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.

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.

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.

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.

Head to The International rooftop in Martin Place for yakitori skewers, al fresco cocktails and live DJs until late.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Marrickville Springs is Philter brewery's Cali-inspired rooftop bar. Up here, it’s all about retro snacks, beer slushies and tropical cocktails.

A breezy, colourful pub on the water serving fish and chips and frosty brews.

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.