Complete guide

Rooftop Bars Sydney

2024 update
Australia Flag
Country Australia
Currency Australian dollar
Best time to visit September - May
Rooftop grade 9/10
Rooftop Bar Sydney
Courtesy of Slims Rooftop

Sydney Rooftop Guide

Updated:September 2, 2023

Impressive skyline and water views and (usually) a very pleasant climate: Sydney and elevated alfresco drinks are a match made in heaven. Not surprising, the city comes packed with great rooftop venues. But which are the best rooftop bars Sydney?

This ultimate guide will help you find out, filled with all info you need about each rooftop: opening hours, dress code, pictures, location and much more. From swanky rooftop lounges on top of luxurious hotels, to urban terraces and refreshing Sydney rooftop pools, there is a sky-high venue for every time and every occasion. Just scroll down and find the Sydney rooftop bar best suited for you.

The list

42 best rooftop bars in Sydney

Rooftop bar Sydney Zephyr in Sydney
1

Zephyr

$$$$ | 12th floor | Darling Harbour
  • Highlights
  • Luxurious
  • Cocktail lounge
  • Darling Harbour views

Perched on top of the five-star Hyatt Regency Sydney, Zephyr is a luxurious Sydney rooftop bar, dressed in a sleek and exclusive nautical inspired decor, and offering some amazing waterfront views across Sydney’s Darling Harbour. The alfresco rooftop bar serves a wide range of fantastic cocktails, from classics to barrel aged and frozen creations, along with a seasonal menu of sharing plates. Awarded Hotel Bar of the Year several years in a row, and sunset cocktails and bites do not get much more stylish than this.

Rooftop bar Above 319 in Sydney
2

Above 319

$$$$ | 14th floor | Darling Harbour
  • Highlights
  • Panoramic views
  • Lush lounge
  • Rooftop pool

The hot and trendy Vibe Hotel does not only come with a fantastic heated rooftop pool, but also an urban rooftop bar, called Above 319. While the pool is exclusive to hotel guests, the lush rooftop bar is open for everyone to enjoy spectacular views over Darling Harbour and the Sydney skyline. With a sophisticated yet vibrant lounge vibe, the rooftop bar and restaurant offers a menu filled with delectable platters and an extensive selection of creative drinks.

Rooftop bar Sydney The Upper Bar in Sydney
3

The Upper Bar

$$$$ | 7th floor | Double Bay
  • Highlights
  • Stylish
  • Breathtaking views
  • Rooftop pool

The luxurious InterContinental Sydney Double Bay offers a stylish and iconic rooftop experience, including bar, lounge and pool. While the rooftop pool is exclusive to hotel guests, all are welcome to enjoy elevated afternoons and evenings at The Upper Bar. Surrounded with breathtaking harbour views, this modern outdoor room blends bistro tables and comfy cabanas with a sleek bar, where you can indulge in exceptional food and beverage offerings. From signature cocktails, handpicked wines and bubbles, to tasty small plates perfect to share.

Rooftop bar Sydney O Bar and Dining in Sydney
4

O Bar and Dining

$$$$ | 47th floor | Sydney CBD
  • Highlights
  • Revolving
  • 360° views
  • Luxurious

Floating 47 floors above the heart of Sydney CBD, the luxurious O Bar and Dining offers a unique and elevated setting. Circular and slowly rotating, the rooftop presents panoramic 360° views, stretching over the city skyline, harbour and beyond. Here you can indulge in celebrated chef and owner Michael Moore's seasonal creations, as well as an awarded wine list, over 400 meticulously curated spirits, and creative signature cocktails. All you need for a sky-high and unforgettable Sydney evening.

Rooftop bar Sydney CIRQ Bar & Lounge in Sydney
5

CIRQ Bar & Lounge

$$$$ | 26th floor | Barangaroo
  • Highlights
  • Luxurious
  • Mesmerising views
  • Bespoke cocktails

Perched on top of the new luxurious landmark Crown Sydney in Barangaroo, CIRQ Bar & Lounge really raises the bar for the Sydney rooftop scene. Floating 26 floors above the waterfront, CIRQ offers a unique mix of elegant and multi-dimensional indoor and outdoor spaces, all surrounded with mesmerising views of Sydney’s Circular Quay and waterfront. Up here you can indulge in a prime selection of bespoke cocktails infused with native Australian botanicals, an extensive wine menu, as well as innovative and elevated tapas style dishes.

