Let’s be honest, we all love a good rooftop bar! A table with good food, a tempting drink in hand, beautiful sunset skies, and a city stretching out below- that’s the kind of vibe and night worth remembering.

Of course, the best rooftop bars are about much more than being several floors above the street. The ones that truly stand out bring together a great cocktail menu with each drink deserving a ‘once more’, thoughtful designs with unique settings, exceptional dining experiences that bring joyful flavors to your palate, and views which are simply too good not to photograph.

Whether you’re planning a date night, discovering a new city, celebrating a special occasion, or simply an evening that needs a little more sparkle, these ten rooftop bars are worth raising a glass to!

• Sully’s Rooftop, Mooloolaba, Queensland
• Skyline Rooftop Bar, Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
• AER, Mumbai
• ONE Dine at One World Observatory, New York
• Baba Nest, Phuket
• Sora Rooftop Bar, Cabo San Lucas
• KAIYŌ Rooftop, San Francisco
• Highdive – Rooftop Bar & Social Terrace, Pune
• GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar, Athens
• 4 Saints, Palm Springs, California
• SkyBar, Kuala Lumpur

Sully’s Rooftop, Mooloolaba, Queensland

At the top of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, Sully’s Rooftop makes the most of its prime coastal setting with sweeping 180-degree views across Mooloolaba Beach, Point Cartwright and the Glass House Mountains. The laid-back design reflects the Sunshine Coast spirit, while the restaurant, bar, terrace and lounge offer plenty of space to settle in for a meal, sunset drinks or a relaxed evening overlooking the coast.

Led by Executive Chef Marky Godbeer, formerly of The Calile Hotel, the kitchen focuses on modern Australian food with local and seasonal produce at its heart, supporting the local agricultural economy. The menu moves from oysters, lime-cured Mooloolaba yellowfin and local king prawns to heartier plates such as wood-fired lamb shoulder and grass-fed ribeye. Seafood gets particular attention, with the current menu noting that all seafood is sourced from local or Australian waters.

The menu also includes wood-fired flatbreads, calamari, wagyu cheeseburgers, steak and chips, and mango and white chocolate pavlova. The drinks worth trying are the signature Sully’s Slushie, fruit-forward craft cocktails, alongside wines, tap beers and zero-proof options.

With space for up to 300 guests across its dining and lounge areas, Sully’s suits everything from a sunset date to a birthday, group dinner or larger celebration. The rooftop also has a growing events calendar, including the Sounds Like Sully’s weekly live music series, which adds a lively soundtrack to Thursday evenings. For first-time visitors to Mooloolaba, Sully’s is perfect to enjoy dinner, cocktails and a spectacular view in one place.

Skyline Rooftop Bar, Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice

Set on Giudecca Island, Skyline Rooftop Bar is the highest rooftop bar in Venice, giving guests a sweeping view across the city and the Giudecca Canal! From the terrace, you can actually watch the Venetian skyline change from warm sunset colours into a glittering skyline. How spectacular!

The bar’s award-winning menu is inspired by Venice itself, with drinks built around six colour-led themes that capture different moods and sensations of the city. Each combines distinctive ingredients, textures and mixology techniques.

Among the standouts is Solara – designed to mimic the golden sun reflecting over the Venetian Lagoon – it combines smooth Bumbu Original and Hell or High Water rums with a clarified pineapple extraction and rich coconut syrup. Horizon takes a more savoury direction with tomato water, tomato cordial, spicy cauliflower vinegar, lime and fennel. There are also alcohol-free options, including Rubra with pomegranate juice, pomegranate skin syrup and soda.

The bar welcomes celebrations, cocktail receptions, buffet dinners and private events, so the venue works well for a special evening rather than just a quick drink. For visitors planning a trip to Venice, Skyline offers a refreshing change of perspective: instead of experiencing the city only from its canals and narrow streets, you get to see its rooftops, waterways and skyline spread out in one sweeping view – and of course, sipping on your favorite drink as you take those Instagram-worthy photos.

