The best rooftop bars in Hong Kong

Head to Cardinal Point at multi-experience space, Forty-Five, to admire a sensational view of the city's skyline from their al fresco terrace. Led by The Diplomat’s John Nugent, the bar's creative drinks programme celebrates global ingredients with innovative and retro twists. Come by for sundowners and sip on cocktails, including their five signature tropical sippers.

Amidst the bustling streets of Tsim Sha Tsui, you'll find Kaboom, a hidden gem at the Prince Tower that draws inspiration from Southeast Asia. Spanning two expansive floors, it offers a tranquil oasis with parasols and rattan chairs on the rooftop, providing a serene escape. From this vantage point, you can drink and dine while enjoying the panoramic views of the city’s skyline. If you prefer to stay indoors, their spacious lounge on the lower floor offers equally stunning vistas through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Kaboom is an ideal spot for after-work drinks and accommodating large groups. Indulge in an array of delectable dishes and snacks, and sip on a range of drinks, including Damn Pissed Off!, I Need To Keep Fit!, Jealousy Is Killing Me!, and I Don’t Want To Go Home.

Time Out Hong Kong in partnership with Kaboom

Rooftop bar Wav, one of the three venues at Singular Concepts' multi-experience music hub, The Trilogy, offers an experience reminiscent of Miami and Phuket beach clubs. Guests can unwind to the sounds of talented DJs and witness the enchanting sunset unfold before their eyes while sipping on the bar's tropical cocktails. 

Situated on the 11th floor of Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, Waterfall Bar is an al fresco poolside lounge. It offers an idyllic open-air drinking experience surrounded by lush greenery. Guests can enjoy a selection of non-alcoholic drinks, wine, cocktails, as well as snacks throughout the day. At night, patrons can opt for a dram from a selection of world whiskies.    

Ozone is the highest bar, not just in Hong Kong but also in the world. A narrow leathered elevator (which vaguely reminds you of a padded cell) shoots you right up to the 118th floor. Once inside, you're immediately greeted by moody lighting, avant-garde seating, and walls of refracted swirling glass. However, what seals the deal for any guest is the unobstructed view of Western Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. And, with one of the finest wine lists in town and a great cocktail programme, the drinks here are almost as impressive as the view.

Terrible Baby, headed by bar manager Axel Gonzalez, shakes up a selection of fun, creative cocktails and a varied selection of spirits. Aside from their drink offering, the bar also boasts a spacious outdoor terrace covered in an abundance of greenery that contrasts with the rigid surroundings of the Jordan neighbourhood, and a Music Room where you can occasionally catch comedy shows and various live entertainment. Head here if you're looking for that sweet escape above ground.  

Sitting atop The Park Lane Hotel in Causeway Bay, this restaurant bar boasts an eye-popping view of Hong Kong. Skye's reception area is clinically white with sleek curvatures that are reminiscent of futuristic sci-fi flicks. The bar has undergone renovations and reopened with a bigger and more relaxed al fresco space offering stunning views of Victoria Park that takes you all the way to North Point. The restaurant, now helmed by chef Florian Muller, also changed its menu with a more casual approach to dining, featuring small and sharing plates that guests can enjoy. For drinks, indulge in a selection of wines or cocktails inspired by zodiac signs. 

Accessible by a private elevator, Popinjays is a stunning restaurant and bar that makes it worth trudging up Cotton Tree Drive to reach The Murray. It's an absolute stunner, encased in floor-to-ceiling windows with a wraparound terrace that looks out in all directions to surrounding high-rises like the HSBC Building and Bank of China Tower. Order from their wide selection of bird-themed cocktails and nibble on European bar bites.

After digging into a meal full of scrumptious Italian plates at Manhattan-Italian Restaurant Oro, head upstairs to its sister venue TopTown for unbeatable views of the city. This bar is decked in art deco-style decor that pays homage to the glamourous Manhattan penthouses from the Jazz Age that make guests feel like they're stepping into the set of The Great Gatsby.

From lunch to afternoon drinks, dinner to late-night sips, Cruise offers an oasis to enjoy social connection, modern Asian fare, and cocktails while overlooking spectacular views of Victoria Harbour. The food and drink menus draw inspiration from South East and North East Asian cuisine – presenting sharing dishes with contemporary twists. 

Perched on the top floor of California Tower in Lan Kwai Fong, Fayy dons a fun futuristic look and showcases live beats to workout those happy feet. But one of the best parts of the place is its sky deck overlooking the ever-bustling concrete jungle of Central. 

Sugar is a spacious cocktail bar located on the 32nd floor of the Tai Koo business hotel East Hong Kong. The place is one of the best spots in the area to catch the sweeping views of the Victoria Harbour, which is amazing during sunset, especially if you’re enjoying a drink in hand. Order anything from their sundowners menu offering quality drinks at affordable prices, or sip on creative cocktails inspired by the venue’s decade-long history. 

Eyebar is a contender for one of the best vantage points in Hong Kong. Perched high above the hustle and bustle of Nathan Road, the bar's terrace is a perfect spot to catch unobstructed views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. Come here in the afternoons, sip on cold beers or any of the bar's signature cocktails and watch Hong Kong turn from day to night.