6 Rooftop Bars In Colombo You Should Be Drinking At This Year
Rooftop bars are iconic, there’s no denying this. They take a fun night and make it better. There are few things that could trump a night out with your friends than being able to stand above an entire city while you dance throughout the night. It’s the cherry on top, which is why we’ve compiled a list of some of Colombo’s best rooftop bars.
1. Botanik
As its name suggests, there’s a singular theme connecting the interior, veranda and rooftop segments of the building. The decor comprises various botanical elements, including a mural of endemic plants. Botanic’s rooftop is non-pretentious and artsy, with teak furniture and an island bar. With just the right touch of chic, Botanik also gives you a great view of Colombo’s skyline. The cocktails at Botanik are probably the next best thing and fit the medium price range, and the food options are somewhat of a mix of western with local touches.
2. ON14
ON14 is situated on top of OZO Hotel and offers one of the best views of Colombo. The contemporary setting is accompanied by an inhouse DJ and minimum lighting, with an infinity pool set right beside the outdoors lounging area. The beach aligning Marine Drive is right ahead from the balcony, providing an exhilarating perspective.
3. Cloud Red
Cloud Red by Cinnamon Red is the highest rooftop bar in the city. The chill ambience assisted by the music and the decor is great if you’re just trying to catch a break from the hectic city. With a more open view that the other rooftop bars, Cloud Red is nice for if you’d like to catch the sunset before it’s time to drink up.
4. Sky Lounge (Kingsbury)
If a panoramic view of the city is your ideal, then Sky Lounge by Kingsbury has you covered. From Sky Lounge, it’s possible to view the routes from Fort to Galle Road. It closes at 5 a.m., so if you were late to get started, there’s really no rush. Here you can find a few western and local bites, such as hot butter prawns, but also a variety of Japanese food. The pricing is a bit on the higher end, but the cocktails comprising local ingredients, such as king coconut, make up for it.
5. Berlin Sky Lounge
Situated on the 7th floor of The Goldblock, Colombo 2, the Berlin Sky Lounge (as its name suggests) serves primarily German cuisine, but the cocktails are well-varied. If you’re going for a sweet treat, they’ve got homemade gelato that’s hard to beat! Adjacent to the Beira Lake, Berlin Sky Lounge is smack-middle of a busy city with tons of skyscrapers cropping up, but somehow manages to maintain the serenity.
6. Vistas
Vistas is an open-air lounge by Mövenpick located in Colpetty. It’s a five-star rooftop bar, so the prices match the rank, alongside the rooftop pool and jacuzzi. The tapas range is primarily a fusion of multiple cuisines, but it’s actually the drinks menu that’s worth a peak. It’s got a range of imported liquor as well as local options. Vistas usually executes themed nights, so it’s always great to drop in with friends during one. The skyline is uncompromisingly gorgeous, with a great view of both the sea and the city.
