One way to prepare for summer heat is to use it to your advantage.
Instead of suffering on the blistering sidewalks or in a stuffy apartment, take advantage of some pretty snazzy rooftop bars with and a few refreshing cocktails, alternating of course with cool, rehydrating ice water and bevy of guys who bring their own kind of heat.
Whatever the occasion, we’ve found the best rooftop bars to hang at this summer.
From Barcelona to Miami, these are the places to be.
Blue Sunset Rooftop Bar (at Blue Chairs Resort)
Blue Chairs is a famous gay resort nestled on the beach of Puerto Vallarta. When it’s time to take a break from the sand, saunter up to the rooftop bar and continue lounging.
SKY YARD @ The Drake
It’s the place to “be seen” in Toronto without the pretense of other hot spots. The menu has plenty of cocktail and craft beer options as well as delicious bites. Try the artichoke dip.
Hotel Vitale
The views from Hotel Vitale’s rooftop are unmatched. Across the street from Giants baseball stadium and he Bay Bridge, kick back and enjoy the Bay breezes with a bottle of bubbly.
Banyan Tree Bangkok
Overlooking Bangkok’s glittering cityscape, Moon Bar at Banyan Tree hotel is on the 61st floor. Come just in for a breathtaking sunset and top shelf craft cocktails.
Hotel Majestic Barcelona
La Dolce Vitae is for those with exquisite taste and a palate for the delicious Mediterranean flavors. In the center of Barcelona you can see it all while sipping crisp champagne.
Sky Bar @ Axel Hotel
The rooftop if this cruisy Barcelona gay hotel is perfect for a relaxing afternoon under the sun. DJs play techno and the guys are gorgeous. The views aren’t be either.
Moxy Times Square
Magic Hour, the modern funky rooftop bar in Times Square, is pure… well… magic. The “family size” drinks are great to order if you’re there with friends… or feeling very thirsty.
Hotel Americano
Near the High Line, La Piscine on top of Hotel Americano is the perfect setting to impress a date or meet friends for happy hour. It’s pretty low key compared to other rooftop scenes.
The Standard Downtown L.A.
The Rooftop sets a tone for LA destinations. The vibrant astroturf is red and the swimming pool is heated. Be sure to snag a waterbed pod if you can. Perfect for sipping something fruity.
The London West Hollywood
Boxwood on the Roof is playfully sophisticated scene that’s the perfect oasis for mingling. The London is California craft cocktail cool and a WeHo must.
Area 31
Enjoy happy hour from the 16th floor of this Miami treasure. Order oysters or caramelized carrots to accompany your refreshing summer cocktails and your in for a stunning evening.
Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita
Once the site of Miami’s Fire Station No. 4, the 1930’s Mediterranean Revival architecture alone is worth a visit. This garden-style oasis is best for mimosa at brunch.
San Francisco Proper
San Francisco Prosper has incredible roof deck that’s a must-see. In the middle of town, pop in here to enjoy Bay breezes and a rooftop refresher when in SF.
MADE Hotel
This 18th floor lounge offers panoramic views of New York City, craft cocktails and beers and huge sharable cocktails. Round two, anyone?