Congratulations on making it to the end of a dry January, and even more congratulations if you carry your commitment into February. For our part, The Independent’s travel team relishes the idea of sampling some of the world’s best beers, pubs, cocktails and local spirits while traveling. But where to go first—maybe a sunset bar, or a city rooftop? Of all the gin taverns in all towns and cities around the world, we recommend these establishments’ much-needed drinks:
My favorite city for cocktails is New York, but since the prices are high (be sure to factor in the tip per glass!) I offer you both high and low key options. For a funky nightcap, head to Bemelmans Bar at the 93-year-old Carlyle Hotel on the Upper East Side. There’s a pianist playing ivory, quirky illustrations of its namesake artist on the walls, and that old fashioned cocktail service where they give you a mini cocktail shaker and top up next to your glass amount (order a Manhattan for the full experience). Lucy Thackeray
For cheaper NYC beers or colorful tiki cocktails, Midtown’s Trailer Park Lounge is great fun. Its walls are covered in vintage advertisements and signposts, Elvis memorabilia and plastic palm trees. American fun. LT
In Prague, the next chance for a drink is rarely more than 10 metres, which I love. But the terrace at the U Prince hotel overlooking the Old Town has to be top of the list: good pilsner, better views. A 400ml glass of Staropramen costs 99 crowns (£3.70). Sunset is now around 5pm and will last until 5:42pm at the end of February. Simon Calder
(simple garden)
Ruin bars in Budapest are more of a bucket list item than just a drink. Old building shells converted into pop-up bars, adorned with fairy lights, signposts and knick-knacks, are loud and a great place to chat with locals. You’ll find them in the Jewish quarter of the Hungarian capital: my recommendation is Szimpla Kert, a huge rambling watering hole with a lively crowd. LT
Portugal has 1,000 great waterside places to soothe yourself with alcohol – bars on the Douro River in Porto, bars on the Tagus River in Lisbon, and dotted around the Atlantic coast. But last year I discovered a more atmospheric place: the rooftop bar of Casa do Turismo in Setubal, a charming port an hour south of the capital by train. Please, mine is a chilled white port. SC
everyone is looking for lost in translation A hotel bar in Tokyo (at the Park Hyatt); while it’s famous on the big screen, it’s echoed, not the prettiest, and overall a bit bland. Prettier, smaller and more atmospheric is the bar at the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, a sleek little cube where you can enjoy stunning skyline views and the sound of water flowing inside. LT
Also check out the small whiskey cocktail specialty shops in Tokyo: my favorite is Bar High Five, located in an unassuming office building in Ginza. You’ll need to ask your host or hotel for specific directions, but it’s worth a shot. LT
Most visitors to Brussels are content to have a beer around the gabled town hall on the Grand Place. However, just a 5-minute walk south is the exquisite triangular Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés – and Le Coming Soon. The name is in celebration of the movie, and the interior is decorated with the image of the celluloid hero. Or grab a table outside the square, order a local beer and create your own drama. SC
Curiously, there is a dearth of places along the Bosphorus in Istanbul from which to look across Asia. The new GalataPort complex solves this problem, with bars dotted with shops selling luxury items. The upper deck of Cafe Populist is a great place for a drink northwhen you gaze at Asia across the water, dilute with water to a milky white. SC
In Singapore, start or end the night 39 floors above Mr Stork Street on the top floor of Andaz Hotel. The city-state glistens beneath your feet. Deepen your appreciation with a cocktail (S$27/£17). Get there as soon as possible on a moonlit night (before February 17) and you can order one of the Lunar New Year specials: the Lucky Plum, a salty plum gin and Campari mixed with pomegranate and grilled pineapple soda. SC
