The Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney for a Sunset Tipple

As summer rolls in early, Sydneysiders are beginning to venture outdoors to soak up some rays, revel in the warmth, and catch up with friends. 

The only thing better is being able to do all the above with a happy hour cocktail jug loitering nearby. With sunny days well and truly here, we’ve narrowed down the best rooftops in Sydney for a sun-drenched golden-hour drink. 

Aster Bar

Previously reserved for guests, this swanky hotel rooftop is now open to the public. Captivating Sydney’s sleek and chic with its striking harbour setting, a seat at the InterContinental’s Aster Bar is one of the most coveted in town. Come sunset, the unsurpassed landmark views take centre stage as technicoloured skies melt into the harbour, from the Bridge to the Opera House and beyond.

After the mandatory ogling period, settle in with a special reserve Champagne or house cocktail - the Red Half Moon with Aperol, Tempus banana liqueur, berries, grapefruit, Champagne and coral is a firm favourite. Pair your Aperitivo with fine-leaning bar snacks like prawn cocktail buns, herb and cheese churros and yuzu oysters.

117 Macquarie Street, Sydney

Kiln

Atop the landmark Tyne House, eighteen levels above bustling Surry Hills sits a popular restaurant and bar from chef-partner Mitch Orr. The culinary crown jewel of Ace Hotel Sydney, Kiln’s playful interior takes inspiration from the eclectic area in which it resides – a love letter to Australian craftsmanship.

Attracting forward-thinking foodies with its genre-bending ethos, the menu champions woodfired cooking techniques with a heavy focus on seafood and veggies. The wine list is curated by P&V’s own Mike Bennie, with cocktail creations leaning on Italian and Asian flavours which are echoed through the menu.

47-53 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney

Martinez Restaurant, Bar & Terrace 

If you're craving a sojourn to the South of France but aren't able to nip over, head over to newly opened Martinez Restaurant, Bar & Terrace for the next best thing. Heavily influenced by the seafood and fresh produce found scattering the menus of this part of France, Martinez's menu is ready to transport you there. 

Harbour Bridge views ensure the rooftop vibes are immaculate whilst a super fresh cocktail list will take you straight to the Riviera. 

Quay Quarter Tower, 50 Bridge Street, Sydney 

Bar Ombré

Bar Ombré is a breath of fresh air designed for Sydney sunset bliss. Offering a laid-back, intimate bar experience for city dwellers, the sensational rooftop setting, tasty eats, and European-inspired cocktails celebrate the best of Italian Aperitivo dining. The greenery-adorned space and brightly coloured furniture set the scene for a perfect golden hour catch-up that rolls into the long night ahead.

Level 3, Gateway Building, Alfred Street, Sydney

Sky Bar

A bar true to its name, this slick session spot sits high in the sky and has killer cocktails to match. One of four ritzy venues making up Shell House in Wynyard, Sky Bar promises patrons sprawling panoramic views across the city skyline. The open-air space centres around the 400-tonne heritage Clocktower, with floor-to-ceiling windows, plush lounges, and a grand central bar only adding to its appeal.

Six signature cocktails lead the drinks list with audacious names like “mile high club” and “high society sour” a nod to the CBD. Peckish? The snacks are equally as on point with culinary director Joel Bickford and head chef Aaron Ward curating a menu of picky bits and bar favourites that are sure to tide you over till dinner. 

37 Margaret Street, Sydney

Kasbah 

The rooftop of the newly renovated Strand Hotel is now home to an idyllic rooftop bar, Kasbah. Showcasing the incredible skyline, a night in the Mediterranean is the designated vibe and it is pulled off with aplomb. Balearic music sets the scene whilst you feast on French Moroccan-inspired plates. Natural wines, sparkling and rose make up the bulk of the wine list whilst incredibly exotic cocktails will reel you in with an ingredients list to excite. We're calling it! Summer sunsets at Kasbah are where it's at. 

