Over the years, Singapore’s skyline has transformed dramatically, with modern architecture juxtaposed against its rich historical backdrop. This evolution has made rooftops an essential part of the city’s allure, providing not just picturesque views but also unique experiences for both locals and tourists.

Among the noteworthy spots is Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, perched on top of the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel. Elevated at 57 stories, the SkyPark provides an unparalleled panoramic view of the city’s skyline, including the shimmering Marina Bay and the sprawling Gardens by the Bay. Visitors can enjoy a meal at one of its restaurants or simply take in the breathtaking sights.

Another popular destination is 1-Altitude, which stands at 282 meters making it one of the highest rooftop bars in the world. This venue allows patrons not only to relish exquisite cocktails but also to enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view of the city, particularly stunning at sunset when the sky bursts with color.

The rooftop at Singapore’s famous Raffles Hotel offers a more historical perspective, combined with luxurious dining. The Long Bar is where guests can indulge in the original Singapore Sling cocktail while enjoying views of the lush landscaping of the hotel grounds, showcasing a different charm compared to the modern high-rises.

Not to be overlooked is the rooftop garden at the Oh My Glasses! terrace. This hidden gem allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature while gazing out at the urban skyline. The combination of greenery and city views creates a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation and introspection.

As visitors explore these rooftops, they are often treated to an array of culinary delights. Many establishments feature renowned chefs and innovative menus, making the dining experience an integral part of enjoying the views. Local flavors are expertly paired with stunning visuals, crafting memorable moments for guests.

In addition to these dining venues, some rooftops like the Kinki Restaurant & Bar offer themed nights and live music events, further enhancing the experience. The vibrant atmosphere allows visitors to enjoy both the sights and sounds of the city from a breathtaking vantage point.

However, as tourism increases and more visitors seek these sky-high experiences, it’s essential for venues to maintain both quality and sustainability. Balancing the influx of guests with the preservation of the natural and urban environment is crucial for the future of rooftop experiences in Singapore.

In conclusion, the rooftop views in Singapore not only provide magnificent sights of the skyline but also offer a taste of the city’s diverse culinary scene and vibrant nightlife. As such, they remain popular spots for both locals and tourists looking to celebrate various occasions or simply unwind with a view.

What are the best rooftop bars in Singapore?

Some of the best rooftop bars include Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, 1-Altitude, and Kinki Restaurant & Bar. Each venue offers unique views and atmospheres for guests to enjoy.

Why are rooftop views popular among tourists?

Rooftop views are popular among tourists because they provide stunning perspectives of the city’s skyline and landmarks, creating memorable experiences that are ideal for photography and leisure.

Are reservations needed for rooftop dining?

It is generally advisable to make reservations for rooftop dining, especially during peak hours, to ensure you secure a table with the best views available.

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Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower

First up, the iconic **Sky Bar** at Lebua State Tower. Known as one of the highest rooftop bars in the world, it sits at a staggering 820 feet above the bustling streets below. With a **panoramic view** of the Chao Phraya River and the glimmering cityscape, visitors can’t help but feel like they’re on top of the world.

What’s more, it’s famous for its cocktail, the “Hangovertini,” which was created for the cast of *The Hangover Part II*. Not that you’d need a movie star’s advice to enjoy it, but let’s be honest—who doesn’t want to sip a drink that has Hollywood cred? Just be prepared to drop a few Baht, as nothing quite says “I’m in Bangkok!” like paying for a drink that could fund a small country’s budget (well, maybe just a nice dinner).

Vertigo and Moon Bar at Banyan Tree

Next, we take a gentle glide over to the **Banyan Tree’s** Vertigo and Moon Bar. Climbing up to the 61st floor, the views are just as magnificent as the name suggests. Standing here, you can almost convince yourself that the bustling city below is merely a movie set. The thrum of traffic fades away, and you’re left with 360-degree vistas of both contemporary and traditional Bangkok—nice and peaceful, right?