Rooftop bar Sydney Above 8 Rooftop Bar in Sydney
6

Above 8 Rooftop Bar

$$$ | 9th floor | Hurtsville
  • Highlights
  • Modern lounge
  • Curated cocktails
  • Panoramic views

Found in Hurtsville, between the city and the shire, the modern and sparkling Above 8 Rooftop Bar & Lounge mixes a chic indoor lounge with a lovely open-air terrace. To unrivalled views of Sydney, here you can indulge in crafted signature and classic cocktails with added flair and drama, hand-picked boutique wines, as well as savory small plates and artisan, hand-stretched pizzas. A fantastic setting to enjoy elevated, social and contemporary dining and drinking with a group of friends.

Rooftop bar Sydney Cafe del Mar in Sydney
7

Café del Mar Sydney

$$$$ | 2nd floor | Darling Harbour
  • Highlights
  • Crafted cocktails
  • Darling Harbor views
  • Beach club feel

A luxurious rooftop bar that brings a slice of Ibiza right to Darling Harbor and the heart of the city. Both restaurant and rooftop terrace, up here you get a beautiful view of the Sydney skyline and the waters of Darling Harbor. With modern and comfy lounge furniture, blue and white shades and a cool outdoor bar, the beach club vibe is obvious. From the rooftop bar you can order Mediterranean influenced tapas along with crafted cocktails and a large selection of wines and bubbles. A prime spot for casual dining and after work drinks, as well as weekend DJ sessions.

Rooftop bar The Light Brigade Hotel in Sydney
8

The Light Brigade

$$$ | 4th floor | Paddington
  • Highlights
  • Relaxed
  • Panoramic views
  • Wood-fire pizzas

A terrace bar in Sydney only situated on the 4th floor, but still at an altiutude of 83 meters above sea level, resulting in spectacular views of the Sydney skyline. Located in Paddington, The Light Brigade comes with 4 different settings over 4 floors. With sports bar/pub, casual bistro and Art Deco cocktail bar below, the rooftop bar is a relaxed venue, perfect for long hours in the sun. Decorated with stylish lounge furniture, here you can enjoy signature wood-fire pizzas along with a pretty basic list of classic cocktails, beers and some wines.

Rooftop bar Sydney Bar Ombré Rooftop in Sydney
9

Bar Ombré Rooftop

$$$ | 3rd floor | Circular Quay
  • Highlights
  • Riviera vibes
  • Harbour Bridge views
  • Italian influences

Above the hustle and bustle of Circular Quay, Bar Ombré is a laid-back and intimate rooftop bar, offering a perfect mix of Riviera vibes and Sydney views. Filled with lush greenery and colorful furniture, the beautiful terrace also offers some beautiful vistas, especially if you time a sunset across the Harbour Bridge. The rooftop menu is packed with Italian influnces, from house-made cheese and pizza to a dedicated spritz menu. A great option among the rooftop bars Sydney to gather with some friends for casual bites and drinks.

Rooftop bar Sydney Lady Banks Rooftop in Sydney
10

Lady Banks Rooftop

$$$ | 10th floor | Bankstown
  • Highlights
  • Biggest
  • 360° views
  • Multi-seasonal sanctuary

Located on top of Flinders Centre in Bankstown, Lady Banks Rooftop is a modern, vibrant and exciting destination, and also the biggest rooftop bar in Sydney. Dressed in a neutral and elegant suit, the rooftop mixes an interior lounge with a spacious outdoor terrace, surrounded with amazing 360° views over Sydney. Impressive in size and setting, Lady Banks also offers an impressive selection of food and drinks, from a contemporary selection of dishes with sharing in mind, to a wide selection of hand-picked wines, specially-crafted cocktails, as well in-house brewed beer.

Rooftop bar Sydney Harbour View Hotel in Sydney
11

Harbour View Hotel

$$$ | 3rd floor | The Rocks
  • Highlights
  • Old-school hospitality
  • Harbour Bridge views
  • Versatile

Found at the southern end of the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, Harbour View Hotel invites to old-school hospitality, fabulous food and excellent cocktails over 3 floors. The charming venue holds a downstairs sports bar, second floor function rooms, and best of all, a stylish top floor restaurant, rooftop cocktail bar and terrace. With views over the harbour, and the majestic Harbour Bridge so close you can almost touch it, here you can enjoy both upscale dishes and more classic pub food, as well as a wide selection of wines, crafted signature cocktails and plenty of brews.