99 William Street, Darlinghurst 

Jacksons on George 

Jacksons on George, a multi-level venue slinging Euro/Oz eats has hit town and it has inserted a brand-new rooftop bar into the mix. The ground floor is home to the venue's public bar with old-school cocktails, modern pub classics and all your favourite tipples on hand. Head Chef Steven Sinclair (ex-Bondi Icebergs) has elevated classic pub dishes with the likes of Cotechino and Mustard Fruit Sausage Roll made with slow-cooked duck sausage. The rooftop bar continues the theme with an alfresco setting. 

176 George Street, Sydney 

Old Mate’s Place

Another slick rooftop hangout, at Old Mate’s Place you'll find the best of both worlds: inside – a well-hidden, stately drinking den, and outside - a bright, sun-drenched open-air bar. This two-floor juxtaposed venue serves up a broad range of signature and classic cocktails, along with a rotating menu of unique bar bites.

Level 4/199 Clarence Street, Sydney

The Tocky Terrace 

Local favourite The Toxeth Hotel has recently added a glorious pastel rooftop terrace to its offering and if you're looking for a rooftop destination this summer, this is it! Plush booths, terrazzo tiles and brass accents lend a particularly lush atmosphere, especially when coupled with the brand-new bottomless brunch offering. Surrounded by the city lights and with a retractable roof, The Tocky Terrace is a fab choice whatever the weather (or time of day/night!). For eats, you can expect a range of swish share plates whilst organic wines, fruit cocktails and craft beers are available in abundance. 

345 Glebe Point Road, Sydney 

Slims Rooftop

For contemporary Japanese eats and imaginative cocktails, Slims Rooftop is where it's at. Sitting atop Hyde Park House overlooking the CBD, Slims is a gastronomic mecca providing Sydneysiders refuge high above the city streets. Open for lunch and dinner throughout the week, make sure to book to avoid missing out.

47-49 William Street, Darlinghurst

The Rook

Surreptitiously situated on the top floor of a nondescript York Street building, The Rook’s rooftop location makes it an instant hideaway from the bustle below. With a strong focus on inventive cocktails and craft beers, you’ll always be tempted to try something new.

The menu offers a range of light snacks through to classic burgers, or our pick, the lobster roll with Kombu butter poached lobster, tom yum mayo and shredded lettuce. Perfect for those looking for sustenance before the evening’s shenanigans are through. 

Level 7, 56-58 York Street, Sydney

Zephyr Bar

Bringing specialty cocktails and an unparalleled panorama view together, the Hyatt Regency Sydney's Zephyr Bar is a must when you’re looking for the best rooftop bars in Sydney. The elegant space is perfectly placed to soak up Sydney’s spectacular sunsets. When you add a glass of Perrier-Jouet, we’ve little doubt you’ll find an excuse to return time and time again.

Hyatt Regency Sydney, Level 12, 161 Sussex Street, Sydney

Brigade Rooftop

On Level 3 of The Light Brigade in Woollahra, you’ll find yourself an open rooftop refuge from which you can bask in a spectacular across Sydney’s city skyline. With woodfired pizzas, share plates and pub classics, you can soak up the atmosphere with an alfresco meal, or keep things simple with a glass of prosecco or a sunny day favourite… a classic margie.

2A Oxford Street, Woollahra

Woollahra Hotel

As glamorous as the suburb it’s located in, Woollahra Hotel not only has a rooftop bar with a retractable roof, but it also boasts the sophisticated Bistro Moncur, a French-style restaurant. The restaurant is a destination within itself (and for good reason), but the rooftop bar’s resident DJ gets the good vibes going.

116 Queen Street, Woollahra

Quarryman's Hotel

Pyrmont’s Quarryman’s Hotel caught our eye thanks to their Californian-inspired rooftop bar. The Rooftop is nothing short of stunning and was inspired by Palm Springs. It’s all pastels, timber floors, plush furnishings and lush greenery, plus a cacti garden on each table (naturally). The cocktail list is excellent too, with lots of tequila – just how we like it.

