Rooftop Rendezvous

The World’s 10 Sexiest Rooftop Bars

Epic vacations aren’t complete without a trip to a seriously great bar, but busy bars, crammed crowds, and no room to breathe is seriously unsexy. Consider taking your cocktails to new heights and enjoy a night under the stars at one of these exclusive rooftop bars. With some killer signature cocktails and sweeping city views, you’ll never want to drink at a regular bar again. – Written by Rachael Kuhl

1. Ivy Bar—Sydney, Australia

Considered Sydney’s most stylish place to grab a cocktail, the rooftop extravaganza that is Ivy Bar does not disappoint. While the turquoise pool, candy-stripe umbrellas, and colorful beach balls beckon you to cut loose on the dance floor, the quiet, intimate corners of the bar allow you to sneak away and have more intimate conversations with guests. Lounge on a cabana and sip the bar’s signature Spaside Margarita, or take in the views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbor while downing a Mojito Royale. If you’re looking to let your hair down on a cool Sydney summer night, then the bright, fun-filled atmosphere of Ivy Bar is the perfect place to be.

2. 230fifth—New York, New York

From the top of the Empire State Building, the rooftop bar at 230fifth looks more like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon than a trendy New York hotspot. Teeming with palm trees and exotic flora and fauna, 230fifth is New York’s largest outdoor garden, and coolest place to grab a cocktail. Enjoy the Manhattan skyline from the bar’s heated patio, and feel free to take in the fresh air—a rarity in New York—from the night sky. Enjoy classic American bar food favorites, like creamy mac and cheese and crispy fried chicken strips. Jalapeno margaritas and caramel apple martinis are the libations of choice at the bar. An exotic respite from the hustle and bustle of New York, 230fifth is pure nirvana in the middle of the city that never sleeps.

3. Radio Rooftop Bar—London, England

The poshest bar in town, take a break from the pints and pubs and grab a cocktail at the Radio Rooftop Bar in London. Plush white cushioned booths and candlelit lanterns create a sexy, dark atmosphere, evocative of a modern Ibiza beach club. Enjoy panoramic views of London’s most historic landmarks, including the London Eye, Trafulgar Square, Parliament, and Covent Garden. Nosh on Spanish-influenced tapas and craft cocktails that come garnished with colorful flowers. If you miss out on the nighttime fun, Radio serves up a spectacular brunch on the weekends from 1pm-4pm. But you better wear your Sunday’s best; to enter Radio, no sneakers allowed! Only the fashionable get to experience Radio’s rooftop splendor.

4. The Emerald Peacock—Melbourne, Australia

After the weeklong work grind, find some solace at The Emerald Peacock’s buzzy rooftop bar. The unassuming ground floor entrance, plus a few flights of stairs, opens up into Melbourne’s hottest hidden gem. Swathed in gilded peacock wallpaper, black and white chairs, and tons of hanging potted plants, this vibrant rooftop escape is the perfect place to have a cocktail and kick off the weekend. Pair your cocktail with the Emerald Peacock’s take on burgers, quesadillas, and tacos. However, the best part about the Emerald Peacock is the sweeping city views of Melbourne. Spread your wings and visit this tucked-away rooftop gem. You won’t be disappointed.

5. Gatto Blanco—Panama City, Panama

Perched atop the Casa Nuratti Hotel is the small yet bustling Gatto Blanco rooftop bar. While the industrial gray concrete and honey wood accents don’t seem like typical bar décor, the light-up marquis lights that proudly spell “Gatto Blanco” remind you that this is, in fact, the hottest bar in Panama City. With an extensive drink menu that boasts nearly any cocktail imaginable, as well as tasty Italian staples like risotto with lobster, Gatto Blanco is an Italian dream nestled in the heart of Panama City. After you’ve eaten, dance the night away to the house DJ. The 360 degree views of the cityscape make you feel as though you’re dancing in the clouds.

6. Le Georges—Paris, France

After viewing the celebrated artwork collections at the Museum of Modern Art at the Centre Georges Pompidou, retreat to the rooftop terrace at Le Georges for the sexiest rooftop experience in Paris. Each lacquered white table is adorned with a single stem red rose, and the red up lighting further reminds you that you are immersed in the City of Love. Sample Parisian staples, such as foie gras and Baeri caviar, as you overlook the Eiffel Tower and Paris’s various beautiful arrondissements. Sip champagne and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the French capital in one of Paris’s most quintessentially French hotspots.

7. La Dolce Vitae, Barcelona, Spain

If you’re looking for the best view of Barcelona, traipse up to the top of the Majestic Hotel and Spa, and prepare to have your breath taken away. The rooftop paradise of La Dolce Vitae, strewn with plush white chairs and shady umbrellas, is a little slice of heaven in Spain. Head up to the bar on a breezy summer night, order one of the bar’s exotic specialty cocktails, nosh on some tapas, and enjoy the miles and miles of panoramic views. On clear days, Antoni Gaudi’s infamous Sagrada Familia Cathedral is visible, as well as the Atlantic Ocean. To experience cocktails, culture and what is widely considered the best vibe in Barcelona, head on up to La Dolce Vitae.

8. Limes Hotel-Brisbane, Australia

If you’re looking for a bar with celebrity treatment, the Limes Hotel has everything your A-list heart desires. Renowned for attracting Brisbane’s most beautiful people, the Limes is anything but your typical bar. Sample some high-flavor signature cocktails, like the passion fruit and vanilla mojito. Order a pizza from Alfredo’s, the bar’s own pizzeria, after you’ve had your fill of dancing to the latest tunes. If dancing isn’t your game, the Limes offers outdoor cinema on the weekends. Watch your favorite classics and new blockbusters under the stars, with a killer drink in hand and some seriously beautiful company. Now that is an A-lister’s dream.

9. Perch—Los Angeles, California

With thousands of bars to choose from in nightlife-centered Los Angeles, the rooftop bar Perch stands above the rest-literally! Sitting 16 stories high, Perch is a French bistro-inspired bar that offers unobstructed views of the Downtown Los Angeles skyline. As high in the sky as Perch is, it’s never chilly. The bar comes equipped with two outdoor fireplaces, various fire pits, and plenty of lounge chairs to keep guests seated and warm.  If sitting and enjoying the view seems too blasé, you can dance the night away to music provided by the house DJ. Be sure to try out the special French-inspired drink menu, complete with rare selections of cognacs, Armagnacs, and French cordials.

10. SEVVA—Hong Kong, China

When one of Hong Kong’s most prominent style icons decides to open up a rooftop bar, you know it’s going to be absolutely spectacular. Littered with plush white cushion rattan couches and dozens of futuristic light fixtures, icon Bonnie Gokson’s SEVVA maintains a sophisticated yet relaxed environment to grab a drink and catch up with friends. Situated in one of Hong Kong’s most prominent skyscrapers, SEVVA has sweeping panoramic views of the Hong Kong cityscape, as well as bird’s eye views of Victoria Harbor and the Kowloon skyline. Enjoy the most celebrated signature cocktails of the city, like the Kama Sutra or guava mojito, as you watch the daily fireworks and Symphony of Lights laser show.