Rooftop bar Sydney Sweethearts Rooftop in Sydney
12

Sweethearts Rooftop

$$$ | 5th floor | Potts Point
  • Highlights
  • Great ambience
  • Signature cocktails
  • Rooftop cinema

On top of Potts Point Hotel, close to Kings Cross Station, you find the casual, fun and trendy Sweethearts Rooftop. Urban chic and vibrant in feel and decor, with a mix of picninc tables, bar tables, string lights and plants, this is a great Sydney rooftop bar for nice tunes and good times. The rooftop bar serves a fresh mix of shares, burgers and pizza along with tasty Sweethearts signature cocktails, Pimm's on tap and a few wines. Come for vibrant drinks any night, Sunday Party or rooftop cinema.

Rooftop bar Sydney The Strand Hotel in Sydney
13

The Strand Hotel

$$$$ | 4th floor | Potts Point
  • Highlights
  • Elegant
  • Signature cocktails
  • Iconic venue

Standing strong for 99 years, The Strand Hotel is an iconic part of the Darlinghurst neighborhood, but a recent change of owners and renovations means a fresh new experience, including a rooftop bar. Mixing Sydney sophistication with a hint of French glamour, the top floor terrace comes surrounded with views over the downtown Sydney skyline. Here you can indulge in crafted signature cocktails, classics, tap & bottle brews, a curated selection of wine and champagne, as well as elevated bites.

Rooftop bar Sydney Old Mate’s Place in Sydney
14

Old Mate’s Place

$$$ | 4th floor | Sydney CBD
  • Highlights
  • Speakeasy-style
  • Cocktail bar
  • Lush & intimate

A bit hard to find, but well worth the search, Old Mate’s Place is a speakeasy-style rooftop bar, hidden in a run-down office building in the heart of Sydney. Set over two levels, the intimate upper floor open-air rooftop is surrounded with lush plants and cool views over the city. The rooftop menu does include beer and wine, but Old Mate’s Place is really a venue for cocktails. Creative and crafted to perfection, you will probably find your old favourite, but should probably try something new from the ever-changing list of signatures.

Rooftop bar Sydney Slims Rooftop in Sydney
15

Slims Rooftop

$$$ | 4th floor | Darlinghurst
  • Highlights
  • Amazing views
  • Colorful rooftop oasis
  • Izakaya-style food

The top floor cherry-in-the-cake of the happening Hyde Park House is an orange and pink rooftop oasis, offering fantastic views over the Hyde Park, as well as uninterrupted vistas of the CBD skyline. Filled with tropical greenery, Slims Rooftop is open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks in between. Indulge in Asian fusion izakaya-style dishes made to share, along with creative signature and classic cocktails, as well as a slim but fine selection of wine, champagne and beer on tap.

Rooftop bar Sydney The Glenmore in Sydney
16

The Glenmore

$$$ | 3rd floor | The Rocks
  • Highlights
  • Great atmosphere
  • Opera House views
  • Retractable roof

A real Sydney classic, built in 1921 and last renovated in 2012 it comes in an old colonial English tradition with a modern touch. The three level establishment has the real gem up top, the rooftop bar where you get an unbeatable panoramic view of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney skyline and the Opera House. Modern and fun pub-style rooftop bar, perfect for relaxing drinks and bites in a casual but vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a mighty impressive beer list, well made cocktails in both glasses and jugs along with bar bites and more filling gastro pub eats.

Rooftop bar Taphouse Sydney Rooftop in Sydney
17

Taphouse Sydney Rooftop

$$$ | 3rd floor | Darlinghurst
  • Highlights
  • Urban oasis
  • 'Taps, tunes and Chinese'

After a refresh, Taphouse Sydney is back in the heart of Darlinghurst, offering taps, tunes and Chinese over three levels. The earthy and intimate interior main bar leads up to the bright, blue-and-white rooftop terrace, equipped with a retractable roof and cool views over the bustling streets of Darlinghurst. The rooftop menu features classic Cantonese dishes made perfect to share, as well as 20 plus taps, and a nice range of wines and cocktails.

