As cities continue to grow more vertical, there has been a proliferation of restaurants and bars that dangle from rooftops, rotate for a 360-degree view or feature breathtaking open air venues. Just within the past year, Tower Club at Lebua opened the world's tallest alfresco Champagne bar, Flute A Perrier Jouet Bar, in Bangkok, while One World Observatory in New York City recently reclaimed its status of having the highest bar in the Western Hemisphere, One Mix.
Some of these bars come attached to observatories and have entry fees you must pay before you buy the first drink, while those that are part of a hotel, however, typically offer free entry — reservations are recommended (where offered), especially if the bar is attached to a restaurant. Some of these high-flyers have understandably limited seating areas as well.
A few notes on the list of 10 bars around the world that'll give you amazing views to go with your cocktails: it's ordered from the highest to the lowest — well, if you can call a bar on the 52nd floor low — and we've limited it to one bar per city for a more even spread. The CN Tower in Toronto was omitted from our list as it doesn't have a bar that's separate from its restaurant (even though it does have an amazing wine cellar that's worth checking out if you're in the neighborhood).
1. At.mosphere
Location: Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Floor: 122
Average Price of a Cocktail: $25
There may be plenty of desert landscapes and the Arabian Gulf in the distance to ogle, but the straight-down view of the city from the world's tallest building, which you can see above, is jaw-dropping and knee-buckling — especially if you're not fond of heights. If you prefer your drinking less-alcoholic, At.mosphere also hosts an elegant high tea in the afternoon.
2. Ozone Bar
Location: International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong
Floor: 118
Average Price of a Cocktail: $24
Atop the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, Ozone is appropriately bathed in stunning deep blue decor to match the night sky. Seafood options like oysters and sushi are available at the bar, as are a selection of tapas and desserts. The Dom Pérignon Sunday Brunch is a real treat.
3. One Mix
Location: One World Observatory, New York City
Floor: 102
Average Price of a Cocktail: $14
One Mix has just finished its first year of operation, and there have been complaints that the quality of the cocktails and snacks are not worth the view. Standard admission to the top is $34, and there are no reservations for the bar. The view at night is perhaps more stunning than the daytime one.
4. Signature Lounge at the 96th
Location: The John Hancock Center, Chicago
Floor: 96
Average Price of a Cocktail: $16
In addition to signature cocktails, such as The Skyscraper, the lounge also has 700 wines on its menu and a restaurant one floor below. Reservations are recommended.
5. Cloud 9
Location: Grand Hyatt Shanghai at Jin Mao Tower
Floor: 87
Average Price of a Cocktail: $15
The bar offers a non-revolving 360-degree view of the city, weather conditions permitting. Fancy snacks and cigars are also available. The bar attracts many return guests who prize its romantic intimacy.
6. New Asia
Location: Swissôtel: The Stamford in the Equinox Complex, Singapore
Floor: 67
Average Price of a Cocktail: $12
New Asia is a large bar and can hold up to 300 people, so there's a always festive atmosphere as well as theme nights and dancing. Guests often comment that the elegant bar has a "club atmosphere."
7. Distil
Location: Tower Club at Lebua, Bangkok
Floor: 64
Average Price of a Cocktail: $24
Distil is a very elegant and innovative bar located just under Lebua's landmark golden dome. Walk outside to order a glass of bubbly at Flute A Perrier Jouet, the world's tallest open-air Champagne bar. The bar and the Dome were both featured in The Hangover: Part II.
8. Bar 203
Location: Berlín Fernsehturm (Berlin TV Tower), Germany
Floor: About the 60th (as the bar is within a tower, there are not floors as such)
Average Price of a Cocktail: $13
The revolving bar is 203 meters (~666 feet) above ground level, hence its name. A $23 entrance fee gives you access to the bar and the observatory tower, while reservations will get you waived past the ticket line.
9. Marini's on 57
Location: Petronas Tower 3, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Floor: 57
Average Price of a Cocktail: $12
The view is both up and down, as the other two towers of the Petronas complex soar above the bar itself. In the evening, there's a DJ. Marini's has an extensive malt whisky and cigar collection, although there is no smoking allowed in the open bar area or in the adjacent restaurant. Interesting factoid: bodyguards are not permitted to enter the bar, but there's a separate waiting area just for them.
10. Gong
Location: The Shard, London
Floor: 52
Average Price of a Cocktail: $24
The Shard is a multi-purpose building that soars 95 floors above London Bridge — you'll find an observatory on the 72nd floor. Gong, which is perched atop the middle section that houses the 5-star Shangri-La Hotel, doesn't take reservations, and there's a minimum spending requirement of $40. Drink quickly, as you'll have to give up your table after 90 minutes.
Have you visited any of these bars? Which ones are now on your travel bucket list? Sound off, below.
