From charismatic city skyscrapers to sophisticated beachfront terraces, the setting is as important as the tipple when it's time to savour a sundowner or two. Ready yourself as we soar to new heights and share the world's best rooftop bars...
Banyan Tree Bangkok
Soaring above the heart of central Bangkok, Banyan Tree Bangkok is home to one the world's tallest rooftop bars, offering panoramic cityscape views that promise to take your breath away. Located on the 61st floor alongside Vertigo Restaurant, Moon Bar is often named one of the top rooftop bars in the world, offering world-class service surrounded by Thai-inspired accents and elegant décor. While gently clinking Champagne flutes can often be heard in amongst the chatter of mingling locals and travellers, it's essential to sample the bar's signature drink during your visit; the Vertigo Sunset comprises a melody of pineapple, cranberry and lime juices, blended with the perfect hint of Malibu. This cosmopolitan setting effortlessly comes alive in the early evening, when the skyline lights up and the setting sun creates a theatrical performance, as it slowly disappears behind Bangkok's glittering skyscrapers - could there be anywhere better to spend those final few moments of sunshine?
![Moon Bar]()
Moon Bar
The Peninsula New York
A favourite with New Yorkers and travellers alike, sleek Salon de Ning can be found atop the The Peninsula New York, just five blocks from Central Park and the Rockefeller Centre. Perched high on the hotel's 23rd floor, this intimate hideaway has a loose 1930s-Shanghai theme, with an eclectic art collection and Chinese screens occupying the interior and exterior spaces in which you can savour your chosen tipple, all complemented by views overlooking Fifth Avenue's sparkling decadence. The menu comprises modern cocktails that please in both taste and aesthetics - the lychee-topped Ning Sling is particularly well-presented - while there's also a medley of nibbles' including cheese boards and Spanish charcuterie, vowing to keep you here for even longer. However you spend your time, you'll feel withdrawn from the city's bustle while remaining at the very heart of New York's culture.
![Salon de Ning]()
Salon de Ning
Casa Gangotena
Situated in the centre of the world's first UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quito's Colonial Old Town, Casa Gangotena's third-floor, panoramic bar La Terraza offers incomparable views over the beautiful Plaza San Francisco. Serving as your private rooftop affording space to discover and dream at your own pace, it's the perfect spot to take in the daily life of Ecuador's capital whilst enjoying a glass of vintage wine or a deliciously refreshing handcrafted cocktail featuring locally sourced ingredients. Why not sample a Cedrón Spritz - a refreshing mix of rum, lemon, sparkling wine, and fresh lemon verbena syrup - while taking in views of the snow-capped peak of the Cayambe volcano and the iconic architecture of Quito's Old Town, a simply spectacular backdrop at every hour of the day.
![Terrace at Casa Gangotena]()
Terrace at Casa Gangotena
The Peninsula Shanghai
Shanghai is a city defined by its skyline, and there is no better way to view it than with a drink in hand at Sir Ellys Bar. Located on the 14th floor of The Peninsula Shanghai, the timber decked bar is stylishly decorated, offering an intimate atmosphere with understated luxe. From this vantage point, you have an unrivalled view of the highlights of the skyline; The Shanghai Tower, The World Financial Centre and The Oriental Pearl Tower, or 'The Twist', 'The Bottle-Opener' and 'The Pearl', as they are more affectionately known. Although utterly spectacular during daylight hours, it's in the evening when the buildings truly come alive, with incredible moving, colourful LED lightshows which can be seen across the city. Serving a choice of signature cocktails, chilled wines and rare whiskeys, this is the perfect venue to enjoy daytime, sunset or evening drinks, whilst absorbing the breathtaking cityscape.
![Sir Elly's Terrace at The Peninsula Shanghai]()
Sir Elly's Terrace
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas
Residing on Abu Dhabi's renowned Saadiyat Island, the contemporary Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas draws guests in thanks to its picture-perfect beachfront location and array of fabulous facilities, including four swimming pools and an opulent spa, which you will never want to leave. And with a choice of three elegant restaurants serving a vast selection of cuisines, the culinary offerings are pretty superb, too. The Beach House Restaurant is perfect if you're celebrating a special occasion, where you can savour a mouthwatering meal overlooking the waters of Saadiyat Beach, before moving on to the romantic Rooftop Bar upstairs. Considered one of the best bars in Abu Dhabi, this beguiling location offers some of the city's best sunset views and serves classic cocktails alongside an assortment of tapas, all whilst laid-back lounge music and the relaxing sounds of the waves fill the air.
![Beach House Rooftop]()
Beach House Rooftop
Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
Located right in the heart of the city, overlooking the prestigious Passeig de Gracia, Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona is one of the city's most luxurious addresses. Dive in for a quick dip in the rooftop pool or relish the relaxation of a soothing treatment at the serene spa, before experiencing legendary service as you sit back and relax with incredible 360-degree-views of the city atop this five-star hotel at alfresco venue, Terrat. Take advantage of a wide range of drinks and cocktails, including the signature 'The Master's Secret', served alongside a delicious choice of authentic Peruvian cuisine from Gastón Acurio, one of the world's most acclaimed chefs - the perfect combination in a setting offering some of the city's best sunset views.
![Terrat]()
Terrat