Rooftop bar Sydney The Rooftop Sydney
18

The Rooftop Sydney

$$$ | 4th floor | Sydney CBD
  • Highlights
  • Hamptons-inspired
  • Retractable roof
  • New & stylish

New and stylish rooftop bar, perched on top of the Shelbourne Hotel, right by the Pyrmont Footbridge. Up here you can enjoy alfresco sunset drinks, relaxed rooftop dining, music and great views over Darling Harbour. Bright and warm in decoration, taking inspiration from the Hamptons, the terrace has a nice garden-feel and also comes with a retractable roof, open for sunny summer drinks and closed if the weather turns to the worse. Sophisticated, relaxed and friendly in vibe, the rooftop bar offers both crafted signature cocktails and a food menu that's all about sharing.

Rooftop bar Sydney Untied Sydney
19

Untied

$$$ | 4th floor | Barangaroo
  • Highlights
  • Tropical oasis
  • Sophisticated laid back
  • Weekend brunch

Untied Barangaroo is a modern Australian rooftop, taking inspiration from the lush rainforests of North Queensland. Bright, refreshing and chic in decoration, with lush greenery and vivid colours, the rooftop mixes laid back vibes with sophistication and quality. The rooftop menu aims to be a reflection of modern Australia, offering tropical cocktails, colourful sharing foods, contemporary BBQ dishes and plant-based options. Visit for tropical rooftop vibes and drinks just about anytime, or the weekend 'Brunch with Soul', and 'Vegan Bottomless Brunch'.

Rooftop bar Sydney The Butler Sydney
20

The Butler

$$$ | 2nd floor | Potts Point
  • Highlights
  • Amazing views
  • Ibero-American influenced
  • Creative cocktails

The very charming and stylish The Butler in Potts Points might not look like to much from the outside, but behind the entrance you find a large, leafy terrace that offers highly impressive panoramic views over the Sydney skyline. Open daily for dinner, and most days also for lunch, The Butler serves an exciting Ibero-American influenced food menu, as well as a creative selection of cocktails. With a lovely and intimate atmosphere, The Butler is a fantastic Sydney rooftop for a long lunch in the sun, a date night, or just a Spiced Orange Espresso Martini while enjoying the view.

Rooftop bar Sydney East Village Sydney in Sydney
21

East Village Sydney

$$$ | 3rd floor | Darlinghurst
  • Highlights
  • Year-round
  • Amazing views
  • Relaxed & friendly

Found in the heart of Darlinghurst, East Village Sydney offers three floors of (very diverse) fun, where the true gem is the East Village Terrace Rooftop. Open year-round, the rooftop changes by the season, offering a bright, colorful and Mediterranean setting during the warmer months, turning into a cosy garden during winter. The amazing views over the Sydney skyline are however always included. Enjoy modern and fresh dishes that are made perfect to share, as well as tasty signature cocktails and a great selection of hand-picked wines.

Rooftop bar Sydney The Old Clare Hotel in Sydney
22

The Old Clare Hotel

$$$$ | 4th floor | Chippendale
  • Highlights
  • Rooftop pool
  • Relaxed
  • Re-furbished 2019

Newly re-furbished (2019), The Old Clare Hotel comes with a wooden decked, glass-enclosed and very stylish rooftop oasis. While the main feature, a 14 meter rooftop pool, is only for guests staying at the hotel, the rooftop bar welcomes all. A great spot to mix relaxing vibes and fantastic views with eastern-Mediterranean-influenced bites and creative cocktails from the A1 Canteen menu.

Rooftop bar Sydney Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade in Sydney
23

Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade

$$$$ | 6th floor | Millers Point
  • Highlights
  • Amazing views
  • Contemporary cocktail lounge
  • Beautiful setting

Perched on top of Hotel Palisade in Millers Point, Henry Deane is a contemporary rooftop cocktail lounge, offering amazing views over both the Sydney skyline and the surrounding harbour. A stylish choice among the rooftop bars Sydney has to offer, filled with plush lounges and marble everywhere, and a menu just about as stylish. From small and large dishes made to share, to a great selection of crafted signature cocktails and an extensive wine list.