Enjoy their delectable **seafood dishes** or their signature “Vertigo” cocktail, which will give you that giddy feeling that a rooftop this high up deserves. Just be mindful of the wind; it has a funny way of sneaking up on you and sending your hair into a frenzy. A gem of advice: hold onto your drink tightly unless you want to add a “wind-blown” look to your evening.

Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar

For a more laid-back vibe with a trendy twist, Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar at the Marriott Hotel offers a **three-level rooftop experience**. Spanning across levels 45 to 47, this venue provides a stunning view of Bangkok’s skyline that feels welcoming enough to settle into for the whole evening.

At Octave, the drinks are **reasonably priced**, so you can indulge without breaking the bank. With an eclectic mix of cocktails and tapas-inspired bites, you can munch your way through the night while relishing the sunset. The best part? You can often catch live DJs spinning tracks, which makes it the perfect spot for those who like their rooftop experiences to come with a side of groove.

Above Eleven

Nestled on the 33rd floor, Above Eleven offers a unique **Peruvian-Japanese dining experience** alongside its spectacular views of the city. This bar captures the essence of a park in the sky, with its green rooftop ambiance and artfully designed spaces. Here, you can order innovative dishes like a **Nikkei-inspired sushi platter** that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Remember to try their famed cocktails, crafted with precision and flair. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, they also throw in weekly live music! The vibrant atmosphere here is perfect for those looking to kick back with friends while enjoying one of the best views from a rooftop.

Sirocco at Lebua

No list of Bangkok’s rooftop bars would be complete without mentioning **Sirocco**, which holds the title of one of the world’s highest open-air restaurants. Located at the same state as the Sky Bar, you’ll find that the **food here is just as impressive** as the views. Dining al fresco at Sirocco makes for a truly romantic setting, especially when the sun starts to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant hues.

Fancy a meal that will leave you buzzing with excitement? Indulge in their Mediterranean-inspired cuisine while soaking in the twinkling lights of the city below. But don’t get too caught up in the ambiance—your delectable meal is best enjoyed with both eyes open. After all, you wouldn’t want to miss the famous skyturning magenta while unveiling your dessert!

Conclusion

With so many stunning options, Bangkok’s rooftop bars and restaurants offer more than just a meal or a drink. They provide a chance to **experience the vibrant energy** of the city from above, where the sights are as enticing as the tastes. So next time you’re in Bangkok, make sure to put on your best outfit, arm yourself with a camera, and get ready to capture unforgettable moments with friends or loved ones while you enjoy the breath-taking views from those towering heights. After all, life is all about reaching for the stars—especially if they’re found on a rooftop in Bangkok!

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If you are searching for spots with a beautiful view over Delft in the Netherlands, search no more. Head to the central square and climb the spiral staircase of the tower of the New Church. It is the second highest tower in the Netherlands and the view from above will make you feel like you are some kind of god looking over his possessions. On a clear day, you can see Rotterdam and the Hague from the top of the 85-m (280-ft) tower.

A view from the New Church in Delft, the Netherlands | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

History in short – the beggar and the vision

The central square of Delft has two churches facing each other – the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the Old Church (Oude Kerk). The New Church is not that new at all – it was built more than 600 years ago after Symon, the beggar, and Jan Col, a citizen offering him something to eat, suddenly had a vision of a golden church dedicated to Mary. It took Jan Col 30 years to convince the city council to built the church because at the time Delft already had a church, the Old Church. But he did and the citizens of Delft believed it would last forever. They even put a golden apple on top of the tower to symbolize eternity. Little did they know that the tower would be burnt down twice and it would even be struck by lightning.

A view from the New Church in Delft, the Netherlands | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Climb the tower

If you are a bird’s-eye view fanatic like me, you know beautiful views often require (a lot of) effort. Take a bottle of water, stretch a bit and climb the 376 stairs leading to the top of the tower. You will be granted not only a view of the rooftops of Delft, but also a look from inside at the clock mechanism of the tower.

