The Best Rooftop Bars In Sydney
Complete with sunshine, skyline views and ice-cold cocktails on repeat, Sydney knows how to do rooftop bars.
Warm weather has arrived, and the sun is still shining when the workday ends. So, it’s the perfect time to round up the city’s best spots.
Harbour view perches make Sydney’s ferries look like toys. Laid back beer gardens sit up in the sky. We’ve got the whole map covered, from the Eastern Suburbs to the Inner West, the CBD to the Northern Beaches.
There are dozens of rooftop watering holes to add to your spring and summer bucket list, whether it’s for a sun-soaked happy hour drink or a sneaky lunchtime bevvy (we won’t tell your boss!). Here is our ultimate guide to Sydney’s rooftop bars, with more than 20 venues to tick off. How many can you manage this season.
Martinez Brings Riviera Dining to Circular Quay Inspired by the relaxed charm of the French Riviera, Martinez is an all-day dining destination where long lunches effortlessly roll into sunset drinks. Set within Quay Quarter Tower, the restaurant pairs harbour-side elegance with a menu of oysters, fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas and generous share plates. Whether you're…
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A Sydney Rooftop Favourite With The Views To Match The Glenmore is a local favourite and Sydney icon for good reason. Perched in the heart of The Rocks, its rooftop delivers those famous harbour views alongside classic pub food, cold beers and a relaxed atmosphere that works just as well for a casual afternoon…
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After the opening of Menzies Bar & Bistro, Shell House welcomes three new spaces within the historical CBD building. Last month Sydney welcomed Menzies Bar & Bistro to the ground floor of Shell House. After months of interior renovations, the Sydney-based hospitality collective, The Point Group, is ready to open more drinking and dining experiences…
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The State Library of NSW is about to get a little more interesting. Library Bar sits on its roof, reached by a hidden lift past the reading rooms. Split across an open air deck, a courtyard and an indoor space, it pours state made spirits and wine, with a harbour view worth the secrecy.
The Rooftop at Jacksons on George brings sleek, international glamour to the CBD skyline. Open daily from midday, expect sweeping city views, cocktails and elevated pub classics with a European twist, resident DJs Thursday to Saturday, and a generous 4–6pm happy hour worth lingering for.
CIRQ is one of Sydney's top rooftop destinations, combining luxury with sweeping harbour views from the 26th floor of Crown Sydney. This award-winning bar pairs bespoke cocktails infused with native botanicals with a curated wine list and fresh tapas-style menu against a lush skyline backdrop.
Old Mate's Place occupies prized real estate in the heart of the city, with a light, breezy space decked out in vibrant plants and bookshelves for solo downtime. Drinks span vodka to beer, while the menu surprises with standout Philly cheesesteaks.
Cabana Bar brings resort-style energy to the CBD. Perched at 25 Martin Place, it delivers sweeping city views, premium cocktails (the Piña Coladas are a must) and vacay vibes that make you forget the 9–5, all on Sydney's largest outdoor terrace.
Henry Deane feels like a gift to Sydney, perched atop Hotel Palisade across two stunning floors. This modern cocktail lounge offers uninterrupted harbour views in every direction, paired with a share-style menu by Head Chef Cian Mulholland that's just as memorable as the setting.
Untied Rooftop brings a burst of colour and energy to Barangaroo, a lush urban escape high above the city. Bright décor, greenery and sweeping harbour views balance laid-back vibes with elegance, while tropical cocktails, share plates and plant-based options suit long afternoons and sunset sessions.
The Light Brigade is a historic Art Deco pub in Woollahra, welcoming locals for more than 140 years. Spread across four levels, it caters to every mood, with drinks at the Bar, dining at the Bistro, cocktails in the Lounge, and views from the Rooftop.
Zephyr on Level 12 of the Hyatt Regency Sydney delivers a luxury sky bar experience with panoramic views over Darling Harbour. Signature cocktails, an extensive spirit list and nautical-inspired décor come together to make this award-winning rooftop a favourite for sunset drinks and skyline views.
East Village is a beloved Darlinghurst local, and also one of the prettiest spots in the city to spend an afternoon. Its welcoming rooftop offers city views and plenty of charm, the kind of place where casual drinks with friends feel a little more special.
Nestled in the heart of Surry Hills, the newly revamped White Horse on Crown Street boasts a stunning rooftop with a laid-back, stylish atmosphere and city skyline views, perfect for craft cocktails, a crisp local beer, or elevated pub classics from the refreshed share-plate menu.
This local pub in the heart of Darlinghurst is self-described as driven by a love of three things: taps, tunes and Chinese food. Head upstairs to the rooftop, relax under the umbrellas, and order beers, cocktails and dumplings as the afternoon rolls by.
Merivale clearly has the rooftop bar scene down pat, and Coogee Pavilion proves it works in the suburbs too. A favourite Eastern Suburbs hangout, it sits on Coogee Beach, where open skies, ocean views, lush greenery and modern bars make it a must-go.
Venture to the idyllic Northern Beaches to find the Ivanhoe Hotel, an oasis in the heart of Manly's Corso. Popular with locals for its multiple levels, the rooftop balcony suits drinks after a summer swim, a casual bite, or a catch-up with friends.
The New Brighton Hotel is a lesser-known but popular beachside Manly pub, with an intimate rooftop bar that's the cherry on top of its dining, drinking and dancing. Perch here to look down onto the lively Manly Corso for people-watching, or gaze at the ocean.
Among Sydney rooftop bars, Bristol Arms has one of the most relaxed, homely vibes in the CBD's concrete jungle. White picket fencing, timber panelling and casual décor bring a friendly touch to the skyline, and the space can be booked for functions too.
The Royal Hotel Paddington is more than a pub, it's an Eastern Suburbs institution. Since 1888, it's served locals cold drinks, elevated pub classics and some of the best rooftop views in Sydney, from the buzzing sports bar to the refined Veranda Bar and Balcony.
Taking over level four at the ivy precinct, Jimmy's Rooftop is serving up cocktails by James Irvine alongside the mouthwatering charcoal grilled goodies served downstairs at Jimmy's Falafel.
Perched atop Hyde Park House in Darlinghurst, with the park spread out below and the CBD skyline behind it, Slims Rooftop lets you watch the sun set behind the CBD and Hyde Park. Weekdays are calmer, best with a cocktail and a variety of share plates while the skies glow over the city.