Rooftop bar Sydney Nick & Nora's in Sydney
24

Nick & Nora's

$$$$ | 26th floor | Parramatta
  • Highlights
  • Panoramic views
  • Luxurious
  • 30s inspired

Found in the suburb of Parramatta, Nick & Nora's serves up some fantastic views over the Sydney harbour and skyline, as well as over the Blue Mountains. Grand vistas are however far from the only reason to visit this stylish rooftop. Perched on the 26th floor, the beautiful venue comes dressed in a glamorous art deco suite, taking inspiration from to the roaring 30s. The rooftop menu includes an extensive selection of creative cocktails, 50+ champagnes from the world’s most renowned houses and an impressive back bar of whiskies, cognacs and world class spirits.

Rooftop bar Sydney Smoke Bar at Barangaroo House in Sydney
25

Smoke Bar at Barangaroo House

$$$$ | 3rd floor | Barangaroo
  • Highlights
  • Sophisticated
  • Cocktail lounge
  • Sydney sunsets

Found by the harbour at Barangaroo, Smoke Bar is stylish and sophisticated waterfront rooftop cocktail bar, aiming to bring a slice of LA and NYC vibes to the heart of Sydney. Perched on top of the striking Barangaroo House, the wooden decked terrace offers smashing views over the harbour, and it is a prime spot for Sydney sunsets. With a menu filled with everything from wagyu skewers and signature crispy chips with smoked celery salt, to adventurous cocktails and a hand-picked wine list, this is a rooftop great for the taste buds.

Rooftop bar Sydney Zeta Bar in Sydney
26

Zeta Bar

$$$$ | 4th floor | Sydney CBD
  • Highlights
  • Mixologist cocktails
  • Stylish
  • Saturday night club

A stylish, sophisticated and chic cocktail bar, located at the Sydney Hilton's rooftop terrace with spectacular views of downtown Sydney and the Queen Victoria Building directly opposite. Although fine in decor, what really makes Zeta rooftop bar stand out is the fantastic selection of cocktails. Progressive and internationally acclaimed for their creations, the cocktails are very creative, quite pricy, both worth every penny. Usually a perfect spot for sophisticated and relaxing drinks, weekend nights means live music and Saturday night full on night club.

Rooftop bar Sydney Coogee Pavilion in Sydney
27

Coogee Pavilion

$$$ | 3rd floor | Coogee
  • Highlights
  • Large terrace
  • Ocean views
  • 4 bars

A large and happening place, located right off Coogee Beach. Not only does it have a rooftop with four different bars and a huge wrap-around balcony, but also a great downstairs restaurant. While the downstairs is a very family friendly venue, the upstairs rooftop is an adults only zone. From the spectacular terrace you get a magical view of the Australian coastline and the nearby surroundings. Modern, lush and bright in decor, here you can enjoy great Eastern Mediterranean food, a large selection of beer and wines along with excotic and fresh cocktails.

Rooftop bar Babylon Rooftop in Sydney
28

Babylon Rooftop

$$$$ | 7th floor | Sydney CBD
  • Highlights
  • Middle Eastern inspired
  • Spacious
  • Bar & restaurant

Perched on top of the Westfield Sydney shopping mall, Babylon Rooftop is a 1200sqm rooftop restaurant and bar, packed with both Middle Eastern inspired looks and tastes. With a restaurant, two large bars, a wood-fired kitchen, and a large outdoor terrace, the rooftop comes surrounded with majestic views over the surrounding CBD skyscrapers. Here you can enjoy a menu inspired by the rich and flavourful Levantine cuisine of the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean, as well as signature cocktails, a 200+ whisky offering and a fine wine selection.

Rooftop bar Sydney Royal Hotel – Paddington in Sydney
29

Royal Hotel Paddington

$$$ | 4th floor | Paddington
  • Highlights
  • Cocktail bar
  • Sunset views
  • Local feel

A multi-level and multi-space establishment located in Paddington. With sports bar and pub on the ground floor and gastro pub on second floor, the real gem is the 3rd and 4th floor cocktail bar Elephant Bar & Rooftop. Small but very stylish rooftop that offers fantastic views over the eastern suburbs of Sydney and all the way to the skyline. The decor feels somewhat like an English garden and this is a great place for relaxing and sunny drinks with some friends. Enjoy well crafted signature and classic cocktails and table service on weekends.