Learn the secrets of the tower

Well, actually you can’t learn that much. For more than 400 years almost every member of the royal family of the Netherlands has been buried in the crypt of the New Church (that makes a total of 46 bodies according to the church’s official website). The crypt is not open to the public out of respect to the royal family and the keys are kept by the mayor of Delft.

Hear the bells

You can hear the carillon on Fridays (from 7 pm to 8 pm), on Tuesdays and Saturdays (from 11 am to 12 pm) and if you are lucky, you might come across a summer night concert.

A view from the New Church in Delft, the Netherlands | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

A view from the New Church in Delft, the Netherlands | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Useful information:

Children under 5 years old are not allowed inside the tower, while those under 17 are welcome if they are accompanied by an adult. You can buy a ticket for the church (5 euro), for the tower (4 euro) or a combined ticket for both (8 euro). You can see the opening hours here and keep in mind that the tower closes an hour earlier than the church.

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If you’re fed up with boring mornings, here are 10 ways to make the start of the day a small celebration (I’ve tried most of them many times, while some are still on my list):

Sunrise date

Wake up at 4 am and drive to a beautiful sunrise spot – it could be a seashore, a cityscape or any kind of scenic spot you and your soulmate enjoy. Watch the new day dawning on a blanket and then take a nap. Of course, you can do the same with your best friend.

Sunrise in a balloon

It’s not something you can do every day, but for an extra special morning you can’t go past a sunrise flight in a hot air balloon.

Sunrise surfing

Grabbing your board and plunging into the deep blue is a surefire way to make your morning more exciting. If you haven’t tried surfing yet, photos like the one below should give you some inspiration.

Sunrise picnic

Pour some steaming coffee in a thermos, grab a few sandwiches for breakfast and head for your favorite picnic spot. Sometimes I drive for an hour to reach a remote mountain meadow just to hear the morning birdsong and enjoy the breaking dawn.

Rooftop sunrise

Do you have a friend with a magnificent rooftop terrace, or do you know a rooftop bar that organizes early morning events? Find the best view in the city and bring your coffee with you.

No-sleep sunrise

For those who cannot wake up early, we suggest a gentler option: if you don’t go to bed all night, you won’t need to hammer the alarm clock!

Kayaking at sunrise

Sneak out of your tent/bungalow and grab a kayak at dawn to catch the magical moment when the first rays of sunlight kiss the water’s surface. What I love most about these moments is the perfect serenity that surrounds you.

Sunrise from your tent

The best thing about camping is that you can wake up, peek through your unzipped tent to marvel at the sunrise, then immediately go back to sleep. Two of the year’s most special sunrises are the summer and winter solstice, when you can add a ritual from your country to add to the experience.

Sunrise swimming

It’s worth waking up early to start the day with a refreshing dip in the water (a sea, a river, an ocean or a pool – whatever you have close by).

Play a sunrise song

We all hear different melodies in our heads when dawn breaks, but here are a few of my suggestions for a special song to play as you watch the sunrise. If you can play a musical instrument, you can perform the melody yourself, or you can play it on your speakers to enjoy a special sunrise soundtrack:

Shine by Benjamin Francis Leftwich      Sunrise by Simply Red      Sunrise by Norah Jones     Sunrise by One Last Night      Bloom by The Paper Kites

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Discover the most unusual and memorable things to do in Baku, along with a few hidden gems revealed by Zornitsa, who currently lives in the city. Here’s her list of 10 fun travel challenges that will turn your exploration of Baku – the capital of Azerbaijan – into an exciting game.

#1 Hire a bike and enjoy a refreshing ride along the seafront

© Zornitsa Apostolova

Hire a bike from the Velopark (located right next to the National Flag Square) and enjoy a breathtaking ride along the Caspian Sea. If you want to experience the cityscape to the fullest, you might consider going for your ride at sunset. This way you will be able to marvel at the fascinating city lights and allow the pleasant sea breeze to blow all your worries away. You can bike around the Crystal Hall (the building of Eurovision 2012), explore the National Flag Square and even make a full tour of the beautiful Baku Boulevard (which is 26 km long and also known as the National Park).

