is filled with cushy chairs and couches and is tended by master mixologist Diego Olivera.
Antonia López de Bello 40, Providencia, Región Metropolitana, Chile
Hours: 8 pm – 2 am Tuesday to Thursday, 8 pm – 3 am Friday to Saturday
Photo posted by Instagram user @arvysharma
AER Lounge • Mumbai, India
Perfect weather or monsoon season, AER is open all year long. Perched atop the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, this trendy spot for a tasty drink and a delicious view attracts locals and tourists alike. Topping the 34-story hotel, AER is one of India’s highest points. Whether you sit on the “city view” or the “sea view” side of the bar, you’ll be dazzled by the sights, the atmosphere, and the DJ. Currently, AER is a dry establishment and serves up a selection of alcohol-free mocktails, so it’s perfect for a night out even if your group doesn’t drink!
1/136, 34th Floor, Dr. E. Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400018, India
Hours: 5:30 pm – 11:30 pm daily
Photo posted by Instagram user @monsieur_kodakbear
Mama Shelter • Paris, France
If your style is more “jeans and Converse” than “dress and heels,” look no further than the rooftop of Mama Shelter in Paris. Disarmingly casual with a laid back atmosphere, you can pop up to the roof to enjoy house cocktails made with seasonal fruits, hammocks, a ping-pong table, and bbq treats. Be sure to check before you show up, because the rooftop bar closes during cold weather.
109 Rue de Bagnolet, 75020 Paris, France
Hours: open seasonally, contact hotel for information
Photo posted by Instagram user @kerrilynn30
Three Sixty • St. Louis, Missouri
This rooftop bar is perched on top of the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark and gives you a bird’s-eye view of Busch Stadium. You get panoramic views of the Gateway Arch while snacking on gourmet appetizers and ridiculously indulgent desserts. If great views and delicious drinks aren’t enough to entice you, the 6,000 square-foot space has indoor and outdoor seating, fire pits, flat-screen TVs, several bars, and if you hold onto your ticket stub from that day’s Cardinals game, they’ll waive your $10 cover charge. Go Cards!
1 S Broadway, St Louis, MO 63102
Hours: 4 pm – 11 pm Sunday, 4 pm – 12 am Monday to Thursday, 4 pm – 2 am Friday to Saturday
Photo posted by Instagram user @graciegough
Wooloomooloo Steakhouse • Hong Kong, China
Definitely the most fun to say, Wooloomooloo Steakhouse in Wan Chai, Hong Kong is known for great food and unbeatable views. The open-air terrace on the top of this Australian-themed restaurant gives guests breathtaking views of Victoria Harbor. If you’re looking for a deal, stop by for MOOtini Nights, when every MOOtini is buy one, get one free! Offering a huge cocktail list, excellent food, and one of the best views in Hong Kong, Wooloomooloo Steakhouse is a great way to cap off a day exploring Wan Chai’s famous shopping.
31/F & Rooftop The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Hours: 3pm – close, daily
