Las Vegas Rooftop Bars That Take Your Night Out to New Heights

 ^{One of the best views of Las Vegas is from Ghostbar on the 55th floor of Palms. (Photo: courtesy of Palms)} 

LAS VEGAS -- It's patio and terrace season in Las Vegas. It's a great time to eat, drink, and be merry outdoors any time of day.

Nighttime is the right time for a rooftop bar and lounge as summer temperatures continue to rise. The fresh air, cool cocktails, and great views from high above Las Vegas can make for a spectacular night out.

What makes for a good rooftop lounge? It starts with a great view of Las Vegas from a high floor, whether that's near the airport looking north or downtown looking south toward the Strip.

Next is a terrace with a clear view of the action. Indoor spaces have glass that not only obstructs the view but also keeps out fresh air. Glass can also create reflections when taking video and photos for social media.

For the pedantic folks, not all rooftop bars are literally on the roof. They're often the highest floor guests have access to in a Las Vegas casino. If it makes you feel better, think of these as 'High-Elevation Lounges.'

Here's a look at some of the best rooftop views on and off the Strip.

Best Rooftop Bars on the Vegas Strip

Rooftop lounges can be found from one end of the Strip to the other. The northernmost option, Alle on 66 at Resorts World, doesn't have much room for guests on its terrace. It's more of a place to catch a breath of fresh air with an unobstructed view of the Strip for photos and videos.

Ole Red outside Horseshoe and BrewDog across the street from Park MGM both have outdoor dining for those who want a meal with a view. Between free live music and great views from the terrace, Ole Red is almost always busy. 

Skyfall Lounge at W Las Vegas (formerly Delano) and Vinyl Room (formerly Foundation Room) at Mandalay Bay offer different but great views from their terraces within the same casino footprint. Airplane enthusiasts will enjoy Vinyl Room for a view of incoming and outgoing flights.

Best Rooftop Views of the Bellagio Fountains

Few visitors to Las Vegas can resist a view of the Bellagio fountains. Not everyone, however, has the budget for one of the restaurants with lakefront patios. 

Have no fear, there are a few options to relax outside with a view of the body of water that mimics Lake Como in Italy.

Beer Park at Paris Las Vegas sits two stories above the Strip with a view of the Bellagio fountains. It's more of a bar with food and games than a formal restaurant. The one downside: trees may block part of the view.

Cheri Rooftop at Paris also offers great views of the Bellagio fountains in a more upscale lounge-and-restaurant setting.

Ole Red, outside the Horseshoe, also makes this list, with an even better view of the fountains.

Best Rooftop Lounges Near the Vegas Strip

Some of the best views of Las Vegas come from rooftop lounges at casinos just a few minutes from the Strip. Ghost Bar at Palms and Voodoo Lounge at Rio, both west of the Strip, have long been go-to destinations for a great view of the city. On a clear night, you can even spot Circa in the distance downtown.

The Deck at Ellis Island, east of the Strip, is the newest rooftop lounge in Las Vegas. While it doesn't reach the heights of those on the other side of the Strip, its proximity offers a perspective unlike anywhere else in town.

Best Rooftop Lounge Downtown

Downtown Las Vegas doesn’t have as many tall buildings as the Strip. There’s one casino that stands above the rest - literally.

Circa is the tallest casino downtown, and the Legacy Club on the 60th floor has the best views south towards the Vegas Strip. The deck is so large that you can see where the locals live in all directions. 

There’s ample seating for large and small groups and a fire pit for the cooler months. 

DIY Rooftop Lounge on the Vegas Strip

Two hotels offer terrace views of the Strip for guests. These are great for guests who want to make their “lounge.”

The Cosmopolitan has terrace suites looking south toward MGM Grand, north toward the Bellagio fountains and east toward the Eiffel Tower. The smaller terraces comfortably accommodate four people; the wraparound corner suites can handle more than double that.

The Versailles Tower at Paris Las Vegas has smaller balconies overlooking the Strip and Bellagio fountains. There's no furniture and room for only a couple of people, but the view is gorgeous. 

Both are good options for a great party that the guests control. Visit the nearby CVS for drinks and snacks to keep the budget low.