Rex Hotel’s rooftop bar reopened in 2020 to offer one of the greatest spots for sundowners in the city. Situated just off Canberra’s main artery, Northbourne Avenue, many Canberrans will have already spotted the eloquent slanted glass canopy that shelters The Howling Moon. Boasting delicious drinks, some quirky bar snacks and a view unlike anything else in Canberra, The Howling Moon is the ultimate place to kickstart a night out.

Assembly is the place to be for a night out in Canberra. Nestled in the heart of Canberra’s cultural epi-centre of Braddon, this is the kind of rooftop bar that generally escalates into more of a club scene as the night progresses. The beer garden out the back is the heart of the venue. And inside, you’ll find live music and the footy all weekend long. Epic reasonably priced drinks, decent pub food and a great vibe.

One of Canberra’s best-kept secrets, The Duxton houses a rooftop bar that’s home to a huge selection of local beers, wines and spirits in a subtle but sophisticated venue. On any given night you’ll find locals settling in for a game of footy or indulging in some seriously good pub grub. Weekends call for live music and events in the unreal upstairs venue.

As one of Canberra’s longest-running establishments, the Kingo brims with a casual, rustic charm that draws people in from all over town. In addition to featuring craft beers on tap and a cook-your-own steakhouse, the Kingston also boasts a number of spacious courtyards that are simply perfect for dining during the summer months.

A cultural touchstone for the inner south, Public is the place for after-work drinks that’ll inevitably escalate into a much larger occasion. Once the stomach starts to rumble, order some sophisticated pub grub and watch the footy from one of the screens scattered around the outdoor bar. With a huge range of spirits and a modest selection of beer and wine, there’s something for everyone down at Public.

Located inside the luxurious Hotel Realm Canberra, the trendy Ostani offers up wood-fired pizzas, mouth-watering tapas, and an impressive wine and cocktail program. Nestle into one of their cozy leather booths or grab a seat outside in the outdoor bar. Proceed to drink away the day or night while munching on a variety of tasty creations.

Perched directly on the shores of beautiful Lake Burley Griffin, Walt & Burley gives any other Canberra rooftop bar a run for its money by flaunting an incredible 180-degree view across the water. Boasting a huge range of beers and an eclectic list of Australian wines, Walt & Burley is the kind of place where time simply passes you by in a flurry of great views and great conversation.

Affectionately called the Lighty, this Belconnen pub is a haven for uni students and locals. Boasting live music and delicious pub food, enjoy an ice-cold schooey on the shores of Lake Ginninderra. If you’re not lucky enough to score a seat in the beer garden, head inside for a no-frills setting where the smell of a good shnitty is never too far away.

Another haunt nestled down on the affluent Kingston Foreshore is The Dock. A Canberra rooftop bar done differently, The Dock features a view to die for and more screens than you can poke a stick at, Sunday footy really doesn’t get better than this. Head down with a couple of mates and be prepared to get rowdy. The Dock often hosts some of the most passionate sports fans in the capital. It’s a ball.

The inner north is the place to be in Canberra at the moment and a local’s favourite is definitely Edgars Inn. Perfect for families or afternoon catchup with live music, Edgard’s Inn boasts traditional pub food, a wide selection of tap beers and knowledgeable staff – when you’re done with drinks head next door to Mama Dough for some of the best Pizza in CBR.

Canberra’s favourite spot for lawn bowls and rugby union, The RUC in the inner north is a vibrant hub suitable for people from all walks of life. Rub shoulders with the usual suspects in the Tab, or down some schooeys during a round of barefoot bowls. The food is exactly what you want and you’ll always find a game of sport on the screens.