Sometimes it’s nice to get off the street level and head higher up for some good times. And no, we’re not talking about anything silly like rock climbing or skydiving — this is about having sensible, risk-free good times by going to a rooftop bar or restaurant.

With a downtown skyline shaped by its tall buildings, Los Angeles has several options when it comes to hanging out above the streets and closer to the clouds. So here are five recommendations in the heart of the city.

Broken Shaker

When you arrive at the ground floor entrance to this rooftop bar, you’ll see a door and a sign that reads “Broken Shaker.” Don’t go in that door. Instead, walk next door to the entrance of the Freehand Hotel and make a quick left to the elevator. Hit the “R” button and the doors will open to a cool, hip patio adorned with pink umbrellas over wooden tables near a wooden bar.

It’s small and cozy with a really chill atmosphere. There’s a pool that’s free to use if you’re a hotel guest, $65 if you’re not. Broken Shaker is on the 14th floor, so you get great views of downtown, but it’s also near tall buildings so you still feel like you’re in the city and not floating above it. Notable drinks include Up on the Roof, made with Casa mezcal, Chambord, watermelon and lime.

416 W. Eighth St., Los Angeles. 213-612-0021, freehandhotels.com/los-angeles/broken-shaker

Cabra

This 11th floor bar and restaurant at The Hoxton Hotel hits all the points you want in a rooftop spot. It’s got the views of downtown, a cool vibe, DJ music playing and so on. But what matters the most here is the food, because it comes from “Top Chef” winner Stephanie Izard.

Her travels through Peru inspired a menu that includes dishes like bass and salmon ceviches, which are the most popular on the menu. Hot entrees include chicken and chorizo skewers, a wood-fired skirt steak and a crisp pork shank with an aji mayo sauce. Pair any of that with the Chica Verde, a cocktail made with what the restaurant calls the avo leche that’s used in the ceviche, mixed with a Peruvian agave spirit.

1060 S. Broadway, Los Angeles. 213-725-5858, cabralosangeles.com

Cara Cara

Located on the 16th floor rooftop of the Proper Hotel, Cara Cara is a bustling and lively bar and restaurant. The open air patio is packed with tables, so expect to hear a lot of conversations going on, but there are also more tranquil areas like a fire pit and a small pool with lounge chairs. This spot offers some great views of the Broadway corridor, plus a full menu that includes dishes like Dungeness crab pasta and hanger steaks, cocktails and a seriously good selection of whiskeys.

While it’s not a wild party spot, there are DJs spinning tunes on select nights.

1100 S. Broadway, Los Angeles. 213-806-1023, properhotel.com

Perch LA

This French-inspired bistro and bar is one of the oldest rooftop spots in the city and remains very popular. It’s nicely decorated with trees and other greenery covered in lights, and it sports cool tile floors plus fireplaces, fire pits, lounge seating along the edge for even better views and table seating.

On weekdays you’ll see a lot of after-work crowds, with live music and DJs spinning often. There’s more of a party vibe here, and later in the night lines can get pretty long on the weekends. If you’re hungry try classic dishes like the French onion soup or the bouillabaisse.

448 S. Hill St., Los Angeles. 213-802-1770, perchla.com

Spire 73

Located on the roof of a 1,100-foot downtown skyscraper as part of the Intercontinental Hotel, Spire 73 bills itself as the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere, but it feels more like you’re in the exosphere when you look down at the city from this insanely high, 73rd floor lounge.

So if you’re afraid of heights it may get a little scary, but if you’re not you’ll be able to see all the way to the ocean, as well as to Century City, Hollywood and most of Los Angeles, and you may even spot some aliens chilling in outer space.

The vibe is relaxed, with a mix of tourists and locals. Great cocktails include the Eclipse Martini and the vodka-infused and fruit-forward Cloud Nine. The menu includes entrees like filet mignon and the Spire Burger. Since it’s so high it gets pretty windy, but you can ask for a blanket to keep warm.

900 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. ihg.com/intercontinental