The world's best bars with views

We've been pondering one of those great travel questions: does it count as sightseeing if you do it from a bar stool? And, um, yeah, we reckon it does. But only if you're overlooking some dazzling must-see tourist spot, or if it's got a picture-perfect cityscape - not if you're deep in a basement wondering what on earth those weird posters mean.

So with that in mind, here's our handy guide to rooftop bars around the world with amazing views. We've decided that it's basically multi-tasking: a spot of sightseeing, whilst enjoying a long tall glass of something frosty or sparkly. That's our excuse anyway. Cheers!

 

Athens 
Take advantage of the low costs and bargains that can be had in Greece right now - and help out their economy - by hopping over to Athens. Save time on sightseeing by hanging out at the Royal Olympic Ioannis rooftop bar overlooking the Temple of Zeus, the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill. 

Los Angeles 
The swanky Skybar at the Mondrian hotel overlooks Hollywood and boasts a pool, ivy-covered pavilion and a small dance floor. Sure, the drinks are expensive, it's tricky to get on "the list" and you may even have to pay for "bottle service" (buying a whole bottle of spirits) to get a table, but if you're in LA and want to play at being a player, it's one of the best spots. And oh - there's nothing quite like that view as the sun sets.  

 

Paris 
The problem with going up the Eiffel Tower is that you can't really see it once you're up there. Sure, the views over Paris will be perfect, but you're missing that must-see shot. Better in that case to head to Montmartre, and the Terrass Hotel, where a small-but-perfectly-formed rooftop bar, The 7th, awaits with superb views across the city, including the Eiffel Tower. It's open from April until September. The best time of day is after sunset, at the top of the hour, when the Eiffel Tower does a twinkly shimmering light show. Magical.

  

 

New York 
Psst - wanna know a secret cityscape hot spot? Try the Press Lounge roof terrace at the Ink48 Hotel, down in Hell's Kitchen on 11th Avenue and 48th Street. Sure, it's off the beaten path, but trust us, the views are worth it. On the east side you'll see a perfect view of the New York skyline, including Times Square. To the west are beautiful Hudson River and Jersey views.  

Rome 
When in Rome, do as the Romans do and sip Prosecco whilst watching the world go by. The best place to do this and get great views over the Colosseum, Imperial Forum and the Domus Aurea too is by sneaking up to the roof of the Palazzo Manfredi. The Palazzo dates back to the 17th century. Book a table, stay for dinner and watch the sun set over ancient Rome. 

 

Sao Paulo 
If you're in Brazil, you need to try a caipirinha, made from cachaça, the country's delicious sugar-cane rum. If you've only had cachaça in the UK and think we're mad to say it's delicious, trust us - they keep the best for themselves. In Sao Paulo head to the Unique Hotel Skye bar and restaurant for peerless views down ritzy Paulista Avenue and across the city. If you visit around May/June time, you're in the best spot to watch the fabulously flamboyant Pride parade.  

London 
You'll get perfect views of both satisfyingly old and excitingly modern London when you visit the SkyLounge at the Tower of London Doubletree by Hilton. You can see over the Tower, Tower Bridge and also get glittering views of the Gherkin and London's newest high-rise, The Shard. Squint hard on a clear day and you'll even see Crystal Palace. Make ours a mojito!