10 Stylish Rooftop Bars

POV, W Washington D.C.
Every aspect of this trendy hotspot reflects the U.S. capital city’s international diversity. Among the well-dressed crowd (no sneakers or ball caps allowed), expect a mix of lobbyists, locals, visitors and, yes, celebrities, all there for views overlooking landmarks like the Washington Monument and the White House. A must-try libation is the Honeycrisp, a gin-based cocktail with apple cordial, lemon and honey.
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SE·STO on Arno, The Westin Excelsior, Florence — Italy
In a city as old as Florence, it’s rare to enjoy a sixth-floor view, as SE·STO on Arno does atop The Westin Excelsior, Florence. From this perch, visitors can take in the sights, such as the Ponte Vecchio and Il Duomo di Firenze. Choose from the 26-page wine menu, or opt for a cocktail like the Firenze, a mix of lemon sorbet, Chambord, blackberries and vanilla vodka, or the Pimienta, with tequila, ginger beer, lime juice, nutmeg, pepper and rosemary.
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Bar Eleven, Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Darling Harbour — Australia
Named for the floor it occupies, Bar Eleven is the go-to spot for sunsets in Sydney’s Darling Harbour area: It faces west with an unobstructed view of the water, the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, the Australian National Maritime Museum, tall sailing ships and more. The cocktails on hand include mango Bellinis and French martinis, wines by the glass or bottle, beer options from the Best Brews^™ program and a full bar.
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Mai Bar, Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral — Malaysia
Friday is the night to take in the scene at Mai Bar, the open-air, tiki-themed watering hole on the hotel’s 30th floor. Hotel guests, locals straight from work and party people gather for the city views overlooking the Petronas Twin Towers — notable buildings defining the capital’s skyline. Try the signature cocktail, a Malaysian Princess Mai Tai, with silver rum pressed with blueberries and kaffir lime, topped with golden rum, pineapple and orange juice.
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Living Room Bar & Terrace, W New York - Downtown — New York
Located on the fifth floor, this trendy bar features floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace for taking in the view of Manhattan icons like the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and One World Trade Center. Toast the city with themed cocktails like the Brooklyn Bridge, with rye whiskey, blood-orange liqueur, lemon and orange bitters, or the Wall Street Bull with gin, cucumber, lime juice, jalapeño pepper, coriander and simple syrup.
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La Terrasse Restaurant, Le Méridien, Nice — France
Location, location, location: La Terrasse Restaurant delivers not just 10th-story views of the beach and the Mediterranean’s Baie des Anges, but it also enjoys prime real estate along the Promenade des Anglais, the main, happening thoroughfare in Nice. The extensive wine selection will prove tempting, but the sparkling-wine cocktails are not-to-miss: The Carmen blends cava with bourbon, peach syrup and Angostura bitters.
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The Rooftop Bar, W San Diego — California
Head to this stylish outdoor space if only to glimpse the unique fire pit — a sculpture of stacked, flaming beach chairs. (In fall months, gather round the fire on Mondays for movie night, where homemade popcorn and blueberry hot toddies are served.) The drink of choice is a Polish Mule, a mix of vodka and ginger beer, or if traveling with friends, order a pitcher of Basil Sangria or “Iced Out” Mojitos, named for the float of Mumm champagne.
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amBar, Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 — Thailand
Located in the heart of Bangkok’s business district, amBar sees two local crowds on weekdays: first the after-work revelers between 5 and 6 p.m., and then a younger, party-ready crowd showing up around 10 p.m. Because of this, the drink specials start at 9 p.m. Guests can enjoy two-for-one cocktails, such as rosso sours or mimosas. The space itself is notable for the breezes, ample lounge-style seating and a pool that’s the focus of monthly bikini-clad parties.
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Maya Modern Mexican Kitchen + Lounge, Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa — Dubai
Sister to the Manhattan hotspot, this restaurant's rooftop lounge offers indoor and outdoor seating, and boasts views of the city and Arabian Gulf. The modern Mexican menu, created by Chef Richard Sandoval, is complemented by 60 varieties of tequila. Cap off your evening with a handcrafted cocktail like the Pepino, with house-infused jalapeño tequila, cucumber, citrus and agave, or the Smoked Pear Martini, with mezcal, pear purée, burnt honey and lime.
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Wet^® Deck, W Hong Kong — China
Occupying the 76th floor of this chic waterfront hotel, the outdoor pool (one of the world’s highest) sets the tone at this bar, making it a daytime hotspot. Enjoy the views of Victoria Harbour while sipping on a daiquiri, a margarita, a mojito or a caipirinha — each offered in six flavors such as lychee, passion fruit or mango. A few times each summer, nighttime pool parties bring a festive vibe with DJs spinning house and electronic music.
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