Imagine a beautifully appointed rooftop lounge right on the water, skyline views in all directions. Vaulted ceilings, gold trim, velvet seats, lighting so dark that even on a tame night it encouraged all sorts of bad behavior. The kind of bar where you'd learn more about human anatomy just by watching the crowd than you ever thought possible. I'm pretty sure I received an MD after working there.
The view from any of Istanbul's rooftop bars and restaurants back down its sloping streets is a sight to behold. Situated on the banks of the Bosphorus river and the Golden Horn estuary, the undulating landscape of the City on the Seven Hills rises dramatically from the waters' edge, its streets dotted with glittering skyscrapers and astonishing historical landmarks. And, naturally, there are plenty of places to eat, drink, and take in the phenomenal views.
A few years ago, a round-up of hotels in Athens as extensive and luxurious as the one our editors have curated below would have been almost unthinkable. While the Greek capital has long been a city-break destination for history buffs and sunshine seekers, it's only recently that Athens hotels have caught up with the appetite for long weekends and shoulder-season trips from a chic, jet-setting crew.
Sometimes you're fine with simply finding the closest possible restaurant patio for a pleasant al fresco meal. At other times, though, there's something about ascending to a rooftop bar for a slightly more, well, elevated experience. When that mood strikes, here's where to head, from a cocktail bar 51 floors above the city to beers and barbecue with skyline views to tasty tacos under clear blue skies.
