The Best Rooftop Bars and Terraces to Visit This Winter

If you’re inclined to embrace the winter weather, instead of grousing about it or fleeing to warmer climes, you’re not alone. The winter-chic rooftop bar or outdoor luxury terrace restaurant experience is hotter than ever right now. Our correspondent Jillian Tangen has curated a list of the best luxury rooftop bars and outdoor terraces in the world to visit this winter.  

Why not head to a rooftop bar or outdoor terrace this winter?

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” This is a common mantra repeated by parents throughout Scandinavia who insist that their children spend time outdoors every day.

In fact, in Nordic nations, it’s not an usual sight to see small babies sleeping outside in their strollers. Or pink-cheeked children eating their lunches at an outdoor picnic table during Kindergarten on a frosty day.

 

And this great love of the outdoors – despite below zero temperatures – doesn’t stop as young children grow up. All around the Nordic region, you’ll find many people enjoying an evening dinner or post work drink outside despite brisk temperatures, surrounded by snow.

When I first saw children and adults in Norway doing these activities nearly 13 years ago, I quietly scoffed. And thought to myself, “why on earth would they want to be sitting out in the cold when they could be inside enjoying the warmth?” And that is when I heard those famous words repeated to me by my dear Norwegian husband.

the joys of spending time outdoors in the winter

He went on to share his family’s belief in the benefits of spending time outdoors, even in the winter. Beyond the obvious dose of fresh air, being outdoors in the cold helps to improve brain function and focus. It also is a natural mood booster, particularly when the sun is shining and you can get an extra dose of some Vitamin D – something people who live in darkness half the year might know a thing or two about. Perhaps this explains why the countries of Scandinavia are always topping the lists of happiest countries in the world?

Couple this with a little Scandinvian hygge, comprised of red wine, roaring fires, sheepskins and cozy throw blankets. And maybe they are onto something.

So where should you go to get a little fresh air and a healthy dose of hygge without heading into the woods? Why, to one of the many winter wonderland-themed luxury outdoor rooftops and terraces popping up around the world, of course.

the best luxury rooftop terraces and bars to visit this winter

To get you feeling your happiest and healthiest, we’ve found 12 beautiful (and in most cases, heated) outdoor terraces. Complete with everything from fireplaces and blankets to fire pits and transparent igloos. Oh, and did we mention they also offer amazing drinks, food and even things like ice skating and curling? Here’s where to head to make the most of the season’s chill in swanky surroundings around the world.

1. chalet de ning, nyc.

The west terrace of midtown’s Peninsula Hotel, Salon de Ning, has been transformed into a winter chalet called Chalet de Ning for the season. The rooftop bar has been outfitted with two igloo style domes filled with faux fur blankets and a freestanding chimenea to keep everyone warm and cozy far above the frenzied pace and honking horns of Fifth Avenue.

Lean into the hygge vibes by ordering the Gluhwein coupled with seasonal dishes inspired by the Engadine region of Switzerland and just sit back and enjoy the quiet comfort above the city.

2. apres arlo, nyc.

New York City’s Arlo Hotel has turned into a cozy winter oasis for the season that is called Apres Arlo. As guests walk through the hotel’s outdoor courtyard, they are transported to the mountains with a heated cedar cabin covered in “snow” and surrounded by white birch trees and twinkling lights.

Inside there is a menu full of hot cocktails, decadent snacks and even a separate hot toddy menu. And the best part? You don’t even have to leave Manhattan to feel that you’ve been relaxing at an alipine chalet.

3. the mark penthouse, nyc.

Looking for something truly extraordinary? The Mark Hotel, where Meghan Markle famously had her baby shower, features a 12,000 square foot penthouse (the largest hotel suite in the US in fact) which is considered the epitome of luxury. It comes with five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, four fireplaces and views of Central Park.

This winter, however, The Mark Penthouse upped its game a little further with an extra serving of extravagance: a private rooftop ice skating rink for penthouse guests. So if you are looking for a once in a lifetime private winter rooftop experience, this is the place. Pricing upon request.

4. westlight, williamsburg.

Since it opened in 2016, The William Vale has been the playground of choice for Brooklyn cool kids. Holding court at the top of the hotel is Westlight, a vast rooftop bar and restaurant from chef Andrew Carmellini.   During the summer it features a lap pool and outdoor terrace with spectacular views across the East River and whole east side of Manhattan.

For obvious reasons, the pool closes during the winter months, but this year the hotel opened up a new outdoor option for visitors – a skating rink set one floor above the lounge. If you thought the panoramic views were impressive before, just wait until you venture one floor higher on ice.

