Roof terraces and roof terrace bars are increasingly popular in cities across the World. Of course they are – who wouldn’t like to have a fantastic view while sipping cocktails in a wonderful outdoor space? There’s nothing like taking in a majestic view while sipping on a masterfully crafted cocktail from atop a well appointed rooftop bar. We’ve selected 16 of our favorite spots around the world located high in the sky.

The Mandarin Oriental Munich

The view: A fabulous 360-degree view of the city including the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady), Friedensengel (Angel of Peace) and many more.
The scene: A mixed scene, varying in age and concerns: hotel guests as well as private people who want to indulge in the extraordinary view and facilites (bar and restaurant)
The music: Mainly lounge tunes with a little more upbeat music at night time
The cocktail: The Spicy Japan, a delicious cocktail mixed with japanese Shochu, Yuzu juice, chili, ginger liquor and ginger beer. All ingredients make it the perfectly refreshing cocktail this summer season
Interesting fact: Guests are able to relax in the lounge area and dine in the restaurant area, both unique in their “Asian mixed with Western garden style” design

The Glenmore Rooftop Hotel, Sydney

The view: Make your way straight to the rooftop before sunset for breathtaking views of the gorgeous Sydney Harbor and skyline.
The scene: The clientele is boisterous and cheerful on the upper deck, with Aussies and travelers alike looking for a great time.
The music: Eclectic mix of the best beats from local talent.
The drink: Drinking with mates or shared on a date, impress your company with the Rooftop Royale cocktail jug — exclusive to The Glenmore.
Interesting fact: Built in 1921, The Glenmore Hotel is one of the last standing buildings built before the Harbor Bridge.

Skybay, Biel

The view: The Mediterranean Sea and the extended coastal view of Lebanon
The scene: A mix of local and international socialites, jet-setters, and public figures take over the club in summer where internationally renowned DJs and music artists perform every week in front of a full house and a fantastic firework display lighting up Beirut’s dark summer sky
The music: The music progresses gradually from lounge around sunset, to progressive and deep house music before culminating in exceptional dance remixes that go on until the early hours of the morning.
The cocktail: Amongst a series of signature cocktails, the must-try of the summer has to be the White Lychee. You can also ask any of the mixologists to get crafty because the talented team manning the bar is one of Skybar’s many attractions.
Interesting fact: Skybar was the first rooftop bar of its kind in Lebanon and it was monumental in redefining the Lebanese club scene. The rooftop is packed throughout the summer and has a very exclusive waiting list. Its main centerpiece is a huge central bar, followed by a killer view of the Lebanese coast, and comfortable snazzy couches that overlook the Mediterranean Sea.

Le Bain 

The view: All over Manhattan and the Hudson River.
The scene: Creatives, models, Europeans.
The music: Electronic, highly danceable.
The drink: Paris Spritz: Aperol, St. Germaine, Perrier and champagne.
Interesting fact: When things get really hot, you can cool off in the pool right below the rooftop.

Georges Hotel Galata, Istanbul

The view: One of the best views in town to enjoy the magnificence of the Bosphorus, the old city and the first bridge.
The scene: Best French gastronomy in town and Sunday brunch with DJ.
The music: Eclectic.
The cocktail: Pastis.
Interesting facts: Astonishing views, Sunday brunch, no name on the front door, no formal front desk, personalized in-room check in, full integration between French gastronomy and hospitality.

The Thompson Hotel Rooftop Bar

The view: 360-degree view of downtown Toronto and surrounding suburbs (on a clear day).

The scene: A mix of corporate types, visiting business people and creative professionals.

The music: House/hip-hop.
The cocktail: Elderflower Vodka, elderflower liqueur and raspberry champagne.
Interesting fact: The rooftop features a heated infinite swimming pool.

Tokyo, Montreal

The view: Situated in the heart of Montreal Le Plateau and overlooks Montreal’s The Main.
The scene: Locals, bar staff and mixology lovers.
The music: Mostly indie rock with a sprinkle of old school and underground hip-hop.
The cocktail: Tokyo: vodka, sake, ginger syrup, grapefruit purée, topped with Perrier.

