10 best rooftop bars in Europe

Amazing Europe rooftops you should visit in 2024. From the Ligurian Riviera to the heart of Paris, these elevated venues are bound to make for a memorable experience.

February 10, 2024
Best rooftop bars in Europe
Rooftop bars Europe | Courtesy of Aurora Rooftop Bar

Stretching from the colder part of the Atlantic in the north, to the much more pleasant Mediterranean in the south, Europe is a diverse continent. It is also home to a range of the world's largest and most historic cities, offering many superb rooftop bars.

There aren’t that many high-rise buildings and skyscrapers in Europe (compared to Asia and America), but still you can find some of the best rooftops in the world here. Much thanks to the great food.

Another thing that’s fantastic about the best rooftop bars in Europe is that they are often open for lunch. Something that is more rare in other parts of the world. The lunch-hangout is often the best rooftop experience: more relaxed, and the view is usually better in daylight.

While Europe holds much more than 10 fantastic rooftop bars, this is our hot-list of the 10 best rooftop bars in Europe you should visit in 2024.

1. Sequoia Rooftop Bar
/ Paris

Best Rooftop Bars Europe - Sequoia Rooftop Bar
Sequoia Rooftop Bar - Photo: https://sequoiabar.com/

Perched on top of the fabulous Kimpton St Honoré, right in the heart of Paris, Sequoia Rooftop Bar offers an elegant venue to enjoy the French capital from above.

Filled with greenery, the rooftop terrace is truly an elevated garden escape, dotted with stylish lounge sofas and dining tables.

Impressive in decor, the rooftop offers even more impressive views, with iconic 360° panoramics over central Paris and its famous monuments.

Open during the warmer season, Sequoia Rooftop Bar serves a fine selection of wine and champagne, as well as crafted signature cocktails and a small array of finger food.

Perfect for sunny sessions with a refreshing drink, or to wine, dine and enjoy the sunset in an intimate and glamorous atmosphere.

SEQUIA ROOFTOP BAR

  • 27-29 Bd des Capucines, 75002 Paris
  • More info

2. The Bank Roof Bar
/ Istanbul

Best Rooftop Bars Europe - The Bank Roof Bar
The Bank Roof Bar - Photo: www.thebankhotelistanbul.com/

In the hip and popular Karaköy area you find The Bank Hotel, an historic old bank building turned into a modern hotel, featuring a beautiful rooftop bar to enjoy Istanbul from above.

Called The Bank Roof Bar, the 7th floor rooftop is an open air and beautiful space, dressed with comfy loungers, lush plants and a cool bar, and surrounded with magnificent views over the Old City.

While taking in the vistas over Golden Horn, Bosphorus, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and the Blue Mosque. you can sip signature and classic cocktails, a wide variety of whiskies, and local & international wines, and nibble on a unique selection of finger food.

Filled with a pleasant upscale-casual atmosphere, The Bank Roof Bar is open daily to all for an imperishable experience elevated above Istanbul.

THE BANK ROOF BAR

  • Azapkapı, Bankalar Cd. No:5, 34321 Beyoğlu, Istanbul
  • More info

3. Rossio Gastrobar
/ Lisbon

Best Rooftop Bars Europe - Rossio Gastrobar
Rossio Gastrobar - Photo: www.altishotels.com/

Located at the Altis Avenida Hotel and overlooking Lisbon's famous Rossio Square, Rossio Gastrobar is a wonderful place for enjoying top-notch drinks and delicious food.

Known for its seasonal menu, the drinks and food offered in this gastro bar are always changing and are made with local and fresh ingredients, resulting in an unforgettable culinary experience.

With an Art Deco decor that still manages to be comfortable, you'll be able to kick back and relax while enjoying the views of Santa Justa, the Tagus River, and the Rua Agustina Arch.

The bar offers a comprehensive drink menu that covers all the basics, but for the adventurous, there's also a signature cocktail menu that brings together familiar tastes with a dash of the new.

Created by the Michelin star Chef, João Rodrigues, the food is some of the best you'll be able to find in Lisbon, which means you can't leave without having a bite or two.

ROSSIO GASTROBAR

  • Altis Avenida Hotel, 120 Rua 1º Dezembro, Lisbon
  • More info

4. Roof 229 at Hotel Jolly Roger
/ Pietra Ligure

Best Rooftop Bars Europe - Roof 229 at Hotel Jolly Roger
Roof 229 at Hotel Jolly Roger - Photo: www.jollyrogerhotel.it/

Offering a new point of view, the beautiful and charming Roof 229 is found on top of the Hotel Jolly Roger, set right by the sea in Pietra Ligure.

This refined and New York-style rooftop bar is in full swing during the warmer months, inviting to panoramic views over Pietra Ligure and the Ligurian Sea.

From aperitifs to dinners, the Roof 229 menu includes classic and signature cocktails, a nice selection of wine and bubbles, and dishes ranging from grilled fish specialties to burgers.

Made to be an elevated meeting place, the rooftop comes filled with a unique and relaxing atmosphere.

ROOF 229

  • Corso Italia, 229, 17027 Pietra Ligure SV
  • More info

5. Hey Güey
/ Rome

Best Rooftop Bars Europe - Hey Güey
Hey Güey - Photo: https://www.chapter-roma.com/

A subtropical oasis, found in the very heart of Rome, Hey Güey rooftop bar is set on top of the glamorous and gritty hotel Chapter Roma.

Surrounded with cactus flowers, figs of 'India' and packed with Mexican vibes, here you can get closer to the Pacific Ocean and the beaches of Acapulco, all while enjoying panoramic views over the old town Roman roofs and domes.