AER, Mumbai

On the 34th floor of Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, AER offers one of the most iconic views of the Mumbai skyline, with the Arabian Sea as its mesmerizing frame. The open-air rooftop is designed around the view, and has a mix of booth-style seating and tables. Watching the sun set over the sea is definitely an experience!

AER’s cocktail programme gives classics a local and contemporary spin, with its own AER Gin used across drinks including the AER Gin Gimlet, Gin Spritz and Gin Negroni. For a more distinctive order, the AER-Plane puts Weller Reserve Bourbon, Amaro and Aperol together with melon, grapefruit and lemon, and arrives with a grapefruit-star garnish. The Gimlet Garden menu takes an ingredient-led approach, with cocktails built around botanicals, culinary ingredients, medicinal plants and even cosmetic botanicals.

Executive Chef Aditya Kulkarni, Sous Chef Shehrezad Kapadia, and Chef de Cuisine Abhishek Gurav have designed a food menu consisting of international small plates and tapas ranging from tossed edamame and crispy open bao to dragon chilli prawns, tuna cutlets and Caribbean pork sliders.

For couples, AER offers a dedicated Rendezvous for Two experience featuring premium champagne or wine and chef-selected tapas- so get that celebration started. AER also hosts its Sundowner Soiree on Sundays, bringing cocktails, food and live DJ music into the sunset hours. For anyone visiting Mumbai, this rooftop is certainly worth a visit: come before sunset for the views, stay as the Mumbai skyline lights up, and enjoy some cocktails and tapas.

ONE Dine at One World Observatory, New York

Dining at ONE Dine takes the rooftop experience to a whole new height, with the restaurant located on the 101st floor of One World Trade Center, more than 1,000 feet above Lower Manhattan! Floor-to-ceiling windows open up sweeping 360-degree views across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the surrounding waterways, and landmarks stretching as far as 45 miles on a clear day – absolutely breathtaking!

The setting is sleek and contemporary, with warm finishes to enjoy an evening with seasonal dining and handcrafted cocktails while watching the bustling city of New York come even more alive at night.

Executive Chef Reuel Vincent leads the culinary programme, bringing a New American approach influenced by his Caribbean heritage and New York’s multicultural food scene. His menus feature seasonal ingredients alongside seafood, prime steaks and other contemporary dishes, with selections changing throughout the year.

Their handcrafted drinks have names inspired by iconic New York City landmarks and themes. Some recommended ones are The A Train, a mix of vodka, Aperol, passion fruit, and sweet agave. The New World Fashion, a smoky, warm twist on an Old Fashioned built with bourbon, amaretto, sweet vermouth, honey, and orange bitters. For gin lovers, try Uptown Martini, a sleek mix of Brooklyn Gin, sweet passion fruit, and honey.

What makes ONE Dine particularly appealing is that dinner can be combined with the wider One World Observatory experience. So visitors have the chance to explore the 100th, 101st and 102nd floors before or after their meal.

The venue also offers private and group dining, with larger gatherings handled through its events team. For travellers exploring the best of New York, ONE Dine brings together the city’s landmarks, skyline, food and history in one memorable stop high above Lower Manhattan.

Baba Nest, Phuket

Baba Nest is famous for its rooftop deck surrounded by a wraparound infinity pool and an uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic view of the Andaman Sea, neighbouring islands and Phuket’s southeastern peninsula. The sunsets here are phenomenal!

The expansive setting adds to its sense of exclusivity, and the seating consists of beanbags and low tables. The drinks menu leans into premium pours, with high-end cocktails, fine wines and champagne. For those who like a Thai-inspired twist, the menu has included options such as the Baba Tom Yum, made with vodka, lime, lemongrass and chilli, alongside the Sri Panwa Martini with vodka, apple and lime. Sake Mojito with mint and lime and the Japanese Pim’s, combining sake with apple, cucumber, lime, coriander and rose syrup, are also favourites.

Food is kept suited to the drinks, with Mexican tapas available alongside the bar menu, and small bites like Salmon Nachos and chicken wings.

The experience is especially well suited for special celebrations, with the sea, sunset and infinity pool providing a dramatic backdrop for jaw-dropping photographs. Reservations are essential, and the rooftop is open daily from 5 pm to 8 pm, so if sunset views are high on your Phuket itinerary – plan a drink here.