Rooftop bar Keg & Brew in Sydney
30

Keg & Brew

$$$ | 4th floor | Surry Hills
  • Highlights
  • Skyline views
  • Pizza
  • Giant TV

Found in a heritage-listed building in Surry Hills, the Keg & Brew go way back as a popular pub, but a recent refurbish means it now also offers a spacious open-air rooftop. Here you can watch sweeping views over the city skyline, but also all the sports action on a giant-sized television screen. The downstairs restaurant offers more classic pub-food, while the rooftop focuses on pizza, a wide range of beers, wines by the glass and bottle and $25 cocktail jugs.

Rooftop bar Sydney Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel in Sydney
31

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel

$$$ | 2nd floor | Watsons Bay
  • Highlights
  • Beach club
  • Ocean views
  • Crafted cocktails

The fabulous Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel comes with a fantastic beach club that includes a second floor terrace, offering a fantastic view of Sydney's skyline and all the boats in the bay outside. Located on one of Sydney’s most iconic harbour beaches, the beach club and rooftop bar is a perfect place for relaxing seaside cocktails. Chic and classic maritme in decor, the rooftop bar is open from early morning to late at night. Come for relaxing afternoon cocktails with a fantastic sunset or vibrant weekend beachside vibes with live DJs and a large crowd.

Rooftop bar Sydney SoCal in Sydney
32

SoCal

$$$ | 2nd floor | Neutral Bay
  • Highlights
  • California vibes
  • Signature cocktails
  • Acoustic weekend sessions

SoCal restaurant and rooftop bar offers a slice of Southern California in the nothern part of Sydney. Situated over two floors, with ground floor indoor restaurant and a lovely bright and colorful rooftop terrace, oozing with laid-back California vibes. The only thing missing is ocean views. Enjoy ‘share-style’ street food, filled with Latin American influences along with fantastic and well made cocktails (where Tequila is not an unusual ingridient), beer and wines from Calfornia and Mexico, but also more local selections.

Rooftop bar Sydney New Brighton Hotel in Sydney
33

New Brighton Hotel

$$$ | 4th floor | Manly
  • Highlights
  • House of 4 bars
  • Ocean views
  • Roof garden

From the rooftop bar at New Brighton Hotel in Manly, you get a lovely view of Manly Corso, Manly Beach and all the way to Shelley Beach. Top spot for saoking up sun while enjoying food and drinks. The large Rooftop Garden Bar comes in a nice beachside vibe and decor, decorated with regular and Balinese day beds, private cabanas, basket chairs and bar stools. Here you can enjoy well made cocktails, a large selection of craft beer & cider and some tasty finger food. Below the rooftop you also find 3 other bars.

Rooftop bar Sydney Websters Bar in Sydney
34

Websters Bar

$$$ | 3rd floor | Newton
  • Highlights
  • Whiskey bar
  • Sunset views
  • Rustic feel

Three floors up you'll find this rustic beauty called Websters Rooftop Bar. Located in Newton, Websters Bar is, like many other in Sydney, a several floor establishment. Here you find the ground floor King St Bar & Restaurant, the second floor Bourbon Bar & Grill and up top the rooftop bar. Open from morning to late at night, the rooftop bar serves a great selection of well made classic pub dishes along with crafted beers and a nice selection of wines. The most impressive menu is however the whisky-list, with over 600 different blends.

Rooftop bar Sydney Ching-a-lings in Sydney
35

Ching-a-lings

$$ | 2nd floor | Darlinghurst
  • Highlights
  • Local feel
  • Live DJs
  • Hidden gem

This is a small New York loft style bar with rooftop deck, located on Oxford Street in Darlinghurst. It is quite hard to find, but definetly a rooftop bar in Sydney worth the search. With room for about a 100 people, Ching-a-Lings comes with an urban and beatiful setting, both at the small inside bar and out on the rooftop deck. No grand views to brag about, but instead a vibrant, fun and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy live underground DJs every night, wine from a barrel, cold beer and very well crafted cocktails.

Rooftop bar Sydney Ivy Pool Club in Sydney
36

Ivy Pool Club

$$$$ | 4th floor | Sydney CBD
  • Highlights
  • Italian coatsline-feel
  • Rooftop pool
  • Weekend live DJs

LA glamour meets the Italian Riviera right in the heart of central Sydney. That is the short description of the luxurious Ivy Pool Club, one of few rooftop pool bars that the city has to offer, and a diverse place depending on when you visit. The decor takes inspiration from Palm Springs in the '60s and from the Ivy rooftop bar you can enjoy delicious Italian pizza along with creative and well crafted cocktails. Visit during the day to enjoy the magnificent rooftop pool, early night for sophisitcated vibes and cocktails, or weekend for full on party vibes.

