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27 Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney

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By Ally Burnie - Guide

Published: 22 July 2023, Last Updated: 16 Sept 2024

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If you are looking for a night out in the great outdoors, this list of the best rooftop bars in Sydney has you covered. Light, airy and stocked to the brim with delicious cocktails, these rooftop terrace hotspots offer endless opportunities and a killer view of the Sydney skyline. From swanky cocktail bars on Sydney Harbour to the more discreet numbers of Oxford Street, you can rest assured there is a rooftop oasis to suit your needs and budget.

Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney at a Glance

Highlights from our list include the following:

• Best overall experience: Zephyr
• For groups: The Strand Hotel
• For date night: Old Mate’s Place
• For value for money: East Village Sydney

Now we’ve rounded up our favourites, let’s check out the full list.

RELATED: These are the best restaurants in Sydney to grab that next feed.

1. Zephyr

• Located in: Hyatt Regency Sydney
• Address: Level 12/161 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000
• Phone: (02) 8099 1234

For the fancy-hearted among us, one of the best and grandest Sydney rooftop bars is Zephyr, perched on Level 12 of Hyatt Regency Sydney hotel. Winning Hotel Bar of the Year in 2020, 2021 and 2022, Zephyr will dazzle you with its nautical-inspired setting with unrivalled waterfront views across Sydney’s Darling Harbour. If that doesn’t get you, the sheer size of this venue will.

Arguably the biggest rooftop bar Sydney has on its roster, Zephyr is home to a frankly ridiculous amount of real estate. Inside, you’ll find a high-tech cocktail menu featuring ‘hypersonic infusions’ and seasonal share plates like a charcuterie selection, Wagyu beef sliders, and lobster popcorn, there’s everything to like about this CBD rooftop bar.

2. Old Mate’s Place

• Address: Level 4/199 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000

With a fairytale and woodsy vibe complete with leather booths and a gorgeous terrace, Old Mate’s Place delivers creative cocktails and tasty light fare. But be warned, don’t think you’re just going to wondering into this hotspot and find your name on the list. Despite being one of the best rooftop bars in the Sydney CBD, Old Mate’s Place doesn’t take bookings. Instead, you’ll have to climb the four flights of stairs, as there is no elevator (trust us, we looked) and rock on in.

If you do manage to snag a good seat, this rooftop cocktail bar offers near-unparalleled views of the Sydney skyline, bar snacks and a bunch of great craft beer options. Must-trys include the Spicy Portuguese Philly and a classic Gator Juice cocktail (spiced reposado, amontillado, guava, red wine, citrus & ginger beer).

3. The Strand Hotel

• Address: 99 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
• Phone: (02) 9068 8527

A heady mix of Parisian elegance and boho spirit, The Strand Hotel in Darlinghurst is a must-visit. You’ll find a colourful vibrancy mixed with lush landscape and warm timber in a lovely and intimate space, all experienced under the beautiful Sydney sun.

One of the newest rooftop bars Sydney has to offer, this hotspot marked the first stage of The Strand’s major full-venue transformation. The lavish French bistro on the ground floor of the building offers a delicious seasonal menu but the real party starts when you head upstairs. The outdoor bar is now open for business, and the first drink of order? The house special dirty martini. May as well make it cocktail jugs, am I right?

4. The Royal Paddington

• Address: 237 Glenmore Rd, Paddington NSW 2021
• Phone: (02) 9331 2604

If you’re looking for one of the best places to view the stunning Sydney sunset, the rooftop bar at the Royal Paddo is where it’s at. An Eastern Suburbs favourite, this watering hole has a sublime selection of bespoke cocktails, and a beautiful terrace to enjoy them on.

Head to the Elephant Bar, pick your poison and head up to the top level for an insane sunset session. But be quick as there is limited space, and don’t leave without trying one of the Paddington’s Prince signature cocktails (Belvedere, Aperol, passionfruit, lime, jasmine tea syrup, mint). If you’re looking for a sunny rooftop bar to wind down on Sunday afternoon, this would be our recommendation.

5. East Village Sydney

• Address: 234 Palmer St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
• Phone: 0431 622 944

Another Darlo classic, the East Village Hotel has to be one of the best outdoor bars in Sydney. Undergoing a recent facelift with interesting tap beers, fancy pub grub and an extensive cocktail menu, you can’t go wrong with drinking the night away here. Just come prepared to be slightly out of breath as you reach the rooftop – it’s three floors up and there is no elevator. Pro tip: head there on Wednesday night for $10 Negronis and $12 burgers.