#2 Find the girl with the umbrella

Find the girl with the umbrella in Fountains Square in downtown Baku. Make sure you take a picture with her to remind you of the beautiful girls of Baku. (Hint: it’s close to McDonald’s)

Liked that? Find the ‘lipstick girl’ sitting on a bench right behind this fountain:

© Zornitsa Apostolova

#3 Drink Azeri tea in the old city

You just can’t visit Azerbaijan and not taste traditional Azeri tea. While taking a walk in the Old City (İçərişəhər, pronounced Icheri Shekher), take the time to sit in one of the many cafes and restaurants and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea served in the traditional Azeri way (in special tea glasses, with lemon, sugar cubes, sweets, candies and jam).

#4 Find a tiny copy of your favorite novel in the Museum of Miniature Books

Book lovers can indulge in their hobby on a tiny scale at the Museum of Miniature Books. It’s a free private museum, located in the Old City, with more than 4,000 miniature books on display. It’s truly thrilling to see some of the world’s most famous classics in such small copies. Can you imagine reading a Dostoevsky novel with a magnifying glass?

#5 Climb the Maiden Tower

While you are still in the Old City, don’t miss the chance to visit one of the main sights of Azerbaijan and part of the UNESCO World Heritage List – The Maiden Tower. Buy a ticket and climb all the way to the top to enjoy a beautiful view over the city, see the tower from the inside and learn a lot about its history and creation. The tower’s biggest mystery is its original purpose, which remains unknown.

#6 Buy something from Sederek

If you’re looking for an unconventional shopping experience that will leave you stunned, Sederek is the place for you. To say that this is a huge shopping center would be a great understatement. Prepare to get literally lost amid the thousands of stands selling everything from household supplies to food, toys, automobile parts, decorations, souvenirs and pretty much anything else you can imagine. Prices are much lower than in the city, and even though at first glance it might seem like low-quality stuff, you can find some pretty good deals here.

Sederek is located a bit outside the city (about 10 km away), but it’s worth the visit if you like thrilling bazaar adventures. Grab a taxi or try your luck with the local buses. I promise you – you will never forget this experience.

#7 Feel the fires of the past (literally)

Get a glimpse of the Zoroastrian culture and feel the fires of the past in Ateshgah – The Fire Temple. Many people visiting the city skip this astounding place since it’s located far from the city center, but that’s their loss. The temple exudes a mystic atmosphere and serves as the perfect place to acquaint yourself with Zoroastrian beliefs and practices. After you’re done with the tour, you can enjoy a warm cup of delicious red lentil soup and a traditional Azeri kebab in the restaurant located right next door.

© Zornitsa Apostolova

#8 Grab a cocktail at 360 Bar

360 Bar is a rotating bar on the 25th floor of the Hilton Hotel, which is open for anyone who would like to enjoy a fantastic view while sipping a refreshing cocktail or indulging in delicious desserts. The view is stunning, to say the least, and the atmosphere is nice and relaxing. It’s worth visiting at night to enjoy a full panorama of the city lights.

© Zornitsa Apostolova

#9 Sail through the Little Venice

You can experience many things in Baku, but the feeling of being in Venice is perhaps one of the most unexpected. Sail on a gondola and spend some time admiring the beauty of the mini islands and bridges of the ‘Small Town of Venice’. This picturesque, clean area is located right next to the carpet museum and near the Caspian seashore.

#10 Listen to mugam live

Mugam is a form musical composition specific to Azerbaijan. It’s very powerful, and in my opinion you should listen to it live to get a true feel for it. Records just don’t have the same atmosphere as live mugam performances do. While listening to a good mugam concert, you can feel the strong Azeri spirit of the musicians, their passion and unique cultural identity. You can buy tickets for a concert or just visit a national restaurant that offers live music.

