Here at H4C, we think often the best way to kick off an overseas adventure is to pull up a barstool at a fabulous local bar – bonus points if it’s somewhere with a gasp-worthy outlook. Want to take your love to new heights? We’ve collected ten romantic rooftop bars that are sure to make your next escape one to really remember…
Related article: Bar-hopping in Budapest
High Note SkyBar at Aria Hotel, Hungary
Great for… immersing yourselves in culture
Say you’ve just touched down in Hungary’s heritage-rich capital of Budapest and you’ve only got limited time to see it all. Our advice? Find yourselves a spot on one of High Note SkyBar’s orange-hued sofas.
Calling the boutique music-themed Aria Hotel home, this sensational hangout is right next to St Stephen’s Basilica (on the Pest side of the Danube River) and boasts truly magnificent views across the city’s rooftops to Old Buda. You can tick off some of Budapest’s most iconic sights without leaving High Note SkyBar – so slip on something stylish, settle in at sunset, order yourselves something from the creative cocktail list and take it all in.
Baba Nest at Sri Panwa, Thailand
Great for… breathtaking 360-degree panoramas
We seriously can’t get over the jaw-droppingly gorgeous views at Sri Panwa’s award-winning Baba Nest bar. Seeming to fade off into its spectacular surrounds, this sleek open-air bar opens out to some of Phuket’s most stunning views – think jungle-topped islands peeking out from shimmering azure waters and pockets of sun-bathed sand.
Keeping the summery vibes alive, Baba Nest features an eyebrow-raising infinity pool that wraps around the rooftop deck. Admire the natural beauty of the Andaman Sea and Phuket’s Southeastern peninsula while taking a refreshing dip, or chill out on one of the large outdoor cushions, cocktail in-hand. However you choose to spend your time here, don’t miss one of Baba Nest’s infamous sunset sessions. You’ll sip sundowners while watching the sky transform into an ombre of lilac, pink, yellow and blue – unforgettable.
Parruche, Paris, France
Great for… chic contemporary flair
Paris certainly isn’t lacking when it comes to sumptuous rooftop bars. If you’ve already visited some of the city’s more time-honoured options, make your way to the top of the Printemps Haussmann department store in the Opéra district. Here, you’ll find the fresh, new Perruche (translating to ‘Parrot’ in English). Making a name for itself since opening in 2018, this chic rooftop haunt blends youthful energy with postcard-ready 360-degree views.
Looking out over the enchanting city, Perruche offers a next-level (pun intended) vantage point for spotting the Eiffel Tower, Palais Garnier, La Madeleine and even the Sacré Coeur. Adding to the beauty of it all, the oasis-like bar ups the ‘European summer’ feel with bloom-filled gardens and yellow-and-ivory-striped lounges – very Insta-worthy! Whether you visit during the day or in the evening, treat yourselves to a glass of something exquisite and, if it takes your fancy, delectable Parisian-style cuisine. C’est magnifique!
230 Fifth, USA
Great for… sight-seeing
Another winner for those wanting to mix sight-seeing with enjoying a drink or two, 230 Fifth is one of New York’s largest and most famous rooftop bars. Named after its location at 230 5th avenue, it’s the place to go to take in Manhattan’s iconic skyline and the grand Empire State Building.
The drinks here are also worth the hype. Offering an extensive list of tipples (the food isn’t bad, either), 230 Fifth’s expert mixologists can suggest the perfect thirst-quencher for virtually any occasion or season. Soaking up the sunshine? Cool down with a classic gin cucumber mojito or a white peach martini. Feeling the cold? Indulge in a spirit-spiked hot chocolate, caramel Irish coffee or hot fireball cider – that’s sure to warm your belly!
Chinchilla Cafe & Bar, South Africa
Great for… relaxed beachy vibes
If you haven’t yet visited South Africa, do it… and toast the occasion at the exclusive Chinchilla Café and Bar. Stretching along Cape Town’s white-sand Camps Bay, this eclectic spot effortlessly fuses rustic romance with beach-chic luxury.
