Asia

The World’s Best Rooftop Views. The Ultimate Cities to Soak in the Skyline

Pinterest LinkedIn

The world’s best rooftop views ranked by cities.

There’s something undeniably magical about sipping Champagne on a rooftop with a breathtaking view, and in 2025, rooftop bars and skyline destinations are more sought after than ever.

Whether it’s the glittering lights of New York, the romantic glow of Paris, or the futuristic allure of Singapore or Dubai , travellers are chasing the most iconic cityscapes for that perfect, Instagram-worthy moment.

South East Asia has more and more rooftops being added to the bar and dining scene in Bangkok, Singapore and even Jakarta, and some are arguably the world’s best rooftop bars as well as restaurants.

Brunette on the rooftop of The Intercontinental Hotel Bordeaux
Renae on the magnificent rooftop of The Intercontinental Hotel Bordeaux

A recent study by Heepsy has ranked the top ten world’s best rooftop views, analysing facts including skyscraper counts, Instagram hashtags, search volume, and the sheer number of rooftop bars and restaurants.

The cities listed here have mastered the art of elevated luxury, where an evening drink comes with a million dollar (and in some cases a 24 hour flight) view.

The Top 10 Cities for World’s Best Rooftop Views

1. New York City, USA – The Classic (99.2/100)

With 433 skyscrapers, 132 rooftop bars, and a staggering 7.8 million Instagram hashtags, New York tops the list for the best rooftop views in the world. Whether it’s watching the sunset over the Empire State Building or gazing at the glittering skyline from The Standard, The Big Apple delivers rooftop perfection.

Conrad Downtown New York City

2. Hong Kong, China – The Vertical Wonderland (95.7/100)

Hong Kong boasts 661 skyscrapers—the most in the world—alongside 176 rooftop bars, offering unparalleled panoramic cityscapes. From the chic Ozone Bar at The Ritz-Carlton to the vibrant Aqua Spirit, Hong Kong is a dream for those who love their cocktails with a dramatic skyline.

Hong Kong Island has some of the world’s best roofrop views

3. Dubai, UAE – The Ultra-Modern Marvel (93.7/100)

Dubai’s skyline is iconic, and its 421 skyscrapers and 87 rooftop bars prove it’s a powerhouse for rooftop luxury. With 4.3 million Instagram hashtags, it’s clear that visitors can’t get enough of views over the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah. Head to Cé La Vi or Level 43 Sky Lounge for an unforgettable experience.

Dubai has unprecedented appeal in the global luxury travel landscape and plenty of world’s best rooftop views

4. Doha, Qatar – The Rising Star (92.4/100)

Doha is rapidly becoming a global travel hotspot, boasting 109 rooftop bars and 1.5 million Instagram hashtags. The city’s mix of futuristic architecture and ocean views makes spots like The Secret Garden at Marsa Malaz Kempinski a must-visit.

Dohar
Qatar

5. Paris, France – The Timeless Romance (89.3/100)

Paris doesn’t need towering skyscrapers to dominate rooftop culture. With the highest global search volume and 9.6 million Instagram hashtags, the City of Light is all about elegant, romantic rooftops. Le Perchoir and Terrass” Hotel offer postcard-worthy views of the Eiffel Tower, proving that Parisian rooftops are eternal classics.

Paris is always a great idea, and has amazing rooftop views

6. Chicago, USA – The Hidden Gem (87.1/100)

With 183 skyscrapers, 88 rooftop bars, and 4.7 million Instagram hashtags, Chicago is an under-the-radar rooftop haven. From the stylish Cindy’s Rooftop to the luxurious LondonHouse, the city offers stunning waterfront and skyline views.

A spectacular rooftop at London House, Chicago.

7. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Underrated Oasis (85.7/100)

Kuala Lumpur surprises with 248 skyscrapers and 111 rooftop bars. Iconic spots like Heli Lounge Bar, where you can sip a cocktail on an actual helipad, make this city a unique entry on the list.

Petronas Towers seen from the rooftop bar of The Banyan Tree in Kuala Lumpur

8. Singapore – The Futuristic Chic (84.5/100)

Singapore’s 134 rooftop bars, including the ultra-famous Marina Bay Sands infinity pool, provide some of the sleekest skyline views in the world. While it may not have as many hashtags as others, it remains a global leader in curated, luxury rooftop experiences.

Singapore Is The World’s First Urban Blue Zone Redefining Longevity and Wellness
Marina Bay Sands has multiple world’s best rooftop bars and restaurants in Singapore

9. Las Vegas, USA – The Entertainment Capital (83.0/100)

Vegas is all about spectacle, and its 132 rooftop bars prove it. With only 18 skyscrapers, the city compensates with lavish rooftop lounges like Skyfall and Legacy Club, designed more for experience than height.

Legacy Club Las Vegas

10. Bangkok, Thailand – The Exotic Viewpoint (82.4/100)

Bangkok’s 142 skyscrapers, 110 rooftop bars, and 643,000 Instagram hashtags make it Southeast Asia’s rooftop paradise. Whether it’s the opulence of Kimpton Maa-Lai, the newest INNSIDE by Melia which has 2 separate rooftops, Vertigo at Banyan Tree or the river views from Three Sixty Lounge, Bangkok’s skyline scene is not to be missed.

The rooftop pool and bar by night at INNSiDE by Melia Bangkok Sukhumvit

Why Rooftop Views Matter More Than Ever

According to Heepsy’s founder, Tabi Vicuña, “Great views have become a huge selling point for bars and restaurants as people constantly share their lives on social media. Guests want picture-perfect moments, making spots with stunning views the new go-to destinations.”

For stylish travelers who love a glamorous night out, these cities offer some of the best rooftop experiences in the world. Whether you’re sipping a Bellini in Bangkok, enjoying a skyline sundowner in Singapore, or toasting with a glass of Champagne in New York, these rooftop destinations guarantee elevated luxury at its finest.

Avatar photo

Renae elegantly traverses the globe, curating the most exquisite personalised travel, dining, and wellness experiences for discerning women. With over 25 years of distinguished journalism, her work has illuminated the pages of prestigious magazines, newspapers, and digital platforms. Renae’s expertise transcends travel writing; she is a coveted speaker and coach within the luxury hotel industry. Balancing her professional pursuits with a delightful contradiction—a passion for fitness and an indulgence in dark chocolate—Renae infuses a unique blend of authority and Australian charm into the realm of luxury travel.

Write A Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.