BONUS: Watch Formula 1

This is time-sensitive, but for the next few years, a Formula 1 race will be held in Baku (the dates for 2018 are April 27-29). If you’re a Formula 1 fan, make sure you plan your trip to the capital of Azerbaijan during this time, so that you can get an even more thrilling experience by attending the Baku City Circuit Race. A range of different tickets give you access to various events and activities held throughout the city during the week of the Formula 1 race.

© Zornitsa Apostolova

Here’s a map of all the mentioned spots in Baku:

***

Zornitsa Apostolova is a wife, mom and blogger currently living in Azerbaijan. Her blog Prepare to Visit aims to provide useful information to anyone traveling in the Caucasus, from useful tips and reviews to informative articles and beautiful pictures. Make sure you follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to receive the latest and greatest of her posts.

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Do you ever catch yourself getting jealous of someone you don’t even know over a picture they posted from a place you haven’t even heard of? If the answer is yes, this probably means that your wanderlust has been sparked and it needs to be fed right at the moment. But instead of packing your bags and booking the first flight, try becoming a tourist in your own hometown and rediscover it.

Here are five ideas how to do it:

1. Invite a friend from another city

The biggest advantage here is that they will look at the town from a tourist’s perspective and see some positive things about it that you haven’t seen before. Maybe they will even change your perception of certain things. In the end, you will take pride in living in a town you know people enjoy visiting.

2. Get a souvenir from your own hometown

If you love to travel, the chances are you take some kind of souvenir from the places you visit. Whether it is a classic choice like fridge magnet, or something more non-traditional like stones or even a recipe for a traditional meal, spend some time roaming around your own city to find one you really like. You can keep it for yourself or send it to a friend.

3. Recreate a childhood memory

What makes hometowns so special are the memories we have in them. A pastry shop your parents used to take you to or a park in which you used to play with your friends – those places are sure to bring a smile to your face while you recollect the good old days.

4. Discover the story behind a monument

Next time you pass that intriguing monument, beautiful old building or even a street with a strange name try to get as much information about it as you can – who did it, why and when. It is very likely that an inspiring story or legend is waiting for you to discover it.

5. See the town from a bird’s eye view

Search for an extreme sports club that offers paragliding or light aircraft flights nearby. You will glance at your town from an angle you never thought you could and have an experience of a lifetime. Another option could be the observation deck of a tall building or even from the roof of your own place. At the end of the day – inviting a couple of friends over to watch the sunset from the roof with a drink in hand is always a good idea.

Read more:

18 unusual things to do in your lunch break to restart in a creative way

Challenge yourself every day: 20 creative ideas to try right now

How I swapped my bed for a hammock this summer (and kept on going to the office)

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#1 Walk to work

If you usually go to work by crowded public transportation or by car, choose a nice sunny day and go to work on foot.

How to do it: When not in a hurry, people usually walk at a speed of 5 kph (3 mph). If you live 6 km (3 mi) from your workplace – it will take you about 70 minutes. Get up earlier than usual. Plan time for a coffee or a breakfast break on the way (you can prepare breakfast at home and eat it in a nice park). Choose your route so that you pass through as many parks and quiet streets as possible – thus walking to work will be a genuinely refreshing and recharging experience.

#2 Go to a live performance of a new, unfamiliar band

You might like them, even though you haven’t heard of them before, and it will liven up your evening.

#3 Check into a hotel in your own town

Check into a boutique hotel, an Airbnb, a winery or a spa hotel in your own town. Pick a special weekend to recharge your batteries not by traveling long distances but by choosing to leave all worries aside – from what you will have for dinner to wondering whether to change the sheets or not…

#4 Visit a temple of a religion, other than yours (if you’re an atheist – pick one of the many)

When you’re on a holiday abroad, you visit mosques, Buddhist temples, synagogues…, but you don’t do it in your own country. Have you ever thought of that? Pick a temple of a religion different from your own and learn something about its history. It could be a church, mosque, synagogue, a temple of an ancient civilization…

#5 Get on the public transport and get off at the last stop

Pick a bus/tram/subway line whose route you don’t know well. Discover new neighborhoods, interesting places or people. Take at least half an hour to explore before you leave.