The Boundary, Shoreditch

The view: Look east for Canary Wharf and south over the city toward The Shard in all its glassy glory.
The scene: Shoreditch scenesters, media types and the fashionable Dalston set.
The music: A wonderfully unpredictable mix of Balearic house, blues and soul.
The cocktail: Go all Med and order a Sprizzato, a blend of bitter orange spirit, sparkling wine, fresh orange and soda.
Interesting fact: Its newly-designed roof garden features grape-producing vines and a herb garden that supplies the bar.

Time Out Bar

The view: The fantastic panorama of Moscow is especially good during sunset. Five of Stalin’s “Seven Sisters” skyscrapers are visible.
Scene: Surprisingly eclectic but organically blends into the bar’s relaxed atmosphere. The crowd includes expats, students and all possible fans of original cocktails, which Time Out Bar is famous for.
The music: The variety is pleasantly pleasing: ’50s/’60s pop motifs and melodic jazz-funk reign in the afternoon. At night you can even come across a Moscow State University professor behind the decks.
The cocktail: You can rely on your own taste in music. For some, there’s the Black Sabbath, others will prefer the Kalinka-Malinka (the latter, by the way, is served in a samovar).
Interesting facts: The interior is home to a curious combination of Soviet legacy and the endeavors of Dutch designers. Well-known international mixologists visit every weekend. Spectacular views of Moscow at night – even from the bathroom!

Globe Milano

The view: The terrace has outdoor space overlooking Piazza Cinque Giornate, one of the most glamorous squares in Milan near Porta Romana and Piazza Duomo.
The scene: Modern with elegant atmospheres.
The music: Every Saturday features a special music night with DJ Luca Beni, an institution in Milan nightlife and one of the most famous DJ from Radio 101. House and tech-house are the soundtrack of the evening.
The cocktail: Choose among more than 50 different special cocktails after dinner but be sure to try the Globe Royal and Globe Mojito.
Interesting fact: The terrace is not available only during summer and spring but offers a beautiful view also in winter time thanks to the glass window and the heating system to enjoy a cocktail outdoor all year long.

360 Bar, Jumeirah Beach Hotel 

The view: A panoramic view of Dubai’s coastline, sunset across the Arabian Gulf, a close-up view of the famous Burj al Arab with its infamous light show, and on a clear day, the tallest building in the world the Burj Khalifa is visible.
The scene: The first wave of the crowd hits the bar for the chilled out sunset vibes with cocktails and shisha, and the rest arrives to party with international DJs and audio tonic residents in the evening. During the weekend, it’s filled to the brim with models, moguls and industry movers.
The music: Electronic dance music with a distinct focus on a refined yet accessible sound. Every Friday from 4 pm, Audio Tonic’s Sunset Sessions begins the weekly ten-hour music marathon covering sunset sounds, through nu disco and all round feel-good grooves. Guest DJs have included Hernan Cattaneo, Spirit Catcher and Milton Jackson.
The cocktail: A raspberry Mojito while watching the sun set over the horizon.
Interesting fact: The bar is now open on two floors, with an indoor club open below deck for when the weather heats up.

Brown Hotel 

The view: The heart of the city quarter. One of the first in town. Watching the ocean and the business towers.
The scene: Models and the creme de la creme of the entertainment, fashion and ad industries.
The music: From retro house to lounge ’50s.
The cocktail: Mainly cocktails. From the classic Mai Tai to the Watermelon Man.
Interesting fact: The whole hotel and bar crew is foreign. From German bartenders to Argentinian waitresses.

