Top Bars With a View in Hong Kong
Andrea Lo
Hong Kong, which translates directly to “fragrant harbour”, is famous for its spectacular view. Even though the name now comes with a touch of irony – the Victoria Harbour isn’t too fragrant these days – we still can’t think of many things better than admiring the skyline with a drink in hand! Like any venue with a view to die for, the drinks don’t come cheap. But hey, they say that you only live once. A visit to any one of these places will make you see the city from a different angle. Check out these bars each offering glorious panoramas of the harbour and beyond.
Ozone
Courtesy of Atmag
Known for being the highest bar in the world, Ozone at the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong sits on the 118th floor of the ICC. The bar offers a pretty spectacular vista of the city, with a bird’s eye view of Hong Kong Island and beyond. Head there on a clear night, and grab a seat on the terrace. This ain’t your average hotel bar with jazz music, though – Ozone sees a glamorous crowd after hours, when the DJs takes to the decks. If you’ve got some cash to spare, Ozone is probably a good pick – the drinks don’t come cheap. Our favourite Ozone signature cocktail is the Aria 118, made with vodka sake, coconut rum, lychee and passionfruit. Go baller over the weekend with a free-flow champagne brunch spread.
Final Verdict: Looking for the unique experience of spending the evening high above the clouds? Look no further than Ozone.
118/F, The Ritz-Carlton, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon, (852) 2263 2263
Sevva
Courtesy of Sevva
Rooftop bars might be a dime a dozen in Hong Kong – but Sevva is something else. Opened by the “queen of cakes” Bonnae Gokson, Sevva attracts the city’s creme de la creme like bees to honey (think socialites, fashionistas and clean-shaven finance-y types). Don your most stylish outfit and join the crowd on the terrace, boasting a unique view of Central and the harbour.
Final Verdict: To see and be seen in your glad rags, Sevva is your spot.
25/F, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, (852) 2537 1388
Cafe Gray Deluxe
Courtesy of Cafe Gray Deluxe
Cafe Gray Deluxe is one of the finest watering holes this side of the harbour. Bright young things love hitting up the bar/restaurant at the Upper House, which comes complete with a trendy vibe and top-notch cocktail menu. With that prized harbour view just in reach, be sure to grab a seat by the window (fair warning: good luck trying to book a table on weekends). Don’t be surprised by the occasional celebrity sighting, either.
Final Verdict: If it’s good enough for David Hasselhoff, it’s good enough for you.
49/F, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, (852) 3968 1106
Aqua Spirit
Courtesy of World’s Best Bars
Hong Kongers and out-of-towners love Aqua Spirit, and it’s not hard to see why. A sophisticated space with dramatic views of the skyline, Aqua Spirit is one of those places that thoroughly deserves a spot on your Hong Kong to-do list. It makes for a great spot to catch the famed Symphony of Lights show at the harbour – although if you’re looking to avoid a tourist crowd, a pre-dinner cocktail in the early evening is always a good option. Want to party? Head there later when the DJ takes to the decks!
Final Verdict: Whether it be cocktail appreciation or booty-droppin’ action on the dance floor there’s something for everyone here.
30/F, One Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, (852) 3427 2288
EPURE
Courtesy of EPURE
EPURE is housed inside the maze-like Harbour City mall, but don’t let that faze you. The French fine dining restaurant is decked out with a terrace that affords striking views of the sunset. Head here for a restorative glass of champagne after a hard day of hitting the shops.
Final Verdict: Bet your didn’t think a mall could have something this special.
Shop 403, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, (852) 3185 8338
Sugar
Courtesy of East Hotel
OK, admittedly it’s just a little bit out of the way, but for a slightly different view of the harbour, head further east on Hong Kong Island to Sugar. The sleek bar and lounge located at the EAST Hotel has a terrace that shows off the views of Island East and Kowloon Bay across the harbour. The place often fills up with the suited-and-booted post-work crowd during happy hour, so be sure to take advantage of the space during quieter times in the day.
Final Verdict: Go ahead and show off Hong Kong’s alternative skyline on Instagram.
32/F, EAST Hotel, 29 Tai Koo Shing Road, Tai Koo Shing, (852) 3968 3738
ABOVE
You’ve got the north end of Hong Kong Island as well as the Kowloon covered. But what if you find yourself somewhere like Aberdeen or Stanley? ABOVE at Ovolo Southside’s the perfect spot to soak up some serious vista and sip on good a** drinks. With sweeping views of the Southern Districts mountains, the bar makes the list for not only its star-class hospitality but all the yummy nibbles available to guests!
Final Verdict: When in doubt, go south, seriously, oh and if you’re there at Happy Hour, there’s an open bar. You’re welcome ;-)
23/F, Ovolo Southside, 64 Wong Chuk Hang, (852) 3460 8100
Andrea Lo is a freelance journalist and translator based in Hong Kong. After cutting her teeth in the industry as a staff writer at a lifestyle magazine, she embraced the freelance life in 2015 and hasn’t looked back. She spends her time exploring the best of Hong Kong’s dining and nightlife scene, trialling new fitness trends, and travelling to exotic locales – all in the name of “research”.