5. p6, austin.

Compared with some of the other options on our list, The Line’s P6 may appear downright balmy given its location in Texas. That being said, the winter months are a great time for a cooler outdoor drinks and dining experience in the Lone Star State.

 

The Mediterranean inspired P6 was converted in early 2019 from a rooftop parking level to a swanky bar and lounge overlooking Congress Ave, the lake and the Austin skyline. It’s the perfect spot for those looking for something other than ski inspired vibes, with offerings like smokey Mezcals, Aperol Spritz’s and tapas to match their white, pink and rattan infused decor.

6. rooftop lounge at the bobby hotel, nashville.

The retro inspired Rooftop Lounge at Bobby Hotel has gone from Nashville twang to full on Nordic hygge thanks to its winter installation of private cedar cabins and igloos.

On the menu are seasonal eats and drinks including no fewer than four piping hot cocktails, including two spiked hot chocolate options, a hot toddy and a horchata-esque rum cocktail. And for those looking to work off those drinks and hot chicken? You’ll find a couple lanes for practicing athletic curling skills.

7. mbar, seattle.

Filled with firepits, outdoor heaters and lots of blankets, Seattle’s Mbar is the perfect stop for sweeping views of downtown that include the Space Needle and the Olympic Mountain Range.

For those brave enough to cozy up outdoors, there’s the Ondaatje’s Dream cocktail with tea, brandy, spices honey, and lemon to keep you feeling warm. And for those not ready for braving the elements outdoors, you could always stay inside with a Winter Paloma behind the bar’s floor to ceiling glass windows.

8. lodge d’argent, london.

Chic rooftop Coq d’Argent has turned into the Lodge d’Argent thanks to the addition of mini chalets filled with faux fur blankets and fairy lights. Together in collaboration with Hennessy, the winter wonderland features a bespoke whiskey cocktail list with alpine food pairings that can be enjoyed until the end of February.

The rooftop is also offering an après-ski inspired Alpine Brunch during weekends that includes a sharing cheese fondue and other classics such as Alpine sausages and tartiflette.

9. mercer roof terrace winter igloos, london.

Hot off it’s 2019 opening, Vintry & Mercer has turned its slick roof terrace into an igloo dining pop up featuring not one, but two private igloos that can accommodate up to 7 guests for dinner.

The igloo’s offer a warm and cozy setting filled with faux fur blankets, flickering candles and the twinkle of London’s city lights all around. Among those lights are views of some of the world’s most famous architecture destinations.

10. dalloway terrace, london.

Dalloway Terrace is a year round indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant within the elegant Bloomsbury Hotel. Come winter though, it takes on a Gstaad inspired look complete with herringbone throws and heaters so that diners can enjoy a boozy Afternoon Tea spread filled with Alpine Toddies and traditional British fare while overlooking the always manicured winter gardens.

11. café de l’homme, paris.

In traditional French fashion, you won’t find any alpine or chalet themes at Paris’s Café de l’Homme. What you will find though is a stylish and elegant terrace featuring views of the Eiffel Tower that are to die for. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, this beautiful locale can be visited even during the coldest days of winter thanks to the addition of a little patio cover and some sheepskins.

Once there be sure to enjoy their extensive collection of wines, as well as creative cocktails. And since this place is tres chic, we highly encourage you to make reservations before visiting.

12. cervo, zermat.

We couldn’t make a list celebrating winter outdoor terrace options without including one that is actually an alpine destination, right? Located off the Sunnegga pistes, Cervo is Zermatt’s only ski-in, ski-out property.

After a long day of hitting the trails, click out of your skis and saunter onto the chalet’s stone terrace. Here, you’ll find a sophisticated crowd enjoying some après-ski and basking in the sun with champagne. Late winter to spring is the best time to go. This is when the sun shines high and the warmer temps start to arrive.

The Best Rooftop Bars and Terraces to Visit This Winter

So what do you think? Are the Scandinavians onto something? We might as well get outside and give living our lives to the coziest a chance. Just be sure to keep a warm drink in hand and don one of your favorite winter parkas, just in case.

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Jillian Tangen is the Head of Research at Dandelion Chandelier and a former Senior Research Analyst at McKinsey & Co and Analyst at Shearman & Sterling. She is an avid fan of Nordic design, having owned an independent lifestyle store and sales agency focused on emerging Scandinavian design. Jillian lives in New York and is married with three young children. She loves cross-country skiing, the New York Rangers, reading, travel and discovering new brands.

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