Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers in the world, so I’ve done the hard work and drank on the top of lots of those buildings to find the best rooftops bars in Hong Kong. While many charge a premium for being able to take in those epic views or to see the Symphony of Lights, you’ll generally find it to be worth it for the experience. I’ve linked to their OpenRice listings, which includes the address in Chinese to make it easy if you take a cab, as you can show this to your taxi driver.
Aqua
This rooftop terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui has some of the best views in Hong Kong as shown in the photo above. Thanks to their 3.5 hour weekend boozy brunch in the adjoining restaurant plus great DJs, you’ll always get a fun crowd of people continuing the party into sunset.
Wav
This rooftop bar is part of Trilogy, a multi-concept nightlife hotspot that happens to be a sister venue to my restaurant Barkada and is also located in the next building over. It’s perfect for sunset drinks before dinner or for a fun after-party with colorful cabanas inspired by Bali beach clubs and views of Tai Kwun on one side and the harbourfront on the other. In addition to reasonably priced cocktails and drinks, Wav also offers shisha and even better, you can keep the party going late into the night at KEYZ nightclub downstairs.
Frank’s Records
This two floor bar is only on the 7th floor of its building, but the rooftop at Frank’s Records offers a laidback space to take in the views of Tai Kwun and Hollywood Road. Drinks are very reasonable and the food is designed by the chefs of their Italian-American restaurant Frank’s on the 1st floor, so you can really enjoy yourself while taking in the tunes from their vinyl-only DJs.
Red Sugar
This is technically a 3rd floor patio more than a rooftop bar, but the view is still one of the best in Hong Kong. Located inside the Kerry Hotel in Hung Hom, Red Sugar feels like a total oasis from the crowds elsewhere in the city with its unobstructed views and affordable drinks, especially during their happy hour that makes up for the longer MTR or taxi ride.
Popinjays
Located at the top of the luxurious Murray Hotel, Popinjays offers a more inland view of the city and mountains with a small piece of the Harbourfront peaking between buildings in a refined setting. With cocktails starting at 130HKD (~US$17), this is a more reasonable option compared to other bars with similar views (see below).
Sevva
A super chic and stylish space with a slightly better view of Central, as you’ll literally be front and center to the light show and Harbourfront thanks to its prime location, but with way higher prices. Go for one round and then make your way elsewhere or be prepared to pay serious $$$$ (though the free bar snacks are top notch).
Ozone
Located inside the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong hotel on the Kowloon side, this is the highest hotel bar in the world and offers views of almost the entire harbourfront, Kowloon, and even some of the outer lying islands. You’ll pay the same or sometimes an even higher premium than Sevva for drinks. But damn, you cannot beat that view! If you’d prefer to spend your money on food rather than drinks, the Ritz-Carlton has a number of restaurants with similar views, like Tosca, Tin Lung Heen, Nobu, and their Lobby Lounge for afternoon tea.
Alto
This two-floor restaurant boasts an expansive rooftop deck in Causeway Bay, but with loads of lounge areas and high top tables and chairs along all the way around the perimeter so you can sit and look out at the view. A nice escape from the frenetic shopping and crowds of Causeway Bay.
Wooloomooloo
This rooftop bar in the heart of Wan Chai offers its own incredible views of the Harbourfront, Happy Valley Racecourse, and Wan Chai area with a fun soundtrack and more of a party vibe.
Eyebar
A reasonably-priced rooftop bar in Tsim Sha Tsui with lit up tables and views of Victoria Harbour and Central
Sugar (Bar.Deck.Lounge)
If for some reason you find yourself even further east in Quarry Bay (perhaps to check out Montane Mansion), you’ll be rewarded with a really excellent view of the eastern parts of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island at Sugar on top of the EAST Hong Kong Hotel. The bathrooms even have incredible views!
Terrible Baby
Need a drink after visiting Temple Street Market or exploring the nearby Ladies Market? Head to the Eaton Hotel in Jordan, and take the Instagrammable blue-lit escalator up to Terrible Baby for great cocktails with a unique view of Kowloon. They also have a music room with a live DJ for when you want to move the party indoors.
Shake Shack
That’s right, ladies and gentlemen. Aside from making one of my favorite burgers in the world, the Shake Shack on the roof of IFC Mall in Central actually boasts a very nice view. Even better, the space is public, so while you can definitely enjoy a nice Shackmeister Ale or local craft beer on tap from Shake Shack, you can also BYOB and perch yourself at any of the tables to enjoy your drinks with views of the Harbour and TST.
Let me know in the comments if I missed one of your favorite rooftop bars, and be sure to check out the rest of my Hong Kong travel guides like where to eat, what to do, and where to party.