Taking into account online reviews from Google, Tripadvisor and previous media coverage, as well as input from editorial team on factors including rooftop views, design and drinks list, “The Big 7 Travel” reveal the hottest places to sip ‘n’ social distance this summer and autumn.
There’s only one thing to do when the heat and humidity hits – find the nearest rooftop bar and cool down with a cocktail or two. It might not have the same skyscrapers as New York or Tokyo, but there’s some amazing rooftop bars in Europe, with plenty of grand buildings for a cool new cocktail lounge to perch on.
Having a drink in one of the region’s best sky-high watering holes is a smart way to escape the heat and the crowds. Plus, you get a whole new viewpoint… and a tasty cocktail. With social distancing the way to go this summer, customers are seeking out airy, outside spaces.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the essential rooftop bars in Europe– from London to Luxembourg and pretty much everywhere in between.
Skybar – Vilnius, Lithuania
This classy sky bar on the 22nd floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva has unbeatable views of the entire city. There’s more than 70 cocktails to choose from, with a few funky twists.
Más Rooftop Bar – Helsinki, Finland
This 8th floor rooftop bar at the Scandic Simonkenttä hotel is a badly-kept secret jewel in the city. With a Spanish vibe (expect sangria and tapas, as well as excellent cocktails), it’s made for socialising with friends and strangers alike. The bar even has a telescope and binoculars, so you can take a closer look at the city.
Mama Shelter – Luxembourg
Mama Shelter has it all – it’s a cosy, wooden space in winter with a roaring fire, and a bright and airy terrace when the sun shines. Enjoy cocktails made at the statement pink marble island bar, or some great local beers. The rooftop bar is part of the hotel, which also impresses with its fun design.
Rooftop Bar & Restaurant Gaston – Ghent, Belgium
Gaston is a temporary summer restaurant and bar with a beautiful view of the Ghent Skyline. There’s great cocktails, so you can enjoy them on the highest beach in the country. For sports fan, petanque courts are available if you want a bit of old school fun.
VIDOK – Krakow, Poland
VIDOK has incredible views of the Vistula River and one of the most impressive historic buildings in Krakow, Wawel Castle. There’s classic cocktails and a great range of Polish beers to try. Sitting here on a summer’s day is bliss.
This classy sky bar on the 22nd floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva has unbeatable views of the entire city. There’s more than 70 cocktails to choose from, with a few funky twists.This classy sky bar on the 22nd floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva has unbeatable views of the entire city. There’s more than 70 cocktails to choose from, with a few funky twists.
This classy sky bar on the 22nd floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva has unbeatable views of the entire city. There’s more than 70 cocktails to choose from, with a few funky twists.
This classy sky bar on the 22nd floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva has unbeatable views of the entire city. There’s more than 70 cocktails to choose from, with a few funky twists.
This classy sky bar on the 22nd floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva has unbeatable views of the entire city. There’s more than 70 cocktails to choose from, with a few funky twists.
This classy sky bar on the 22nd floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva has unbeatable views of the entire city. There’s more than 70 cocktails to choose from, with a few funky twists.
Read more on Site Big 7 Travel
Herbārijs – Riga, Latvia
Herbārijs is a concept bar + café on the rooftop terrace of Galleria Riga. The concept? It’s all things inspired by the plant kingdom, with the bar itself somewhat of a lush ecosystem. You will find excellent cocktails that are strongly rooted in the world of aromatics and herbs, and great views.
Terraza Ayre – Barcelona, Spain
The terrace of Ayre Hotel Rosellón is one of the best kept secrets among the terraces of Barcelona. It’s just one block from the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, so expect the most incredible viewpoint of the Gaudi masterpiece. There’s great drinks and tapas, and cosy sun loungers too.
Buža Bar – Dubrovnik, Croatia
This is a rooftop bar taken to the next level: a bar on a cliff! Buža Bar lies just outside of Dubrovnik’s city walls and because of its popularity, you’ll often find many tourists here.
Best time to come here is right before sunset. Enjoy a drink of your choice as you watch the beautiful sunset at Buža Bar.
Stockholm Under Stjärnorna – Stockholm, Sweden
You’ll find one of the coolest yet laid-back rooftop bars in Stockholm. Commonly called SUS, this is a fantastic hang out-spot during warm summer evenings, with a killer view.
Bairro Alto Hotel Rooftop – Lisbon, Portugal
On the top floor of Bairro Alto Hotel you’ll find this beautiful terrace bar, which looks out over the winding streets of Lisbon’s coolest neighbourhood. It’s very popular, so come early if you want a prime sunset spot. Snuggle up for one of the best evenings you’ll have in Lisbon.
Herbārijs – Riga, Latvia
Herbārijs is a concept bar + café on the rooftop terrace of Galleria Riga. The concept? It’s all things inspired by the plant kingdom, with the bar itself somewhat of a lush ecosystem. You will find excellent cocktails that are strongly rooted in the world of aromatics and herbs, and great views.
Herbārijs is a concept bar + café on the rooftop terrace of Galleria Riga. The concept? It’s all things inspired by the plant kingdom, with the bar itself somewhat of a lush ecosystem. You will find excellent cocktails that are strongly rooted in the world of aromatics and herbs, and great views.
Read more on Site Big 7 Travel
PK Cocktail Bar – Santorini, Greece
PK Cocktail Bar is located in the central part of Santorini in Fira and directly overlooks the sea. From this outdoor bar, you can see one end of the island in Oia to the other end of the island in Akrotiri.
Relax and take in the views of the island as you sip on their refreshing cocktails, PK Mojito or Watermelon Margarita.
Nebotičnik – Ljubljana, Slovenia
‘Nebotičnik’ is Slovenian for skyscraper, so you can be sure that this is among the best views from rooftop bars in Europe. It’s a great example of architecture between the two World Wars, with some of the most beautiful views of Ljubljana.
There’s residential flats on the lower floors, and the rooftop and club at the top.
Terrazza Borromini – Rome, Italy
This slick hotel bar has a panoramic terrace with views of Piazza Navona, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Pantheon that makes it a foolproof place for an Aperitivo for sunset. Reservations are pretty much essential, so plan ahead.
Patchwork at Sa Punta – Ibiza, Spain
This super-chic bar proves that you don’t always need extreme heights to be considered one of the best rooftop bars in Europe. Patchwork is a Lebanese bar and restaurant in a colourful setting beside the sea. Vibrant handmade decor, sunset views and delicious cocktails add up to make this spot special.
The Culpeper – London, England
This hugely popular bar has slick views of the city, with an herbalist and greenhouse vibe. The exact theme of the rooftop changes each summer; this year’s it’s kept things simple with a focus on English wine.
Want a bite to eat? What’s being grown next to you will most likely end up on your plate. There’s also regular events at the rooftop, such as astronomy on the roof or sunset yoga classes.
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