6. Coogee Pavilion

• Located in: Coogee Pavilion Ground Floor
• Address: Level 3/169 Dolphin St, Coogee NSW 2034
• Phone: (02) 9114 7323

For the Eastern Suburbs locals, no Summer is complete without a session or two at Coogee Pavilion (AKA The Pav). A stunning ocean-side outdoor bar, it’s an easy hop, skip and a jump from the surf and straight up to the rooftop bar (with a quick change of clothes, of course). A much-loved Merivale stalwart, the food, drinks and ambience is all killer, no filler. With a great seafood offering, as well as classic pub fare, and an inspired cocktail menu, there’s no place to be on a sunny Sunday arvo than The Pav beach club.

7. Aster

• Located in: InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel
• Address: Level 32/117 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
• Phone: (02) 9240 1241

Sitting pretty on the 32nd floor of the famed InterContinental Sydney hotel, Aster is an outstandingly glamorous Sydney rooftop bar with 270-degree views over the city, Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay. It was developed as part of a $110 million refurb of the hotel in 2022 and is the first time the space has been open to the general public.

With an immersive drinking experience that sees your mixologists finish off your beverages tableside, get over to the Aster quick-stat (especially if you enjoy classic cocktails, with Aster serving up an extensive Martini drinks menu). Our only knock is the rather pushy time limits of 90 minutes, however, with a view like this and limited seating it makes sense.

8. Old Clare Hotel

• Address: 1 Kensington St, Chippendale NSW 2008
• Phone: (02) 8277 8277

Located in one of Sydney’s premier boutique stays, The Old Clare Hotel, right by Central Station, the Old Clare Hotel is a seriously enjoyable night out (just ask our own Rob Edwards). In addition to the ground floor bar and restaurant, which serves up modern Australian cuisine, the rooftop makes for the perfect spot to launch a night out in Sydney.

High in the sky, you’ll find delicious drinks and sunset cocktails, all in a beautiful locale that follows the Old Clare’s classic Art Deco aesthetic. This hotel will have you feeling like a Prohibition-era lawbreaker (in the best possible way).

9. Kiln Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

• Located in: Ace Hotel Sydney
• Address: 53 Foy Ln, Sydney NSW 2000

Opened in mid-2022, Sydney’s Ace Hotel is the first boutique hotel from the in-the-know US group. For us everyday folk, the good news is the recently opened Kiln rooftop bar and restaurant that sits atop the hideaway isn’t just for hotel guests. Led by Chef Mitch Orr, Kiln is the crown jewel of Ace Hotel Sydney, situated 18 stories above Surry Hills. Rooted in contemporary Australian and Italian-ish cuisine, with nods to Japan and Southeast Asia. When we headed in to test out the food menu, we couldn’t get enough of the beef carpaccio, fried garlic mayo and mustard leaves, while to drink, the heiwa nigori yuzushu (wakayama) cocktail (Zesty yuzu, fresh citrus, clean finish) is to die for.

10. CIRQ

• Located in: Crown Sydney
• Address: Crown Sydney, Level 26/1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000

If you have a fear of heights, CIRQ might not be the best Sydney rooftop bar for you. Towering a dizzying 26 floors above Crown Sydney’s waterfront location, CIRQ certainly makes the most of its location – giving diners and drinkers an unprecedented view of the city and Sydney Harbour Bridge paired with a unique mix of multi-dimensional indoor and outdoor spaces.

With an extensive wine menu and cocktails infused with native Australian botanicals, definitely put this Barangaroo beauty on your list (we recommend the White Rabbit cocktail (Herradura Plata Flange, Coconut Liqueur, Citrus, Kaffir Lime Leaf, Coco Lopez, Mezcal Mist) and a share plate of cured meats and cheeses).

11. Smoke Bar

• Address: Level 2/35 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000
• Phone: (02) 8587 5400

As one of the best rooftop bars in Sydney, the award-winning Smoke Bar at Barangaroo House hands-down serves up some of Sydney’s best views. Grab a cheeky cocktail, claim a dim-lit spot for unparalleled romance and lose yourself in the breathtaking Sydney skyline as the sun goes down in a blaze of glory. With trendy tipples galore, get your hands on a seasonal G&T or a Japanese Spritz; with premium spirits. If you love a boogie, get yourself to Smoke Bar on Thursdays to Sundays for some of Sydney’s coolest DJs and sounds at this rooftop oasis.

