Best Rooftop Views Around the World

Media Release

19 July 2013 

Best Rooftop Views Around the World

Travellers looking to capture the perfect panorama this year can take in bird’s eye views at one of these iconic rooftops.

The globetrotters from Flight Centre head offices around the world have put together the following list of top 10 best rooftop views, based on their personal travel experiences and favourite hangouts.

Flight Centre New Zealand’s managing director, Mike Friend, said hotels and bars were capitalising on the demand from travellers, who were looking for top views, by providing funky spaces to suit diverse crowds.

“Travellers are climbing to great heights to gain a new perspective on the city’s regular sights when they go on a holiday,” Mike said.

“Rooftop bars, rooftop pools and rooftop restaurants have been popping up a lot recently, but there are plenty of classic establishments around the world that draw both the local and international crowd, almost every day of the week.

“I have travelled to Hong Kong several times, but my most memorable rooftop experience was at Sevva, above the Prince’s Building in the CBD.”

Flight Centre’s list of top 10 overseas rooftop venues is below.

1. 230 Fifth - New York

Sip on cosmopolitans at New York City’s biggest rooftop garden or be snapped by paparazzi in the fully-enclosed penthouse lounge. 230 Fifth is one of the Big Apple’s most well-known bars, so it’s no surprise that the venue is open every day of the year from 4pm to 4am. Split across two floors, the venue offers party animals a fabulous view and a chic décor of giant umbrellas and heaters to suit every climate.   

2. Sevva - Prince’s Building, Hong Kong

A well-heeled local crowd, an innovative cocktail list and a spectacular view of the CBD and across the harbour to Kowloon is what you can expect to find on the Terrace at Sevva. Fresh and simple cuisine, inspired by the cultural diversity of Hong Kong, is served in small plates at Taste Bar, while the business and power set prefer to dine at Bankside.

3. The View - The Shard, London

The Shard is the building that everyone is talking about, as London’s most iconic and eagerly awaited attraction. The landmark is the tallest building in Western Europe, towering to 310 metres high.

You can climb to Level 72, if you’re not afraid of heights, for the ultimate outlook across London that extends from the famous Gherkin Building on Liverpool Street, Big Ben and the Thames River.

4. The Roof Gardens - Kensington, London

Just go to see the resident flamingos – kid you not – The Roof Gardens are home to four bright pink birds, who wander around one of three themed gardens. Spring is the perfect time of year to visit, but if the birds can bear the weather, so should we all.

For the night owls, The Club is London’s only private members club on a rooftop and it truly is as glamourous as you can imagine. Open only to members on Friday and Saturday nights between 10pm and 3am, with a dress code that’s as simple as “no effort, no entry”.

5. Top Mountain Star – Oetztal Valley, Austria

Après ski reach another level at the Top Mountain Star, which sits on the high­est point in the main alpine ridge between Austria and Italy. It’s a glass-enclosed dome, perched at 3080 metres altitude, with a wraparound terrace offering views of the snow-capped mountains. A great place to enjoy a quiet drink and a meal after a long day on the slopes.

6. Eclipse – W Barcelona, Barcelona

This is the hottest, most talked about addition to Barcelona’s nightlife scene, designed by Isabel Lopez Vilalta. Eclipse is located on the 26th floor of the W Barcelona hotel, at the end of La Barcelonetta beach, with views across the ocean. The bar serves a unique collection of cocktails, but which is complemented music of world-class DJs. Just be prepared to wait a while to get in, as seating is restricted, but you can ring ahead to reserve spot. 

7. Paramount – Centre Point, London

One of London’s least attractive buildings, Centre Point, has a Viewing Gallery that crowns the top of the building and offers 360-degree views over the capital.  

While you are there, have a drink at the bar on Level 33, which has been custom-built from copper. Just be warned, there’s an entry policy that requires you to reserve a spot on the guest list in advance.

8. Sands SkyPark – Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

The rooftop of the Marina Bay Sands hotel complex actually looks like a surfboard, sitting high atop three grand hotel towers. Treat yourself to a stay at the hotel, so that you can get access to the Sands SkyPark, which offers 360-degree views of the entire city and has one of the world’s best infinity pools, only open to hotel guests, between 6am and 11pm.

9. Birreria - New York City, New York

Drink quality beer and tuck into hearty Italian fare under the stars at this rooftop brewery and restaurant on New York’s Fifth Ave and 23rd Street. Birreria offers quality beer, served through traditional hand pumps in the most natural way, while its menu conjures comfort and authentic family-style sharing. A retractable roof and heaters mean the venue can be open all-year round, no matter what the season.

10. Saigon, Saigon Bar - Caravelle Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City

Watch the sun as it melts away at dusk in busy Saigon on the rooftop of The Caravelle Hotel. Appropriately named Saigon, Saigon, the bar serves up a tantalising array of cocktails, from old-school favourites like a Singapore Sling to refreshing new flavours. In the evening, the venue ignites with live entertainment by various artists.

ENDS

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