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Top 10 Hidden Rooftop Bars and Restaurants in Rare Countries
You’ve Never Heard About (But Should)
Looking for hidden rooftop bars and restaurants in countries that aren't the usual tourist hotspots? While cities like New York, Paris, and Bangkok dominate the rooftop scene, there are incredible, lesser-known gems around the world that are worth discovering. These hidden rooftops offer breathtaking views, unique atmospheres, and a chance to experience local culture in a way that bigger cities can't. In this guide, we’ll uncover the 10 best rooftop bars and restaurants in rare countries, where you can enjoy the views, flavors, and local vibes without the tourist crowds.
1. The Roof - Tbilisi, Georgia
Why It’s Popular:
Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, is known for its stunning mix of ancient architecture and modern energy, and The Roof is the perfect spot to soak in this contrast. The rooftop bar offers sweeping views of Tbilisi’s hilltop castles and the surrounding Caucasus mountains. With a fusion menu of Georgian and European cuisine and creative cocktails, it’s a hidden gem for those in the know.
How to Get There:
Located in the heart of Tbilisi, The Roof is on top of the Hotel Tbilisi, situated near the city’s famous Freedom Square. The bar is just a short walk from major attractions, like Rustaveli Avenue and the Narikala Fortress.
Why People Miss It:
Georgia is often overlooked by travelers, but Tbilisi is rapidly growing as a destination for food and wine lovers. The Roof is still a relatively undiscovered spot for tourists, making it perfect for those seeking a quiet escape.
2. Sky Lounge - Belgrade, Serbia
Why It’s Popular:
Belgrade is one of Europe’s up-and-coming cities, and the Sky Lounge provides one of the best views in town. Offering panoramic views of the Danube River, the skyline, and the historical architecture of Belgrade, this hidden rooftop bar has a sleek, minimalist design with a fantastic cocktail menu and local craft beers.
How to Get There:
Sky Lounge is on the Belgrade Waterfront, atop the Hotel Hilton. It’s easily accessible from the city center, either by walking along the river or taking a short taxi ride from Knez Mihailova Street.
Why People Miss It:
Belgrade is a city filled with hidden spots, and many tourists miss this gem because they focus on the more well-known nightlife spots. Sky Lounge offers a quieter, more sophisticated alternative.
3. The Rooftop at The Savoia Hotel - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Why It’s Popular:
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, may not be known for rooftop bars, but the Rooftop at the Savoia Hotel is a local favorite. Offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountain range, it’s a peaceful spot to enjoy the Ethiopian beer, Tej (honey wine), or fresh local dishes while watching the sunset over the sprawling city.
How to Get There:
The Savoia Hotel is located in Bole, one of the most central neighborhoods in Addis Ababa. Visitors can get there by taxi from Mickey Leland Street, which is the main commercial area in the city.
Why People Miss It:
Addis Ababa remains a hidden gem on the African tourism scene, and many visitors bypass the city on their way to safari destinations or historical sites. The Savoia’s rooftop remains a relatively undiscovered gem, offering a perfect view of the bustling yet beautiful city.
4. Rooftop 616 - Panama City, Panama
Why It’s Popular:
While Panama City is growing in popularity, Rooftop 616 is a quiet escape above the city’s iconic skyline. Located at the Hotel Tantalo, this rooftop bar is popular for its stunning views of the Panama Canal, Casco Viejo (Old Town), and the Panama City skyline. It serves delicious local dishes, such as ceviche, and expertly crafted cocktails, all while offering live music and a laid-back atmosphere.
How to Get There:
Rooftop 616 is located in the Casco Viejo area of Panama City, known for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. It’s easy to get there by walking from the nearby Plaza Francia or taking a short taxi ride.
Why People Miss It:
Many visitors overlook Panama City in favor of beach destinations or the Canal, but Casco Viejo is full of undiscovered gems, and Rooftop 616 is one of the best. Its location on top of a boutique hotel makes it a more intimate, less crowded experience.
5. Euphoria Sky Lounge - Kathmandu, Nepal
Why It’s Popular:
In the heart of Kathmandu, Euphoria Sky Lounge offers a unique blend of Nepalese and Asian fusion cuisine, along with sweeping views of the city and the Himalayas. It’s one of the only rooftops in Kathmandu that offers such a high vantage point, making it the perfect place to enjoy a sunset with a drink.
How to Get There:
Located atop the Hotel Annapurna, a 5-star property, Euphoria Sky Lounge is a 10-minute drive from Durbar Square and other major attractions in Kathmandu.
Why People Miss It:
Kathmandu isn’t generally known for its rooftop scene, and many travelers visit for trekking or religious sites without realizing that this bar exists. The laid-back vibe and stunning Himalayan backdrop make it a perfect, undiscovered spot for tourists.
6. The Moon Bar - Luanda, Angola
Why It’s Popular:
The Moon Bar is a high-end rooftop experience offering views of Luanda’s skyline, the Atlantic Ocean, and the city’s bustling harbor. Known for its sophisticated cocktail menu and exclusive ambiance, it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset while sipping on a local Angolan cocktail or trying African fusion cuisine.
How to Get There:
The Moon Bar is located atop the Hotel InterContinental, which is located in the Cidadela area of Luanda, the capital of Angola. It’s easily accessible from Luanda’s harbor and the downtown business district.
Why People Miss It:
Angola is not a top tourist destination for most travelers, but Luanda has an emerging luxury scene, and the Moon Bar is an exclusive place that often flies under the radar. Most travelers miss it because they’re not aware of the rising international interest in Angola.
7. 360 Rooftop Bar - Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Why It’s Popular:
Sarajevo is a city rich in culture and history, and the 360 Rooftop Bar offers a perfect spot to admire the old Ottoman influence, the modern city, and the stunning mountains surrounding the area. The 360-degree view offers one of the most beautiful skylines in Eastern Europe, and it’s the only rooftop bar in the city that provides such a wide-ranging view.
How to Get There:
Located atop the Motel France on the outskirts of Sarajevo, the 360 Rooftop Bar is just a short ride from the city center. Visitors can easily take a taxi from Baščaršija or explore the old town before heading up to the bar.
Why People Miss It:
Sarajevo is often overlooked by tourists, despite its rich cultural history and vibrant nightlife. The 360 Rooftop Bar is one of the best-kept secrets for those looking for a panoramic view of the city.
8. Cloud 9 - Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Why It’s Popular:
Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, is often missed by travelers in favor of Siem Reap, but it has a thriving nightlife scene. Cloud 9 is a stunning rooftop bar perched high above the city, offering a perfect view of the Mekong River and the Royal Palace. It’s known for its innovative cocktails and an eclectic fusion menu that combines both Asian and Western influences.
How to Get There:
Cloud 9 is located at the NagaWorld Hotel and Casino, just a short ride from the city center and the Sisowath Quay area along the river.
Why People Miss It:
Phnom Penh is often passed over by tourists on their way to Siem Reap or the beaches, and Cloud 9 is a hidden gem for those looking for a laid-back but stylish rooftop experience.
