Travellers often struggle to find that breathtaking view of an inspiring cityscape and may not realise their very own hotel is home to one of the best European rooftop bars, and thus, some of the best views in town.

Top floor, open-air terraces await those eager view seekers without the hustle and bustle of the touristy spots. And our Gurus have gathered together some of the best European rooftop bars, and the corresponding hotels to inspire you.

Best European Rooftop Bars for something special

hotel continentale rooftop bar

  • Hotel Continentale's, Sky Lounge in Florence - escape the crowded streets below by visiting this vast deck lined with white cushions, which will make you feel as though you’re in the clouds. Down below you the River Arno flows quietly by as the Ponte Vecchio spans across it.

For Relaxing

me madrid reina victoria the roof

  • ME Madrid Reina Victoria, The Roof, Madrid - Madrid is laid out majestically before you while live music soothes the mind. Keep an eye out for any celebrities as they frequent this most luxurious pad.
  • Hotel Duquesa de Cardona, Terrace, Barcelona. The terrace isn’t exactly a high rise but it is situated perfectly overlooking the Port of Barcelona. Cool off in the pool after a long day exploring the city and take in the very best views of the Moll de la Fusta. Open from 9 in the morning until 7 at night.

Best European Rooftop Bars for Foodies

First Hotel Grims Grenka

  • First Hotel Grims Grenka, Q Lounge, Oslo - Atop of the First Hotel Grims Grenka is a wooden work of art spotted with red cushions. The Q Lounge overlooks Norway’s capital and is the place to be in the summertime as the house chef has a very good reputation. The Q Lounge is open from May until September.

For Romance

adriana hvar

  • Adriana Hotel, The Top, Hvar - This award-winning hotel is equipped with a top of the line roof top bar, which looks out onto the harbour, filled with custom yachts. Enjoy a romantic evening as the lights from the houses bring the rolling hills of Hvar alive.
  • Bairro Alto Hotel, The Terrace, Lisbon - Highly regarded by visitors and locals, this is the perfect place to grab a cold drink and soak in the rays overlooking the River Tagus. It is a smaller venue holding about 35 guests.

For an evening out

  • Hotel Urban, La Terrazzo Del Urban, Madrid - The decor is slick and avant-garde, and views over Madrid’s skyline are a highlight, but after dark, in the candlelight, the sleek, young things arrive, ready to work through the impressive cocktail list and possibly even the plunge pool if things heat up enough…
  • Clarion Sign Hotel, Champagne Bar, Stockholm - Very Nordic looking with its dramatic glass design and ultra-modern interiors, this hotel has a Michelin listed restaurant, and of course an excellent roof spa and heated pool. It’s also got a super stylish champagne bar on the eighth floor.
  • Barcelo Raval, Barcelona - There’s a rooftop pool and a bar with panoramic city views, and you’re in the heart of Barcelona’s artistic and cultural quarter, near Las Ramblas, surrounded by avant-garde decor and fantastic, modern design.

Best European Rooftop Bars to Escape

  • Hotel de Rome, Rooftop Terrace, Berlin - This rooftop terrace has a marvellous view of Berlin’s city centre. Before you lies the turquoise dome of St. Hedwigs Cathedral and colossal entrance into The State Opera House. Music plays from Wednesdays to Fridays.
  • Mandarin Oriental Hotel, China Moon Roof Terrace, Munich - Surrounding you is a full view of the terracotta rooftops of Munich, but on the roof you will find a Chinese oasis. After taking a dip in the infinity pool, fill up on the chef’s variety of Asian and Mediterranean masterpieces. This roof is open May to October.

Just for the views

The Penz

  • The Glasshouse, Edinburgh - The Glasshouse doesn’t just have a roof terrace, it has a wonderfully scented roof garden, complete with a Japanese corner and the scent of lavender. And the view over Carlton Hill is wonderful.
  • Penz Hotel, The American Bar, Innsbruck - The view here stretches to the snowcapped mountains, and there’s a retractable roof, so if you can enjoy an alfresco drink in the summertime, and a cosy one in winter.

Here's our full list of hotels where you can find the best European rooftop bars:

Best European Rooftop Bars

Hotel Duquesa de Cardona

Barcelona (Gothic Quarter)

Polished and chic, this townhouse with rooftop terrace and views to the port of Barcelona. Contemporary rooms decorated in wood, stone, and natural colours offer a great place to rest your head. Enjoy Catalan dishes at the lively rooftop restaurant. Relax at the pool or head to the nearby harbour.

  • Local exploring - With the Barceloneta Metro Station less than two minutes away, Barcelona is at your doorstep plus the beach is nearby
  • Romantic Break - Special Valentine's and Couples packages
  • Restaurant - Casual dining (thibnk grilled meats and fish) is served at the rooftop restaurant
  • Sights nearby - The hotel overlooks Port Vell. Enjoy a stroll around the harbour
from CA$354 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel de Rome

Berlin (Gendarmenmarkt)

One of Rocco Forte's finest hotels. Architectural splendour and grand interiors that ooze contemporary elegance. Sleek rooms and suites in blues, reds and beiges. Fantastic roof top terrace bar/lounge with unrivalled views of Berlin, great spa. An ultra-stylish spot for any city visitor.