12. Sky Bar at Shell House

• Located in: Brookfield Place Sydney
• Address: 37 Margaret St, Sydney NSW 2000
• Phone: (02) 9158 4000

For a truly unique Sydney rooftop bar experience, Shell House’s Sky Bar is the new home for golden hours, long drinks, tall stories and excellent food. Centring around the 400-tonne heritage Shell House Clocktower, this stunning outdoor Sydney bar provides you with insane panoramic views of the city skyline. A bar menu by Culinary Director Joel Bickford & Head Chef Aaron Ward, you’ve gotta try spiced calamari with yoghurt aioli and Clooney Tunes cocktail (Casamigos Reposado, Mezcal, Pineapple, Fino, Jasmine, Honey, Fresh Lemon).

13. Henry Deane

• Located in: Hotel Palisade
• Address: 35 Bettington St, Millers Point NSW 2000
• Phone: (02) 9018 0123

Over the bridge and not too far away, Henry Deane is a contemporary cocktail lounge offering uninterrupted Sydney views no matter which way your head turns. The cocktail lounge is spread over levels 4 and 5 of Hotel Palisade, and serves up eclectic boozy mixes, as well as some cocktail classics. We’d recommend trying the Below The Belt (spiced woodford bourbon, apricot brandy, pineapple, whey) – it’s bloody delightful. For your stomach, grab the Whole Smoked Spatchy – a delicious and inventive jasmine tea smoked spatchcock.

14. Slims Rooftop

• Located in: Hyde Park House
• Address: 47/49 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
• Phone: (02) 8377 3650

If you’ve never visited Slim’s Rooftop before, chances are you’ve at least heard of it. Located in Hyde Park House, Slim’s overlooks the iconic Hyde Park with equally beautiful views of the CBD and the western sun. Vibrant frilly pink umbrellas dot the venue alongside an extensive range of cacti and other shrubberies. If that’s not a vibe, we don’t know what is.

Slim’s Rooftop is known for its pork belly bao buns, but for us, the real winner is the range of poke bowls and sushi rolls. Washed down with Henry Fonda (Four Pillars Yuzu Gin, Grapefruit, Yuzu) or dive into a bottomless brunch fiesta and you’re in for a damn good time.

15. Taylor’s Rooftop

• Address: 69-73 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
• Phone: (02) 9252 6522

On the rooftop of the Republic Hotel not far from the Sydney Opera House, you’ll find Taylor’s (how about that?) A vertical jungle-like outdoor terrace garden coupled with the city skyline, Taylor’s brings the topless good times in the Sydney CBD (plus features a retractable roof for when Sydney weather is being uncooperative, which is most of the time).

On the weekend, Taylor’s transforms into a dance floor and a stage for live music plus the cream of internationally acclaimed DJs. With a chicken parmi on the menu that’s literally to-die for, and an inspired list of refreshing cocktails, get yourself to Taylor’s second floor terrace quick sticks.

16. Taphouse Sydney Rooftop Bar

• Located in: Taphouse Sydney
• Address: level 2/122 Flinders St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
• Phone: (02) 9159 9843

Iconic Darlinghurst venue Taphouse Sydney is home to one of Sydney’s best rooftop bars, ELM. With fresh-juiced tropical cocktails, seltzers, wine and over 20 craft beers on tap, all you have to do is kick back and relax in this secluded urban oasis. With a food menu that features succulent Chinese food, check out this beloved gem sooner rather than later.

17. Babylon Rooftop & Garden Bar

• Located in: Westfield Sydney
• Address: Level 7/188 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
• Phone: (02) 8014 5663

For some Middle Eastern madness, check out Babylon, easily one of the best CBD rooftop bars. Make your way from the ground floor to the top of the Pitt Street mall and you’ll find yourself with a near-unimpeded view of the city skyline.

With the capacity to seat 300 people and an easily accessible inner-city location, Babylon is the perfect location for a post-work beverage. Don’t forget to order a traditional meze platter while you enjoy a Coast of Izmir cocktail (Pampero Anejo, white chocolate, blood orange, agave). Keep an eye out for the Sydney rooftop bar and kitchen’s bottomless brunch events as they are amazing value.

