The high life…
One of the things this city owns is a great view. Whether you’re showing visiting guests the finest in town, or looking for a spot to sit and watch the world go by, these rooftop and terrace bars are here to get the job done. Hong Kong’s extravagant favourites, such as Red Sugar and Sevva are joined by more casual alfresco dining options, such as Komune and Club Albergue 1601 rooftop garden. So, whatever location, ambience or tipple you’re after, there really is something for everyone. Now all that’s left to do is settle on a barstool and overlook our million-dollar harbour. We’ll cheers to that!
Read more: The Most Unique Dining Experiences in Hong Kong
We’ve listed extra rooftop bars in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island at the end of the slideshow. Click through to check out all our favourites….
With a buzzing club lounge, a relaxed restaurant and a 360-degree view sky deck, you couldn’t ask for more. Head over for the Sundowners Happy Hour (from 3pm to 9pm on weekdays) to make the most of the 2-for-1 offer. If you’re looking for a little weeknight pick-me-up, check out the Cuban Nights (every Tuesday), with Latin beats and an abundance of rum. The top-tier location, ever-evolving menu, and seasonal cocktails make CÉ LA VI an ideal spot for visiting guests.
Top tip:
Keen to catch the view during the day? The Sky High Yoga community has taken off with Hong Kong’s highest yoga at the Sky Deck offering panoramic views of Hong Kong’s stunning skyline (Wednesday at lunchtime, bi-weekly).
CÉ LA VI, 25/F California Tower, 36, 30 D’Aguilar St, Central, Hong Kong, www.hk.celavi.com
Cabana is a luxury beach club in Repulse Bay. With private cabins, indulgent lounge beds, and exclusive onsens (yes, we’re talking about Japanese-style baths), this chilled spot offers an indulgent day of outdoor drinking. Expect champagne flowing and the party rolling throughout the weekend…
Top tip:
This spot is better when you’re armed with your trusted squad. Grab fellow mamas and check out the Cabana group packages, before sipping your merry way through the sunshine.
Cabana, The Pulse, 403-404, 4/F, 28, Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, www.cabana.hk
Red Sugar is located in the family-friendly Kerry Hotel (part of the Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts group) and offers one of the best angles of the city skyline. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or an upscale event, the 270 degree view is a welcome backdrop. It’s home to an impressive collection of craft beers, an extensive wine selection, oak barrel-aged cocktails and innovative bar snacks.
Top tip:
Looking to take away? The barrel-aged cocktails can be packed in bespoke glass bottles with hand-written labels. A perfect personalised present for visiting guests!
Red Sugar, 8 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom Bay, Kowloon, Hung Hom, www.shangri-la.com/hongkong/kerry
Located on the 32nd floor of the EAST Hotel, this spacious outdoor terrace has a view from every angle. The drink menu features an extensive selection of martinis and mojitos, amongst all sorts of summery cocktails and draft beer. If you’re not opting for the Bento Surf & Turf box (one of our favourites), the pizza and chips are an easy win. Settle under the umbrella-covered sofas on the patio for a lazy evening.
Top tip:
The accommodating staff even offer up blankets when it gets chilly!
Sugar, 32/F, East Hotel, 29 Tai Koo Shing Road, Tai Koo, Hong Kong, www.sugar-hongkong.com
Set in Ovolo Hotel, this is a fairly new spot (formerly known as Cirqle) to the Wong Chuk Hang neighbourhood and we were totally wowed by its terrace. Inviting, cosy and everything you’d want in an outdoor space, we will make this spot our go-to when we’re in the neighbourhood. With drinks and views being the highlights, you can expect coffee beans flown in from Australia and signature cocktails handcrafted by the “Cocktail Professors”. We also have to applaud Chef El Palanca who’s created a menu featuring plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. With a touch of Asian spice, he adds a twist to his South American hometown recipes.
Top tip:
Ovolo Hotel’s ABOVE has also been transformed into Komune ABOVE – bringing us a new rooftop bar with panoramic views, with the same food and drinks as Komune. The outdoor area is expected to seat just under 50 people, so it caters to everything from corporate seminars to big birthday bashes.