Rooftop bar Sydney Hotel Sweeney's in Sydney
37

Hotel Sweeney's

$$ | 3rd floor | Sydney CBD
  • Highlights
  • Rotating crafted beers
  • Easy going
  • Central

At street level Hotel Sweeney's looks like (and very much is) a classic Aussie sports pub. But on top of the building you find a very nice surprise and somewhat of a hidden gem: Sweeney's Rooftop Bar. With location right in the heart of Sydney, the rooftop terrace offers magical views over the central parts of town. Quite classic in decor, this is a rooftop craft beer bar, with a rotating lineup on eight different taps along with different tap takeovers every now and then.

Rooftop bar Sydney Bridgeview Hotel in Sydney
38

Bridgeview Hotel

$$$ | 2nd floor | Willoughby
  • Highlights
  • Rooftop garden
  • Sports bar
  • Great ambience

Located in Willoughby, north of central Sydney, the Bridgeview Hotel is a casual, neighborhood-type pub and rooftop bar. The inside public bar shows all types of sports and the upstairs green and very lush rooftop garden is a perfect place for relaxing drinks in the sun. No views to brag about, but instead a friendly and unpretentious amosphere. The food menu is described as 'quality pub grub at great prices' and the drink list offers a selection of classic brews and a few crafted beers, some wines and classic cocktails.

Rooftop bar Sydney The Governor's Rooftop in Sydney
39

The Governor's Rooftop

$$$ | 4th floor | Macquarie Park
  • Highlights
  • Spacious rooftop garden
  • Vibrant
  • Bottomless brunch

Found in Macquarie Park in Sydney’s north-west, The Governor Hotel is a vibrant four-level venue, offering a diverse range of spaces to eat, drink and socialise. From the ground level bistro and bar, up to a spacious top floor rooftop garden, called The Governor's Rooftop. Surrounded with lovely 360° views, the urban-chic and sundrenched rooftop is great place to escape for sunset drinks and afternoon knock-offs just about anytime, but it does really turn up the heat during weekends, with nightly live DJs and the Saturday & Sunday 'Gov’s Brunch & Bottomless Cocktails'.

Rooftop bar Sydney Helm Bar & Bistro in Sydney
40

Helm Bar & Bistro

$$$ | 2nd floor | Darling Harbour
  • Highlights
  • Casual dining & drinking
  • Darling Harbour views
  • Nautical themed

Helm Bar & Bistro is a spacious and multi-level venue, serving a casual dining and drinking experience right on the water in Cockle Bay’s lively entertainment precinct. Nautical themed to blend perfectly with the surroundings, there is both a Lower Deck beer garden and an Upper Deck rooftop terrace, where you get some lovely views over Darling Harbour. Serving a fresh, diverse and modern selection of food and drinks, Helm is a great Sydney rooftop bar for everything from a sunny lunch with water views to a vibrant afterwork.

Rooftop bar Sydney The Golden Sheaf in Sydney
41

The Golden Sheaf

$$$ | 2nd floor | Double Bay
  • Highlights
  • Vibrant atmosphere
  • Rooftop oasis
  • Pop-up bars

Located in the heart of Double Bay, this is the areas premier drinking, dining, pet friendly, sport and late-night party destination. And best of all, it comes with a lush and lovely backyard Beer Garden, that also leads up to a great second floor Rooftop Bar. Surrounded by greenery, the views are not breathtaking, but rather cool watching the action in the garden below. A bit of an exclusive oasis inside The Golden Sheaf, this is a spot to enjoy specially curated cocktails and DJ vibes with a trendy crowd.

Rooftop bar Sydney The Strawberry in Sydney
42

The Strawberry

$$ | 3rd floor | Surry Hills
  • Highlights
  • Central
  • Cheerful
  • Beer garden

The Strawberry is classic Aussie pub, but a recent refurbishment has given it a modern touch and appealing to a new and hip crowd. Located in Surry Hills, just south of the Sydney Central Station, it comes with a ground floor pub and restaurant and an upstairs rooftop beer garden. Enjoy fresh pub food, value for money drinks and a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Open from morning to very late, with different daily deals on drinks and food, Wednesday Trivia, video jukebox playing old classic and live DJs on weekends.

