The Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney
The vibes are always high at Sydney’s best rooftop bars. Whether you like them surrounded by twinkling skyscrapers or looking out over the harbour, there’s a banger on this list for you. Make sure you come hungry – a lot of these places have menus worth exploring.
Bar
The Aster
Thirty-two floors above Sydney CBD, The Intercontinental Sydney’s rooftop has 270-degree views of the Harbour and the Royal Botanic Gardens. While Australian flavours and local produce inform the menu, the bar is a nod to the great hotel bars found around the world.
Bar
Joji
Aalia’s Paul Faraag turns his attention to Japanese flavours at this glowing rooftop. Whether you treat it like a bar or a restaurant, you’re in for raw and robata-grilled dishes, plus cocktails by an alum of a top London bar.
Bar
The Glenmore Hotel
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.
Bar
The Library Bar
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.
Restaurant
Martinez
Martinez is about as close to the French Riviera as you’ll get without leaving Sydney. This handsome rooftop combines a breezy outdoor terrace with harbour views and a dining room serving up dishes from south-east France.
Bar
Panorama Bar
Head to The International rooftop in Martin Place for yakitori skewers, al fresco cocktails and live DJs until late.
Bar
Darlo Bar
Arrive early – Darlo Bar's petite rooftop is reliably packed on weekends. Grab a cocktail jug and settle in beneath the festoon lights.
Restaurant
The Light Brigade
The new-look Light Brigade has classic pub vibes on the ground floor and a bistro upstairs. Keep heading skyward to a Miami-inspired rooftop with epic views of the city skyline.
Bar
The East Village
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.
Bar
The Taphouse
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.
Bar
Smoke Bar
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.
Bar
The Imperial Hotel
In a city full of iconic pubs, The Imperial stands tall on a pair of glittering heels. This old dame has been a magnet and a safe space for Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ and drag communities for more than 40 years.
Restaurant
Jacksons on George
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.
Bar
Untied
Ascend to this Barangaroo rooftop bar for share-ready small plates, Darling Harbour sunsets and candy-garnished frosé cocktails.
Bar
Nick and Nora’s
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.
Restaurant
Hyde Park House
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.
Bar
The Lansdowne Hotel
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.
Bar
The Keg and Brew
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.
Bar
Sweethearts Rooftop
Though it’s in the heart of Kings Cross, this colourful rooftop four levels above the Potts Point Hotel feels partway between a beach club and a Mexican diner – serving a tight list of tacos, quesadillas and frozen Margaritas.
Bar
The Royal Hotel
Rosé at the Royal – it’s a thing. An endless supply of the stuff pours on tap behind the bar, and fuels many a bottomless brunch at this swish all-weather rooftop. Cheers to those superlative harbour views.
Bar
Bar Ombre
From the team behind Salt Meats Cheese; a rooftop bar serving sunset-ready spritzes, antipasto and views out to Sydney Harbour.
Bar
Taylor's Rooftop Bar
A huge retractable roof makes Taylor's a prime all-weather perch. Neatly situated between the city centre and Circular Quay.
Bar
Old Mate's Place
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.
Accommodation
Kimpton Margot Sydney
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.
Bar
The Rook
Seven storeys above York Street, this approachable cocktail spot was among the first Sydney bars to throw down on a rooftop. Purple, Prince-themed drinks, tasty burgers and good times up here.
Bar
Henry Deane
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.
Bar
The Royal Oak Hotel
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.
Bar
Sky Bar
This luxe rooftop bar and open-air terrace is the cherry atop Shell House, combining sophisticated drinks and Mediterranean snacks with a statement-making design. Think Mad Men-era opulence combined with a 1930s Milanese speakeasy feel.
Bar
Quarrymans Hotel
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.
Restaurant
Babylon
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.
Bar
Philter Brewing
Marrickville Springs is Philter brewery's Cali-inspired rooftop bar. Up here, it’s all about retro snacks, beer slushies and tropical cocktails.
Bar
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
A breezy, colourful pub on the water serving fish and chips and frosty brews.
Bar
The White Horse
After a big revamp, the Crown Street landmark now flaunts a modern Australian restaurant and a leafy rooftop bar. Plus, a food and drink offering led by some of the best in the game.
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