Whether you’re a sunset seeker, a fan of fruity mojitos, or just someone who appreciates a well-mixed drink with a side of ocean breeze, Colombo’s sky-high watering holes deliver the perfect escape. Its rooftop bar scene is where tropical vibes meet panoramic views, and every sip feels like a staycation. So, who loves a tropical rooftop bar? If you’re nodding already, you’re in the right place. Here are the best rooftop bars in Colombo that add a dash of sightseeing to the clink of cocktail glasses.
Sky Lounge
Location: The Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo 01
Vibe: Sophisticated, ocean views, trendy
Perched atop The Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo’s Fort district, Sky Lounge offers an elevated experience that seamlessly blends sophistication with breathtaking vistas. This chic rooftop bar provides panoramic views of the city’s skyline, Galle Face Green, Indian Ocean and Port City. Award-winning mixologists serve a curated selection of classic and innovative cocktails. Highlights include the “El Mango Picante,” a spicy mango-infused tequila drink, and the “Colombo Ocean Mist,” a refreshing blend of vodka, limoncello, and blue curaçao. For those preferring non-alcoholic options, the lounge offers a variety of mocktails like the “Strawberry Basil Crush.” The impressive tapas menus and live music invite you to a multi-sensory nightlife experience.
Sky Yard
Location: Hotel MaRadha, Colombo 03
Vibe: Ocean views, atmospheric, gourmet cuisine
Feel the retro vibe of 80s blues playing in the background as you sip cocktails and tuck into signature local bites. The open-air rooftop bar and lounge provide panoramic vistas of the Indian Ocean and the city skyline, making it a prime spot for sunset enthusiasts and night owls alike. The rooftop also features a luxurious infinity pool. A formidable selection of cocktails, top-shelf liquor and local Arrack keep things lively well into the night. The menu at Sky Yard is a fusion of local flavours and international cuisine. Notable dishes include the Vedda-style Pork Strip Baduma and the Jaffna-style mutton curry, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich culinary heritage. Seafood lovers can indulge in the Mixed Grilled Seafood Platter, offering a taste of the ocean’s bounty.
Cloud Red
Location: Cinnamon Red, Colombo 07
Vibe: Casual luxury, great for ocean sunset views
Perched on the 26th floor of Cinnamon Red Colombo, Cloud Red is famous for its jaw-dropping city and ocean views. The minimalist decor lets the scenery shine, and the bar serves an excellent mix of cocktails and finger food. The centrepiece is the infinity-edge pool that seamlessly blends into the skyline. Arrive before sunset to catch the best of the golden hour. The breezy outdoor terrace also offers a nice selection of mocktails, wine, and pitchers to share. Try the tropical-inspired mixes like a passionfruit mojito or a tamarind margarita alongside classics such as a Negroni or Aperol Spritz. The bartenders here are known for their flair and willingness to customize drinks to suit your tastes. A tapas menu, which includes seafood, meat, and vegetarian options, complements the drinks.
ON14 Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Location: OZO Colombo, Marine Drive
Vibe: Oceanfront, youthful, high-energy nightlife
ON14 offers front-row seats to the Indian Ocean, with a lively atmosphere and a regular themed night. Perched on top of Radisson Hotel Colombo, the space is casual yet trendy, often hosting local DJs and happy hour events. The multi-level terrace and indoor and outdoor lounges serve vistas with food and drink. It’s ideal for those who love a beachy, upbeat vibe with city skyline views. Afternoon drinks, happy hour sunset cocktails and late-night dinners have that extra flair and kick at ON14.
Vistas Bar and Lounge
Location: Mövenpick Hotel, Colombo 03
Vibe: Stylish, upscale, romantic with a hint of tropical glamour
It is one of Colombo’s most exclusive rooftop venues, perched 24 floors above the Mövenpick Hotel. Offering an uninterrupted 360-degree panorama, this elevated gem allows you to soak in stunning views of Colombo’s urban skyline, the shimmering Indian Ocean, and iconic landmarks like the Lotus Tower and Galle Face Green – all from a single vantage point. The ambience at Vistas is a seamless blend of elegance and modern tropical charm.
The rooftop, designed with sleek furnishings, ambient lighting, and subtle music, creates a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. One of its most captivating features is the rooftop infinity pool, which reflects the city lights at night and offers a surreal visual experience during sunset. From classics like martinis and mojitos to inventive house signatures with local ingredients, the bar scene gets creative.
If you’re in the mood for something bespoke, the bartenders will whip up a custom cocktail based on your taste preferences. The bar also serves a refined selection of bar bites and tapas, with flavours that complement the tropical vibe and upscale setting. Expect fusion-style small plates with influences from Sri Lankan, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines. Catch live music and entertainment on select nights.
Ward 7
Location: Jetwing Colombo Seven, Colombo 07
Vibe: Sophisticated, scenic, day & night
Perched atop the Jetwing Colombo Seven hotel in the upscale Cinnamon Gardens neighbourhood, Ward 7 is a sophisticated rooftop restobar that offers a seamless blend of contemporary elegance and tropical charm. As one of Colombo’s highest rooftop venues, it provides panoramic views of the city’s skyline, the lush Viharamahadevi Park, and the distant Indian Ocean horizon. The design emphasizes openness and light, featuring expansive windows and an illuminated infinity pool that reflects the city’s twinkling lights. The ambience is relaxed and sophisticated, making it an ideal spot for daytime relaxation and evening cocktails.
A curated selection of international and local flavours is in the offing. Signature dishes include the pan-seared red Mullet Fish served with garlic heirloom rice and green pepper sauce and the garlic-crusted fried Seer Fish accompanied by cassava fries and kochchi dipping sauce. For those seeking lighter fare, the Ward 7 Bites offer a variety of devilled meats and seafood, each infused with aromatic Sri Lankan spices.
Complementing the food is an extensive beverage menu featuring classic cocktails, innovative concoctions, and a selection of wines. The bartenders are known for their craftsmanship, ensuring each drink enhances the dining experience. Evenings often feature live music performances or curated DJ sets, adding a vibrant energy to the rooftop.
Sip on Scenery and Relaxation in Style with Blue Lanka Tours
So, who loves a tropical rooftop bar? Anyone who appreciates cityscape views, creative cocktails, and the feeling of being on top of the world – literally and figuratively. Colombo’s rooftop scene is a vibrant blend of island charm and urban sophistication, and there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re sipping a coconut daiquiri with friends or watching the skyline twinkle after dark, Colombo’s rooftop bars offer a slice of tropical paradise high above the city streets.
Explore fancy, quirky, chic and rustic spots to drink and dine with Blue Lanka Tours. Our responsibly curated itineraries offer you the chance to experience authentic encounters and unique adventures in Colombo and beyond. How would you like to discover Colombo’s swanky hideaways and cityscape scenery? Get in touch with our creative holiday team.