The Best Rooftop Bars in Melbourne for Sundowners

When the summer heat hits Melbourne, there's no better way to soak it all in than by heading to one of the city's rooftop bars. Think cool drinks, sun-kissed views, and the hum of city life at your feet.

From hidden terraces tucked away in laneways to high-rise hotel bars that give you a taste of the skyline, Melbourne's rooftops offer the perfect escape. Step out from the underground and into the open air – this is where the action’s at.

Cheers to great vibes and even better views at the best rooftop bars in Melbourne. 

Mid-Air

Floating above the gorgeous new hotel precinct at Melbourne Place, Mid Air feels like a portal to the Mediterranean, where city lights meet sun-kissed flavours. Designed by Kennedy Nolan, the mid-century modern space is a masterpiece—elegant yet approachable, with panoramic views that rival the plates in front of you. Helmed by hatted chef Nick Deligiannis, the menu dances across Greece, Turkey, Spain, and Italy, elevated with a French twist. Think rich, soulful dishes paired with cocktails as sharp as the skyline. It’s Melbourne sophistication with a sun-drenched soul—best savoured, not rushed.

130 Russell Street, Melbourne 

Santana Rooftop

Slip away to Santana Rooftop, a Latin-inspired escape tucked above Melbourne Place. This sultry hideaway oozes Havana nights, with moody lighting, dark timber, and a neon glow that whispers indulgence. Cigars are rolled and ready, South American wines flow freely, and the cocktails—like the Dominicana, a decadent mix of dark rum, coffee liqueur, and cream—are as bold as the vibe. Pair it with the city skyline, and you’ve got a rooftop bar that’s all fire, soul, and undeniable swagger.

Level 3/169 Melbourne Place, Melbourne 

Hotel Nacional

Hotel Nacional Rooftop Bar offers a unique gluten-free experience in the heart of Melbourne's Hardware Lane. With stunning city views, this rooftop bar serves a range of expertly crafted cocktails, tapas, and small bites—all 100% gluten-free—providing a vibrant yet inclusive setting for guests to unwind and enjoy. The food is so good, you won't even realise it's gluten-free! Now that's a win.

23-25 Hardware Lane, Melbourne

Inuman

Perched on Askal’s rooftop, Inuman brings a vibrant Filipino-Kiwi fusion to Melbourne’s skyline. Cocktails like the Tito Ray, a bold Mai Tai twist, and the Sari Sari Sparkle – a zesty blend of lemongrass gin, feijoa, and hibiscus – set the tone for a wild ride. Pair with bold bites like duck liver parfait with feijoa jam or the crispy chicken ‘skinato’ sandwich, a punchy mix of crunchy chicken skin and tangy inato sauce. Inuman is a game-changer in the city’s rooftop scene.

167 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Amatrice Rooftop

If you’re chasing that sweet spot to escape the summer heat, Amatrice Rooftop's got you covered. Think penthouse pasta vibes with a side of Melbourne’s skyline. With killer cocktails and mouthwatering dishes, you’ll never look at pasta the same way again. Sugo all’Amatriciana? Check. Creamy lasagne bites? You bet. As well as magically good seafood dishes and tramisu so velvety, it’ll have you coming back for more. Grab your mates, soak up those killer views, and let the good times roll. This place is where summer in Melbourne gets real.

Level 10/16 Stephenson Street, Cremorne 

Fleet Rooftop

Located on level 22 of Flinders Street’s Vibe Hotel, Fleet is the kind of rooftop bar that’ll make you forget about your 9-to-5. With unbeatable views of the skyline and a retractable roof, you can soak up the horizon, come rain or shine. The vibe? A perfect mix of sophistication with a side of fun. Over 70 rums, gins, and local brews to choose from, plus food that hits the mark — think saffron herb butter with sourdough, braised pork cheek croquettes, and lobster crepes. It’s the perfect spot for good drinks, great food, and unforgettable views.

