Along with exploring the historic streets, hopping between museums, and stuffing your face with pizza, one of the best things to do in Naples is to visit a rooftop bar or two during your stay.
Since my first trip to the Campanian capital, I’ve seen a steady increase in rooftop terraces opening up all over the city, something you may have heard me mention during my Naples food tours. You’ll understand why as soon as you see the time-honored buildings and sweeping views over Vesuvius!
I’ve put my favorite spots into this handy guide to give you all the information you need about the best rooftop bars in Naples, Italy.
Vesuvio Roof Bar & Restaurant
Photo credit: Vesuvio Roof Bar & Restaurant
If you’re in the Centro Storico area, make your way to the Una Cucina Hotel and head straight to their rooftop bar, Vesuvio.
I stopped by this stylish spot around dinnertime and instantly fell in love with the chic black and green decor, sparkling city lights, and lively atmosphere.
Even though it was long after sunset when I got here, it was still pretty warm, so I opted for a refreshing negroni. On a summer’s day, there’s nothing like the sharp flavors of bitter Campari, sweet vermouth, and citrusy gin!
Vesuvio Roof Bar & Restaurant (€€) – P.za Giuseppe Garibaldi, 9/10, 80142 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every day from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm.
Riserva Rooftop
Photo credit: Riserva Rooftop
Posillipo is home to a number of the finest rooftop bars in Naples, Italy, but Riserva is one of the best.
This is a superb spot for a relaxed night out, as the vibe is the perfect balance of lively and laidback. The colorful floral decor, fairy lights, and cozy couches made it feel boujee and inviting.
They have a stellar wine collection here, so it felt wrong to order anything else! I asked the sommelier for some suggestions, and he recommended an Aglianico. It had some delightful hints of acidity and a touch of red berry, countered by the smokey, earthy undertones.
Riserva Rooftop (€€€) – Via Alessandro Manzoni, 308, 80123 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every Monday to Saturday from 7:30 pm to 1:00 am and every Sunday from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm and from 7:30 pm to 1:00 am.
Sky Lounge Solarium & Cocktail Bar
Photo credit: Sky Lounge Solarium & Cocktail Bar
The Sky Lounge atop the Grand Hotel Vesuvio is among the most sought-after spots in Santa Lucia, as it has amazing views of the Ovo Castle.
It’s one of the more upscale rooftop bars I’ve visited, with its contemporary furnishings and sleek wooden floors.
I was just in time for an aperitivo and ordered a zesty, bittersweet Aperol spritz. On the side were some salty olives and a bowl of crunchy, savory taralli.
Sky Lounge Solarium & Cocktail Bar (€€€) – Grand Hotel Vesuvio, Via Partenope, 45, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every day from 10:30 am to 11:00 pm.
The NIQ Bar & Restaurant
Photo credit: The NIQ Bar & Restaurant
Nestled along the outer edges of Chiaia in the De Bonart Naples Hotel is NIQ Bar.
I was relieved when I noticed their floor-to-ceiling windows, and it was getting pretty chill when I arrived! Classy and low-key, this was an ideal spot for a quiet drink, and the service was impeccable.
Their signature gin-based cocktail sounded right up my street. The piney gin had a gorgeous, crisp taste, which really brought out the flavors from punchy basil and zingy lemon.
The NIQ Bar & Restaurant (€€€) – C.so Vittorio Emanuele, 133, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every day from 7:00 am to 12:00 am.
Bidder Bar
Photo credit: Bidder Bar
Situated in Chiaia‘s swanky Grand Hotel Parker’s, Bidder Bar is as glamorous as they come.
Not only are the vistas over the city and sea out-of-this-world, but the entire terrace area is so grand and opulent. The wrought iron railings are adorned with statues, matching the style of the plush, antique seating.
Seeing as it was a glorious summer evening, I went for a limoncello spritz. This was the most refreshing cocktail I could have asked for, from the sour lemon liqueur and fruity prosecco to the mineral finish from the club soda.
Bidder Bar (€€€) – C.so Vittorio Emanuele, 135, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every day from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am.
Miranapoli
Photo credit: Miranapoli
Miranapoli isn’t technically a rooftop bar, but the expansive outdoor terrace at this Posillipo hotspot has views that could rival anywhere in the city.
It’s an ambient, elegant bar that feels upmarket without being overly fancy. I was fortunate to get a table beside the balcony, and because of its hilltop position, I could enjoy unspoiled views of Vesuvius in the distance.
The Falanghina del Sannio sounded delicious, and the subtle apple and pear notes from this dry white wine made the sunset here even more memorable.
Miranapoli (€€€) – Via Francesco Petrarca, 62, 80123 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every day from 7:00 am to 1:30 am.
Tips for Enjoying Rooftop Bars in Naples
- Some rooftop bars in Naples, Italy, only open at select times of the year, which is typically from April to November.
- It’s best to arrive shortly before sunset, but you’ll sometimes need to make a reservation to secure a table at this time.
- Naples can be incredibly hot during the summer, and I’ve often found open-air rooftop bars to be more comfortable in spring or autumn.
- Always check the dress code before visiting, as some establishments are more formal than others.
- Many rooftop bars are popular aperitivo spots, meaning you’ll likely be served complimentary snacks with your drink.
- If you’re eager to explore more of the city’s bar scene, I dive into that and so much more on my Naples food tours.
Conclusion
If swinging by a rooftop bar in Naples, Italy, wasn’t on your bucket list before, I hope it is now. The city’s skyline might not be as revered as that of Rome or Florence, but it’s no less beautiful and looks even better with a tasty cocktail or glass of vino in hand!
Sources:
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/naples/
Gruppo UNA. (n.d.). Vesuvio Bar & Restaurant – UNA Cucina. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.gruppouna.it/unahotels/vesuvio-bar-restaurant-una-cucina
Riserva Rooftop. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://riservarooftop.com/
Vesuvio. (n.d.). Bar Vesuvio. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.vesuvio.it/en/bar/
Hotel Debonart Napoli. (n.d.). The Niq Bar. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.debonartnaples.com/en/hotel-debonart-napoli/the-niq-bar/
Mira Napoli. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://miranapoli.com/