There’s no better way to soak in sprawling cityscapes or romantic sunsets than from a rooftop bar, and Berlin has plenty to pick from. Rooftop bars in Berlin are wide-ranging, meaning you can sip cocktails on a swanky terrace one night and party until the early hours the next.
We tend to associate open-air or sky bars with upscale establishments, but in Berlin, these spots can be as casual or as ritzy as you please. In fact, I think the chilled-out hideaways have as much to offer as their more exclusive counterparts.
After you’ve savored the delights of the local cuisine on my Berlin food tours, finish your evening on a high in any of these top-tier rooftop bars in Berlin!
Top Rooftop Bars to Visit in Berlin
Klunkerkranich
Photo credit: Klunkerkranich
Klunkerkranich is one of those rooftop bar locations that’s on everyone’s bucket list. Set at the top of the Neukölln Arcaden, this sprawling terrace is among the coolest hangouts in the city with its rustic wooden furniture, twinkling lights, and laid back vibe.
There’s a €2 cover charge, which is a small price to pay for the immaculate sunset views I caught. What topped the experience off was the exceptional gin and tonic I got, which blended the gin’s citrus and piney flavors with a refreshingly bitter tonic.
Klunkerkranich (€10 -€20) – Karl-Marx-Straße 66, 12043 Berlin, Germany – Closed every Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday to Friday from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am and every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 am.
Gallery Rooftop
Photo credit: Gallery Rooftop
Gallery Rooftop is cool and contemporary yet elegant, making it a pretty perfect fit for the Friedrichshain neighborhood.
I came here with a friend on a rather humid summer’s day, and the tropical rum-based cocktail quickly caught my eye. The notes of tart pineapple and creamy vanilla were just what I was craving, and the addition of zesty lime and clean basil made it feel light and fresh.
Gallery Rooftop (€10 – €20) – Mühlenstraße 19, 10243 Berlin, Germany – Closed every Monday and Sunday, open Tuesday to Thursday from 6:00 pm to 1:00 am and every Friday and Saturday from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am.
Solar
Photo credit: Solar
Solar near Potsdamer Platz is somewhat of an outlier compared to most rooftop bars in Berlin, and it boasts a vibrant club and a classy restaurant.
Though live music and DJ sets are regular features here, I arrived on a quiet midweek evening. This meant I was among the lucky few to take in stunning views of Berlin after dark, which I did while sipping on a bright and berry-hued pinot noir!
Solar (€15- €25) – Stresemannstraße 76, 10963 Berlin, Germany – Closed every Monday and Sunday, open Tuesday to Thursday from 6:00 pm to 1:00 am and every Friday and Saturday from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am.
Hotel Rooftop Bars in Berlin
Grace Rooftop
Photo credit: Grace Rooftop
Tucked away on top of the Hotel Zoo Berlin, Grace Rooftop in Tiergarten is as good as it gets, with cracking views and luxurious seating areas. It’s easily one of the best-loved rooftop bars in Berlin, and it has sensational cocktails to match.
The tequila offering was right up my street. I wasn’t sure if the taste would live up to the gorgeous presentation, but the acidic lychee, zingy sparkling water, and sweet tequila were a dreamy combination.
Grace Rooftop (€15- €25) – Kurfürstendamm 25, 10719 Berlin, Germany – Closed every Monday and Sunday, open Tuesday to Thursday from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm and every Friday and Saturday from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am.
Monkey Bar
Photo credit: Monkey Bar
Monkey Bar is a bustling hotel rooftop bar overlooking the city and the lush greenery of the Berlin Zoo. Perched atop the 25hours Hotel, it’s a funky, colorful space that exudes character in every corner.
While I wasn’t fortunate enough to spot the monkeys that are famously visible from the floor-to-ceiling windows, my watermelon cocktail more than made up for it! It was like summer in a drink, from the smooth, aromatic gin to the sour lemon juice and delicate watermelon infusion.
Monkey Bar (€15- €25) – Budapester Str. 40, 10787 Berlin, Germany – Open every Monday to Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 1:00 am, Thursday and Friday from 1:00 pm to 2:00 am, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 am and every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am.
Rooftop One
Just a stone’s throw from Alexanderplatz is Hotel Motel One’s sleek and sophisticated bar, Rooftop One. I just love the chic, moody decor here and how the bar overlooks the TV Tower.
Brandy isn’t usually my drink of choice, but the brandy and red wine cocktail seemed too intriguing not to try it. Both brought fruity elements, with a touch of oak coming through from the brandy and some bitterness from the wine. The lemon and sugar syrup were the ideal finishing touches, preventing the drink from feeling too heavy.
Rooftop One (€15- €25) – Grunerstraße 11, 10179 Berlin, Germany – Closed every Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday, open every Wednesday to Saturday from 6:00 pm to 1:00 am.
Best Times to Visit Berlin’s Rooftop Bars
Berlin typically enjoys warm summers, but it gets chilly, often dropping well below freezing point, in winter. Therefore, many open-air rooftop bars only open when temperatures begin to creep up. Although some are equipped with heaters or coverings to open year-round, you’ll need to plan your trip accordingly to have your pick of bars.
Because the weather usually determines the best times to visit, I recommend coming between May and September. For the optimum experience, try to time your rooftop drinks for around sunset. In Berlin, this can be as late as 10:00 pm during the summer.
Tips for Visiting Rooftop Bars in Berlin
- If you’re spending a few days in the city, keep tabs on the weather and pick the day with the clearest conditions for your rooftop outing.
- Reservations are essential to secure a table in upmarket or popular spots, like Grace Rooftop.
- For sunset bookings, make your reservations for at least 30 minutes before the sun is due to go down.
- While casual chic attire is appropriate for most establishments, others have specific dress codes that you’ll need to check beforehand.
Conclusion
A visit to at least one of these top rooftop bars in Berlin is a non-negotiable next time you’re in the city, provided the weather is onside, that is! The handcrafted cocktails, panoramic views, and ambient settings are sure to make for an unforgettable experience.
Sources:
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Berlin food tours & culinary experiences. Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/berlin/
Klunkerkranich. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from http://klunkerkranich.org/
Gallery Rooftop Bar. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.gallery-rooftopbar.berlin/index-en.html
Solar Berlin. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.solarberlin.com/english/
Grace Berlin. (n.d.). Rooftop. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.grace-berlin.com/rooftop/
Monkey Bar Berlin. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://monkeybarberlin.de/en/
Motel One. (n.d.). Rooftop One Bars. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.motel-one.com/de/services/essen-trinken/rooftop-one-bars/