1 Queen Street, Melbourne

The Q

Head up to The Q, perched atop The Quincy Hotel, where Melbourne’s rooftop game is taken to new heights. This laid-back oasis serves up killer cocktails, chilled G&Ts, and Thai bar snacks that hit the spot. Pacific oysters with red nahm jim and fried shallots? Yes, please. Chilli salted school prawns with dipping sauce? Even better. The vibe is effortless yet bold, a mix of confidence and comfort, where you can kick back and truly unwind. Happy hour runs from Wednesday to Saturday, 4pm to 6pm — don't miss it.

Level 28, 509 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Rooftop at QT

Swanky Saturday nights await at Rooftop at QT, a popular hotel rooftop bar in Melbourne that's serving up good times and good tunes. Expect bold cocktails, a Mediterranean-inspired menu perfect for summer hangouts, and vibrant interiors featuring private booths and a private lounge.

The dress code instructs punters to turn up “sharp”, but in return, you’ll be treated to prime people-watching and one of the tastiest G&Ts in town. If you're visiting in winter, take shelter under their awnings and sip on a bold red wine for a mighty fine time.

QT Melbourne, 11/133 Russell Street, Melbourne 

Fable

At 14 storeys high, Fable is Melbourne’s lofty jewel, offering panoramic skyline views from its chic rooftop perch. A retractable roof and heaters ensure comfort, whether you’re chasing sunsets or embracing winter chill. The space blends New York glamour with Melbourne cool—intimate booths and a laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere. Pair inventive Mediterranean small plates with cocktails crafted for the adventurous. 

13/168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Pinchy's 

Step into Pinchy's rooftop bar, where the salty sea breeze meets Melbourne’s high-energy buzz. This is no ordinary seafood joint; it’s an oasis of chilled vibes and killer cocktails, all wrapped in sleek, contemporary design. The lobster roll? A masterpiece—fresh, buttery, and decadent. Pair it with a glass of champagne and you’ve got a recipe for a perfect afternoon. Whether you're here for the food, the drinks, or the vibe, Pinchy’s is the kind of place you’ll always want to come back to.

Level 1/200 Bourke Street, Melbourne 

Dom’s Social Club

Dom's is where the action happens, three stories of pizza, pool, and panoramic views. Start with a smoky wood-fired pie and a generous spread of charcuterie—perfect fuel for the night ahead. Then, it’s off to the pool room, where the competition heats up and the drinks flow freely. But the real magic? That rooftop bar. A slice of city skyline and good vibes, where you can kick back, sip a cocktail, and soak it all in. 

Unit 1/301 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Goldilocks

Tucked behind a quiet entry on Swanston Street, this rooftop bar is a hidden gem. Slip into the elevator, head up to the top, and suddenly you’re miles away from the madness below. Festoon lights flicker in the breeze, casting a soft glow over the semi-covered space. Classic cocktails flow freely, and the bar snacks are dangerously moreish. It’s hard to find, but once you’re here, you’ll be tempted to never leave. Unassuming yet unforgettable—this is where the city slows down, and good times never end.

5/264 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Farmer's Daughters

Farmer's Daughters' rooftop brings Gippsland’s rustic charm to Melbourne’s bustling heart. It’s a chic space where house-made cocktails and regional wines flow freely beneath a retractable roof. Sip on a Farmers Collins, a citrusy blend of Gippsland vermouth, elderflower, and cucumber, while indulging in local delicacies. Whether you’re here for a casual drink or an event, this rooftop oasis effortlessly blends sophistication with the unpretentious spirit of the country.

6/80 Collins Street, Melbourne

Sojourn

Bold, blue and enchanting, Sojourn feels like your secret escape in the heart of Melbourne. With a rooftop that brings the heat and a restaurant that knows how to serve up top-tier bites, it’s a spot to slow down, drink in hand, and forget about the clock. Crisp cocktails, tasty dishes, and the city's hum beneath you—what's not to love? 

