Exhilarating Heights: Top 5 High-Rise Bars

While the actual qualifications for this ranking may be open to interpretation, based on ground elevation, structure height, or even physical location, we’ve chosen five bars that rate a mention in one way or another that will most definitely give you a euphoric high.

1. Grand Hyatt, Shanghai

We’ll start right away by doubling your pleasure. The upper level floors actually have three separate bars, so you can start your night on the 53rd at the intimate Piano Bar, before making your way to the Patio Lounge located on the 56th floor, and ending on the 87th floor at the appropriately named Cloud 9, which offers a selection of celestial cocktails. While in town you might as well pay visit to the Park Hyatt, Shanghai as well with its tri-level bar and dining smorgasbord located within floors 91 through 93. The dining is a combination of Western and Asian fusion, with separate sushi bars and dessert counter. www.shanghai.park.hyatt.com, www.shanghai.grand.hyatt.com

2. The Dome, Bangkok

There’s nothing that can compare to sampling the creative cocktails served on the outdoor terrace of the Sky Bar situated on the 63rd floor offering panoramic views of the bustling city below. One floor above is Distil, an upscale lounge known for their single malt whiskies, and premium vodkas and cognacs. The Oyster Bar serves up such delicacies as Fine de Claire Oysters, Iranian Caviar and fresh sushi and sashimi. Hand-rolled authentic Cuban Cigars are available to enjoy on the adjoining open-air Cigar Terrace. DJ’s plug in to keep things bopping late into the evening. www.lebua.com

3. Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

Ozone is the newest high in the sky member overtaking both the Grand and Park Hyatt’s in Shanghai, and billing itself as the highest bar in Asia on the 118th top floor of the highest hotel in the world. The drink list is never ending, and the food selection is quite astounding as well. Sharing and sampling is definitely the way to go with oysters, sushi and sashimi, as well an array of tapas. DJ’s take over in the evening making it one of the premiere places in town to be seen. www.ritzcarlton.com

4. Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Located on the 122nd floor, At.mosphere is officially the highest vertically rising bar in the world, located in the tallest building in the world on the 122nd floor, 442 meters (1,350 ft high) above ground level. At.mosphere integrates both a lounge and grill, offering everything from fine dining to snacks and hor d’oeuvres. At night, the lit up sky provides a perfect backdrop to the world’s tallest performing water display, The Dubai Fountain. Featuring a stunning beverage display and wine collection, your night will soon disappear into the galaxy. www.burjkhalifa.ae

5. CN Tower, Toronto

Currently the tallest tower in the western hemisphere, the main deck level is located at 342 metres (1,122 ft) and has the revolving 360 Restaurant which contains the highest wine “cellar” in the world, with over 550 international wines and a storage capacity of 9,000 bottles. The 360 does a complete rotation once every 72 minutes, and allows guests access to the outdoor observation deck and the highest glass floor in the world. Daredevils can actually walk outdoors atop the 360 as part of EdgeWalk, the world’s highest full-circle, hands-free walk. www.cntower.com