18. Pool Club at Ivy

• Located in: Ivy Precinct
• Address: 320 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
• Phone: (02) 9114 7307

It’d be remiss of us to make a list of the best rooftop bars in Sydney and not include Merivale’s truly iconic Ivy Pool Club. It’s held its status as one of the best outdoor bars in Sydney for quite some time, and for good reason. Beautiful drinks and beautiful people just down the road from the Opera House and Harbour Bridge? You’ll find it all at the Ivy Pool Club. An oasis inspired by the Italian coastline, you can book a private cabana bar spot, order a pizza and cocktail, and let your inhibitions run wild at this beach club.

19. The Governor Hotel

• Address: 9 Waterloo Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2113
• Phone: (02) 9287 1418

A quick 20-minute car journey outside the Sydney CBD and you’ll find a sun-drenched spot with a beautiful backdrop for sunset drinks and afternoon knock-offs. Situated in Macquarie Park, The Governor Hotel is a vibrant four-level venue – but the real standout is its spacious top-floor bar.

One of the biggest rooftop bars Sydney has to offer, this leafy spot features graffitied walls and 360° views over the surroundings. With an expansive drinks menu of signature cocktails and jugs to share (try The Governess – Gin, raspberry, marshmallow), as well as contemporary pub meals and a large selection of pizzas, this Sydney rooftop bar is not one to miss.

20. The Rooftop, Pyrmont

• Address: 214-216 Harris St, Pyrmont NSW 2009
• Phone: (02) 9660 0560

For a Palm-Springs-inspired escape, check out The Rooftop, Pyrmont. Situated on top of The Quarryman’s Hotel (one of Sydney’s best-known craft beer establishments) this hotel has a keener focus on cocktails and a selection of modern pub grub like steak, burgers and schnitties. We’d recommend giving the tantalising Spiced Apple Old Fashioned a go (Bourbon, spiced apple syrup, orange peel, bitters).

21. The Tilbury Hotel

• Address: 12/18 Nicholson St, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
• Phone: (02) 9368 1955

For an alfresco fine-dining experience in Woolloomooloo, nothing beats The Tilbury Hotel. This wildly popular local bar and restaurant have been lauded since it first opened, with its rooftop bar the perfect city escape in the clouds (almost). You’ve gotta try the 12-hour slow-cooked Whole Lamb Shoulder, and while it’ll set you back a pretty penny, it’s absolutely worth it. The Tilbury also makes an incredible Negroni, if that’s your tipple of choice.

22. The Light Brigade

• Address: Oxford St &, Jersey Rd, Woollahra NSW 2025
• Phone: (02) 9357 0888

Already one of Woollahra’s all-time best beer venues, The Light Brigade just joined the ranks of becoming the subject of the elite conversationalist phrase ‘Oi should we check out that place with the outdoor terrace area? I’ve heard it’s a bloody ripper’. Sun, views, revelry and comfortable furniture. What more can you ask for? Probably a jug of V-Bangers and the arvo off work, it’s certainly one of Sydney’s best rooftop bars.

23. Marrickville Springs at Philter Brewery

• Address: 92-98 Sydenham Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
• Phone: (02) 9199 9655

Philter Brewery offers some of our favourite beers in Sydney so it makes sense they’d land on our list of the best rooftop bars with their ‘Marrickville Springs’ offering. A great spot to chillax on a Friday afternoon after a long week at work, this bar is open for walk-ins, with bookings available for groups of 10 or more. Climb the retro stairs on the left as you enter, open the door, and be met with sunshine. Must-try’s on the list include the frozen beer cocktails which are simply to die for and there’s a solid wine list. Not the best spot for food, there are only a few snacks on offer such as dips, olives, and chips.

24. Lady Banks

• Located in: Flinders Centre
• Address: Level 10, 25 Restwell Street, Bankstown NSW 2200

Flinging its doors open from October 2021, Lady Banks isn’t just the largest rooftop bar in Sydney, it’s also the newest. Located in the newly developed commercial building, Flinders Centre, in the heart of Bankstown, the 10th-floor hotspot is seriously luxe. Here, you can sip cocktails while you take in panoramic views of the Sydney skyline right through to the Blue Mountains.