501 Bourke Street, New Chancery Lane, Melbourne

HER Melbourne 

HER Melbourne is where dining, art, and music collide in a beautifully crafted urban playground. Up on HER Rooftop, you’re not just sipping drinks—you’re stepping into a European-inspired oasis with Italian marble floors and French mid-century chairs, all set against a stunning Melbourne skyline. The colours pop, the vibe’s effortlessly cool, and the cocktails hit just right. 

Rooftop, HER, 270 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Siglo

Siglo isn’t just a rooftop—it’s an institution, draped in old-world charm and effortlessly cool, perched above the Princess Theatre in Melbourne’s posh ‘Paris end’. It’s where you can sip fine wines, feel the weight of history, and pretend you’re in a Parisian escape while watching the city lights flicker below. The Cohiba Siglo cigars? They’re the cherry on top for those who appreciate the finer things. It’s sophisticated, sure, but never too stuffy—just classy all the way.

Level 2, 161 Spring Street, Melbourne

The Stolen Gem

The Stolen Gem is one of Melbourne's best inner-city rooftop bars, with 260-degree views of the city, a playful cocktail menu and modern sharing plates. The New York-style bar is a surefire hit for post-work sips, and it offers a view absolutely worth dressing up for. 

Level 8, 388 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Rooftop Bar

Skip the slow elevator and take the stairs—because the view and vibes atop Curtin House are worth every step. Up here, it's all Aperol Spritzes, astroturf, and kimchi burgers, creating an unexpected slice of high holiday energy smack in the middle of the CBD. It’s the kind of place where you let go of the grind, let the workday fade, and toast to the city with a chilled drink in hand. The perfect post-work haven.

Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Bomba

Looking down on Lonsdale Street is an attractive rooftop tapas bar that’s a winner for post-work tipples, pre-dinner cocktails and watching the sunset over the city treetops. Spanish favourites make for easy sharing over glasses of fizzy cava. Cheers!

103 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Mirror Mirror Rooftop Lounge

Mirror Mirror Rooftop Lounge has cast an enchanting spell over South Melbourne with its Snow White-inspired theme and stunning city views. Located above The Clarendon Hotel, this rooftop gem offers fairy-tale-inspired cocktails like the Poison Apple and Queen of Witches, while a seasonal snack menu by Michelin-starred chef Ryan Spurrell elevates the experience.

With its lush greenery, sun-soaked rooftop, and cosy indoor lounge, it's the perfect spot for an afternoon escape or evening out. Enjoy Happy Hour, "Margs on Margs" Wednesdays, or their bottomless brunch, all set to the backdrop of a live DJ on weekends. A magical hideaway in Melbourne's skyline.

Level 3/209 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne

Beverly Rooftop

Beverly Rooftop is a luxurious foodie escape bringing the glamour of Beverly Hills to Melbourne, dishing up a previously untouched 270-degree view of the city. Plus, it's completely enclosed - so you're guaranteed a good time, no matter the weather. No unpleasant winds or cold shivers here, just pretty views and good vibes!

Don't let your hunger go unnoticed here - the food and drinks are just as striking as the scenery, with a Southern Californian-influenced menu given a modern Australian approach.

Goldfields House, Level 24, 627 Chapel Street, South Yarra

Johnny’s Green Room

Sitting atop the King and Godfree complex, Johnny’s Green Room offers 360 degree vistas extending to the city and beyond. Tap into a little slice of Italy with imported beers, wine and Aperol spritzes on tap, plus incredible cocktails and some of the tastiest Italian snacks and pizza on Lygon Street.

It’s one of Melbourne's best rooftop bars and our favourite spot for Sunday sessions and after-work drinks. Plus, they're fully prepared for the winter months, with heaters galore, and blankets at the ready in case you get cold. 

