We Found Berlin's Best Rooftop Bars

23 August 2018
Read Time: 3.2 mins

Sinking a sundowner in the open air all the while getting a birds eye view of the glistening cityscape before you - who doesn’t love a rooftop bar?

With panoramic vistas and an infectious, fun vibe; there are few better ways to spend a blue-skied afternoon, or a starry evening, than perched high above the city with a cocktail in hand. And when it coms to variety, this famously unconventional city offers an eclectic bunch - from sophisticated watering holes to raucous party venues where you can dance till dawn; there’s a Berlin rooftop bar to suit all tastes.

 

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Hotel de Rome

In the ultra-cool and ultra-historic Mitte district, Hotel de Rome, is the perfect way to pair a few beverages with a bit of culture.

Positioned overlooking the Bebelplatz (the site of the infamous Nazi book burning) and offering stellar views of both the Berlin State Opera house and St Hedwigs Cathedral, it’s a great location to get a feel for the city’s historical centre.

Open from 12pm, the swish rooftop is packed with plenty with comfy chairs and sun loungers and come nighttime there’s live music and barbecues during the summer.  Time your visit right and you could end top rubbing shoulders with a celebrity - Hotel de Rome’s impressive views have lured the likes of Reese Witherspoon and Kate Moss to its terrace. But be warned, the drinks here (especially the popular champagne cocktails) come with a suitably A-list price tag.

Soho House Berlin

Also in Mitte, Soho House Berlin is a little slice of London in Germany.

The local outlet of the famed London-based members’ club brand - which has multiple venues across both Europe and North America, including its New York property of “Sex and the City” fame - this exclusive drinking den is available only to members and guests of its boutique hotel. However, if you do manage to beg, bribe or barter your way inside, then you’ll be in for a treat.

Set over eight floors, the building comprises hotel, bar, mini-cinema, well-stocked gym and plush Cowshed day spa, but the absolute jewel in its crown is the rooftop lounge. Attracting brunch-goers on the weekends and revellers every night of the week, the action is centred on a seriously Instagrammable green-tiled, heated infinity pool, surrounded by ornate white iron chairs, striped umbrellas and chic loungers.  Guaranteed to make luxury-lovers swoon.

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Klunkerkranich

In contrast to the afore mentioned venues that attract cashed-up socialite types, the Klunkerkranich is infinitely more inclusive.

Relaxed and bohemian, this hybrid of rooftop bar, garden, restaurant and late-night club is easily one of the city’s best -  and most bizarrely located - bars.

Accessed via a lift from the nondescript Neukolln Arcaden mall up through a concrete multi-storey carpark, simply follow the crowd of hipsters and you’ll eventually arrive at the shabby-chic space.

A collection of veggie, flower and herb patches and vintage bits and bobs are dotted around bars and a stage. Spanish-inspired fusion food is served in the restaurant and the beers flow all night long - don’t be surprised if you begin the evening watching the sun set over the rooftops of Berlin and then find yourself still there as it rises. Depending on the night you visit, expect either a DJ spinning chill out tunes, or band to provide the soundtrack to your sundowner.

Monkey Bar

So called because of its views over Berlin Zoo - and its animal inhabitants - the Monkey Bar is easily one of the best rooftops in the city.

Ten floors up in the trendy 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin, the large, green terrace offers stunning wraparound panoramic views of Berlin's open horizon, which - in contrast to most skyscraper-ridden cities - is a breath of fresh air. On top of the unbeatable vista is the handcrafted, yummy cocktails, international beer and wine selection and healthy small plates and snacks from the adjacent Neni restaurant.

Accessed via a direct express elevator from the street level, the chilled rooftop features a regular DJ and live music line-up after dusk.

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House Of Weekend

For club kids and techno-lovers, the House of Weekend rooftop is the ultimate rooftop party spot.

Perched 60-metres up on the 16th floor right in the heart of Alexanderplatz live DJs pump out beats to a young crowd and killer cocktails are paired with skyline views of the nearby famous TV tower. On colder evenings staff bring out heaters to ensure that the party vibe isn’t dampened.

The impressive views have also turned the stylish club into something of a rooftop Mecca for celebrities with the likes of Fatboy Slim, Paul van Dyk, Lenny Kravitz and Timbaland, spotted partying here. It’s also a favourite with the fashion crowd, including Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld.


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Paul Ewart

Originally from the UK, Paul has lived and worked in three different continents: from the heady metropolis of Dubai, to North America and - as of six years ago - Sydney, Australia, a place he now calls home. His travel career spans 13 years across various print and digital outlets. Until recently, he worked as a senior TV producer for Channel 7. Now, he's back doing what he does best: travelling.