25. The Rook

• Address: level 7/56-58 York St, Sydney NSW 2000
• Phone: (02) 8322 2008

After a busy week, head over to York Street and take a look at The Rook, yet one more killer rooftop bar in the Sydney CBD. The unique combination of an industrial atmosphere with graffiti walls and the lobster banquet will help you ease into the weekend. Or, if you’ve had a super busy week and need something substantial – Uncle Sam or the Bandito have got you covered. And if, after all that, your stomach STILL hasn’t been satisfied, top it off with a deep-fried Mars Bar, served with a side of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. That should do it! After your banquet fit for a king, you may be in dire need of a drink or two. A Kentucky Cooler or a Peg Leg cocktail should quench that thirst.

26. Sweethearts Rooftop

• Located in: Potts Point Hotel
• Address: Level 3/33-35 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point NSW 2011
• Phone: (02) 9157 1957

After giving your heart a good pumping from a fair few flights of stairs, reward yourself with some sweet-ass succulent skewers from the menu at Sweethearts, while sitting underneath strings of fairy lights. Imagine you’re at a friend’s barbeque, but with a view of the city. But don’t forget to book, or you’ll be left disappointed after a workout on the stairs. In saying that, it is guaranteed that your taste buds will keep asking for more after each skewer, so maybe a few trips up and down the stairs will keep your summer body in shape.

27. Zeta Bar

• Located in: Hilton Sydney
• Address: level 4/488 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
• Phone: (02) 9265 6070

Feeling all fancy-schmancy? With Zeta Bar you get award-winning cocktails that start from classics to innovative surprises, you can experience the tastes of Milan, London, Puerto Rico, and New York, to name a few. Couple that with a majestic view of the Queen Victoria Building, and you’re looking at one of Sydney’s best rooftop bars. Also, be sure to visit at dusk to view the lighting up of Sydney’s most historical and iconic monuments.

Things to Consider For Sydney Rooftop Bars

If you are thinking of heading to a rooftop bar in Sydney, it’s important to do your research beforehand. Each sky-high spot offers its own perks and downfalls, but if you know what you’re in for, you can prepare accordingly. Here is what you need to consider for a Sydney rooftop bar:

Weather Protection

While we all love a rooftop terrace for its abundance of natural light, a fully open-air design does put you at the mercy of the weather. If things are looking a little grim outside, or the forecast is suggesting clouds are on their way, try to look for a rooftop bar that has some kind of weather protection. Venues such as Zephyr, Henry Deane and ELM all offer partial roofs, while Mrs. Jones even has a retractable roof structure. Party rain, hail or shine.

Price

Admittedly, Sydney is not a cheap city. Nightlife in the NSW capital can set you back a pretty penny and rooftop bars are no exception. Be prepared to spend a fair amount of money at the more ritzy CBD locations, such as Babylon and Zeta, while the pub-like spots such as The Governor Hotel and Marrickville Springs will be much better bang for your buck.

Dress Code

If it’s your first time hitting the town, it’s important to note that a good number of the best rooftop bars in Sydney take a decidedly upmarket approach. Cocktail bars such as CIRQ, Aster and Shell House will require you to dress to the nines before making your way in. Make sure you read up on the dress code prior to leaving the house.

Stairs

Last but certainly not least, heading above sea level does involve the often-looked activity of stair-climbing. While this might sound like a warning for those thinking about hitting a big leg-day session at the gym pre-night out, we’re more concerned about your guests. Try not to bring grandma to the Coogee Pav as the few flights of stairs might just knock her out.

Alternatives to Sydney Rooftop Bars

If the weather isn’t quite right or you’re looking for something a little different in the Harbour City, allow us to help you out. Sydney is home to a number of great institutions and watering holes, whether it be pubs, bars or cocktail establishments. Here are some alternatives you should put on your list:

• Best Whisky Bars in Sydney
• Best Bars in Sydney
• Best Wine Bars in Sydney

Why You Should Trust Our List

The Man of Many team spends almost every Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night hanging out at one of the best rooftop bars in Sydney, so we’re well-versed in choosing the favourites. We’ve included great rooftop bars for groups, couples, and food while introducing a few unfamiliar names to the list. Here you’ll find everything from the best pubs with rooftop bars to five-star hotels decked out above the horizon. Check out our top recommendations below and then narrow down a favourite by checking out the rest of our list.

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