Sora Rooftop Bar, Cabo San Lucas

High above the waters, in Four Seasons Resort Cabo del Sol, Sora Rooftop Bar is a must-visit for its spectacular ocean views. The open-air setting has a polished resort feel, with rattan furniture and a thatched ceiling adding Cabo character.

The drinks follow the destination, with Latin-spirited cocktails and Mexican spirits at the heart of the menu. The Prickly Pear & Baja Martini has local flavour, while the Margarita programme goes beyond the usual classic with playful creations including the Margarita Colada and Al Pastor Margarita. Guests can even build their own margarita – Yum!

Food is designed in collaboration with Executive Chef Miguel Baltazar and Richard Sandoval Hospitality. Oaxaca guacamole, Sora Baja Tacos, short rib quesadillas, grilled chicken skewers, and fresh seafood are highly recommended in their vast selection.

Thursday brings Sora’s popular Drunch, running from 5 pm to midnight, with family-style dishes and free-flowing margaritas- a fun reason to gather before the weekend. For couples, Sora features in the resort’s own couples itinerary as a recommended stop for cocktails and dinner.  For travellers, it’s certainly a fun introduction to the destination’s ocean views, Mexican flavours and after-dark energy.

KAIYŌ Rooftop, San Francisco

If you want your San Francisco skyline with a tropical twist, KAIYŌ Rooftop is a fun place to be. Located on the 12th floor of the Hyatt Place in SOMA, the open-air rooftop highlights panoramic views of downtown and Oracle Park.

The décor gives a lush, tropical feel, creating a welcome contrast to the cityscape around it. The food follows KAIYŌ’s Nikkei cuisine- a century-old culinary tradition born from Japanese immigration to Peru. This brings together ingredients, techniques and flavours from both cultures. The menu is made for sharing, with fresh seafood, sashimi, ceviche, grilled dishes and other small plates to pair with drinks.

The cocktail list is where the concept becomes especially distinctive. Peruvian Pisco and Japanese whisky, with spices, herbs, and fruits used to build drinks according to the Nikkei charm. Japanese whisky highballs add another option for guests who prefer a lighter, refreshing drink.

KAIYŌ also makes a good stop before or after a San Francisco Giants game, thanks to its location right next to Oracle Park. On game days, the energy is electric. But for a more relaxed afternoon, weekend rooftop brunch runs from 11 am to 3 pm. For tourists, KAIYŌ is an easy introduction to San Francisco’s rooftop scene, combining golden hour city views with Japanese-Peruvian flavours and cocktails.

Highdive – Rooftop Bar & Social Terrace, Pune

Highdive at Radisson Blu Pune Kharadi is impressive for its sunset views, an infinity pool and an open-air setting above the Pune skyline. The space has been designed as more than a standard rooftop lounge, with three distinct areas that give the venue different moods. The Upper Deck offers wide city views, while the Lower Deck features copper-lit alcoves that create a warmer setting for drinks and conversation.

At the centre is the Jewel Box, a contemporary bar and open kitchen where guests can watch the culinary team at work – which is quite inspiring and fascinating! Executive Chef Raameshwar Govindan makes sure the food menu takes a global approach, with international dishes and snacks designed to pair with the drinks, like Mozzarella Chaat and Porcini Mushroom Arancini. They prioritize organically grown, locally produced, and fair-trade certified ingredients.

The bar focuses on handcrafted cocktails like Smoke Therapy and Curry Leaf Martini and premium spirits, making it a natural choice for guests who want to start with sundowners and stay into the night.

The poolside setting is a major draw for date nights, celebrations, and evenings with friends, while the separate decks offer different ways to enjoy the space. It also works well for corporate and social gatherings. It is especially worth visiting at sunset, when the changing sky casts its colours across the pool and the city.

GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar, Athens

Perched on the eighth floor of Hotel Grande Bretagne, GB Roof Garden puts one of Athens’ most iconic sights right in front of your eyes. From the rooftop, it is easy to look across the Acropolis and Parthenon, with views also stretching towards Lycabettus Hill and the Greek Parliament at Syntagma Square. Incredibly beautiful!

