To honor the best of warm weather good times, we polled the Indagare staff for their picks for the best rooftop bars around the world, from Paris to Cape Town and back to our hometown of New York City. Here are our picks for the best alfresco cocktails with skyline views. Contact Indagare for customized itineraries that can include reservations at these rooftop venues.
The Silo Rooftop, Cape Town
The rooftop bar of The Silo hotel, a transformed grain silo in central Cape Town, is one of the city’s most sought-after hot spots. Affording expansive views of Table Mountain, the V&A harbor and the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian oceans, the buzzy space, complete with an infinity-edge pool and potted tropical foliage, serves creative cocktails, South African wines and globally inspired light bites, such as prawn tempura, charcoal-fired pork sliders and vegetable Vietnamese rolls.
In Indagare’s words: “The Silo’s rooftop bar attracts Cape Town’s most fashionable crowd thanks to its sleek pool, tempura bar and hip atmosphere. The pièce de résistance is a raised, grass-covered pavilion–the hotel’s highest point–which offers 360-degree views of the seaside city.” ~ Blair West
Related: First Look: The Silo
El Fenn, Marrakech
Boasting gorgeous views of Koutoubia Mosque, El Fenn’s breezy rooftop is bedecked with vibrantly colored lounge beds and low tables. Begin a night here at sunset with a cocktail (the mojitos are particularly delicious), and then stay for dinner to savor Moroccan specialties at the eclectic restaurant downstairs.
In Indagare’s words: “The rooftop at El Fenn is exactly what Moroccan dreams are made of. Watching the sun set over the Koutoubia Mosque while lounging on pillows and sipping mint tea is how every day should end.” ~ Hannah Small
Related: Melissa’s Travels: A City in Revival
Sky Bar, Bangkok
Overlooking Bangkok’s glittering urban sprawl and beneath the exquisite gilded dome that crowns the Lebua hotel, sits the illuminated Sky Bar. Come for the delectable array of libations, from fruity Champagne cocktails to a premium whisky collection, and afterwards stay for dinner at the world’s highest rooftop restaurant, Sirocco.
In Indagare’s words: “Sky Bar is spectacular at sunset, when pink and orange light reflects off the river below to create a magical tableau.” ~ Sarah Levine
Related: Top Tables: Bangkok
Flair Bar, Shanghai
On the topmost floor of Shanghai’s Ritz-Carlton Pudong, Flair Bar is a destination in itself thanks to the memorable design (by star interior firm Super Potato) and views—the iconic Pearl Tower seems almost close enough to touch. The hot spot attracts stylish locals and visitors, with fun cocktails and a menu of Southeast Asian bites and sushi.
In Indagare’s words: “Located 58 floors above Shanghai’s Financial district of Pudong, Flair boasts the most spectacular panoramas in the entire futuristic city.” ~ Emma Pierce
Related: On the Rise: Shanghai
Le Perchoir, Paris
The non-descript façade of an office building in the 11th arrondissement belies the chic bar inside: Le Perchoir. After enjoying an expertly mixed cocktail and the magnificent vistas of the Eiffel Tower, Sacré Coeur and Paris’s picturesque rooftops, head one flight down to the stylish dining room for Provençal-style comfort food.
In Indagare’s words: “I love Perchoir where the Mediterranean atmosphere combined with spectacular views is tres magnifique!” ~ Avery Carmichael
Related: Top Tables Paris
Kensington Roof Gardens, London
A truly magical space in the heart of London, Richard Branson’s Kensington Roof Gardens seem to be conjured from a fairytale. This enchanting venue features a bar surrounded by manicured gardens with Tudor and Spanish influences and even a colony of flamingos.
In Indagare’s words: “The rooftop fantasyland at Kensington Roof Gardens is a uniquely lush setting for whimsical cocktails and breathtaking city views.” ~ Elizabeth Harvey
Related: London Summer News
La Terrazza, Florence
Courtesy Continentale
Overlooking the Ponte Vecchio, La Terrazza at the Hotel Continentale is a chic outdoor terrace with stunning views of the Duomo and Florence’s terracotta roofs. Enjoy a glass of Tuscan wine with an array of cheese and charcuterie on the charming deck, which is decorated with trees, linen-covered banquettes and atmospheric lamps.
In Indagare’s words: “La Terrazza rooftop is the perfect spot for a late afternoon cocktail as the sun sets over the Arno River.” ~ Rose Allen
Related: Top Tables Florence
Soho House Roof, Berlin
The Mediterranean-inspired rooftop bar at Berlin’s Soho House boasts a negative-edge pool, chic striped loungers and fabulous views of Berlin’s TV Tower. Cool locals and guests sip nightly on such inspired concoctions as the Caribbean spritz or a Tom Collins with matcha and honey syrup, while taking in the hip scene.
In Indagare’s words: “At Soho House Berlin, the views of the city are only rivaled by those within the space; Berlin’s most beautiful people come to drink, dine and swim in the pool here.” ~ Emma Pierce
La Dolce Vitae, Barcelona
Although the Majestic Hotel is one of Barcelona’s grande dame hotels, it evokes a sophisticated and hip vibe, which is especially apparent at its rooftop bar and pool deck. With views towards the Mediterranean Sea, sunbeds for lounging and contemporary art on display, it’s a wonderful place to linger over afternoon or pre-dinner cocktails and tapas while listening to live music.
In Indagare’s words: “You can see numerous Gaudi buildings’ façades from the rooftop at the Majestic, and the sea breezes are divine. An ideal afternoon itinerary includes a wine-filled rooftop lunch followed by a massage at the spa, then a quick siesta!” ~ Amelia Osborne Scott
Related: Staff Travels: Indagare in Barcelona
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge seems to float beside New York City, offering incredible views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River and the iconic Manhattan skyline. The spacious rooftop (complete with a chic pool) boasts a buzzy scene at day or night and serves a small menu of tropical cocktails and comfort food snacks.
In Indagare’s words: “The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge’s rooftop is one of the most impressive rooftops in the city. I felt like I could touch the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.” ~ Nikki Erlick
Related: Top Tables New York