Komune, Ovolo Southside, 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, www.ovolohotels.com.hk
With laidback vibes and mouth-watering food options, Beef & Liberty’s rooftop garden is a favourite for out-of-town friends and locals alike. This modest joint is complete with a fussball table, fairy lights, and all the nibbles your heart desires. And what’s a beer without a burger? In other words, don’t leave before you’re fed. The seasonal burgers are always worth a try, and the Warm Cookie Skillet should never be missed. Head over during the happy hour – running every Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm to 8pm. You get two-for-one drinks and free selected snacks!
Top tip:
Travel plans on the horizon? Beef & Liberty is set to open at the Hong Kong International Airport this April! The perfect pitstop for hungry parents and kids.
Beef & Liberty, 23 Wing Fung Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong www.beef-liberty.com/hk
This French-inspired cocktail and whiskey bar is a safe spot during unpredictable weather. The unassuming outdoor terrace is covered, offering refuge through rainy days (and the sweltering sun). The happy hour starts at 5pm every weekday, and the shim cocktails (with a slightly kinder alcohol content) promise to give you the kick without knocking you off your seat.
Top tip:
Topiary offers a healthy alternative to late-night munching. Pair the vegetarian and vegan canapés with a shim (it’s low in alcohol, after all!) and you’ll wake up the next morning feeling fresher than ever. Pass on the ‘skinny’ pizza and opt for the truffle fries.
Topiary, 3/F, Hilltop Plaza, 49-51 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.topiaryhk.com
Times Square may be the last place you’d think of for a date night, but Club Albergue 1601 proudly sits on the 11th floor, ready to impress, with a nice outdoor space and selection of drinks and cocktails. Featuring impressive prints from photographer Simon Mak along the walls, this tasteful spot prides itself on elegant aesthetics. Though it’s on the pricy side, it’s worth checking out for special occasions.
Top tip: The place is set up to seem like four-bars-in-one. There’s a special coffee bar in the front, a cocktail bar in the middle, an oyster bar (featuring at least 16 varieties from around the world), and a cool outdoor deck. Ideal for any time of day!
Club Albergue 1601, Shop 1105, 11/F, Times Square, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong 2573 3344, www.facebook.com/clubalbergue1601
Looking for sky-high sophistication? This place is well known for a reason. With a 360-degree balcony, Sevva offers a front-and-centre view of surrounding skyscrapers and the Hong Kong harbour. The convenient location (slap-bang in the middle of Central) offers a chic lounge area and award-winning cocktails.
Top tip:
The 25th floor perspective is a great spot for visiting guests to check out but this place is pretty much always packed. Opt for the afternoon tea if you’re looking for something quieter.
Sevva, Princes Building, 25/F, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.sevva.hk
Follow the dimly lit staircase up and you’ll be welcomed by a chic and spacious (5,000 square feet, to be exact!) terrace. Make yourself at home on the comfy outdoor couches and take your pick from the globally inspired menu – featuring both, Italian and Asian delicacies.
Top tip:
The “after brunch parties” run from 3pm to 7pm every Sunday and offer free flow Peroni, Prosecco and selected cocktails for $250. You don’t need to tell us twice…
Armani / Privé, 2F Landmark Chater (Chater House), 8 Connaught Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, www.armaniprive-hk.com
Wooloomooloo offers two prime (pun intended…) locations. For a more relaxed outdoor area, the Wan Chai location on the 31st floor offers plenty of space to lounge alfresco. And last, but not least, you really do get the best view of Hong Kong Island from Tsim Sha Tsui. Head straight to the intimate (read: small) balcony, and set yourself up for a world-class view, or dine inside and admire the incredible 360 view.
Top tip:
The cooling gin and tonics are served in generous goblets – a foolproof option for our warm summer nights! Oh, and the floor-to-ceiling windows are a bonus for diners looking to enjoy the view AND aircon.
Wooloomooloo Steakhouse (Wan Chai): 31/F & Rooftop The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, www.wooloo-mooloo.com
Wooloomooloo Prime (TST): Level 21, The ONE, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong. www.wooloo-mooloo.com
Though this isn’t technically a rooftop bar, it has quickly become one of my favourite outdoor spots in Hong Kong. The relaxed ambiance and desirable location (right by Central MTR, Exit D) provide Portico with a winning combination. Plus, the open space means it’s one of the bars where you can actually get a decent conversation in, even on a Friday night.
Top tip:
Ask for the cosy hanging chairs on the far left, pair your drink with a hot pizza, and your night is set for success.