214-216 Harris Street, Pyrmont

East Village Terrace Rooftop

When it comes to the best rooftop bars in Sydney, you can't go past East Village. Having undergone a complete refurb in recent years, it's been transformed from a notorious pub in Darlinghurst into a bonafide wine pub.

Yes, you heard us, a pub that specialises in wine – talk about paradise. While the menu had us at hello, it’s the rooftop terrace that we are loving. With stunning city skyline views, the terrace offers patrons seasonal cocktails and light bites.  

234 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst

Smoke

Barangaroo House's swanky rooftop watering hole, Smoke, has fast become the go-to destination here. The cocktails are equal parts delicious and creative, from their seasonal G&T to their Japanese spritz. With uninterrupted views of the harbour, this is the only place to come for sunset tipples. 

35 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo

Untied

This rooftop bar is nestled among the gleaming buildings of Barangaroo, offering a new oasis for you to settle in to come Friday afternoon. Taking a cue from the vibrancy of Australian Tropicana, you’ll be treated to a smart smattering of cocktails – we’re looking at you ‘Flamin Galah’ as you tuck in to share plates, including marinated hanger steak tacos or the buttermilk popcorn chicken. 

Level 4, Exchange Place, 400 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo

Henry Deane

Located on the fourth and fifth floors of Hotel Palisade, Henry Deane takes in sweeping views of Sydney Harbour. The plush interiors and equally appealing cocktails make for perfect Instagram fodder. Their menu is perfect for sharing as you while away the afternoon. Think cheese boards, caviar and charcuterie boards. 

35 Bettington Street, Millers Point

The Glenmore Hotel

This Rocks oldie now appeals to a wider demographic with its spruced-up rooftop bar adding a fresh element to the traditional pub interiors on the ground floor. With some of the best harbour views around and a retractable roof, The Glenmore is popular all year round. Their gourmet pub grub will satisfy all cravings and the kids menu, though limited, provides some smaller options.

96 Cumberland Street, The Rocks

Nick & Nora’s

Paramatta's prettiest cocktail and Champagne bar Nick & Nora's is an ode to post-prohibition decadence. Sitting pretty on the 26th floor of the V by Crown building, this rooftop oasis provides the perfect setting for a cocktail or two overlooking the western skyline.

The signature list of cocktails and Champagnes is accompanied by an impressive selection of whiskies and cognacs, that pair well with their raw bar and charcuterie board bites.

Level 26/45 Macquarie Street, Parramatta

Lady Banks Rooftop

Introducing Sydney’s largest rooftop bar! From the legends behind Bankstown Sports, Lady Banks is the shining star of the newly developed Flinders Centre. Step out onto the rooftop and enjoy panoramic views of the Sydney skyline with a vista that stretches from the CBD to the Blue Mountains.

The bar is named for the wife of botanist and Bankstown namesake, Sir Joseph Banks, and paying tribute to the duo, the space has been decked out with lavish greenery and cascading flowers. Try the ‘Lady Sunset’, a four-person pitcher filled with fresh, fruity flavours and their signature cocktail Archie Says featuring Archie Rose Lady Banks Gin.

Flinders Centre, Level 10, 25 Restwell Street, Bankstown

Four Hundred 

As far as rooftop bars go, Four Hundred has things pretty well nailed. Spread across multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, the decor provides a chic backdrop to an afternoon of margys with your pals. The share-style menu is perfect for picking and is designed to up the ante on what we promise will be a very good time. As for the exceptional tequila menu? Be still our beating hearts. 

Greenwood Plaza Rooftop, 36 Blue Street, North Sydney 

The Bridgeview Hotel

Relaxed and family-friendly, the Bridgeview Hotel is a North Shore staple. Make your way to their astro-turfed rooftop and enjoy a cold drink from the intimate bar. Their classic pub menu is deliciously simple and very family friendly so the whole brood can enjoy a feed while the sports fans can watch a game on the big TVs in the main bar below.

