Le Vaux rooftop bar at Hotel Fouquet's New York.
Photo: Courtesy Hotel Fouquet's New York
8 of the World’s Most Beautiful Rooftop Bars
From an outdoor lounge at Capri’s Hotel La Palma crafted by Francis Sultana to a dreamy garden oasis in New York designed by Martin Brudnizki
Summer is officially in full swing, and while many people find solace in the air-conditioned great indoors, there’s something special about sipping a crisp glass of wine or a refreshing cocktail al fresco that makes the hot weather worth it. To help toast the season, Galerie has scoured the world to round up some of the most swoon-worthy rooftop spaces that serve sumptuous bites and refreshing libations, from bustling New York City to the romantic Italian island of Capri.
Bianca's rooftop at Hotel La Palma, Capri. Photo: Courtesy Hotel La Palma, Capri
Cocktail served at Bianca's rooftop. Photo: Courtesy Hotel La Palma
1. Bianca at Hotel La Palma | Capri, Italy
A long-awaited restoration of Capri’s legendary Hotel La Palma overseen by Francis Sultana has imbued the Mediterranean destination with interiors as striking as its surroundings. The hotel’s gorgeous rooftop bar, Bianca, offers guests the chance to take in mesmerizing views while sipping on zesty cocktails such as the Calmati (made with vodka, orange liquor, chamomile cordial, vanilla, lime, and salty air) or a glass from their wide-ranging wine menu. For dining al freso, menu items conceived by chef Gennaro Esposito can be enjoyed in the main dining area.
Citrus Club at The Dewberry Charleston. Photo: Andrew Cebulka
Citrus Spritz cocktail served at Citrus Club. Photo: Andrew Cebulka
2. Citrus Club at The Dewberry Charleston | Charleston, South Carolina
A Charleston hotel brimming with as much charm as the city itself, The Dewberry features an award-winning rooftop bar called the Citrus Club, which is the ideal setting to enjoy a morning coffee or late-night libation surrounded by the South Carolina city’s striking historic architecture. Standing as the highest rooftop in the area, the lounge’s citrus-themed cocktail menu—ranging from Mai Tais to boozy popsicles—can be enjoyed alongside light bites.
Bar Tontine at The Wall Street Hotel. Photo: Courtesy Wall Street Hotel
Cocktails served at Bar Tontine. Photo: Courtesy Wall Street Hotel
3. Bar Tontine at The Wall Street Hotel | New York City
One of the hottest new additions to New York’s hotel scene, The Wall Street Hotel recently debuted Bar Tontine, located on the 15th floor and featuring a wraparound terrace with sweeping views of Lower Manhattan and the East River. The glowing interiors feature tropical greenery enriched by artisan touches, while a curated cocktail menu includes the option for guests to create a custom sparkling libation by selecting a liquor, garnish, and mixer from Fever Tree, which can be enjoyed alongside Parisian-inspired bar snacks.
Lamplighters at Gleneagles Townhouse. Photo: Courtesy Gleneagles Townhouse
4. Lamplighters at Gleneagles Townhouse | Edinburgh, Scotland
Tucked away in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, Lamplighters at Gleneagles Townhouse brings vintage charm to the luxurious five-star stay. An indoor lounge holds pastel furnishings reminiscent of an upscale living room as well as a solarium-style room, while the outdoor terrace boasts sweeping views dotted with ancient Georgian statues, which make for a picturesque backdrop while enjoying inventive cocktails such as Caught in the Rain and Life on the Verde.
Rooftop bar at La Roqqa. Photo: Courtesy La Roqqa
Apperitivo at La Roqqa's rooftop bar. Photo: Courtesy La Roqqa
5. Rooftop Bar at La Roqqa | Porto Ercole, Italy
Among the sweeping greenery and marina of Tuscany’s Porto Ercole, the rooftop bar at La Roqqa offers a casual yet chic escape for sipping a nightcap or aperativo with friends. Echoing the boutique hotel’s striking red design, conceived by Milanese design studio Palomba Serafini Associati, pops of red and orange mix together as an ode to Italy’s vibrant culture.
Le Vaux rooftop bar at Hotel Fouquet's New York. Photo: Courtesy Hotel Fouquet's New York
Cocktails and appetizers served at Le Vaux. Photo: Courtesy Hotel Fouquet's New York
6. Le Vaux at Fouquet’s New York | New York City
One of the buzziest new hotels in Manhattan, Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s New York has just added yet another swoon-worthy amenity to its already impressive roster. Outfitted with vibrant green and pink textiles mixed with furnishings from wood to metal courtesy of Martin Brudnizki and Office of Strategy + Design, Le Vaux rooftop is a hidden rooftop oasis hidden among New York’s urban landscape. In addition to its lively ambiance, plush seating provides the perfect place to sit back and enjoy light bites, caviar service, seasonal wines, and crisp cocktails inspired by the summer.
Dante at Maybourne Beverly Hills. Photo: COURTESY OF MAYBOURNE BEVERLY HILLS
Dante martini. Photo: Courtesy Maybourne Beverly Hills
7. Dante at Maybourne Beverly Hills | Beverly Hills, California
Whether you’re a Los Angeles local or a just visiting for the weekend, the Mayboune Beverly Hills still stands as one of the poshest stays on the West Coast. The hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant, Dante, is an outpost of the New York City staple featuring a sunset-view terrace and artistic touches such as a mural by Los Angeles artist Abel Macias, which envelopes a barrel ceiling inside. The ultra-chic interiors include tufted cobalt banquets embellished with bouillon fringe, creamy white marble tables, and lamp shades made of tapestry. Pro tip: make sure to try their famous Dante martini.
Exterior of Bar Sur Le Toit at La Fantaisie in Paris. Photo: Jerome Galland
Interior of Bar Sur Le Toit at La Fantaisie in Paris. Photo: Jerome Galland
8. Bar Sur Le Toit at La Fantaisie | Paris
Prepare to be transported to a Wonderland-esque garden party when venturing to Bar Sur Le Toit in Paris. Located at the recently opened La Fantaisie, designed by Martin Brudnizki, the casual and cozy outdoor bar’s simplistic chairs and tables allow guests to be swept up by the surrounding greenery, while views of the City of Light take centerstage. Inside, pops of pinks and patterned floral wall coverings complement the whimsical cocktail list, which includes the Summer of Love Sour and Charred Pasilla Margarita.
Cover: Le Vaux rooftop bar at Hotel Fouquet's New York.
Photo: Courtesy Hotel Fouquet's New York
