15 best worldwide rooftop bars to embrace the summer heat

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.

Blue Sunset Rooftop Bar

At Blue Chairs Resort Malecón 4, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata · Puerto Vallarta, JAL 48380
(322) 222-5040
Website

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.

SKY YARD @ The Drake

Classy and sassy rooftop bar! 1150 Queen St. · Toronto, ON
(416) 531-5042
Website

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.

Hotel Vitale

Beautiful hotel with fantastic views 8 Mission St. · San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 278-3700
Website

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.

Banyan Tree Bangkok

Five-Star accommodations 21/100 S Sathorn Rd, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon · Bangkok, Thailand 10120
(602) 679-1200
Website

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.

Hotel Majestic

Luxury hotel since 1918 Pg. de Gràcia, 68 · Barcelona
(349) 348-8171
Website

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.

Sky Bar by Axel – Rooftop Bar Gay Barcelona

Hotel lounge bar Carrer d’Aribau · Barcelona 08011
(349) 332-3939
Website

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.

Moxy NYC Times Square

Playground of a hotel 485 7th Ave · New York, NY 10018-6804
(212) 967-6699
Website

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.

Selina Chelsea New York City

On The High Line 518 West 27th Street · New York, NY 10001
(212) 525-0000
Website

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 Standard Downtown L.A.

Anything but 550 South Flower · Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 892-8080
Website

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.

The London West Hollywood

Cosmopolitan chic, California cool 1020 N San Vicente Blvd · Los Angeles, CA 90069
(866) 282-4560
Website

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.

Area 31

At the EPIC hotel 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way · Miami, FL 33131
(305) 424-5234
Website

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.

Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita

Brunch, dinner, or dancing 1000 S Miami Ave · Miami, FL 33130
(305) 403-3103
Website

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.

San Francisco Proper

One of a kind historic stay in the heart of the city Hotel Entrance is at 1100 Market Street 45 McAllister St · San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 735-7777
Website

MADE Hotel

This 18th floor lounge offers panoramic views of New York City, craft cocktails and beers and huge sharable cocktails. Round two, anyone?

MADE Hotel

Great for business travelers 44 W 29th Street · New York, NY 10001
(212) 213-4429
Website
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