Rooftop bars are a wonderful place to enjoy a drink and some light bites. They usually have something a bit special to offer. At a time when people value uniqueness and the chance to enjoy an experience, it is no surprise that they are surging in popularity. Pretty much wherever you go in the world you will find them, especially in the cities.
Real estate costs a lot and, often, there is not much land available for building new bars and restaurants. So, it is not surprising that hotels and the owners of high-rise properties are taking what would otherwise be dead space and turning it into attractive sky bars that make them money.
Why sky bars are so popular
Tourists especially love them. The views are usually spectacular which means great photos and the chance to get your bearings and learn more about the city and what it has to offer.
They are also generously proportioned which makes them ideal for hosting a gathering for a birthday or anniversary. Or to meet up with friends before a big night out.
But not all rooftop bars are created equal. Some are better than others. Below we highlight the best. The ones that offer the best experience, value for money, stunning views and more. In short, this is our list of the best rooftop bars in the world. If you click the link, you will be taken to the research that Mandoe Media carried out into the high-rise bars of the world, which will provide you with an even longer list than ours. The ones below are our favourites, Mandoe Media has used review data to look at things on a global scale.
Which sky bar offers the best overall experience?
When it comes to the overall experience, The Rooftop in Serras, Barcelona beats the rest. According to TripAdvisor, 93.51% of people who visited and left a rating gave it 5 stars.
The Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar in Abu Dhabi is not far behind. People who used it gave it an average rating of 93.08%.
Which rooftop bar offers the best views?
The view is one of the key reasons people visit rooftop bars. The more spectacular and unusual it is, the better. Virtually every sky bar offers a spectacular view, but there are still some that stand out from the rest.
Ozone at The Ritz Carlton in Hong Kong is the highest bar in the world, so as you would expect the view from there is pretty special. Its waterside location adds interest. Providing you with the chance to watch what is happening on the river while at the same time enjoying panoramic views of this iconic city.
Where is the most exotic rooftop bar located?
Technically, The Matterhorn Ski Bar is not a rooftop bar, but there are tables out on the deck and there is no arguing that this bar is located at a high altitude. It sits atop a mountain that is 14, 692 feet tall and offers panoramic views of the Alps so ticks the exotic location box too.
The other exotic bar on our list is the Aer Lounge in Mumbai. Its location is not exotic, but the design is. Its futuristic yet chic look can certainly be categorised as exotic.
Which rooftop bar offers the best value for money?
Rooftop bars have a reputation for being expensive. However, not all of them are, the Hoptinger Bier Garden & Sausage House in Jacksonville, 1881 per SAGARDI in Barcelona and La Isabela at Hotel 1898, Barcelona, all offer bottles of wine for as little as $20.
Which country has the most top rooftop bars?
If you are a fan of rooftop or sky bars and want to experience the best, head to America. That country is home to 94 of the top 200 high-rise bars in the world. But you may have to travel quite a bit to experience them all. According to Mandoe Media´s research, the best ones are spread across 19 cities.
Which city stands out for its choice of rooftop bars?
Having said that, 20 of the best rooftop bars are located in New York. Potentially, you could book yourself a two-week break there and enjoy them all. Perhaps visiting the Gansevoort Rooftop bar, which is the city´s top-rated skyscraper bar more than once.
If you prefer to visit Europe, London is the place to head. Fifteen of the top 200 sky bars in the world are to be found there. Madison which sits on top of the St Paul´s Restaurant came out top for the city.
Most rooftop bars have long opening hours. But they are extremely popular, so it is always wise to book in advance.
