Best European Rooftop Bars
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'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, 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, 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 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 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:
-
Continentale Florence 43 rooms from £347
City Style - An architectural gem, mixing traditional style with suave modern design in the heart of the citySpa breaks - The superb spa is created by the renowned Daniela SteinerSights nearby - You're right in the heart of Florence, so all its glorious highlights are easily accessibleViews - Celestial views of Florence's skylineRecommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Kiwi Collection, Michelin TravelA 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. See More
-
ME Madrid Reina Victoria Madrid (Barrio de las Letras) 192 rooms from £176
City Style - Somehow at once both hip and timeless, this sleek modern update on a classic building oozes style from every pore.Lively - Hip and happening.Private Hot TubRestaurant - Recommended.Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Frommers, Kiwi CollectionCrisp, 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. See More
-
Hotel Duquesa de Cardona Barcelona (Gothic Quarter) 40 rooms from £208
Local exploring - With the Barceloneta Metro Station less than two minutes away, Barcelona is at your doorstep plus the beach is nearbyRomantic Break - Special Valentine's and Couples packagesRestaurant - Casual dining (thibnk grilled meats and fish) is served at the rooftop restaurantSights nearby - The hotel overlooks Port Vell. Enjoy a stroll around the harbourRecommended by - Fodors, Frommers, Michelin TravelPolished 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. See More
-
Grims Grenka Oslo 65 rooms from £145
Roof terrace - Lively roof top bar and terrace.Sights nearby - Situated in the centre of Oslo close to all major attractionsRestaurant - MADU restaurant serves Nordic cuisineLocal markets - Good for local colour.Recommended by - CN TravellerLarge 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. See More
-
Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel Hvar 59 rooms from £166
Wellbeing - The hotel is designed for total pampering.Outstanding location - Fantastically located on the bay front.Spa breaks - Top of the range spa.Views - Great views from hotelRecommended by - I Escape, Michelin TravelA 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. See More
-
Bairro Alto Hotel Lisbon (Bairro Alto) 87 rooms from £273
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 TagusSights 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.Recommended by - I Escape, Tablet, Frommers, Kiwi CollectionLisbon’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. See More
-
Hotel Urban, Madrid Madrid (Barrio de las Letras) 100 rooms from £138
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 poolRomantic - Good for couples.Recommended by - Tablet, Fodors, Frommers, Kiwi CollectionA 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. See More
-
Clarion Sign Stockholm 558 rooms from £204
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 - Great views from hotelLively - Hip and happening.Recommended by - FrommersA 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. See More
-
Hotel de Rome Berlin (Gendarmenmarkt) 146 rooms from £447
Sights nearby - Explore the city by hopping on the metro at U HausvogteiplatzSwimming Pool - Indoor PoolFour poster beds - For romantics.Full of characterRecommended by - Tablet, Fodors, Frommers, Kiwi Collection, Michelin TravelOne 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. See More
-
Mandarin Oriental Munich Munich 73 rooms from £553
City StyleSpa - With Turkish bath and saunaSwimming Pool - Rooftop infinity poolTraditionalRecommended by - Tablet, Frommers, Kiwi Collection, Michelin TravelFive 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. See More
-
The Glasshouse, Edinburgh Edinburgh (Calton Hill) 65 rooms from £340
Sit-out TerraceDesigner - Uniquely designed interiors.Views - Great views from hotel5* Luxury - Very high service standards.Recommended by - Frommers, Michelin TravelModern, stylish hotel. Large open spaces filled with natural light. Lavender roof garden with views of Carlton Hill. Patios, verandas, areas for private meetings. See More
-
The Penz Innsbruck 92 rooms from £130
Roof terrace - Two fabulous roof terraces.Views - Great views from hotelGourmetCity StyleRecommended by - CN TravellerChic, 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. See More