When does a vacation begin for you? The anticipation starts to build from the moment you confirm your booking, but for most people, it's when you reach the airport that the excitement really kicks in. Rather than seeing the airport as a chore then, why not embrace the vacation vibe and make your trip to the airport an occasion in itself? We've picked out five of the most glamorous airport rooftop bars, so you can enjoy your travel in style.
If there is one thing that Singapore does well, it's airports. Changi Airport is quite possibly one of the most deluxe airports you will ever visit, and so of course it has an amazing airport rooftop bar to match. Even better, your first drink at the Long Bar by Raffles is on the house, and we all know that things taste better when they're free. As part of your rooftop bar experience, look over the spectacular Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall, which cascades down through seven floors, right in the middle of the airport. By night the waterfall becomes a fantastic sound and light display - it's truly a sight to behold. Aim to arrive between 3 pm and 11 pm when your cocktails are crafted by a professional mixologist.
It may not have its own waterfall but the Runway 28 rooftop bar and restaurant at the Carlton Hotel, Dublin airport has plenty of charm and sophistication and makes for a very civilized way to spend a couple of hours pre-flight. One of the great things about Runway 28 is that it serves food as well as drinks, all using the finest locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a delicious lunch and a cocktail or two at this European airport rooftop bar, complete with prime views over Dublin's busy runways. The Snowdrop is one of the bar's signature cocktails, made with an unusual blend of sloe gin, coconut liqueur, young coconut water, pressed lime, and fresh raspberries.
If you're after something a little bit different from your classic airport rooftop champagne and cocktail bar, then do check out the Airbräu brewery and beer garden the next time you're at Munich airport. It's so unique in fact, that it's Europe's only brewery in an airport - a claim to fame if ever there was one. Enjoy traditional Bavarian classics including dumplings and roast pork, and you may even get lucky and catch some entertainment! There's a regular program of events in the tavern from Bavarian bands to live stand-up comedy.
If you're looking for a completely different but very beautiful airport experience then add the pool bar at the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport to your list. The hotel's rooftop offering is not just a bar: there's a stunning rooftop infinity pool, with views out over the airport runways all the way out to Jamaica Bay. Enjoy food and drink by the pool too, and there's airport-themed cocktails like the mile-high margarita and the control tower sour if you want something unique. The TWA rooftop pool and bar is open all year round and heated in colder weather. You need to make a reservation in advance as it's very popular among visitors.
Our final pick is part of the Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel - the Cloud 9 bar. Open from 4 pm until 9 pm daily, it's a relaxed place to hang out with a few drinks and something to eat and has access to its own rooftop terrace. As well as the views over the runway, the highlight of Cloud 9 is their signature Native Australian ingredient-inspired cocktail menu. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Fasten Your Seatbelt, made with Black Snake agave, Castle Glens lychee liqueur, Australian chili, and agave syrup. We hope this list has given you some inspiration for your next vacation and that you get to discover a rooftop bar the next time you fly, adding a bit of magic to your flight journey.
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