  • Sights nearby - Explore the city by hopping on the metro at U Hausvogteiplatz
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor Pool
  • Four poster beds
  • Full of character
from CA$760 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
ME Madrid Reina Victoria

Madrid (Barrio de las Letras)

Crisp, white and cool without being too bare - minimalism at its friendliest. Fantastic restaurant with a great wine list and hip crowd. The roof top bar is great for lounging at and taking in the views. City style for those with indulgent palates.

  • City Style - Somehow at once both hip and timeless, this sleek modern update on a classic building oozes style from every pore.
  • Lively
  • Private Hot Tub
  • Restaurant
from CA$299 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Urban, Madrid

Madrid (Barrio de las Letras)

A fashionable delight of Art Deco style and avant-garde architecture - steel, glass, wood, leather and lots of natural light. Sumptuous food and wine at the restaurant, great cocktails at the lively Glass Bar, and roof top plunge pool to escape the heat. A very slick city spot.

  • City Style - A thoroughly contemporary art deco hotel and art gallery, packed with artefacts, in one of Madrid's trendiest areas.
  • Sights nearby - In the heart of the city’s Golden Triangle formed by the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Fundación Reina Sofia.
  • Swimming Pool - Small outdoor pool
  • Romantic
from CA$235 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Bairro Alto Hotel

Lisbon (Bairro Alto)

Lisbon’s first boutique hotel, recently re-opened to a well-deserved fanfare of acclaim, including the addition of a restaurant by Nuno Mendes, the first outpost of the London-based chef in his home town. Sweeping views of Lisbon and the Tagus from the roof terrace make this a stylish city break.

  • City Style - A charming hotel in Lisbon's arty district, with classic chic decor, hand painted frescoes and amazing rooftop bar.
  • Roof terrace - Sweeping views of Lisbon and the River Tagus
  • Sights nearby - Right in the centre of town on Lisbon's main square Praça Luís de Camões, within walking distance of the castle.
  • Great walks - The hotel offers two hour free English-speaking walking tours of the hip neighbourhood.
from CA$465 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Clarion Sign

Stockholm

A big middle-market hotel that delivers the goods with a strong Nordic flavour. A dramatic building with ultra-modern interiors - lots of glass, wooden floors, curvaceous chairs, white washed walls, and natural light. Fantastic roof top spa and swimming pool. Well run and well located.

  • City Style - A contemporary hotel in central Stockholm, with sleek suites, rooftop spa and stunning city views.
  • Sights nearby - Visit the cities narrowest street, Mårten Trotzigs gränd, just one meter wide.
  • Views
  • Lively
from CA$363 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Mandarin Oriental Munich

Munich

Five stars for luxury, service, location and food at this stunning city hotel. Outstandingly situated next to a hive of cultural activities. Immaculate contemporary, but subtle, decoration with Asian influences. Unrivalled views from the rooftop pool and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Magnificent.

  • City Style
  • Spa - With Turkish bath and sauna
  • Swimming Pool - Rooftop infinity pool
  • Traditional
from CA$940 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Glasshouse, Edinburgh

Edinburgh (Calton Hill)

Modern, stylish hotel. Large open spaces filled with natural light. Lavender roof garden with views of Carlton Hill. Patios, verandas, areas for private meetings.

  • Sit-out Terrace
  • Designer
  • Views
  • 5* Luxury
from CA$605 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Continentale

Florence

A chic design hotel (owned by Lungarno so expect nothing less than some serious style) overlooking the Arno River. Smart suites have an air of sophistication. The spa is set up by the renowned Daniela Steiner and although there is no restaurant next-door's one will send dinner straight to your door.

  • City Style - An architectural gem, mixing traditional style with suave modern design in the heart of the city
  • Spa breaks - The superb spa is created by the renowned Daniela Steiner
  • Sights nearby - You're right in the heart of Florence, so all its glorious highlights are easily accessible
  • Views - Celestial views of Florence's skyline
from CA$590 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Grims Grenka

Oslo

Large loft suites, a lively roof top terrace and bar, fantastic restaurant, and extensive conference facilities. A modern hotel with huge simply decorated spaces in the centre of Oslo. An excellent choice for a business visitor.

  • Roof terrace - Lively roof top bar and terrace.
  • Sights nearby - Situated in the centre of Oslo close to all major attractions
  • Restaurant - MADU restaurant serves Nordic cuisine
  • Local markets
from CA$258 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Penz

Innsbruck

Chic, gourmet, and highly sophisticated. A contemporary style hotel with large sleek rooms and suites, two lively roof terraces, and fantastic breakfasts to top it all off. A trendy spot for couples.

  • Roof terrace - Two fabulous roof terraces.
  • Views
  • Gourmet
  • City Style
from CA$231 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel

Hvar

A fabulous spa hotel in a prime spot in Hvar overlooking the bay. Contemporary chic rooms and suites with all the mod cons and balconies. Top of the range spa, excellent Mediterranean cuisine and roof terrace restaurant, and close to all the attractions. Gourmet, pampering, romantic.

  • Wellbeing - The hotel is designed for total pampering.
  • Outstanding location - Fantastically located on the bay front.
  • Spa breaks - Top of the range spa.
  • Views
from CA$282 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by HG Staff

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