When the world feels a bit too grounded, it’s time to elevate your perspective—literally.
Europe’s sidewalk culture may be legendary, but there’s something undeniably magical about viewing its most alluring cities from above: rooftops glowing at golden hour, monuments lit like stage sets, and the quiet hum of life below.
I’ve sourced some spectacular sky-high escapes. So, are we ready to have some fun in this hotel scoop? Yes.
Almanac Barcelona: Stars, Style & Sagrada Vibes
Just off the iconic Passeig de Gràcia and within strolling distance of Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, the family-owned Almanac Barcelona is a magnet for the ‘to-be-seen’ crowd in the Catalan capital.
Once you reach the Azimuth rooftop bar, perched on the eighth floor, you’ll find a front-row seat to the soon-to-be-completed Sagrada Família, along with sweeping views of Montjuïc mountain, the Jean Nouvel-designed Torre Glòries, and Mount Tibidabo.
And yes, those fiercely independent Catalans you’ll most likely see gathering over cocktails are busy mingling!
Come summer, the Azimuth will transform into a celestial-themed observatory. Expect rooftop nights channelling stardust vibes. Think astro-yoga sessions, cosmology-inspired art classes, and cocktails that might align your chakras. I overheard the spicy Aries is a mezcal fusion of passionfruit and citrus with a cheeky chili kick.
There’s even a rooftop plunge pool, ideal for a post-siesta dip as you soak up that sultry Barcelona breeze. And when twilight hits and the sky turns the color of sangria, this rooftop becomes a glamorous observatory for starry-eyed wanderers.
Check rates online for the Almanac Barcelona at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich: Belle Époque Meets the Alps
Zurich may be better known for its precision watches and tidy tram lines, but let me tell you, it also knows how to throw a rooftop rendezvous.
Enter La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich in Switzerland. Set in an Instagrammable Belle Époque palace from 1909, this lakeside darling got a modern shake-up from designer extraordinaire Philippe Starck. Part of the Michel Reybier Hospitality portfolio, this two-MICHELIN-key rated landmark offers a fusion of Swiss elegance and Parisian swagger.
Climb to the top and you’ll find La Muña, the rooftop restaurant named after a mystical Peruvian herb that’s said to ease altitude woes (coincidence? I think not). The vibe is rustic-chic with exposed beams, whimsical stained-glass windows, and terraces that stretch toward Lake Zurich like sun-thirsty sunflowers.
On a clear day, you can see the snow-dusted Alps kissing the sky. And while you might come for the view, you’ll stay for the cuisine—an inventive blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Here’s an insider tip: don’t skip the red tuna ceviche. Pair it with a flute of bubbly and toast to life elevated.
If you need something extra special, one of the rooftop terraces can be fully privatized for those “let’s make it unforgettable” nights.
Check rates online for La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
- Search for Great Tours HERE
- Get a universal plug adapter
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Get a Car Rental
- Get an eSim to be able to use your smartphone abroad.
NEW Hotel Athens: Art, Antiquity, and Aegean Breezes
It’s true. Greece’s capital is a smorgasbord of ancient wonder and modern zest.
Now, add the NEW Hotel Athens, a member of Design Hotels from Marriott Bonvoy, to the mix. This trailblazing property was envisioned by global art collector Dakis Joannou and brought to life by Brazilian design darlings Humberto and the late Fernando Campana. The word on the street is that this is a wildly artistic haven.
Prepare to explore the 7th-floor Art Lounge where the gods of design and gastronomy converge. Outside, panoramic views sweep from the mighty Acropolis to Lycabettus Hill. Inside, the decor is a curated collage of Campana-crafted furniture and ever-changing contemporary art exhibitions.
Helmed by Chef Babis Kountouris, the rooftop menu riffs on Greek classics with flair. There are scallops paired with San Michali cheese from Syros, soutzoukakia tartare that reimagines grandma’s meatballs, and a giouvetsi stew that swaps beef for lobster and old myths for new cravings.
Come evening, the terrace becomes a temple to the Athenian night. Order a Meltemi cocktail—ouzo, honey, cucumber espuma—and let the breeze do the rest.
Check rates online for the New Hotel Athens at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
Final Story
Whether you’re gazing across Gothic spires in Barcelona, toasting under Alpine skies in Zurich, or soaking up the Acropolis glow in Athens, these three European hotels offer a new perspective on some of Europe’s most iconic cities.
Next time your wanderlust kicks in, remember: the best views aren’t always at street level. Sometimes, you just have to look up.
Ready to book that rooftop rendezvous? Your European escape is only a few stories away.
Photos: Supplied
