50 stunning rooftop bars and restaurants

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40. Rock Bar, Ayana Resort & Spa: Bali, Indonesia

Rock Bar: Now this is a drink with a view.

The Rock Bar is one of Bali's most glamorous sunset and after-dark destinations.

Precariously perched 14 meters above the crashing Indian Ocean at the base of Ayana Hotel, the open-top bar sits right on the spot-lit water's edge and at high tide the waves crash just a few feet from guests' feet.

A DJ booth is carved into the cliff face.

7/28/1711:54 PM

Former Member

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7/28/1711:55 PM

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42. KU DÉ TA, Marina Bay Sands: Singapore

One of Singapore's youngest architectural icons, Marina Bay Sands, is the only structure standing 200 meters high in its immediate vicinity.

This means KU DÉ TA, its party bar, has spectacular views into the city and over the waters and of Marina Bay Sands' infamous infinity pool.

Arrive at sunset to reap the full experience.

If you're unable to tear yourself away from the fancy night lights, stave off hunger with the platter of five Wagyu mini burgers and the chopped tuna tartar and flatbread while enjoying the nightly laser show.

7/28/1711:56 PM

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43. Char, Hotel Indigo: Shanghai, China

Occupying the top three floors of the 31-story Hotel Indigo Shanghai, Char provides a 270-degree outlook sweeping across downtown.

To your left are the pointy roofs and narrow streets of the Shanghai Old Town; your front the unbeatable colonial architectural strip on the Bund; and on your right stands the breathtaking Lujiazui skyscraper spectacle.

The visual extravaganza is complete with cargo and neon sign-bearing cruise ships drifting down Huangpu.

Inside, the 100-seat grill and bar serves Blackmore's Wagyu beef and seafood from Australia.

7/28/1711:56 PM

Former Member

44. Capital M: Beijing, China

Housed in a historic building on the centuries-old Qianmen Dajie, Capital M is somber on the outside but inviting inside.

The atmosphere is cashed-up bohemian -- inside are a Van Gogh-esque mural, fresh flowers and views of Qianmen, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

The menu is inspired by local produce, but contains elements from Europe and North Africa.

Wines are taken seriously at Capital M. Their own label has been supplied by the same South Australian vineyard for 20 years.

7/28/1711:56 PM

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45. Vertigo & Moon Bar, Banyan Tree: Bangkok, Thailand

You'll almost touch the moon at the Vertigo and Moon Bar, Thailand.

On the roof of Bangkok's Banyan Tree Hotel is Vertigo, specializing in barbecued seafood, though it also grills a mean steak and has a good vegetarian menu.

Walk a few steps and you're at Moon Bar, which has a solid cocktail and wine menu and a small seating area.

The stomach-churning views at this 61st floor venue are rivaled only by those at Sirocco (also on this list), which has sparked many a fiery debate between die-hard fans of the two hotels over the years.

7/28/1711:57 PM

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46. Le Grill, Hotel de Paris: Monaco

Situated on the eighth floor of the Hotel de Paris, the Michelin-starred Le Grill is an elegant rooftop eatery offering views over the French Riviera.

On a clear day you can see all the way to Corsica, while the rest of the time it provides dizzying views over Monaco's glittering harbor dotted with sailing boats and gin palaces.

In the summer, the roof is opened at the flick of a switch and at the merest hint of inclement weather can be closed again.

7/28/1711:58 PM

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47. Rufxxx: Seoul, Korea

Rufxxx, tucked away in a nondescript alleyway, was originally a studio for photographer and director Kim Hyoung Nam.

It's now a convivial wellspring for photography, film, music, dance and fashion.

It's split into three floors: a lounge floor for food and drink, a small performance area upstairs, and the rooftop with the best view in Seoul of N Seoul Tower and Namsan.

If you didn't think a rooftop bar could be down-to-earth, Rufxxx makes you think again.

7/28/1711:58 PM

Former Member

48. Hotel Duquesa de Cardona: Barcelona, Spain

The rooftop Brisa del Mar space of Hotel Duquesa de Cardona is divided into two areas by scented lavender bushes.

One part is reserved for dining and drinking, the other is for sunbathing and swimming.

Try the house special, the Cardona, a blow-your-head-off cocktail of rum, pineapple juice, grenadine and Malibu, while trying to focus on the views to the church of La Merce to the rear and the Port Vell marina at the front.

7/28/1711:59 PM

Former Member

49. The Laison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel: Washington D.C., United States

Laison Capitol Hill is Capitol Hill's only open-air, rooftop pool and bar, and it lays on great breakfasts, yoga classes right next to the pool and heroic cocktails.

Guests not lodging in the hotel, which went through a three-month renovation, can enter free of charge after 5 p.m.

7/28/1711:59 PM

Former Member

50. L'éléphant: Ibiza, Spain

A more refined and elegant side of Ibiza.

L'éléphant stacks up more than the usual Ibizan late-night parties, bars and cocktails.

Located in the foodie village of San Rafael, the minimalist, retro bar is a place for a quick drink before hitting the dance floors. Expect good cocktails and indulgent, Mediterranean food.

The rooftop offers views of the old Ibiza Town to give a sense of nostalgia about the area.

7/28/1711:59 PM

Former Member

Editor's note: This article was previously published in 2012. It was updated, reformatted and republished in 2017.

7/29/1712:00 AM

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Topics

40. Rock Bar, Ayana Resort & Spa: Bali, Indonesia

42. KU DÉ TA, Marina Bay Sands: Singapore

43. Char, Hotel Indigo: Shanghai, China

44. Capital M: Beijing, China

45. Vertigo & Moon Bar, Banyan Tree: Bangkok, Thailand

46. Le Grill, Hotel de Paris: Monaco

47. Rufxxx: Seoul, Korea

48. Hotel Duquesa de Cardona: Barcelona, Spain

49. The Laison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel: Washington D.C., United States

50. L'éléphant: Ibiza, Spain

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