Downtown Hotel

Where: The Downtown Hotel in the heart of the Centro Histórico of México City.
The view: The marvelous Casino Español, a historic building in Isabel la Católica, the Profesa, a baroque church and to the Torre Latinoamericana other emblematic building of the city.
The scene: Designers, bloggers, PR people, stylists, artists, musicians and lots of creative people having a delicious cocktail near the pool.
The music: Lounge most of the time. On special events you can find the best DJs in town.
The drink: Downtown Sunrise.
Interesting fact: Used to be the Palace of the Counts of Miravalle and it’s been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

High Rooftop Lounge at the Hotel Erwin

The view: Venice Beach Boardwalk, Muscle Beach, amazing Pacific sunsets, Santa Monica pier and the Hollywood Hills. On a clear day you can see downtown Los Angeles.
The scene: Laid-back, with everything from business suits to board shorts and a mix of locals and in-the-know tourists.
The music: Downtempo.
The cocktail: Pimm’s Cornucopia (Pimms, Distillery No. 209 gin, strawberry, cucumber, citrus and basil).
Interesting fact: After watching an amazing California sunset, snuggle up in one of the fresh blankets they provide.

Juvia

The view: Overlooks South Beach and downtown Miami.
The scene: Upscale, cocktail and dining.
The music: Lounge-y.
The cocktail: Cucumber Cooler; cocktails are perfectly Miami inspired, light and refreshing.
Interesting fact: Indoor/outdoor Rooftop dining. Great for grabbing a sunset drink and crudos with friends or intimate dinner and drinks. If you’re going just for cocktails, consider sitting bar top as it glows with pieces of amethyst and is gorgeous.

360 Caracas, Venezuela 

The view: The rooftop at Altamira Suites Hotel, 1,088 meters above sea level.
The scene: Cool casual bar decorated with hand made hammocks and recycle furniture with a magnificent view of the Avila Mountain, the city and the stars.
The Music: Chill-out and Balearic mixed music created by resident DJs for an evolving atmosphere to enjoy the sunset and nights with friends and visitors.
The cocktail: Passion Fruit Mojito made with Venezuelan rum and fresh parchita fruit; it makes everybody feel like touching the stars.
Interesting Fact: The tempting Jacuzzi is only for decoration. Don’t think about jumping in!

Skye Restaurante & Bar São Paulo 

The view: Ibirapuera Park and the Paulista Avenue skyline.
The scene: The most beautiful rooftop bar in the city attracts an eclectic and international crowd. They share the area around the pool to enjoy the warm weather and the terrific cocktail menu.
The music: At 9 pm you can listen to a great DJ near the pool. Lounge, house and the typical Brazilian bossa nova with a touch of electronic complete the atmosphere.
The cocktail: The Wassabi Kin Skye is perfect to enjoy your evening with an explosion of flavors.
Interesting fact: The red tiled pool stands out but the big highlight is the 360-degree view in the heart of the city.

Hotel Me Madrid

The view: On the roof you can see the most spectacular panoramic view of the capital of Spain. The place is near the famous Puerta del Sol at Madrid midtown.
The scene: A exclusive place to spend a quiet afternoon or a amazing night with cool and beautiful people, your friends and delicious cocktails.
The music: Good vibes with fresh house and chillout sessions.
The cocktail: Choose from an array of excellent, premium cocktails: Mangomint Mojito, Clover Club, Pisco Green, Frutilla, Caipiroska or Chicago Martini.
Interesting fact: The most glamorous terrace of Madrid have a colonial ambiance with marble, beds and cushions, Iroko wood furniture, white couches and a warm lighting candles made. And a legion of beautiful girls and international and local VIPs!

Two Rooms 

The view: On one side looking over the bustling Route 246 and on the other looking over the Tokyo skyline toward Shinjuku
The scene: Gorgeous ladies and cool guys hanging out in understated elegant surroundings
The music: Cool upbeat lounge changing regularly
The cocktail: Many and varied, from top-shelf wines and champagnes to meticulous cocktails shaken with fresh fruit
Interesting fact: The bar tops and some other tables are made from 50,000-year-old Kauri from the New Zealand South Island. The name Two Rooms comes from the fact that one room is a bar and the other room is a dining room. The terrace gets jammed in the nicer months and there’s nothing like it in Tokyo.

Featured image via Shutterstock/Steve Rosset

Source: http://societeperrier.com/blog/16-of-the-worlds-best-rooftop-bars/