Photo courtesy of Thinkstock

Unwinding amid great conversation with amartini in hand is the thought that drives many to the local bar after a long day at work. And when a bit of fresh air is added to the ambiance, sipping that much-needed drink has become an extraordinary affair. 

Along with plenty to eat and cocktails to sip, these luxurious rooftop bars gleam above the lights of their fabulous cities as they offer scintillating panoramic views, proving sometimes the best bar experiences occur way up in the sky.

Voodoo Rooftop Lounge at Rio Las Vegas

While most people resort to the famous Strip for an action-packed adventure, Las Vegas’ Rio Hotel and Casino offers an ongoing party that is about a mile away from the boulevard and miles high. 51 stories, high to be exact, and it cannot be found under any of the city’s brightest bulbs.

With such a dramatic location saturated by images of dance-crazed partygoers and bartenders mixing potions, even those high off of Voodoo Rooftop Lounge’s sultry atmosphere will admit its outdoor bar gives it an edge.  Providing some of the best panoramas of Las Vegas, the Voodoo Rooftop Lounge comes to life with open spaces accentuated by Las Vegas’ cool night air while the vibrancy of its buzzing streets sparkle below.

Rock Bar, AYANA Resort & Spa Bali

The Rock Bar takes its “on the rocks” specials literally with a dramatic location clenching onto a cliff over the Indian Ocean. Elevated 14 meters high, majestic visions of the ocean extend as far as the eyes can see while the crashing of its waves against the shore is music to the ears.

Always ready for a photo op, the Rock Bar’s beautiful backdrop perfectly complements its sleek design seamlessly, earning it a designated spot in The Yak magazine reader’s awards as “Bali’s Best Sunset Venue” in 2011. Enjoying a little nosh and sip of its exotic cocktails drenched in local fruits is well worth the climb, especially if you’re capturing even more beautiful panoramas from the Rock Bar’s wooden decks.

Galaxy Bar & Restaurant, Hilton Athens

By the way the stars glimmer right above your head, the Galaxy Bar& Restaurant is quite the suitable name for this glitzy hotspot. Everyone is made to feel like a Greek god here with delicious foods and beverages right at your fingertips while soaring over the city’s landscape. 

The Acropolis also gets in on the nightly action of the Galaxy Bar & Restaurant by flaunting its antique beauty, which adds to its spectacular flair. When you can have the Grecian capital at your feet while downing one of its trademark drinks, why settle for less?

Sky Bar, Lebua Hotels & Resorts Bangkok

If you’re in Bangkok and wondering where to enjoy a night under the stars, the Sky Bar in Lebua Hotel & Resorts may be your best bet. After all, it is the highest bar of its kind that is magically illuminated by stars from an elevation of about 820 feet.

Along with exploiting the best views the city has to offer, its stylish digs have earned it a number of prestigious awards including a preferred choice as “the world’s best rooftop bars” by Harper’s Bazaar, UK in 2014 and one of the “46 Places to go in 2013” by The New York Times. Whether Sky Bar’s guests are lounging around or circled around the changing colors of the island bar, its experiences are bathed by the natural breezes of Bangkok.  From the diamond-filled sky to wandering celebrities, the Sky Bar guarantees a star-filled night.

1-Altitude, One Raffles Place Building Singapore

Its name speaks for itself.  That’s because 1-Altitude is the highest location in the country that not only offers a boozing adventure for the palate, but a European restaurant, a sports bar with a golf simulator, as well as the al fresco 1- Altitude Gallery & Bar. Guests are free to wander through its three floors, which have been perfectly placed in the upper levels of the 282 meter One Raffles Building.

With an eye to satisfy many different lifestyles, 1-Altitude is the ideal place to be if you’re looking for an oasis above Singapore’s streets. Whether you’re a sports fan or desperately needed a drink, this one-of-a-kind interactive bar has it all.

Press Lounge, Ink48 Hotel NYC

When you’re dynamically positioned above the Hudson and towering skyscrapers of NYC, what more could you ask for?

This is life is the first thing that typically escapes the minds of visitors of the Ink48 Hotel’s Press Lounge, which is so steeped in a sizzling atmosphere even New York Magazine took notice and voted it “Top New Rooftop Bar.”

Concoctions of every color and taste wonderfully blend in with the lounge’s modern décor, which is highlighted with walls shimmering in glass that brings NYC’s cityscape indoors. For visitors of the city frustrated with bobbing and weaving along traffic and its pedestrianized streets can look up to the Press Lounge for a luxurious escape.

VUE Bar, Hyatt on the Bund Shanghai

The Huangpu River and the area of Lujiazui never looked quite so lovely than from the VUE Bar at the Hyatt on the Bund in Shanghai. Just for its guests’ viewing pleasure its 32^nd and 33^rd floors purposely punctuate the city’s skyline to create a hangout spot that rivals the best in the world.

To take its experiences up a notch, the al fresco spaces of the bar’s top level are lavishly specked with daybeds for relaxing. You’ll also find a Jacuzzi to soak away life's hassles. And with an extensive menu to suit, the VUE Bar is definitely a unique way to enjoy a night on the town.