Level 2/293-297 Lygon Street, Carlton

Bells Hotel 

This low-key South Melbourne stalwart is a surprising location for one of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne. Enjoy delicious pub grub in the sprawling Bells Hotel, replete with a rooftop terrace, a beer garden, and a lively sports bar. It's an easy-breezy spot guaranteed to hit the spot, where you can enjoy a post-work sundowner with colleagues or toast celebratory glasses of Prosecco over views of the city.

157 Moray Street, South Melbourne 

Tetto Di Carolina

A Melbourne rooftop bar exuding Italian charm and the well-heeled style of Toorak Road, Tetto di Carolina is a true South Yarra beauty, set above sister restaurant Bar Carolina. With a strong focus on cocktails and European sensibility, Tetto has been designed to evoke the good life and is the perfect spot for soulful afternoons in the sun. The atmosphere is effortlessly sophisticated, yet friendly and for the people.

48 Toorak Road, South Yarra

Rufio

Welcome to Rufio—a Latin fusion haven tucked away in St Kilda. The dining space is a stunner, seamlessly blending edgy charm with a lush rooftop jungle. With a menu that dances between Latin-American soul and European finesse, it’s a feast that defies expectations. Sip a signature cocktail, savour bold, gluten-free flavours, and let the rhythm of this vibrant spot pull you in.

188 Carlisle Street, St Kilda

Runner Up

Few rooftops are as fun right now as Runner Up in Collingwood. Located in the Collingwood Yards precinct, the space is made up of a cosy brick bar and an open-air courtyard that shines come golden hour. There’s a gentle Mediterranean feel about the place, with Italian and Australian wines pouring, cumquat and fig trees blooming and a stay-all-day vibe. Come for a limoncello spritz and stay for DJs on the weekend.

Level 2/35 Johnston Street, Collingwood

The Emerson Rooftop Bar

A venue perfect for any occasion, The Emerson is a bar, eatery and nightclub notorious for its heaving dance floor. But if it’s casual vibes you’re after, the Emerson Rooftop is our pick, boasting picturesque views, a lengthy drinks menu and Japanese-inspired plates. 

141-145 Commercial Road, South Yarra

Golden Fleece Hotel

Having undergone a significant refresh, Golden Fleece Hotel is brimming with Mediterranean vibes for days. The space is a Greek Islands-inspired paradise, where white stone walls, tables and booths, cacti, alcoves filled with ornate ceramics and a marvellously sunny rooftop transport you far away from Melbourne. Sips in the sunshine have never looked so good! 

120 Montague Street, South Melbourne

The Provincial

The Provincial’s rooftop bar is a top pick for lazy Sunday sessions. Bar snacks bounce between the familiar and the fun, while classic cocktails get the remix treatment. It’s even a go during winter months, with plenty of heaters and mulled wine to keep you toasty and snug.

299 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

The Corner Hotel

Richmond’s favourite spot for live gigs and post-footy drinks also boasts a fabulous rooftop, where there’s an outdoor barbecue firing away and DJs soundtracks that scream summer. With the sun setting, taps flowing, and live music setting the tone, this is a rooftop that’s hard to beat.

57 Swan Street, Richmond

Naked For Satan

After filling up on pintxos at Naked for Satan, take the rickety lift up to their open-air terrace, where 360° views of Melbourne and an always buzzy crowd await. Drifting above Fitzroy means you get to enjoy a full vista of the glittering city skyline from a distance, all while sipping Spanish wines and house-made infused vodkas under colourful fairy globes.

285 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

Captain Baxter

If you like your margaritas backdropped by the ocean blue, Captain Baxter is the only solution. This beachside hangout boasts one of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne, with a sweeping view of Port Phillip Bay making it an extra delicious hot spot during the summer months. Here, fruity cocktails are paired with equally refreshing, fusion-leaning snacks like zesty coconut kingfish ceviche.

10/18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda

Loving our list of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne and looking to continue the fun? Be sure to check out our edits of the best new restaurants around the city. We've also rounded up the best boozy brunches that are guaranteed to bring you back to life the morning after.