Yes, you’ll find music, food and booze. But let’s be honest the greatest assets of these sky-high, swanky bars are their panoramic city views.
Cé La Vi in Singapore
Cé La Vi (formerly called Ku Dé Ta) is a premier rooftop party bar emphasis on the rooftop, as it sits on the 57th floor of the Marina Bay Sands, an architectural landmark in Singapore. Part of the spectacular SkyPark, the bar lets guests take in one of the best unobstructed views of the city and the rooftop’s infamous infinity pool. Whether you’re watching the sun set over mini wagyu beef burgers with fontina cheese green chili mayo and smoked tomato relish, or you’re just mesmerized by the nightly laser show, Cé La Vi is a place to see and be seen.
The price for a cocktail, such as the Lady Be Mine Grey Goose martini with lychee and rosewater, is $16, roughly the same fee the resort complex charges to board the elevator to the observation deck just below so think of it as breaking even.
Plunge in New York City, New York
The Roof in Madrid, Spain
If your first glimpse of this club atop the ME Madrid is the line to enter at its peak length during summertime know that it’s worth the wait. Once you board the private elevator to the penthouse terrace, you’ll be treated to unmatched views of Madrid’s skyline. Owned by Rande Gerber (also known as Cindy Crawford’s husband), this swanky rooftop consistently attracts beautiful locals and celebrities alike, thanks to guest DJ sessions, inviting daybeds and a VIP bar embedded in a stone wall.
Like most places on our list, the Roof serves cocktails that are on the pricier side. If you’re going to have just one, make it the Black Mojito.
Three Sixty in St. Louis, Missouri
For a bird’s-eye view of Busch Stadium, pass on the nosebleed seats and instead, head to this slick rooftop bar atop the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark. Panoramic views of the Gateway Arch serve as the backdrop for gourmet bites prepared by chef Rex Hale, such as house-smoked salmon chips, mini New England lobster rolls and Korean BBQ pork tacos. Save room for the sweet stuff; the desserts — especially the house-made Kit Kat bars — are among the best in the city. The 6,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor space accommodates cozy fire pits, flat-screen TVs and several bars, making Three Sixty a year-round destination.
Cardinals fans, hold on to your ticket stub and get the $10 cover charge waived. And for those trying to score one of the coveted tables overlooking the field, Three Sixty opens at least two hours before every home game.
POV in Washington, D.C.
To see the Washington Monument in all its recently unscaffolded glory, head to this trendy bar perched atop the historic W Hotel. POV’s velvet banquettes and black wicker chairs are first-come, first-served, so we suggest arriving in plenty of time to watch the sun go down, or you may have to wait in line to board the elevator to the 11th floor. Drinks are expensive by D.C. standards, which makes it mostly a popular spot for tourists and special occasions (both bachelorette parties and proposals are popular here). But enjoying unobstructed views of Washington lit up at night has its price.
The scene is more club than cocktail bar after 10 p.m., so we suggest either springing for a table with bottle service next to the dance floor or, for a more economical option, meeting up around the corner at the Hamilton for dinner and drinks before taking in the view.
Sevva in Hong Kong, China
If you’re looking for one of the most glamorous bars in Hong Kong — and possibly even the world — look no farther than this penthouse bar on top of the prestigious Prince’s Building. The 360-degree views of Norman Foster’s HSBC Building and I.M. Pei’s Bank of China Tower from Sevva’s wraparound terrace, combined with dazzling interiors that reflect owner Bonnie Gokson’s iconic style, has made this the top spot for impressing out-of-towners. The well-coiffed crowd clamors for dishes such as baked truffled mac and cheese and signature crunch cake from the Taste Bar. Also popular is the traditional high tea, where you’ll be Instagramming three tiers of Ms. B’s treats — including chocolate fudge cake with marmalade and mini short rib burgers — as much as the scenery.
The Sevva terrace is an ideal vantage point for the popular “Symphony of Lights” laser show that illuminates Hong Kong’s famous skyscrapers.
The American Bar in Innsbruck, Austria
New York Bar in Tokyo, Japan
This landmark bar, situated on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt Tokyo, served as the backdrop of Lost in Translation. Rather than shy away from the Sofia Coppola connection, the bar embraces it, even creating the L.I.T. cocktail, made with sake, Sakura liqueur, peach schnapps and cranberry juice. Enjoy panoramic views of Shinjuku; order from the extensive wine menu (which has more than 1,600 bottles to choose from); listen to live jazz; and try to get in a New York state of mind while in Tokyo.
We recommend arriving before 6:30 p.m. to avoid a line, and watch the sunset through the floor-to-ceiling windows. After 8 p.m., there is a cover charge of about $20 for guests not staying at the Park Hyatt.
Bramante Terrace in Rome, Italy
Just one block from the Piazza Navona, atop the ivy-covered Hotel Raphael, this multilevel rooftop garden boasts sweeping views of the Eternal City in the summer. Order an omelet of artichokes, red onions and fresh mint for lunch from chef Jean-Luc Fruneau’s creative Mediterranean menu (now completely vegetarian), or watch the sun set between St. Peter’s Basilica and Castel Sant’Angelo over a dinner of fresh caciotta cheese ravioli and marjoram with cherry tomatoes and basil.
It’s one of the most romantic places in Rome, so don’t be surprised if you see a proposal take place while here!
 is a premier rooftop party bar emphasis on the rooftop, as it sits on the 57th floor of the Marina){kind=link}