The best rooftop lounges and bars in Europe span the entire continent, from the sunny shores of Cagliari, Sardinia to the vibrant nightlife of Bucharest.
They all have one thing in common, killer views! Here are some of the very best top rooftop bars in Europe.
16 TOP ROOFTOP BARS AND LOUNGES WITH KILLER VIEWS IN EUROPE
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Atlanta Star Hotel – Rome, Italy
When in Rome, you need to see all the beautiful and ancient places – like the Colosseum or the Trevi Fountain. But you also have to enjoy a beautiful view of the city. And, when visiting the rooftop bar of Atlanta Star Hotel you have a view of two countries.
Enjoy lovely views of Vatican City and Rome when having an espresso or a glass of wine. There are not many options to end a day better than here!
Arzo blogs at Arzo Travels.
Jatzhütte Davos – Davos, Switzerland
Jatzhütte Davos is a mountaintop bar/restaurant in the famous Davos area of Switzerland. You’ll have to head up to Jakobshorn to find this gem.
You can either head up here just to enjoy the views with a drink or head here in between snowboarding or skiing sessions.
It’s truly a place where you can eat drink and be merry and look over the beautiful Alps. There’s even hot tub while looking over the mountains! There are a ton of daybeds to eat at.
While the views are sweet, be for-warned that it’s a very expensive place to eat (even for Switzerland). An hour in the lounge chair will run you 5 CHF. While a plate of french fries will cost 10 CHF.
Natasha and Cameron blog at The World Pursuit.
Le Cube Bar – Galeries Lafayette – Paris, France
Galeries Lafayette, in Paris 9, is one of the most visited sights in Paris, and not just for shopping!
These famous “Grands Magasins” have a very cool rooftop bar, Le Cube Bar, which is one of the best rooftop lounges in Paris. Le Cube Bar is not only a great place to relax with your favorite drink, but people also go there for its great views!
What can you see from this rooftop bar? The Eiffel Tower, the Opera Garnier, Le Grand Palais and the quintessential rooftops of Paris. Le Cube Bar is open from 11 am to 8 pm, and we recommend to visit it at night to fully appreciate the City of Lights in one of its most beautiful rooftop lounges.
Elisa blogs at World in Paris.
Aria Hotel High Note Sky Bar – Budapest, Hungary
Aria Hotel High Note Sky bar in Budapest offers a great 360-degree view of Buda and Pest. It is located at the heart of Pest, just a stone’s throw away from St. Stephen’s Basilica.
This glamorous stylish bar has a very relaxing vibe, and it’s a perfect way to enjoy Budapest with your family and friends.
Ryazan Tristram blogs at Everything Zany.
The Gong Bar – London, England
The Shard in London offers some of the most spectacular views of the city, which is not surprising given that it is Western Europe’s tallest building!
What better way to enjoy a view of London than by enjoying a view of London with a drink in hand, which is where the Gong Bar can help you out.
This is on the 52nd floor of the building, making it the highest hotel bar in Western Europe. And as you would imagine, the views from up here are pretty impressive.
It is possible to just turn up, although it’s recommended to make a booking to avoid disappointment. For more ideas on what to do in London, check out our 2 day London itinerary.
Rooftop bars in London are a a great city attraction.
Laurence Norah blogs at Finding the Universe.
Sky Bar at the Hilton Podgorica – Podgorica, Montenegro
Podgorica, Montenegro is not usually high on travellers’ lists, but if you do find yourself in town, make your way to the Sky Bar on the rooftop of Hilton Podgorica.
Sip a cocktail while enjoying some stunning sunset views over the city as the sun goes down behind the surrounding hills. You will be greeted with a decent drinks and nibbles list, and contemporary music to add to the relaxed atmosphere.
Josie Kelsch blogs at Josie Wanders.
T-Anker – Prague, Czech Republic
Prague has no shortage of good views of the Old Town but the one from T-Anker rooftop restaurant is exceptionally pretty. You’ll get not only a direct view of the towers of the Thein Church, but you can choose to have your photos lined with blossoming flowers, which abound in the restaurant.
Come to T-Anker on top of the department store Kotva any time of day, but I suggest late afternoon due to limited shade options on top.
Veronika Primm blogs at Travel Geekery.
Atelier Bar in Bohemia Suites & Spa Restaurant – Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Like any person who loves to travel, I do enjoy finding those amazing rooftop bars with scenic views that instantly take your breath away. Better yet, when they are kept a secret!
One such bar that’s equipped with killer beach views is the Atelier Bar in Bohemia Suites & Spa Hotel in Gran Canaria.
The Atelier Bar is known for its cool modern beach lounge décor, talented bar staff and the delicious cocktails that look like artwork! It’s a truly enjoyable moment, sipping on a tasty cooled drink while you watch the sun go down on the beach on one side of the terrace while experiencing city views on the other side.
The overall vibe is urban, upbeat and sophisticated, with the bar hosting live music on special occasions.
It is, – the best rooftop bar in Gran Canaria with killer views that are worth seeing! Don’t miss out on this experience.
Michelle Minnaar blogs at Greedy Gourmet.