The rooftop recently underwent a major redesign by London-based interior design studio Goddard Littlefair, giving the space a fresh look while retaining its connection to the historic hotel. Food also takes a distinctly Greek direction, with Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis, Chef de Cuisine Giannis Rokanas, and Pastry Chef Alexandros Koufas inspiring the “fine comfort” concept. The menu combines modern culinary techniques with Greek flavours, using seasonal produce and ingredients sourced from Greek producers.

The rooftop bar also serves signature cocktails, premium spirits, champagne and a Wine Spectator-awarded wine list alongside a bar-food menu designed for sharing. For a more relaxed summer evening, Bar8 offers an open-air setting with pop-jazz music and views towards the Parthenon.

GB Roof Garden suits everything from a memorable evening in Athens to a romantic dinner or special celebration. Sunset seating is particularly sought after, so reservations are recommended if watching the Acropolis change colour is part of your travel bucket list.

4 Saints, Palm Springs, California

Set on the rooftop of the Rowan Palm Springs, 4 Saints gives diners a front-row view of downtown Palm Springs and the San Jacinto Mountains. The covered terrace is especially alluring around sunset, when the desert landscape and mountain backdrop take centre stage.

The MICHELIN-recommended restaurant combines contemporary American cooking with influences from Japanese, Spanish, Peruvian and North African cuisines. Executive Chef Richard Crespin leads the kitchen, with dishes such as Short Rib Ravioli and Chilean Sea Bass bringing a more refined edge to the menu. The restaurant also focuses on premium seafood, grilled meats, and locally sourced produce.

For drinks, the bar focuses on artisanal cocktails, with the Highway 111 Old Fashion standing out for its bourbon infused with local Coachella Valley dates. That local ingredient gives a familiar classic a distinctly Palm Springs touch.

The setting is perfect for date nights, anniversaries, and milestone celebrations, while private dining is available for intimate groups of up to 20 guests. The adjacent covered terrace can also be incorporated into private occasions. The bar opens from 4 PM, so 4 Saints is also a good stop for travellers looking to experience Palm Springs from above, especially around golden hour.

SkyBar, Kuala Lumpur

On Level 33 of Traders Hotel, SkyBar has one of Kuala Lumpur’s most recognisable rooftop views, with the Petronas Twin Towers against the wider city skyline! The open-window design lets the city remain part of the experience, while the recently refreshed layout, updated ambience and a state-of-the-art K-array immersive sound system give the space a more contemporary feel.

Window seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while cabanas have a more private setting and require a minimum spend that can be fully used towards food and drinks. The bar’s drinks list includes familiar classics with inventive signatures, including the Sky Sling with bitter cucumber, elderflower, gin, hibiscus and pineapple, and Tiki Baru, which combines rum, pandan, passion fruit and pineapple. For couples, the Bonnie & Clyde cocktail is a fun choice, served as a two-drink pairing with separate recipes created for each guest. Its latest Spirits of Kuala Lumpur collection takes inspiration from the city’s neighbourhoods, culture and history, with cocktails such as CTRL + KOPI featuring tequila, coffee liqueur, gula Melaka, coconut and espresso.

The food menu complements the drinks with light bites and tapas, while limited-time menus have brought Malaysian favourites such as Satay Tiga Rasa, Wagyu Rendang Burger and Ayam Percik Skewers to the rooftop. Live bands add to the evening and make it more lively. The rooftop also hosts special celebrations and seasonal events, including Merdeka countdown evenings with live music, DJs, locally inspired cocktails and dedicated seating packages overlooking the Twin Towers.

It is easily one of the city’s most memorable skyline spots, bringing together sweeping views, a lively atmosphere and the unmistakable energy of Kuala Lumpur after dark.

After all, the best rooftop evenings are about the first sip, the last bite, the laughter around the table and that moment when you look at the beautiful view, let out a happy sigh and think, “This is exactly where I want to be.”

So raise a glass to the views, the memories, and the nights that make travelling so worth it.