From unforgettable views to helping put a unique spin on our favorite pastimes, rooftops are fast becoming a highlight for many people to have fun at.
Whether a local or a tourist, doing something unique on a rooftop can make for a fantastic memory and shake your day up. Moreover, they can be enjoyed by yourself, in a group, or as part of a romantic getaway.
So, what activities are a must-do on rooftops? In this article, you’ll discover six simple and unique ways of taking to the skies and enjoying yourself in a brand-new world.
Outdoor cinemas have long been magical for families and couples to enjoy. But rather than pulling up in a car to watch films from a distance, you can now enjoy the sights and scenes of your favorite movies—on a rooftop!
There are lots of entertainment companies that have set up mobile and permanent cinemas throughout many major cities. The Rooftop Cinema Club, for example, has transformed ordinary rooftops into cinemas in both the US and UK, with giant screens nestled throughout city skylines.
Many of these come with everything you need to create that signature cinema feeling, including a bar and lounge, food and snacks, an amazing selection of films to watch, personal headphones, and relaxing seats. Perfect for movie lovers, young and old!
Since the Beatle’s iconic performance in the 1960s, rooftop concerts have been a fantastic way to enjoy the best music. Nowadays, many cities have unique music venues installed on top buildings that allow you to enjoy your favorite songs in a unique urban setting.
Nothing will prepare you for an intimate chance to listen to a singer or band on a rooftop. You’ll enjoy crisp sound and an unbelievable atmosphere indoors or outdoors. Best of all, many of these rooftop venues have party spaces, bars, and dance floors, recreating a traditional venue’s magic.
Rooftops offer the perfect perch for budding photographers to capture truly spell-binding photographs. Whether it’s of famous landmarks in the background or a fresh perspective on the streetscapes, you can take an almost unlimited number of unique shots on any rooftop you find yourself on.
For couples in particular, you can also go down the professional route, as professional rooftop photography is fast becoming the best way to mark your romantic getaways.
Professional photographers often hand-select specific rooftops that capture a city or town’s famous landmarks or picturesque angles. These pictures will be unique and creative and stand out as moments in your photo album from your trip.
Did you know that some of the world’s most unique and iconic restaurants and bars are now high in the sky? From New York City to Tokyo and everywhere in between, rooftop dining has become a staple attraction in many cities and towns worldwide. And it’s easy to see why.
With open-air seating, beautiful panoramic views in both daytime and at night, and a wide choice of tasty food and drink for breakfasts, brunch, or dinner, rooftops have brought enjoying a city’s cuisine to new heights.
Don’t worry—the novelty and setting of a rooftop won’t diminish the quality or caliber of the food on offer, as restaurants promise unique dishes and flavors.
Sometimes, a simple change of scenery is all you need to take your exercise to the next level and build up a sweat during your time off. Rooftops have become a trendy way for tourists and locals alike to unwind and exercise in a totally new way.
From personal training sessions and fitness classes to rooftop yoga, tennis, or even minigolf, a wide range of sports and physical activities can raise the stakes of your next workout. You’ll enjoy amazing views and the great outdoors and keep your heart and mind healthy.
Even when the weather takes a turn for the worst, many hotels now have rooftop gyms open to the public, allowing you to do your everyday routines in the background of spellbinding cityscapes.
Finally, one of the best and most common ways to enjoy yourself on a rooftop is by going for a dip. Rooftop swimming pools have become a star attraction in their own right, especially in warm countries where people want to stay outdoors and bask in the sun.
Many of these rooftop pools are located on top of hotels, which are naturally situated in famous tourist districts. Whether you’re visiting Singapore, Dubai, or Athens, the best rooftop pools offer a unique way of relaxing while taking in the unique sights of your locality.
From rooftop movies to concerts and even swimming, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained and relaxed. However, it’s essential to prioritize safety. We’re all aware of the physical safety considerations while being on a rooftop, but how often do we think about our digital safety?
Many rooftops offer public Wi-Fi networks for people to enjoy. These networks are typically unsecured, giving rise to opportunistic hackers who may try to target tourists at these locations to steal personal information.
To avoid this, try to stay safe and choose VPN. It will encrypt your internet connection, preventing anyone from being able to see what you’re doing online. Also, try booking tickets for popular rooftop attractions in advance to avoid overpaying at the last minute.
Remember, by planning ahead and taking appropriate safety measures, you can keep yourself safe while enjoying your time on the rooftop. So, continue to stay safe and have fun!
Browse all the cities & articles at The Rooftop Guide
Follow The Rooftop Guide