Test your heights-hardiness at a glass-floored cocktail bar cantilevered hundreds of feet above the floor of Mexico’s Copper Canyon at this stunning cliffside bar designed by Tall Arquitectos. The square-shaped, minimalist concrete building juts out from the hillside high above the trees, its overhang so dramatic it’s bound to give the squeamish a little bit of a stomach flutter just looking at the photos. But if you’re brave enough to venture out to its edges, you’ll be rewarded with views of the stunning Basaseachic Falls – not to mention a drink to calm your nerves.

Two levels offer sunny or shaded views of the surrounding natural landscape, with a glass floor allowing guests to look straight down. There’s lounge space on the upper floor observation deck and cafe tables on the perimeter of the lower level so you can soak in the sights of pines, oaks, dusty plateaus and the streaks of orange-red on the canyon walls that give the area in the northwestern state of Chihuahua its name.

The design is reminiscent of the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a controversial project that extends a loop-shaped overlook 66 feet from the canyon’s edge, with a two-inch-thick glass floor. That project received some criticism for potential ecological impact and insensitivity to the sacred traditions of local Native tribes. As cool as it looks, it’s unlikely that the Copper Canyon design will ever make it past this proposal.

Another knee-shaker of a cliff-clinging building positions a modern modular home right off a cliff wall, with its roof at the same level as the plateau. Envisioned for the Australian coast, Cliff House by Modscape Concept is another pie-in-the-sky concept that’ll never see the light of day, but it’s spectacular to look at nonetheless.

Top-shelf cocktails, fine cuisine and unparalleled views of some of the most exciting cities in the world – what can beat that? These 13 sky bars represent the coolest, most chic rooftop recreation spots in Bangkok, London, Mexico City, Melbourne and of course, New York. Fire pits, live music, movies and stargazing only serve to sweeten the experience.

Sky Bar at Sirocco, Bangkok, Thailand

(images via: femtalks)

Ascend to the heights of one of Bangkok’s top luxury hotels – the second-tallest building in the city – and gaze over the glass walls of the rooftop deck at the sprawling metropolis below. Not only does The Dome State Tower boast the visually thrilling Sky Bar, but the adjoining restaurant, Sirocco, is said to serve food that’s even more impressive than the view.

Rooftop Cinema, Melbourne, Australia

(images via: world architecture news)

This might just be the coolest movie theater in Australia. Oh, yeah, and they serve alcoholic drinks, too – what more can you ask for? Owned and operated by a team of artists, the Rooftop Cinema plays classic, current and art-house films in the open air on the top of a six-story building. Sit back and relax in a colorful striped deck chair and just try not to be distracted by the bustle of the city around you.

The Penthouse, Madrid, Spain

(images via: memadrid.com)

Take in the heart of Madrid from The Penthouse, a skybar owned by entrepreneur Rande Gerber and frequented by stars of both the celebrity and celestial variety. The bar’s open until 3AM but you’d better arrive early, because the view here is so sought-after, there’s always a long line to get in. Find it at the top of Hotel ME Madrid Reina Victoria in Plaza Santa Ana.

The Strand Hotel, New York, New York

(images via: thestrandnyc.com)

Chosen by New York Magazine as Manhattan’s coolest rooftop bar, The Top of the Strand offers a jaw-dropping view of the Empire State Building four blocks away. With visuals dreamed up by Sex and the City set designer Lydia Marks, The Strand skybar dazzles, keeping patrons warm on chilly nights with an unusual retractable glass roof.

Moon, Las Vegas, Nevada

(images via: palms.com)

A wild smashup of the Playboy Club and the Palms, Moon is one of Las Vegas’ hottest tickets.  Located on the 53rd floor of the hotel’s ‘Fantasy Tower’, the space age-themed Moon features a large central dance floor with color-changing tiles surrounded by VIP booths, all offering unparalleled views of The Strip.

Vertigo & Moon Bar, Banyon Tree Bangkok, Thailand

(images via: banyantree.com)

One of the highest al fresco bars in the Asia Pacific, the Moon Bar seems to hover like a spaceship over the chaotic streets of Bangkok. Sip cocktails and partake in canapes, or stroll over to The Vertigo restaurant adjacent to the bar and enjoy premium western cuisine like seafood and steaks. Both the Moon Bar and Vertigo are located on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Bangkok Hotel.

Gravity, Dublin, Ireland

(images via: bjaglin, savagesteve)

If you’re visiting Dublin, you’ve got to go to the Guinness Storehouse, where Guinness beer is fermented – and naturally, once you’re done taking a tour and working up an appetite for dark yeasty beverages, you’ll want to sit down and enjoy a proper pint. There’s no better place than Gravity, the seventh floor bar with a 360-degree view of the city of Dublin. The glass panels of the walls are printed with James Joyce quotes that relate to landmarks in the distance.

KU DÉ TA at Sands Skypark, Singapore

(images via: marinabaysands.com, senatus)

Ever since they pulled off an impressive feat of architecture by topping three 55-story towers with a ‘sky deck’, Marina Bay Sands has become one of Singapore’s ultimate destinations. Just wandering around the SkyPark could keep you busy all day, and when you’re ready to relax, you can take a seat at KU DÉ TA, a rooftop oasis with the SkyPark’s signature views and one of the world’s most stunning infinity pools.

Rooftop Bar, Standard Hotel, Los Angeles

(images via: bestclubsin.com)

Not only can you catch a stunning view of downtown Los Angeles from atop the Standard Hotel, you can catch a flick projected onto a neighboring skyscraper. The Standard features a dance floor, a pool with curving white lounge chairs and a patio with red waterbed ‘pods’ where you can relax and gaze out at the city.

Luna Bar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

(images via: ariaski, shayan)

If you want to take in Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur – with a drink in hand – look no further than the Luna Bar. On the 34th floor of the Pacific Regency Hotel, beside the KL Tower, the Luna Bar has both upper and lower deck seating areas offering a 360-degree view as well as a tempting swimming pool.

Top of the Gherkin, London, England

(images via: searcys.co.uk)

It may be small but the top floor bar at London’s 30 St. Mary Axe, affectionately known as The Gherkin, is an unforgettable experience. Gaze out the geometric windows at the highest bar in London and get a panoramic view of the city, from a vantage point nearly 600 feet above the ground. Not just anyone can waltz in and have a drink here, however; it’s a very exclusive private lounge and dining club.

Aer at the Four Seasons, Mumbai, India

(images via: fourseasons.com)

Mumbai’s highest rooftop bar is perched atop the chic Four Seasons Hotel, covering the entire roof of the 34th floor. Aer features modern white furniture and a glass balcony wall that might just give you a little bit of vertigo if you approach it too quickly.

Condesa DF Rooftop Bar, Mexico City, Mexico

(images via: mr and mrs smith)

The serenity of this rooftop bar, surrounded by lots of greenery, will almost make you forget you’re in one of the busiest cities in the world. The rooftop spa bar at the Condesa DF, a small boutique hotel in Mexico City, features a triangular space of dark wooden decking where sushi is served. Expect lots of charm and character: the wedge-shaped building itself is an architectural landmark from 1928 and it’s located in a very boho-chic neighborhood.