Where to put the "high" in "highball"

tauringhuang.

17:24 GMT +00:00

Where to put the "high" in "highball"
Posted by: Economist.com | LONDON
Categories: Bars
THE extraordinary success of the London Eye, London’s 135-metre Ferris wheel, has spurred several imitations. The Singapore Flyer and the Star of Nanchang (in China) are both newer and higher, but even these will soon by overshadowed by bigger wheels, such as those under construction in Beijing, Berlin and Dubai. But while these behemoths are all well and good for tourists, who can’t get enough of getting high, time-pressed business travellers must think more creatively if they want to enjoy some decent urban views.

You can, of course, sleep on high. Visitors to Shanghai, for example, could stay up in the stratosphere at the Grand Hyatt, which is situated on the 53rd to 87th floors of the Jin Mao Tower. Or you can work out on high: book into the Flatotel in New York, and you can pump iron while gazing at the city from the 46th-floor gym.

The simplest option, though, is to eat and drink on high. Head to a roof-top bar or restaurant, take in a cocktail with your view, and remind yourself that there is more to the city than your hotel and conference room. Sunday’s Observer had recommendations for 30 of Europe’s best rooftop bars, including spots in Rome, Madrid and Moscow. We're particular fans of 360 in Istanbul. One suggestion we would add to the list is Vertigo 42 (pictured), a splendid wallet-buster of a bar in London. It's not strictly "rooftop", but 42 floors up is not to be sniffed at.