Portico at Spiga, LHT Tower Podium, 3/F, Central, Hong Kong, www.diningconcepts.co
Set on the 34th floor of The Excelsior, it’s no surprise that ToTT’s comes with large windows and an expansive outdoor area. The rooftop offers a full view of Victoria Harbour, and you can expect top quality service to match (The Excelsior is run by the Mandarin Oriental Group, after all!). The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily, plus Sunday brunch – and it’s all about offering a “modern wining and dining experience”.
Top tip:
If you’re going on a weekday, there’s a semi-buffet lunch worth checking out. And over the weekends, keep an eye out for the themed Sunday brunches.
Tott’s & Roof Terrace, 281 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay, www.mandarinoriental.com/hong-kong/the-excelsior/fine-dining/bars/totts-and-roof-terrace
Staying true to Catalunya’s theme, this newer member serves authentic Spanish fare with a contemporary edge. The sprawling restaurant is complete with a relaxed outdoor area that feels miles away from ifc mall. Expect imported Spanish furnishings, a tapas menu, Jamón Ibérico and classic paella.
Top tip:
Great for group or family dinners. Order the Classic Tapas, Truffle Bombas, Classic Paella, The Perfect Egg – and a bottle of your favourite beverage.
La Rambla by Catalunya, 3071-73 level 3, IFC mall, Central, Hong Kong, www.larambla.hk
VEA
Modern French dining and unconventional drinks by award-winning mixologists.
29/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.vea.hk
The Envoy
British colonial-themed restaurant and bar set in the boutique hotel, The Pottinger.
3/F, The Pottinger Hong Kong, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, www.theenvoy.hk
ON DINING, Kitchen & Lounge
Set above the fine dining restaurant, offering a view of the Victoria Harbour.
29/F,18 On Lan Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.ontop.hk
Tartine
All-day eatery and relaxed outdoor bar, specialising in farm-to-table French fare.
2-3/F, 38 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong, www.thetartine.com
FoFo by el Willy
Casual Spanish joint delivering a modern take on classic tapas, with an outdoor panoramic view of Central and Mid-Levels.
20/F, M88, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central, Central, Hong Kong, www.fofo.hk
Skye
Revamped modern bar with sleek interiors and a wraparound view of the city.
27/F, The Park Lane Hong Kong, a Pullman Hotel – 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, www.parklane.com.hk
Fu Lu Shou Bar
Edgy rooftop bar and eatery with retro-Chinese décor and graffiti art.
L7, 31 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/FuLuShouHK
Shore
Offering up succulent steaks, and a lounging terrace area. Expect favourites from the field, farm, sea and grill.
3/F & 4/F The L. Place, 139 Queen’s Road Central, www.shore.com.hk
Shake Shack
It might not be a bar, but this beloved burger joint is set to open on ifc roof this spring (read all about it here). Time to trade cocktails in for milkshakes!
ifc Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, www.ifc.com.hk/en/mall
Eyebar
Marine themed, with an expansive outdoor patio offering 30th floor views.
30F, iSquare, 63 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.elite-concepts.com
The Backyard
Cushy beanbags, mango trees and paper lanterns make up for the lack of view.
Level L, Langham Place Hotel, 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.cordishotels.com/en/hong-kong/restaurants-and-bars/the-backyard
Vibes
Open-air cocktail and shisha lounge, featuring private cabanas and live DJ music.
5/F, The Mira, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.themirahotel.com/dining/vibes
ÉPURE
Fine French food, foliage and flowers meet to overlook Victoria Harbour.
Shop 403, 4/F, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, www.epure.hk
Aqua
Breathtaking floor-to-ceiling views make this buzzing spot a go-to location for visiting guests (no outdoor option).
Aqua, 29/F and 30/F, 1 Peking Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, www.aqua.com.hk
Ozone
Located on the 118th floor of the Ritz Carlton, this is officially the highest sky bar in Hong Kong. Opt for a seat on the terrace to soak in the sights.
118/F, The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong, 1 Austin Ave, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/china/hong-kong/dining/ozone
Indoor and outdoor Italian restaurant, featuring VIP rooms, a sprawling balcony and it’s very own “Secret Truffle Dressing”.
19/F, The One, 100 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, www.jcgroup.hk/restaurants/harlans
Featured Image via Red Sugar at Kerry Hotel, all other images via respective websites or Facebook Pages.