The best rooftop bars in Asia

The view Enjoy sweeping views of the Ping River and the pagoda-lined skyline of Chiang Mai from the highest bar in the city. Located on the 22nd floor of Meliá Chiang Mai, the 360-degree rooftop bar offers sweeping views of the Ping River and the sacred Doi Suthep Temple, which can be seen on a clear day to the west. There are two floors of seating, all of which boast an excellent view. 

The drinks Time Out Asia contributor Lola Méndez lives in Chiang Mai and never passes up the chance to indulge in MAI’s Bartender’s Tailored Cocktails. The mixologists drew inspiration from the city for unique craft cocktails: take Temple (Wat Chedi Luang), made of Thailand’s Siam Lanna gin and Khaosoi flavouring, which tastes like the famous noodle soup.

The view Lantern is named after Clifford Pier’s historic Chinese name, ‘Red Lantern Pier’, it is located on the sixth floor of The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore. The lantern-shaped centrepiece bar boasts epic views of Singapore’s skyline, including the Civic District and the iconic Marina Bay. 

The drinks Lantern’s bartenders whip up signature cocktails made of sustainably sourced ingredients including their take on the Singapore Sling — a Fullerton Sling with gin, orange liqueur, and rose syrup. On the menu you’ll find an array of other slings such as the Sweet Passion Sling with dragon fruit and the Sydney Sling with blood orange and ginger. Don’t miss The Skive Life daily happy hour special with selected drinks from $10.

The view The rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square is home to the Shibuya Sky observation deck. At 230 metres above ground, The Roof bar has breathtaking 360-degree views of Japan’s capital city. Time Out Tokyo’s Associate Editor Kaila Imada says the bar has vistas of all of Tokyo’s major landmarks, such as Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree, and on a clear day, Mt Fuji in the distance. Visit ahead of sunset to see the view in daylight and at twilight.

The drinks Tickets to The Roof include drink packages including champagne, a bottled whiskey cocktail, or an IPA that’s a collaboration with a local brewery, Y.Y.G Brewery. The bar and lounge is only open 8 months a year. Make a reservation to visit before December 25, 2024.

The view Take in stunning vistas of the iconic KL skyline including the KL Tower and Petronas Twin Towers from Blue at Sky51 thanks to it’s location in the heart of the city. Enjoy your drinks at the open-air deck at Sky51 located within the lounge. Arrive before sunset to snag a front-row seat and witness the sky changing colours and reflecting off of KL's highrises while enjoying the daily happy hour service on bottles of champagne and select alcohol from 5-6:30 PM.

The drinks Blue at Sky51’s mixologist’s handcraft cocktails infused with Malaysian flavours for the Go Lokal cocktail menu. Time Out Kuala Lumpur’s contributor Ng Su Ann loves the bar’s signature cocktails, such as the showy smoked negroni or the sky old fashioned.

The view From the 29th floor of the Shanghai EDITION is ROOF, an upscale open-air lounge boasting panoramic views of Pudong’s skyline and The Bund. It’s a perfect place to wind down after a day of city life as the bar is located next to a lush rooftop garden offering a much needed dose of greenery.

The drinks Expert mixologists at ROOF craft decadent libations including the fan-favorite champagne-infused cocktails. You’ll also find classic cocktails here from whiskey sour to Time Out contributor Rupert Hohwieler favorite signature cocktail, the ginger-infused sunset mule with lime sherbet and passion fruit.

The view Easily the best rooftop bar in the trendy Myeongdong neighbourhood, the Floating Bar on the 21st floor of the L7 Myeongdong Hotel offers epic views of Namsan Mountain and the Seoul Tower. It takes up the entire floor making it one of the largest rooftop bars in Seoul with indoor and outdoor sections. Time Out editors love that there’s a footbath in the outdoor section of the bar. 

The drinks Floating Bar has an array of traditional and signature cocktails as well as an extensive wine and craft beer selection. You can’t go wrong here with an espresso martini.