There’s nothing like a dose of summer sun to make you feel on top of the world. When skies are clear, roof top bars offer the perfect perch to relax and watch the world go by. Here are some of our favourite sky-skimming hot-spots from around the world – TLC’s 7 Favourite Roof Top Bars:
- Le Bain, The Standard, High Line Hotel, New York, USA.
Manhattan’s skyline is probably the most famous in the world. Le Bain, on the top floor of The Standard, High Line Hotel, is a fabulous place from which to view it. Its name, meaning ‘The Bath’ in French, is literal in so far as there is a swimming pool next to the DJ. So, when things get hot on the dance-floor, you can jump in the plunge pool to cool down. It’s a big adult’s playground. A garden in the clouds, Le Bain is a penthouse discothèque with a grass covered roof-top where you can sip cocktails on the terrace with views across the city and the Hudson River. Top DJs from all over the world can be found on the decks and acts are listed in advance. Access is exclusive and being a guest of the hotel doesn’t guaranteed entry.
- AER, Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai, India
The full 34th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai is given over to its roof top bar, AER, offering a panoramic view stretching across the city and over the Arabian Sea.
The open-air lounge covers the entire roof of the building and has a futuristic feel with its smooth lines and circular lit bar. You don’t have to wait for the summer to enjoy this one either, because it is open all year round. Even the Monsoon rains don’t stop the party, with a canopy and windscreen to shield guests from the worst of the weather.
The bar has an over 21s entry policy and access is complimentary for hotel guests.
- Skyline Rooftop Bar, Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice, Italy
If Cupid’s arrow has struck, a visit to Skyline Rooftop Bar will have your head in the clouds in every sense. Venice is the city of romance. For the hopeless romantic, its view over Giudecca canal to Piazza San Marco is hard to beat. It’s a popular spot for couples to watch the sunset, one hand entwined in their loved ones and the other holding a champagne cocktail. And once the sun sets it becomes one of the city’s most exclusive night-spots with live music, DJs and dinner by the roof-top pool.
- Radio Rooftop Bar, ME London, UK
There is so much architectural beauty in London that it is hard to take it all in when you’re down in the hustle and bustle of the city’s streets. But number 4 on our 7 Favourite Roof Top Bars list is London’s Radio rooftop bar is a wonderful spot from which to admire some of the city’s most famous sights –Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, Houses of Parliament – in comfort. Located on the 10th floor of ME London, the bar is accessible via a dedicated express lift. It serves a tapas menu and has a late license until 2am Thursday to Saturday. No hen or stag parties are allowed.
- Mamilla Hotel, Jerusalem, Israel
Could there be a city more steeped in history than Jerusalem? The Mamilla Hotel brings old and new together with guests enjoying the luxury of its outdoor lounge and restaurant while overlooking the Old City walls, the Tower of David and Jaffa Gate. Although exclusive, the hotel describes its outdoor lounge as having an ‘atmosphere of casual intimacy’ and it is a perfect place to relax and unwind in the heart of Jerusalem. However, that doesn’t mean you will be guaranteed entry if you decide to drop by. Seating is limited and given its prime position in the city it’s not surprising that reservations are advised.
- Q lounge, First Hotel Grims Grenka, Oslo, Norway
Norway’s capital, Oslo combines the cosmopolitan buzz of a metropolitan city with the laid-back vibe of a town. Being on the edge of the land of the midnight sun, during summer months the sun doesn’t set until 11pm. The Q Lounge, on the roof of First Hotel Grims Grenka is one of Oslo’s few roof bars and offers unrivalled views across the city. Open between April and September it is one of Oslo’s hottest summer venues.
- Rooftop Lounge and Playground, Great John Street, The Old School House, Manchester UK.
When thinking about a summer’s evening spent at Great John Street hotel, the name, Rooftop Lounge and Playground says it all. What was once the playground of the converted Victorian school house is now a playground for big kids. South-facing to catch the best of the rays, the playground has a terrace, hot tub, sun lounges, informal seating and a glass veranda. When the sun is shining it’s the place to go for urbanites wanting to play out.
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