31 March 2026
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The best hotel rooftops are the sites of celebrations and special occasions for locals — and a smart first move for any arrival just touching down in a new metropolis. A great rooftop provides an instant, visual story of any place you’ve come to explore.
Below is a tour of 10 of the most unique and impressive hotel rooftops in some of the most exciting cities in the world for food-minded travelers. For new arrivals and locals alike, consider this list, with its infinity pools, buzzy cocktail bars and lavish amenities, for a built-in night out.
Raffles London at The OWO — London, England
Starting with an icon: this famous, Three-Key hotel is known for impeccable service, opulent suites and multiple MICHELIN Guide restaurants. For all that, the rooftop restaurant remains among the highlights.Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye provide the beautiful backdrop for Endo’s signature sushi and sake pairings. The minimalist design and evocative ambiance are best experienced at sunset, when London’s distinctive skyline is bathed in golden light.
Restaurants nearby: Kioku by Endo, Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO, Ekstedt at The Yard
Hotel Unique — Sao Paulo, Brazil
From the outside, the strange architecture of Hotel Unique resembles a ship; on the inside, cutting-edge modernism blends with organic curves. And at the top of the building, another instantly recognizable feature — the sleek, crimson red pool rimmed by 360-degree views of the city skyline. This is the beating heart of Skye Bar, whose wooden deck is a magnet for the city’s stylish crowd.A dynamic menu of Brazilian and Japanese-inspired dishes and bar snacks pair exquisitely with its list of crafted cocktails. With dusk comes a live DJ set that even swimmers won’t miss a moment of — underwater speakers add an appropriately unique experience.
Restaurants nearby: De Segunda, Brasserie Victória, Manioca da Mata
Equinox Hotel — New York, USA
They don’t call the 212 accommodations here “rooms.” They call them “sleep chambers,” built with total soundproofing and next-generation blackout blinds for scientifically optimized sleep.
With that in mind, it’s not much of a surprise that the rooftop is just as extra: 8,000-square-feet (that’s about three tennis courts) with panoramic views of Manhattan’s Hudson Yards, NYC’s iconic skyline and the rooftop’s own interesting sculptures. The restaurant, Electric Lemon, provides inventive libations and cuisine.
Restaurants nearby: Peak, Ci Siamo
The Peninsula — Paris, France
A masterpiece of the Belle Époque, the Two-Key Peninsula Paris is known as “The Little Versailles.” Near the Arc de Triomphe, it was here that world leaders signed the 1973 Paris Peace Accords and where Gershwin penned An American in Paris.Today, it’s the site of L'Oiseau Blanc, a Two-MICHELIN-Star restaurant wrapped in marvelous views of the Paris skyline, Eiffel Tower included. Its Le Rooftop space presents a lush garden lounge, ideal for cocktails any time of year thanks to its cozy winter domes.
Restaurants nearby: LiLi, Alan Geaam, Pages
THE DOLLI at Acropolis — Athens, Greece
Parthenon views are a dime a dozen in Athens’ high-end hotel scene, but few match the scope of the rooftop restaurant at the Two-Key DOLLI hotel. With panoramas that sweep from the Acropolis across the capital’s terracotta rooftops, there’s no better place to linger over fresh fish and a crisp assyrtiko.Nighttime promises a festive flair, and Thursdays include a live DJ, enhancing the sky-high experience with techno beats alongside custom bar bites.
Restaurants nearby: The Zillers Rooftop Gastronomy, Makris Athens, Nolan
Nimb — Copenhagen, Denmark
You’ll need to check in to experience this one. High above the Danish capital, nestled at the One-Key Nimb hotel within the beloved Tivoli Gardens, the Nimb Roof is an exclusive sanctuary for hotel guests and Nimb Club members.It’s worth the price of admission: The emerald-green mosaic pool has a built-in tide, and the terrace features a chic bar and lounge with expansive panoramas over Tivoli and central Copenhagen. Come during the warmer months, when the evenings get longer and the rooftop erupts with live music.
Restaurants nearby: Restaurant Glassalen, Mark, Uformel
Bisha Hotel — Toronto, Canada
If this One-Key hotel’s chic location between the fashion district and Old Toronto is any indication, it’s clear the rooftop on the 44th floor — with its wide views — is one of the coolest hangouts in the city.Baja California-inspired flavors like coconut pancakes keep the mood tropical, and poolside brunch is the spot to be all summer. Framed by floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing Toronto’s sprawl, the vibe is equal parts modern beach house and friends’ night out.
Restaurants nearby: Alo, Campechano, R&D
Hotel ICON — Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland
This One-Key hotel is a design masterpiece in the heart of the creative East Tsim Sha Tsui district, lauded for its striking modern aesthetics and heartfelt service. The open-air heated pool, however, is what lands it on this list.On the ninth floor, its unobstructed views of Victoria Harbor make it Hong Kong’s most distinctive swim. There’s an especially lively scene during sunset happy hour.
Restaurants nearby: Shang Palace, Twist & Buckle, Carna by Dario Cecchini
Singer Palace Hotel — Rome, Italy
Set in a beautifully restored 20th-century palace on Via del Corso, the One-Key Singer Palace Hotel snagged some prime Roman real estate: The grand entrance is just steps from Piazza Venezia. With that said, there may be no better place to indulge in la dolce vita than the hotel’s rooftop bar.Jim’s Rooftop Cocktail Bar, with its multilevel terrace, shows off the best of Rome’s rooftops, domes and bell towers, with signature cocktails crafted by award-winning mixologists and snacks reminiscent of an Italian nonna’s.
Restaurants nearby: Green T., Armando al Pantheon, La Ciambella
The Cape, a Thompson Hotel — Los Cabos, Mexico
Few places on the Baja peninsula earn their reputation quite like this One-Key. Sitting along Cabo San Lucas’ coastline with El Arco, the giant rock formation jutting out of the ocean, framing the horizon, the open-air setup — fire pit, sunken seating, water features — feels less like a hotel bar and more like the best private party in town.Acoustic sets give way to DJs as the famous Los Cabos sunset fades, and the menu keeps pace: aguachile (a seafood dish similar to ceviche), soft-shell crab tacos and cocktails that taste unmistakably Mexican. Come for the views, stay for everything else.
Restaurants nearby: Manta, Metate, Cocina de Autor Los Cabos
Hero Image: © The open-air heated pool at the Hotel Icon rooftop in Hong Kong. © Hotel Icon
