With its sparkling cityscape, mesmerising harbour views, abundance of skyscrapers (more than any other city in the world), and raucous nightlife, if there's one thing that Hong Kong does well, it's rooftop bars. Here's our pick of the ones not to miss.
The Sky Terrace at Cardinal Point
Located above the swanky Landmark Mall in Central, Hong Kong's latest high-end rooftop hangout is home to cyberpunk panoramas of the city and harbour, spanning three sides of the building. Watch the Star Ferry crisscrossing the water whilst sipping a Larry Bird, a white negroni made with Plantation pineapple stiggins', suze gentian, bitter bianco, and pineapple skin. The Sky Terrace is open for lunch, dinner and late-night snacking (think cheese chorizo bikini, lamb kofta, wagyu sliders, and bumps of Kristal caviar), with DJs spinning tracks at the weekend.
Forty-Five, Gloucester Tower, Landmark
Popinjays
IMAX views of the Sir Norman Foster-designed HSBC building, the Bank of China (designed by IM Pei), Victoria Harbour, and Victoria Peak come as standard at The Murray's huge rooftop bar and restaurant, Popinjays. The restaurant serves European fine dining amid interiors inspired by the hotel's mid-century architecture, whilst classic cocktails, rare spirits, and bar snacks are served on the outdoor terrace. There's a buzz every night of the week, but Wednesdays are a particular draw, with free-flow cocktails between 5pm and 8pm – including negronis, Aperol spritz and Popinjay's Paloma.
Forty-Five, Gloucester Tower, Landmark
Ozone
Ozone is the world’s highest rooftop bar, with sweeping, 118th-floor views across Hong Kong Island’s verdant valleys, the curves of Victoria Harbour, Kowloon’s skyscraper forest, and Lantau’s rugged coastline. Whilst it is busiest in the evening, the best time to visit is sunset – you can watch the last light of day disappear into the South China Sea and the city’s neon lights sparkle into life. Alternatively, swing by on a Sunday for Ozone’s free-flow Dom Perignon Champagne brunch, accompanied by French oysters, half lobsters, wagyu burgers, truffle pasta, and more.
118/F, The Ritz-Carlton, 1 Austin Rd W, Tsim Sha Tsui
Terrible Baby
Set on the fourth floor of Eaton HK hotel, what makes Terrible Baby special is its huge outdoor terrace encircled by Yau Ma Tei’s pastel-coloured tenements, mirrored offices, and post-modern college blocks. It’s hugely popular with hip locals, who come to this pet-friendly hotspot with their poodles and schnauzers in tow for vintage clothes sales, live music, or cocktail masterclasses. The cocktail list is inspired by Hong Kong – think spiked mango lassis, dry gin with strawberry and dragon fruit foam, and Dong Ling Cha, which mixes dark rum with Campari and Vita Lemon Tea.
4/F, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Rd, Jordan
Skye
Make your way 27 floors above the frenetic Causeway Bay shopping district to the top of the Pullman Park Lane hotel for showstopping views of the old harbourside typhoon shelter and Victoria Park. It’s as futuristic-looking as it is popular, with neon blue accents and a glowing circular bar – make sure you book a table in advance to avoid disappointment. The drinks menu has nine different types of Champagne, dozens of whiskies (from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, and Taiwan), as well as signature cocktails based on your astrological sign.
27/F, 310 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay
Aqua
One of Hong Kong's best-loved bars recently migrated a few blocks along to the 17th floor of the H Zentre building. The harbour and skyline views are even better than before, plus there's the added bonus of not one but two breezy outdoor decks. The cocktails often feature suitably tropical ingredients – such as the Matcha Point, made with matcha pisco, yuzu, umeshu, and ginger syrup. Contemporary Italian-Japanese fusion food is served at the restaurant indoors and the Saturday weekend brunch is blast, with accommodating wait staff ensuring your glass is never empty.
17/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
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