Neboticnik – Ljublijana, Slovenia
Neboticnik is a skyscraper and a popular landmark in the city of Ljubljana. The last three floors of the 13-floor Neboticnik are occupied by a cafe and bar with an observation terrace on the 11th floor.
The open cafe offers wonderful panoramic views of the Ljubljana city rooftops and the magnificent castle on the hill. The top floors can be accessible by a lift and are open to the public.
Rashmi and Chalukya blog at GoBeyondBounds.
Sky Bar Terrace Paseo de Gracia – Barcelona, Spain
The Sky Bar Terrace is located on the top of the Iberostar Hotel on Paseo de Gracia. It is located in the heart of Barcelona, overlooking Plaza Catalunya, one of Barcelona’s most famous squares.
The terrace has been completely renovated and features a beautiful pool, lounge beds, plush couches, several seating areas, and two bars. Opened just six months ago, it is within walking distance to several of Barcelona’s most important monuments and tourist attractions.
The location makes it an ideal place to go relax with a drink or have something to eat and enjoy the stunning almost 360º views of the city.
Sally Pederson blogs at Luxurious Lifestyles.
Oxo Tower – London, England
London has several rooftop lounges with killer views, and one of the best we’ve visited is the Oxo Tower Bar on the South Bank.
The Oxo Tower is an Art Deco landmark once owned by the stock cube manufacturers Oxo and sits on top of a converted former power station.
Its restaurant, brasserie and bar are run by Harvey Nichols, and you can stop by for anything from a drink to a full three-course dinner.
The view is outstanding, looking out across the Thames to Blackfriar’s Bridge, with St. Paul’s Cathedral standing proud and the skyscrapers of the city of London off in the distance.
Any time of day is great, but twilight with the city lights twinkling is the most magical.
David blogs at Delve into Europe.
Lounge24 – Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn Estonia is known for its picture-perfect medieval old town. But, ironically, one of the best views of old town is from Tallinn’s newer neighborhood. Lounge24 is located on the rooftop of the Radisson Blu. It has 180-degree views of the old town and harbor district.
Access to the lounge is free, although the drinks are pricey– so in that respect, you are paying for the view. But man, what a view.
Carol Guttery blogs at Wayfaring Views.
Pura Vida Sky Bar – Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is quickly becoming a new favourite city break destination in Eastern Europe. Side by side with its historic landmarks, you will also find some of Europe’s most vibrant nightlife.
Every evening, the old town comes to life. You’ll be astounded to find a big number of restaurants and bars, cafes with live music, and why not join some locals dancing in the streets on the weekends.
If you are looking for cool rooftop lounges, and are prepared to climb some stairs, then Pura Vida Sky Bar (Strada Smardan 7) is the place to be.
Not only will you find some of the best views in town, but they make really good cocktails too. Don’t miss when in Bucharest!
Jurga blogs at Full Suitcase.
Eitch Borromini Terrace Bar – Rome, Italy
Most visitors to Rome don’t know about this new bar that has one of the best views of the city. The Eitch Borromini is a luxury hotel overlooking Piazza Navona and the rooftop bar features sofas with stunning 360º views of the city including famous sights like St Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, and Piazza Venezia.
It is especially spectacular at sunset.
Expect to pay at least €15 for a drink, typical for top rooftop lounges, but it’s worth it for the views of this special city.
The bar is open every day from 6:30 PM—advance reservations by phone are essential.
Erin blogs at Never Ending Voyage.
Love Italy? Check out this southern Italy road trip from Naples to Palermo, Sicily.
Hotel Grande Bretagne – Athens, Greece
The Grande Bretagne is located in the heart of Athens right on Syntagma Square and opposite Constitution Square where you can watch the changing of the guard twice a day.
It’s within walking distance of exclusive shopping areas and museums and has every facility you would expect of a hotel of this caliber including its famous rooftop bar.
The eight-story 19th-century building exudes wealth and refinement from the moment you arrive and has been favored for decades by celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Sophia Loren and numerous Kings, Queens and statesmen.
The rooftop offers elegant fine dining or casual pre- and post-dinner drinks as well as a cigar lounge. Whilst not the cheapest of rooftop lounges in town, it does have a certain wow factor that others lack and a visit to Athens would not be right without a drink here.
The views are expansive and take in the Acropolis, Constitution Square, Parliament, Lycabettus Hill and the original Olympic stadium.
Sandy blogs at Tray Tables Away.
Libarium – Cagliari, Italy
Libarium, in Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia (Italy), may not be your typical rooftop bar, as there is no actual roof there. It’s located in the Castello area of the city, on a terrace from where there are killer sunset views and from where it is possible to take some of the nicest pictures of Sardinia.
The bar itself is very popular among both locals and tourists and prepares some of the best cocktails in town. There’s also an adjoining restaurant. Bookings may be necessary during the weekend.
Whichever location you decide to visit, consider Airbnb as an accommodation option. Here is a $40 credit for you to use on your first visit. Enjoy!
If you like this post, then check out our list of the top rooftop bars with killer views outside Europe!
The world is full of beautiful vistas. Seeing them from rooftop lounges in a beautiful city, with a cool libation in hand, is a very special treat. Do you have a favorite rooftop bar? Please share it with us.
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