Our Fave Rooftop Hangouts in Hong Kong
There really is no better place in the world for spectacular views than Hong Kong. And that iconic skyline? It should be taken in with a drink in hand, under sunny skies on a rooftop. Here’s some of the top places to do just that, and not to worry when it comes to those famous HK rainy days – there’s venues on this list with covered terraces to keep you nice and dry.
Piqniq
A visit to Piqniq is like hanging out on your cool friend’s patio – a friend who can afford a giant pumpkin by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama for outdoor decor. The red and white polka-dotted sculpture is perched among patterned bean bag chairs and other comfy seating under twinkling lights. Hong Kong’s first rooftop guinguette, Piqniq’s the kind of spot where you can kick back in relaxed attire and enjoy equally casual food. Yes, it’s served in picnic baskets, but they’re not filled with boring cold chicken or potato salad. Choose from baskets with three or six items, ranging from green mango and pomelo salad to spicy tuna maki.
Where: 2F, Workshop 9-14, Decca Industrial Centre, 12 Kut Shing Street, Chai Wan
Book: 2108 4069
Hunter and The Chase
One of our favourite spots for a rooftop boozy brunch, Shore, is sadly no longer. But thankfully, it’s been been replaced with a new two-part concept à la Hunter and The Chase. Making up two floors of the former Shore space at The L Place, Hunter is for fine dining on the upper floor, and The Chase boasts classic bistro-type food and artisanal cocktails, best taken on the spacious adjacent terrace. Their “Hooch Menu” will keep you happy for hours, as will the glowing skyscrapers nearby that light up the night.
Where: The Chase-3/F, Hunter-4/F, The L Place, 139 Queen’s Road Central
Book:2915 1638 or [email protected]
CÉ LA VI
The Skybar at the upscale CÉ LA VI in Lan Kwai Fong is not the place to bring your slobby cousin when he’s in town: there is nothing but “city chic attire” to be found from 6.00pm onwards, meaning long trousers only for gentleman (no shorts!) and ladies, leave the athleisure wear at home, no matter how fashionable you think it is. Don’t let this put you off, as it really is worth a visit to the top floor of the California Tower for unrivalled views of the rousing nightlife below, and the gleaming towers this city is known for, across the way. Drinks are on the pricier side, but like we said, it’s worth it.
Where: 25/F, California Tower, 32 D’Aguilar Street Central
Book: 3700 2300
Popinjays
Atop the swanky Murray Hotel, Popinjays’ chic ambience greets you from the moment you step out of the lift that opens onto the rooftop. A wraparound bar is the focal point, as is Central’s skyline, which keeps you company as you settle in for some very good imbibing courtesy of head mixologist Manuel Saavedra-Ramirez. Cocktails here have an aviary theme (popinjays, an old term for parrots, takes its name from the resident cockatoos in the neighbourhood) and you’ll be hard-pressed not to spot someone drinking out of a macaw’s head. The popular “Blue Macaw”, a blend of montelobos mezcal, ancho reyes, yellow chartreuse, fresh pineapple and lemon juice, is as nice to drink as it is to look at.
Where: Top Floor, The Murray, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central
Book: 3141 8888 or [email protected]
Read more about The Murray and other recommended Hong Kong hotels in this post!
Above by Komune
Forget rooftops in Central for a change, head to the south side of the island for what is billed as the “first truly elevated rooftop bar on the city’s southern coastline”. We can attest that the scenery from the 24th floor of the Ovolo Southside above Wong Chuk Hang is fantastic, providing a calm scene of the surrounding green mountains. And on a good HK weather day you’ll easily spend hours on the terrace, as the bar snacks go down nicely with cold beers and cocktails, and the cushy lounge seating is most appealing.
Where: Ovolo Southside, 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road
Book: 3460 8157 or [email protected]
SEVVA
No need to hit LKF for a lively Saturday night, just stay put on SEVVA’s rooftop bar for no shortage of entertainment. Whether you’re bumping elbows with dolled-up people, taking in the 360-degree views of the city, or sipping cocktails from beautiful stemware as the fireworks glow behind you, it’s never a dull experience. Afternoons are also inviting, as SEVVA does tempting tapas and share plates, followed by Ms B’s famed cakes for dessert. And fancy cocktails, in our opinion, can be taken at any time of the day.
Where: 25/F, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central
Book: 2537 1388 or [email protected]
OZONE
OZONE lands on many a Hong Kong bucket list, and it’s easy to see why: taking a swift lift ride 118 floors over the city? Check. Having a drink 1,608 feet above sea level? Check. Taking memorable photos from one of the highest bars in the world? Check. We can already see the hashtags filling your social feeds. You will inevitably end up here during your time in Hong Kong, and you won’t regret it. The prices are notoriously high, so we’d suggest going early and enjoying the happy hour offers. (Please note that this terrace is – thankfully as it’s a long way up – mostly enclosed.)
Where: Level 118, The Ritz Carlton, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon
Book: 2263 2270
Sugar at EAST Hotel
Sugar is one of our go-tos for outdoor drinking, as it offers a different change of pace, and outlook, from Taikoo Shing. While many of the rooftop bars seem to fall on top of the tall buildings of Central, this gem in Quarry Bay is very appealing. The long deck and roomy lounge on the 32nd floor of EAST Hotel have plenty of space, so you can enjoy your beverage without having to worry about it ending up on your shirt. Take in the resident DJ until the wee hours, or just laze about on umbrella-covered patio furniture with an intoxicating “Eastern Gimlet”, one of their signature cocktails.
Where: 32/F, EAST, 29 Taikoo Shing Road, Taikoo Shing
Book: 3968 3738 or [email protected]
SKYE at Park Lane Hotel
Is it just us, or does ordering a drink from an illuminated bar make waiting for your turn a little less irritating? Maybe it’s the way it makes your martini glow, or because it’s a touch warm as you lean against it for a closer peek of the drink menu? If you can’t decide, put your faith in SKYE’s expert mixologists, who’ll whip up a bespoke cocktail that is as visually enticing (some come brimming with dry ice) as it is delicious. There’s 12 eclectic ones to sample via the “SKYE Passport”, with nods to Mexico (the spicy “Picosito”) and the “Bo-Lo-Yau”, a tribute to Hong Kong inspired by the pineapple bun. You’ll love them as much as the stunning Victoria Park and harbour perspective, 27 floors up.
Where: The Park Lane, 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
Book: 2839 3327 or [email protected]
Wooloomooloo Wan Chai
While it’s known as a steakhouse, people tend to visit Wooloomooloo’s Wan Chai offering for the awesome views from its sprawling terrace. Set in a prime location, the 31st floor of The Hennessy, there’s plenty to grab your attention below – Happy Valley Racecourse, Victoria Harbour and the hustle of Wan Chai’s famous streets. But if you do have a hankering for beef, the floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining area with those stellar views are a lovely accompaniment to your steak dinner.
Where: 31/F and Rooftop, The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai
Book: 2893 6960 or [email protected]
Find more suggestions of places to eat and drink with fantastic views of Hong Kong in this post!
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