They say the best things in life are free – but free is not always easy to find, so we challenged ourselves to uncover the BEST free rooftop views in nine top European destinations.
World-class cities like Rome, Paris, Barcelona and Vienna can start to weigh on the wallet, so put the credit card away and seek out these free viewpoints and rooftop terraces. Here you can soak up sensational skyline views and breathtaking cityscapes while enjoying a romantic sunset picnic, or snap a quick picture and keep exploring.
Join us as we uncover the hidden gems that allow you to admire these remarkable cities from a whole new perspective – high above the rooftops!
Best rooftop views in Paris: Printemps Haussmann Rooftop Terrace
Soak up magnificent views of the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and the Opera Garnier from the Printemps department store’s rooftop terrace. Situated on the 7th floor of the building at 64 Boulevard Haussmann, this stunning viewpoint provides a magnificent view of the Parisian skyline. So why is access to this rooftop typically free? Terrasse du 7ème Ciel opens up off a luxury vintage store. While it’s free to access the viewpoint, it’s also a cafe and restaurant, so you might like to pause for a coffee or toast champagne to the best rooftop views in Paris.
EXPERIENCE IT: Paris Explorer
Best views in Rome: Giardino degli Aranci
Located on Aventine Hill, this scenic garden – also known as the Orange Garden – provides a captivating panorama of the Eternal City’s most renowned landmarks. You’ll stroll through fragrant orange groves while soaking up breathtaking rooftop views of the majestic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica rising above the Vatican City, the meandering Tiber River, and the historic center.
EXPERIENCE IT: Rome and Tuscan Highlights
Best views in Barcelona: Bunkers del Carmel
Bunkers del Carmel, perched on a former military fortification, provides views of Barcelona that will leave you spellbound. Located atop Carmel Hill, this hidden gem reveals a panoramic vista encompassing the city and the Mediterranean Sea. From this elevated vantage point, you’ll admire the iconic Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s architectural masterpiece, as well as other landmarks like Park Güell and the bustling streets of the Eixample district. It’s the perfect place to pause for sunset in the Catalan capital.
EXPERIENCE IT: Great Iberian Cities
Best views in Lisbon: Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
For the best of Lisbon’s skyline, venture straight to the highest hill where the small Miradouro da Senhora do Monte viewpoint and park is the ultimate vantage point. From here you can marvel at the red-tiled rooftops, winding alleyways, and famous São Jorge Castle. There’s often someone playing guitar and a small drinks cart nearby so bring something to sit on and watch as day turns to dusk as the setting sun casts a warm glow over the city.
EXPERIENCE IT: Best of Portugal
Best rooftop views in Athens: Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center includes the Greek National Library, the Hellenic State Opera, and a 50-acre park – but the real charm is the fantastic views. Venture into the so-called “Lighthouse Terrace”, an all-glass reading room within the National Library. It’s the highest point on the 32-meter-high man-made hill, and from here you can enjoy views of the Acropolis, the sea and Athens. The observation deck also houses a café if you’re feeling hungry or want to linger longer.
EXPERIENCE IT: Best of Greece
Best rooftop views in Amsterdam: NEMO Science Museum Rooftop
When the architect Renzo Piano designed the roof of NEMO he wanted to create a real piazza atmosphere. Perched atop the iconic green ship-like building of the museum, this rooftop terrace presents a mesmerizing view of Amsterdam’s charming canals and distinctive architecture. Up here you’re welcome to relax, eat fresh sandwiches, drinks and hot snacks, take in the views, and watch people, bikes and boats below.
EXPERIENCE IT: Majestic Europe
Best rooftop views in Vienna: The Rooftop of 25Hours Hotel
Situated atop the trendy 25Hours Hotel, the rooftop terrace bar Der Dachboden provides an unparalleled view of Vienna’s skyline. The iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its intricate Gothic architecture dominates the vista. You’ll also witness the Vienna State Opera, lush greenery of city parks, and the Danube River. While it’s free to go up, you’ll likely be tempted to stay a while, enjoy the view, cool music, and a refreshing cocktail as day turns to night.
EXPERIENCE IT: Best of Germany and Austria
Best views in Prague: Letná Park
From the expansive parkland of Letná Hill you can enjoy a sweeping vista of Prague’s iconic landmarks and picturesque scenery. Soak in the historic Old Town, with its red rooftops and cobblestone streets, majestic Vltava River, and the iconic Charles Bridge. Letná Park is the perfect spot to witness stunning sunsets over Prague Castle and the city’s silhouetted skyline. Bring snacks and something to sit on and let the day fade away.
EXPERIENCE IT: Imperial Europe
Best views in Budapest: Fisherman’s Bastion
While the upper terrace may have a fee, the lower terraces of Fisherman’s Bastion still provide brilliant – and free – views of Budapest, including the Parliament and the Danube River. If you’re visiting Budapest, there’s no doubt you’ll visit this fairy-tale-like structure on Castle Hill. Use the neo-Gothic turrets and white stone parapets of Fisherman’s Bastion to frame the cityscape in your photos. Then relax and enjoy these unforgettable views of the beautiful city.
Those are the best rooftop views in some of our favorite European cities. Have we missed a gem? Leave us a comment…