Read more: Where to go when you have no money (or literally a few dollars)

#6 Get up really early and practice your favorite sport outside before work

Too few people will be thrilled when they read a challenge starting with “get up really early”. The truth is, exactly this kind of early rising will make you feel so refreshed that you will certainly want to do it again sometimes. If you think that coffee is refreshing, try at least once mountain biking early in the morning on a weekday, only to see how fresh and full of energy you can feel at work, even if you got up at 5:30 am. 

A couple of ideas (tested): In winter, when the fresh snow falls during the night, take the skis or snowboard and go up the nearest slope to enjoy the snow powder with a slide down. Tell your boss that, due to personal reasons, you will be late to work by an hour or two. In summer, cycle in the mountains. If you prefer more relaxed activities, go to a beautiful place outside of town and do yoga, or try gokotta.

#7 Have dinner in an exotic restaurant (Indian, Thai, Peruvian, etc.)

It’s a culinary trip in itself, with no passport needed.

Read more: 18 travel challenges for nature lovers

#8 Go far away from the city at night to gaze at the stars

City lights prevent you from seeing the sky in all its splendor. Go a few miles out of town and you will see so many more constellations. Take a blanket to lie on the ground comfortably.

How to make it more interesting: Download a constellation identifying app (like Sky Map, for example). Find Mars, Venus, Saturn, the Zodiac constellations.

#9 Put a message in a bottle

This rather romantic gesture isn’t very eco-friendly, not to mention that too many rivers unfortunately carry so many bottles that it’s unlikely anyone will open yours and read the message inside. That’s why, instead of throwing one more bottle in a river or sea, leave the message at a more strategic place – in the park, in the foyer of a public building, etc. Tell your story or pay forward the most positive lesson life has taught you. It’s surprising how therapeutic this can be both for you and the person who will read your message.

#10 Go to the rooftop of a building and see the city from above

When in a foreign place, tourists are ready to pay significant amounts of money to go up the Empire State Building or other observation decks upon skyscrapers. They don’t do it in their own town, though, where the pleasure is most probably free. Even if there are no skyscrapers around, find a tall building where a friend of yours works or lives, go to its rooftop and have a lemonade while enjoying the view.

Read more: 50 fun summer vacation challenges (+printable list)

#11 Go where you’ve been numerous times before

…and don’t leave until you find out at least five new things/stories/people.

It’s very possible this challenge will be among the last ones you will complete. Probably because we suggest you go where you think you know everything. The idea of the challenge is to show you that you might miss a lot by thinking you know everything.

How to do it: The easiest way is to imagine that you’re going there for the first time. Look for the details, talk to people, ask questions you know the answers to (often, the answers you get are unexpected). 

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Imagine what a gladiator fight looked like through the eyes of a plebeian – he could only afford the cheapest seats set on top of the Colosseum, from where the fighters down in the arena looked like tiny ants.

Nowadays, though, the logic is different – from the top you get one of the most beautiful panoramas of Rome, and everyone wants to go there. From November 1, 2017, it will be possible to enjoy this view, because the top level of the Colosseum will be open to visitors for the first time (until now, the highest point you could reach was the third level).

The top level of the Colosseum in Rome is now open to visitors

What can you see from the top of the Colosseum?

Risen above the crowds, at 50 m (164 ft) above ground level, you can see the Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum, the Arch of Constantine and a whole host of other Roman attractions.

How can you get to the top level of the Colosseum?

Starting from November 1, 2017, you can join an organized tour to the top level (no individual visits are allowed). A reservation in advance is required (it should soon appear on the official ticket website of the Colosseum here).

How much does it cost to visit the top level of the Colosseum?

The top level tour will cost an additional 9 euros, on top of your basic 12 euro entrance ticket.

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