The 10 Bars With the Best Views in the World
The most breathtaking vantage points for a drink with a view.
New York Bar at the Tokyo Park Hyatt
The New York Bar at the Tokyo Park Hyatt is something of a mecca for film buffs, who will be familiar with its glass backdrop and mood lighting from Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation. Just as classy in real life as it is in the film, the bar is frequented by punters who come for the view but stay for the jazz music, which is live seven days a week.
Rock Bar, Bali
Look out across the Indian Ocean from this stunning rock-top bar at the Ayana Resort and Spa. Situated just 14 metres above the water, listen as the waves crash onto the rocks below while you enjoy a few sundowners accompanied by the view of a lifetime.
Grande Bretagne Roof Garden Bar, Athens
The Grande Bretagne is an institution in Athens. The famous hotel has played host to state leaders (Winston Churchill almost paid dearly for his visit in 1944 after a failed attempt on his life) and celebrities alike, and is still the best place to people-watch in the Greek capital. The outdoor bar's roof garden in particular is a great place to view the ancient sites interspersed with modern landmarks.
Top Mountain Star, Wurmkogl Mountain, Austria
It's not all about beaches and cityscapes. The view from the Top Mountain Star in Obergurgl, for example, is second to none and one you're unlikely to see often. Look out onto the snowy abyss of the popular ski resort from this remote spot and be at one with the magic of the natural world.
Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree, Bangkok
The aptly named Moon Bar on the 61st floor at the Banyan Tree hotel in Bangkok is the city's highest open-air bar, offering discerning punters the chance to soak up the last of the day's rays and take pictures of the sunset, free from the obstructions of a roof or windows. Amble over to the neighbouring Vertigo for dinner if the bar snacks of crackers, olives and nuts don't sate your appetite.
Skyline Rooftop Bar, Venice
Experience a different side of Venice at the Skyline Bar. The modern cocktail lounge is a far cry from the historic buildings that make up the floating city, but nevertheless offers pitch-perfect views of it. What's more, there's also a swimming pool, so you can take a dip while you watch the gondolas float by below.
Hula Hula, Hvar, Croatia
Hvar's Hula Hula bar is so impressive that visitors and locals from neighbouring islands make the trip by boat to visit. Hidden away on an isolated strip of coastline, the bar has an aesthetic very much akin to the cult-like paradise of The Beach, with revellers coming to enjoy the venue's infamous beach parties as the waves of the Adriatic lap nearby.
O2 Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton, Moscow
Nowhere can you get a better grip on Russia's tumultuous history than at the O2 Lounge in Moscow, which overlooks some of the city's most important sights, including Red Square, the Kremlin and Saint Basil's Cathedral. Take a Lonely Planet guide and sit back and enjoy the Japanese cuisine as you swot up on this fascinating country's history without leaving the comfort of your seat.
Aqua, The Shard, London
A plethora of high-rise bars and restaurants have sprung up in the capital in the last five years, but none have been so highly anticipated as Aqua at the Shard, the tallest tower in Western Europe. Save yourself the effort of scaling the viewing platform and enjoy a cocktail or two in this vibrant, buzzy bar, while taking in the 360-degree views, which include landmarks such as Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge.
Ozone at the Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
The self-proclaimed "highest bar in the world," Ozone at the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong is one to avoid if you suffer from vertigo. Located in Kowloon across the bay from Hong Kong Island, it's the perfect vantage point to take in the skyline of one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities, while enjoying inventive cocktails and tapas.
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