Under the shade of a slatted wooden beam roof, recline on one of Chinchilla’s plush lounges with a cocktail and let the bay’s salty, cooling breezes relax your senses. Or, marvel at the majestic Table Mountain while sharing sundowners and swaying to the music of a live DJ. Sounds like the perfect evening, no?
Franco’s Bar, Positano
Great for… old-world romance
Ah, Positano – it has to be one of the world’s most dreamy destinations. An incredible spot for ‘living your best Positano life’, Franco’s Bar is a must-visit for couples on an Amalfi Coast getaway. Pairing picture-perfect Tryrrhenian Sea views with first-class drinks and enticing gourmet nibbles, it’s unbelievably romantic.
While technically only newly opened, Franco’s Bar oozes old-world elegance. Heritage-style architecture, greenery-filled terracotta pots and a timeless colour palette of white, bright blue and canary yellow give this stylish spot plenty of charm. We wouldn’t be surprised to see Sophia Loren sipping an Aperol Spritz here…
Summit Lounge at Pan Pacific Hanoi, Vietnam
Great for… modern sophistication
When it comes to hotel bars, the Pan Pacific Hanoi’s Summit Lounge really stands out from the crowd. With a 360-degree panorama that stretches across the glittering city skyline, plus Hanoi’s West Lake and Red River, this sophisticated bar is sure to make for amazing travel memories.
Ticking all the right boxes (incredible views, brilliant drinks, tempting Asian-inspired bites and a fantastic soundtrack provided by a live DJ), the Summit Lounge is ideal for couples wanting to live out their 007 fantasies. Dress up, clink glasses and indulge a little.
Woobar at W Bali, Bali
Great for… funky style
In Bali, rooftop bars don’t come much cooler than the W Bali’s funky Woobar. Overlooking Seminyak’s palm-fringed shores, this electric spot is ideal for those wanting to let their hair down.
You could (and should) spend a whole day here. Lap up the sunshine, swim in the glamorous pool and unwind on one of the luxe daybeds with cocktails and tapas before witnessing a magical sunset. As night falls and the lanterns illuminate, make your way to the beachside dance-floor and let go of your stresses for a Bali escape you’ll treasure forever.
Ozone at the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Great for… going all-out
We really couldn’t skip this impressive spot. The world’s highest bar, Ozone is situated on the 118th floor of the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong… roughly 490 metres above sea level! With a glitzy indoor area and a marvellous al fresco area (that’s not for the faint of heart), it’s like nowhere else on Earth.
With a real party atmosphere, Ozone promises a fantastic experience. Begin your Hong Kong sojourn with inventive cocktails, delicious tapas and infectious beats from a live DJ. Or, enjoy one of the bar’s cherished Sunday brunch sessions – how very lavish.
Coogee Pavilion, Australia
Great for… a breezy coastal atmosphere
If you’re getting away for a short break or a romantic escape, set your sights for Sydney’s beloved Coogee Pavilion. Set on Coogee’s pine-fringed coastline, it’s a beloved option for those wanting to keep things laid-back but still refined.
Making the most of its scenic setting, Coogee Pavilion’s rooftop features a wrap-around balcony with sigh-inducing sea views, plus four indoor and outdoor bars. Rounding it all out, a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired menu and elegant modern decor makes this delightful hangout an excellent option for romantics. Cheers, lovers…
Dreaming of your next getaway? Find amazing destinations and romantic accommodation with our helpful directory…Image credits: www.rancosbar.com/en, www.facebook.com/pg/perrucheparis/, www.230-fifth.com, www.chinchillarooftop.co.za/, www.facebook.com/pg/FrancosPositano/, www.facebook.com/pg/panpacifichanoi/, www.woobarbali.com/, www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/china/hong-kong/, www.merivale.com/venues/coogeepavilionrooftop