580 Willoughby Road, Willoughby

Green Moustache

North Sydney's only rooftop garden bar, Green Moustache has made quite the impression on the nine-to-five North Sydney set. Adorned in greenery and foliage, this Insta-worthy venue doubles as a bar and restaurant. The drinks list alone is worth the visit, with its botanically inspired cocktails and premium beverage offering. Perfect for an after-work drink or weekend sesh, this garden oasis takes casual wining and dining to the next level.

Level 10/100 Miller Street, North Sydney

Imperial Rooftop

From colourful beginnings, The Imperial has been a fixture on the Erskineville nightlife scene since 1983.  On the top floor, you will find Imperial Rooftop, a buzzing, open-air courtyard that brings a touch of the Riviera (with a dash of camp) to the Erskineville streets. Cocktails and Italian-inspired delights reign supreme, and you better wear your best as you will be sure to run into royalty.

35 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville

Corridor

A Newtown institution, Corridor is revered for its excellent hospitality, cocktails, nibbles, and all-around good vibes, and its tidy little rooftop deck will have you staking out your place early for weekend libations. With a handsome offering of craft beers and wine, you’ll be kept well hydrated, and be sure to peruse the cocktail and bites menus for a well-rounded visit.

153A King Street, Newtown

The Fernery

For those on the northside, Mosman’s The Fernery is the coolest hangout with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour. Sitting atop the Mosman Club, this hidden gem boasts a rooftop garden, rosé bar and gin room. Guests are spoilt for choice when entering the green oasis but rose (obviously) takes centre stage here, in both the drinks list and food menu. Our top picks? The cider-glazed pork cutlet, the garlic and chilli prawns and the barramundi al cartoccio. 

719 Military Road, Mosman 

Miami Rice

Located within Manly stalwart The Steyne is a rooftop bar that soars high above Manly Beach. Bright, airy and floral, inside you'll find wood furnishings and oversized windows that open onto the long open-air terrace. The drinks menu is big on cocktails and botanicals, and the food comes tapas-style. 

75 The Corso, Manly 

New Brighton Hotel

When the sun is shining, this Manly pub in the heart of The Corso is the place to be. Set over four levels, this party destination provides spectacular views across The Corso and Manly Beach from its gorgeous rooftop garden bar. From mid-afternoon, you can relax on the terrace with rosé in hand, and take in the sights from your lush deck lounge.

71 The Corso, Manly

Coogee Pavilion Rooftop

A beloved local haunt, ‘the Pav’ features a wraparound balcony with sensational ocean views. Overflowing with lush greenery, Merivale spared no cost as greenhouse structures, tropical sketches and striped awnings feature throughout. Buzzing on weekends and throughout the warmer months, visitors can expect a full bar and a Mediterranean-inspired menu.

169 Dolphin Street, Coogee

The Royal Oak Hotel

Get the best of both worlds at this Double Bay pub, boasting both the innate glam of rooftop real estate and the laidback charm of a former hotel, you’ll likely find yourself here every second weekend.

Live DJ sessions will keep the crowds coming throughout the weekend, while the Sunday afternoon vibe is distinctly more ~chill~ and ideally suited to ordering a cheese plate and bottle of rosé to wind down at the end of the weekend.

28 Bay Street, Double Bay

Royal Hotel Paddington

A heritage pub with a beautiful open-air rooftop that has views over the city, the Royal Hotel has broad appeal among Paddington’s stylish locals. The menu focuses on shared plates, pub classics and contemporary seasonal dishes. Get in early to secure a highly sought-after spot on the rooftop at sunset.

237 Glenmore Road, Paddington

Loved discovering the best rooftop bars in Sydney? Plan another unique tipple with the best underground, hidden and small bars in Sydney. Or, if you're looking for a mellow drop or two why not check out Sydney’s finest wine bars?