It’s no secret that I love rooftop bars – cocktail in hand, looking out to the bright lights of any city is something that will always give me a little chill (out of excitement, but maybe from a breeze too).
They’re not even just for drinking (see Bussey Building below). I recently went to two in London’s Peckham in one night – whoring myself around rooftops now apparently.
Frank’s Cafe and Campari Bar
A confusing drink-purchasing system, it’s like an alcoholic fast food joint: you queue, say your choice, then collect at the other end of the bar.
What awaits you is a long stretch of rooftop with fairy lights, perhaps a vintage car, and a mesmerising supersize mask made from what looks like shiny confetti. It’s very Great Gatsby-esque in its masterful, flapper-style watch over the London skyline.
Bussey Building
Smaller and more quaint, with a bar covered in leaves and flowers, this is the rooftop bar where we watched a film (Dazed and Confused). Red and white striped deck chairs lined most of the floor with headphones and blankets at the ready. There was even a popcorn machine and a pulled pork burrito. Now, I have been searching for pulled pork since I left America in June. I LOVE the stuff.
The fact that you can watch a film on a big screen on a rooftop in London is a wonderful invention. There’s even such thing as the Hot Tub Cinema – yes, you sit in hot tubs on a rooftop, watching a film. Aren’t people’s minds ludicrously amazing?
In spirit of my love for rooftops, these are some other rooftop bars around the world. Most have been nominated by myself or friends and family!
Sydney
Photo from Shangri-La gallery
For any weather, try the incredible panoramic views of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Darling Harbour at Blu Bar on 36 at the Shangri-La Hotel.
For a more casual feel, the outside air, and to experience Aussie culture at its best, go to Sweethearts Rooftop BBQ at the Sugarmill Hotel. Again, there are fairy lights (no wonder I picked it) but make sure you book!
Photo from Sweethearts Rooftop BBQ website
Hong Kong
Photo credit to my friend, Hayley
Ozone is on the 118th floor of the International Commerce Centre (ICC), part of the Ritz-Carlton, has a view of the Hong Kong Harbour. This city just reaches new heights entirely – you’ll be overwhelmed by the view.
New York
Photo from The Standard website
I’ve never had the pleasure of going to these rooftop bars, but I’m keeping my eye on them for the next time I go to New York!
Reminiscent of some of London’s rooftop bars (Dalston) with astro turf, Le Bain rooftop bar at The Standard Hotel is a refreshing Sixties style.
There’s also a rooftop bar on top of the Met Museum – I feel they’ve kept this a bit of a secret! If I’d have known this, I’d have been there like a shot. On Fifth Avenue, you’re sure to get a good view as well as literally standing on art.
Check out Confessions of a Nomad’s blog post on New York City’s best rooftop bars for more ideas!
Prague
Photo from Hotel U Prince website
The Hotel U Prince’s Terrace is gorgeous – those orange rooftops and incredibly detailed architecture is meant to be admired, and why not from a bit of a height sprouting from the Old Town Square itself? Prague Castle and the Astronomical Clock Tower are right there for your eyes to steal. If you want to make a table reservation, you’ll have to eat here rather than just drink.
