Berlin’s skies are finally clearing up as summer sets in, signaling the best time to make use of the city’s numerous roof and terrace bars. People-watching is a serious hobby in Germany’s capital (you’ll see locals enjoying the café life or park-side perches all day long), and there are plenty of options to enjoy once the sun starts shining. Some of Berlin’s most panoramic cocktail lounges come courtesy of the city’s decadent hotel lodgings, including a few brand-new spots. From rooftop spots to riverside scenes, here are some the city’s best hotel bars with a view.
The ritzy rooftop terrace of Hotel de Rome (a former 19th-century bank building) overlooks the Baroque-style architecture of Humboldt University as well as the city’s oldest boulevard, Unter den Linden, and also gives a good impression of Berlin’s expansive construction with vistas of Museum Island’s projects. Sparkling cocktails are a great option here; try the German summer favorite, the Hugo, made with fresh mint, lime, elderflower syrup and prosecco. The drinks come with delicious bar snacks, including spiced “Crazy Popcorn” and wasabi peas, along with the impressive scenery.
If you’d prefer a view of architectural beauty, head to the equally grand Hotel Adlon Kempinski. Sitting directly on the boulevard of Unter den Linden, the hotel’s recently opened Beluga Terrace patio bar offers you a glimpse of the famous neoclassical archway Brandenburger Tor as well as the charming surrounding streets. Drawing inspiration from the Russian way of life, the terrace, opened in partnership with Beluga Vodka, features vodka cocktails, including the Beluga Shot, a refreshing mix of lemon sorbet, vodka and caviar. In addition to the cocktail list, sample Russian-style delicacies, including caviar with blini and smoked halibut.
Tucked on a side street in downtown Mitte, you’ll find the modern décor of the Hotel Amano. This rooftop bar is directly opposite the TV tower, a 1,207-foot-high structure that is easily one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Although the hotel is popular with business travelers thanks to its central location, the laid-back feel of the rooftop lounge with comfortable ottomans and breezy drapes makes it just as well liked by locals. The winner of the “Best Hotel Bar” and “Best Bar Team” at the 2013 Mixology Awards in Berlin, the Amano Bar focuses on high-end ingredients, fresh juices and herbs with drinks like the Miss Paloma, a combination of 42 Below Vodka, fresh lime, grapefruit soda and aperol.
Across town in the vibrant neighborhood of Friedrichshain, you’ll find the neon lights and futuristic décor of nhow Berlin. Billed as a music and lifestyle hotel, it boasts two recording studios and you can order guitars and keyboards via room service. Visitors to the Envy Bar can also partake in the music during monthly open-mike sessions. Set on the Spree River, Envy’s terrace bar not only offers great views, but features an eclectic menu, including a number of negroni spins (such as Antica Negroni with Campari, Beefeater and Antica Formula), Mexigroni (1800 Añejo, Antica Formula, aperol, Mozart Black) and several mocktails (such as the BBB Berry Cocktail with cranberry juice, orgeat, fresh pomegranate and strawberry puree, bitter lemon) by bar manager Martin Thibault.
For some of West Berlin’s classy Parisian-style charm, head to the newly opened Waldorf Astoria Berlin and the outdoor terrace of the Romanisches Café. Once the heart of bohemian and intellectual gatherings in the city, the re-created café (just a few steps away from its original location) now features a 60-seat terrace overlooking the neo-Romanesque-style Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. Although it primarily offers coffee service, a full menu of café favorites and handmade pastries, wine, liquors and aperitifs is also available.
Photos Courtesy of Hotel de Rome, nhowBerlin, Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Antonio Monsalve and Amano Hotel
