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Top five roof terraces in the world

The Drifters were onto something when they said up on the roof was where all their cares just drift right into space…

Top five roof terraces in the world
09 October 2013

There’s nothing better than sipping on your favourite beverage, taking a moment and enjoying the panoramic views from your favourite location. Alas most of us have only experienced two out of three, but thankfully we’ve tapped our contacts to find the best roof terraces in the world. And of course, they’re the perfect location to use your solar powered GPS watch from Seiko.

Radio Bar, London

With an Ibiza-style vibe, think glass walls, candles and giant white sofas, Radio Bar at the ME Hotel is where fashionable urbanites come to chill. The previously owned BBC building (Marconi House) commands probably the most stunning views across London from Wembley Stadium to Battersea Power Station back to local hotspot The London Eye. In fact, if you can’t see it, it’s probably not worth seeing. And the cocktails are definitely worth a mention. Mile High Margarita, Radio-Active and AM/FM really hit the spot.

10th floor ME Hotel, 336-337 The Strand, London WC2R 1HA

360 Istanbul East

Perched on top of the Hilton Doubletree, 360 Istanbul East is the younger brother to award-winning 360 Istanbul. It’s got all the things you’d naturally expect from the 360 group – striking views of Kadıköy, old Istanbul, the Marmara Sea and Moda – but with an Asian twist. By day, enjoy tasty Turkish fusion food and delicious cocktails while you sit around the infamous infinity pool then at night, grab your dancing shoes (and partner) for an adrenaline-fuelled night out where international DJs play each weekend.

Hilton Doubletree, Kadıköy, Albay Faik Sözdener Cd No: 31, İstanbul - Asya, Turkey

Ozone Bar, Hong Kong

Those that say get your head out of the clouds have clearly never experienced the Ozone Bar at the Ritz Carlton. Dubbed the highest bar in the world – it’s on the 118th floor – the super stylish venue easily ranks as one of the most jaw-droppingly stunning bars this side of Asia. Glass walls and an open roof make the perfect backdrop for those wanting to take in the spectacular views of the Hong Kong skyline. Cocktails may be a bit on the pricey side, but for a view this impressive, it’s worth it.

118th floor Ritz Carlton Hong Kong,1 Austin Road, West Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

Panorama Terrace, Berlin

Berlin has many hidden gems, but none more than the Panorama Terrace. Situated on the 40th floor of the Park Inn Hotel, it is Berlin’s highest open-air lounge. And with a terrace which commands an amazing 360 view, it’s no wonder it’s popular with tourists and locals alike, although the cheap drinks may play a big part in its popularity. Less crowded than some of the other local roof terrace bars, Panorama is the perfect respite for those wanting a chilled evening.

Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz, Alexanderplatz 7, 10178 Berlin

Gansevoort Park Avenue

The New York skyline is noteworthy at the best of times, but to enjoy panoramic views from 20 floors up above the Gansevoort Hotel is pretty darned special. Based in the trendy Meatpacking District, the Gansevoort Park Rooftop is achingly cool and it’s not as surprise as the who’s who of New York flock here when then want to unwind. Delicious cocktails and spectacular views aside, what makes it stand out in a city replete with roof terraces is its 45-foot heated pool complete with underwater sound system and disco lighting.

Gansevoort Hotel, 18 Ninth Ave. (at 13th Street), New York City, United States