Quick answer: For drinks with a view, the standouts are in Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dubai and Athens.
A great rooftop bar pairs a knockout view with the right atmosphere. These cities do it best.
The 10 best rooftop-bar cities
Singapore
Best months: Jan–Mar · 24–30°C days · rainy (ERA5 climate data)
Marina Bay’s skyline from sky-high bars like CÉ LA VI atop Marina Bay Sands and 1-Altitude.
Bangkok
Best months: Dec–Feb · 22–32°C days · dry (ERA5 climate data)
The famous Sky Bar at lebua and Vertigo, high above the city.
Hong Kong
Best months: Nov–Jan · 13–20°C days · dry (ERA5 climate data)
Ozone at The Ritz-Carlton — one of the highest bars on earth.
Dubai
Best months: Dec–Feb · 14–24°C days · dry (ERA5 climate data)
Glittering skyline and beach-club rooftops with Burj Khalifa views.
Athens
Best months: Sep–Nov · 15–24°C days · dry (ERA5 climate data)
Rooftops across the city framing the floodlit Acropolis.
New York City
Manhattan skyline bars like 230 Fifth and countless hotel rooftops.
Rome
Best months: Apr–Jun · 13–23°C days · rainy (ERA5 climate data)
Aperitivo with domes and rooftops across the Eternal City.
Cape Town
Best months: Dec–Feb · 17–25°C days · dry (ERA5 climate data)
Table Mountain and Atlantic views from city rooftops.
Barcelona
Best months: Jun–Aug · 22–29°C days · some rain (ERA5 climate data)
Hotel rooftops over the Gothic Quarter and the Med.
Mexico City
Best months: Dec–Feb · 7–23°C days · dry (ERA5 climate data)
Buzzy rooftops over the Centro and Roma-Condesa.
How to choose
Go at sunset for the best light (and book ahead), check dress codes at the smarter spots, and aim for a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds.
The best rooftop bars in the world
For sundowners with a view, these sky-high bars are the world’s most spectacular:
- CE LA VI / Marina Bay Sands, Singapore — the iconic infinity-edge skyline view.
- Sky Bar & Vertigo, Bangkok — dizzying open-air perches above the city.
- Ozone, Hong Kong — one of the world’s highest bars.
- 230 Fifth, New York — Empire State Building views.
- Aer, Mumbai and Dubai’s sky lounges — glamour at altitude.
Go at golden hour for the best light, dress to the (often smart) code, and book ahead for the famous ones.
Best Rooftop Bars In The World FAQ
What are the best rooftop bars in the world?
Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, Bangkok’s Sky Bar, Hong Kong’s Ozone and New York’s 230 Fifth.
When is the best time to visit a rooftop bar?
Golden hour and sunset for the best light and skyline views; book ahead at the famous ones.
Related travel guides
Plan your trip to these destinations
Every destination here is chosen from first-hand visits and independent research — Packzup runs no sponsorships or paid placements.