Vying for the best seats here is tantamount to a sport. But it's easy to see why the competition is so stiff – the views over Circular Quay are worth a million bucks.

To find this open-air oasis above the State Library's historic Mitchell Building, make your way through a grungy corridor and up a goods lift. You'll be met by a handsome bar serving cocktails and sublime views of the Domain and Sydney Harbour.

This upmarket three-storey pub comes complete with its own rooftop oasis. It's a strong addition to Darlinghurst's stable of excellent outdoor drinking spots.

Merivale's beachside mega-pub is a lavish feast for the senses. But there's no denying the simple beauty of a warm Coogee sunset – best enjoyed from the Pavilion's eccentric rooftop.

The moody ground floor at this Darlinghurst boozer has long been a craft beer destination. But upstairs on the compact rooftop is where you can sip beers and snack on legit Cantonese fare in the sunshine.

This stylish cocktail bar above Barangaroo House doesn't skimp on substance. The drinks push the envelope, the service is sharp and, as the name suggests, the elegant snacks are kissed by the grill.

The overhaul of this once notorious late-night dive was a long time coming. And the chic public bar, elegant European bistro and sunny rooftop were all worth the wait. The best part? You’ll actually want to be there during daylight hours, too.

Ascend to this Barangaroo rooftop bar for share-ready small plates, Darling Harbour sunsets and candy-garnished frosé cocktails.

This 26th-floor stunner from the team behind legendary cocktail bar Eau de Vie is a bold tribute to the roaring ’20s. Come for the caviar and champagne towers, stay for the knee-dropping views across Western Sydney from the open-air terrace.

Slim's Rooftop is the pretty pink icing to Hyde Park House's extravagant layer cake. Head up to the fourth level for classic cocktails, a menu pushing Asian-Mexican fusion, and quality views over East Sydney.

Established in 1925, The Lansdowne Hotel is one of the city's most iconic live music venues. Everyone from Billy Eilish to You Am I has graced its hallowed stages, and the Mexican-inspired rooftop is where you want to be at sunset.

This Surry Hills boozer spans four levels, but we'd pick the neat rooftop as the best place to pull up with a cold one. Those skyline views are hard to beat.

From the team behind Salt Meats Cheese; a rooftop bar serving sunset-ready spritzes, antipasto and views out to Sydney Harbour.

A huge retractable roof makes Taylor's a prime all-weather perch. Neatly situated between the city centre and Circular Quay.

Find the discreet ground-level entrance, then climb four levels of steep, narrow stairs to reach this hidden rooftop. It’s completely worth it – you'll be rewarded with a killer cocktail bar set against a backdrop of towering CBD highrises.

The crown jewel of Kimpton Margot is Harper, an open-air rooftop bar with a pastel pink mosaic bar, yellow booths and a pool open exclusively to hotel guests. Ascend to level seven for lobster rolls and prawn cocktails by top chef Luke Mangan.

It's not open to the elements, but the harbour views at this chic cocktail bar above Hotel Palisade are too spectacular to leave off.

Phil's Rooftop Bar is a little Eastern suburbs gem. It's a leafy escape from the thrum of the pub downstairs. Open from Wednesday to Sunday.

The Californian energy at this cacti-studded rooftop is summertime gold. Open Wednesday to Sunday, it’s got you covered with zingy cocktails and pub classics with a twist.

While the kitchen is certainly the main draw, the outdoor terrace at this sprawling Middle Eastern eatery has a following all its own. Pull up a bench for the daily happy hour from 4pm.

Philter’s public bar downstairs resembles a classic wood-panelled pub and serves pizza, burgers and wings. But upstairs at Marrickville Springs – the brewery's pink-and-neon rooftop bar – it’s all about retro snacks, beer slushies and cocktails.