Bright and airy, with an informal yet trendy atmosphere, the rooftop menu offer both gourmet taqueria dishes, like signature tacos, empanadas and quesadillas, as well as fresh signature summer cocktails and frozen margaritas.

HEY GUEY

  • Via Santa Maria Dè Calderari 47, Pantheon, 00186 Rome
  • More info

6. The Sky Garden Rooftop Terrace
/ Budapest

Best Rooftop Bars Europe - The Sky Garden Rooftop Terrace
The Sky Garden Rooftop Terrace - Photo: www.mysteryhotelbudapest.com/

When spring hits Budapest, the amazing and luxurious boutique Mystery Hotel Budapest offers a lush and chic venue to really enjoy the city from above.

Aptly named The Sky Garden Rooftop Terrace, this green and charming oasis comes with a great mix of modern lounge furniture and bistro style tables.

Surrounded with a magnificent view over Budapest, here you can admire the Castle of Buda, the Fishermen’s Bastion and Gellért Hill, as well as the Eiffel-designed Nyugati Railway Station, which is just a short walk away.

Filled with a sophisticated and relaxing lounge atmosphere, The Sky Garden rooftop is a prime spot to indulge in crafted signature cocktails by bohemian bartenders, as well as tasty bar food, all with a side of great vistas.

THE SKY GARDEN

  • Budapest, Podmaniczky u. 45, 1064
  • More info

7. TaKeT
/ Gothenburg

Best Rooftop Bars Europe - TaKeT
TaKeT - Photo: http://ogbg.se/

Celebrating 5 years during 2021, TaKeT (The Roof) offers beautiful views of the Göta Älv river and the dockyards, as well as a variety of events that make it one of Gothenburg's most popular destinations.

With a friendly and relaxing atmosphere, TaKeT is often the chosen venue for live DJs, yoga classes, brewery takeovers, art exhibitions, and more, meaning there's always something to be found when visiting!

Equipped with comfortable lounge areas, as well as the more traditional bar stools, TaKeT knows how to entertain all kinds of people, and that extends to its food and drink menu.

Cocktails, both classic and signature, wines, craft beer, street food and BBQs, there's no denying the people behind TaKeT sure know how to set the mood!

Visit for sunshine views and a fantastic atmosphere, or since recently also under the retractable roof, making TaKeT a year-round venue.

TAKET

  • Skeppsbroplatsen 1, 41121 Gothenburg
  • More info

8. Aurora Rooftop Bar
/ Vienna

Best Rooftop Bars Europe - Aurora Rooftop Bar
Aurora Rooftop Bar - Photo: www.bar-aurora.at/

Perched high on top of the fantastic Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere, located right by the Schweizer Garten, Aurora offers amazing panoramic views in a chic and stylish setting.

The word Aurora comes from the magical Northern Lights, and the rooftop takes inspiration from the Nordics, both in design and menu.

Minimalistic yet beautiful, the rooftop menu is filled with creative and crafted signature cocktails with a Scandinavian touch, as well as tasty bar bites and a fine selection of spirits, beer, wine and champagne.

New for 2021 is the beautiful Veuve Clicquot Chandelier outdoor bar, which, complemented with lounge tunes and the views, makes Aurora Rooftop Bar very well worth a visit.

AURORA ROOFTOP BAR

9. Royal8 Sky Bar
/ Rapallo – Portofino Coast

Best Rooftop Bars Europe - Royal8 Sky Bar
Royal8 Sky Bar - Photo: www.hoteltigullioroyal.it/

There is something special about coastal Italian rooftop bars, and when you find one perched above the beautiful Ligurian Riviera, chances are you're in for a memorable experience.

This is truly the case with the stylish Royal8 Sky Bar, located on the 8th floor of Hotel Tigullio Royal, found on the central promenade of Rapallo.

Dotted with modern and comfy lounge chairs, the elegant and open-air rooftop terrace comes surrounded with breathtaking 180º views of Tigullio’s Gulf.

As you watch over the coastline you can enjoy enjoy crafted signature cocktails and plenty of delicious bites. Prime time to visit? Most likely during a sunset and what is described as 'the most glamorous aperitif in Liguria'.

ROYAL8 SKY BAR

  • Piazza IV Novembre, 3, 16035 Rapallo – Portofino Coast - GE
  • More info

10. La Muña
/ Zürich

Best Rooftop Bars Europe - La Muña
La Muña - Photo: www.lareserve-zurich.com/

Situated on top of the amazing hotel La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich, La Muña rooftop restaurant and bar is just about as beautiful as the classic hotel.

Set right by the water, the rooftop terrace offers an amazing 360° view over Lake Zurich, as well as the historic city center and the alps.

While the outdoor terrace is the best spot for views, the chic indoor part of La Muña is also well worth a look, equipped with antique-looking furniture and historical wooden floors.

Inside, or under the huge parasols outside, you can enjoy a fantastic selection of food and beverages, packed with Peruvian and Japanese influences. From Cheviche and Sushi to a bar menu including both sake and signature summer drinks.

With a chill-out vibe and great service, setting and views, La Muña brings the extra beautiful to the beautiful city of Zürich.

LA MUÑA

  • Utoquai 45, Seefeld - Riesbach, 8008 Zürich
  • More info
Hans Ebenman
Hans Ebenman

Hans has visited over 500 rooftop bars, 200 rooftop pools and 300 rooftop restaurants since 2015. This vast experience has made Hans a true rooftop expert, and one of the most knowledgeable in the field. Today, numerous of travel magazines, bloggers and media websites contact Hans to get his expertise on rooftops.