The end of summer doesn’t have to signal the end of rooftop season. Twinkle lights, cozy shearling, outdoor fireplaces, and heated igloos are just some of the ways hotel winter rooftop bars are transforming into alpine-inspired wonderlands. Swap your rosé for a hot toddy or whiskey cocktail and cozy up while enjoying the view.
Winter Rooftop Bars NYC
To be counted among the most fabulous winter rooftop bars in New York right now, you must be doing something right. Take the eternally stylish 230 Fifth Rooftop, New York’s largest outdoor rooftop garden with its panoramic skyline views over Manhattan and the Empire State Building. The expansive bar occupies two floors in addition to the open air space with a fully enclosed lounge.
Winter Wonderland: Given it’s switched out the umbrellas for igloos, 230 Fifth Rooftop just may be even more magical in the winter than summer. Adding to the festive feel are brightly colored lights strung between the 17 transparent igloos, which BTW are first come first serve and can be shared with up to 10 friends. Don’t fear the chill factor, these genius igloos are heated and thick red hooded robes are available upon request.
Cocktail Hour: The cocktail menu has something for everyone. In the wintertime, a handful of hot seasonal cocktails are added to the menu to enhance cocktail hour in an igloo. Cozy up with a spiked apple cider or your favorite whiskey cocktail and watch a holiday movie over your own personal faux fireplace.
We Also Recommend: Haven Rooftop in Midtown where you can sit surrounded by holiday lights and faux fur pillows. Or share a 15 pound “Cup of Flaming Red Velvet Hot Chocolate” on the PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown. Of course, it goes without saying sipping cocktails at any of NYC’s best rooftop bars is a must no matter the season.
Winter Rooftop Bars London
The Rooftop at The Trafalgar St. James has Buckingham Palace on one side, the National Art Gallery on the other, and views over Trafalgar Square. With so many national treasures to marvel at, it’s no wonder, it has not one but two terraces to take in the views. If the views aren’t enough of a ‘wow’ factor, The Rooftop has an Asian-inspired menu with a large selection of small plates like gyoza and octopus tonkatsu that are perfect for sharing.
Winter Wonderland: Taking in London’s most iconic landmarks from a sky-high view surrounded by twinkling lights is a whole new level of romance. In the winter the thick cozy blankets and heat lamps come out, so wrap up and drink up outside or warm up in the enclosed terrace.
Cocktail Hour: Expect an expertly curated wine list and handcrafted hot cocktails like Hot Gin Punch with gin, white port, and cloudy apple juice to warm your cockles on a cold London night. Or embrace the romantic vibes and raise a glass of French champagne to the holiday season at this storied London hotel.
We Also Recommend: The Aviary Rooftop Igloos, which is currently serving exclusive gin cocktails on the iconic 10th-floor rooftop at the Montcalm Royal London House Hotel. Equally as magical as the rooftops, you can also enjoy an enchanting evening at any of these winter terraces in old London town.
Winter Rooftop Bars Tel Aviv
The seaside Mediterranean city of Tel Aviv is known for its nearly year-round gorgeous weather. So naturally, the rooftop bar scene in Tel Aviv is lively and filled with locals and tourists. Speakeasy is a trendy hot spot along Rothschild Boulevard. Perfect for a drink and some finger food before hitting the nearby clubs.
Winter Wonderland: Winter temps dip into the mid-60s but you won’t be exposed to the brutal cold that descends on the likes of New York, London and Scandanavia. Still, Speakeasy’s whitewashed brick exterior trimmed with ivy and overhead stings of lights evoke a cozy festive vibe.
Cocktail Hour: It’s all about the craft gin cocktails, and we recommend the Green with fresh sage, lemongrass, and cardamom. Not only does it pair well with made-to-order stone oven pizza, it’s also fun to recreate with ingredients from your home herb garden.
We Also Recommend: There are too many amazing rooftop bars in Tel Aviv to list so we gave them their own article.
Winter Rooftop Bars Stockholm
Steel beams, lush greenery, and wine barrels turned into tables just scratch the surface of the industrial-chic charm found at Stockholm’s Winery Rooftop Terrace atop The Winery Hotel. Oh, and did we mention the 6th-floor rooftop also has a heated pool with panoramic views over Brunnsviken Lake?
Winter Wonderland: The Swedish capital city is known for its stylish Scandi design and its brutal winters. Here the term winter wonderland is a way of life and so it goes without saying this rooftop bar has that covered with an indoor space decorated in chic neutral tones and huge windows to show off the gorgeous snow-covered city from your toasty seat. And for the brave, there’s something exhilarating about stepping into the heated pool as the steam rises off.
Cocktail Hour: The Winery Hotel just so happens to make its own wine from grapes imported directly from Tuscany. Try one of the house-made wines Winery Red and Black Bottle Rose. They both pair perfectly with the Italian street food served on the rooftop.
We Also Recommend: The Nest at Downtown Camper for their stylish heated pool complete with downtown Stockholm views. And it may not be a rooftop but their devotion to the winter wonderland theme is unmatched at the ICEBAR Stockholm by ICEHOTEL.