Rikard Fredricson
Rikard Fredricson

Rikard has spent the last 10 years exploring, enjoying, researching and working with rooftop venues. During these years he has visited more than 700 rooftops across the globe. The experience he has gained is used to create helpful, in-depth and accessible content, and to share his knowledge and rooftop expertise with fellow rooftop-lovers.

Sydney Rooftop Map

Hot Read

Explore

Browse all the cities & articles at The Rooftop Guide

Follow The Rooftop Guide

You may also like
Best rooftop pools Sydney
Article
Best rooftop pools Sydney
7 proven tips for the ultimate rooftop experience
Article
7 proven tips for the ultimate rooftop experience
Rooftop Pools in the world
Article
Swim at the best rooftop pools in the world
Amazing hotels with rooftop bar
Article
9 amazing hotels with rooftop bar
Rooftop bars Melbourne
Complete guide
27 best rooftop bars Melbourne
Rooftop bars Brisbane
Complete guide
15 best rooftop bars Brisbane
Rooftop bars Gold Coast
Complete guide
12 best rooftop bars Gold Coast
Rooftop bars Adelaide
Complete guide
9 best rooftop bars Adelaide
Corniche
Collaboration
Timeless watches for timeless views
City info

Rooftop bar Sydney

Rooftop-grade: 9/10

Prime season: Sep-May

Residents: 4,5 millions

Climate: humid subtropical

Which are the best rooftops in Sydney? This complete guide will help you find the best rooftop bars in Sydney. The climate is warm all year round, resulting in a good range of rooftop bars in Sydney. The terraces are often large, luxurious and with a lovely view of the city and its surrounding waters.

Most of the Sydney sky bars are located in the city or in adjacent to Sydney's center. But there are also some that are a little more outside the city. For example, there is a good one in Manly and one a little south of Bondi.

Sydney has a very wide selection of good roof terraces. Here you can choose between several different roof terraces who have completely different style, interior, visitors and restaurants.

The best thing about the typical Sydney rooftops is not the view, but more that there are so many different terraces that there is always something that suits everyone.

About Sydney

Sydney is Australia's largest city, beautifully located in the country's southeast coast right by the Tasman Sea. The city is situated on hills surrounding Sydney Harbour, which is one of the world's most famous ports. Here you will find both the Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge, both of which are world famous. Sydney is often ranked among the world's best cities. Here you’ll find a little of everything. Sandy beaches like Bondi Beach and Manly Beach, city parks and botanical gardens. The city has also been host for various major sports championship. For example, they organized the Olympics here in 2000.

Food, drink and party on rooftop bars in Sydney

Sydney is a real metropolis with plenty of good restaurants from every cuisine. This also applies to the roof terraces. On most of the rooftop bars in Sydney you can eat well - both domestic and foreign food. Mainly the Asian food here is very good. Regarding drinks it’s pretty much the same as on rooftops in other contries. But of course lots of people drinks beer given the British culture and the warm climate. For those who want to party and have fun, there’s plenty of nice rooftop bars to visit in Sydney. Some roof terraces in Sydney organizes very good parties with good arrangements and partygoers.

Alltitude and views from the rooftop bars in Sydney

Although that Sydney is a very big city with a lot of skyscrapers in the city, the city rooftop bars here are often located at a relatively low altitude. It has a lot to do with Sydney city does not allow rooftop bars on the roofs of skyscrapers. Despite this, one can get a magical view of many of the roof terraces in Sydney. The views vary greatly between the different rooftop bars. Some have views of the sea, the other towards the city skyline, a part of the harbor and Opera House. That said – if you want to choose a view, there’s a great deal of different rooftop bars in Sydney to go to.

Other attractions in Sydney

Sydney is as I said a real metropolis. Here you find most in terms of attractions and activities. If you want to visit the beautiful beaches, there are lots of great places. Both central and a bit beyond. Or how about the famous Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. Fabulous white sandy beaches where lots of people gather every day to sunbathe, swim or surf. This article about Australia east coast must see is a great place to start looking. There are also quite lovely botanical gardens in the city that you can wander around and just watch the beautiful vegetation. If you want to be a little cultural, Sydney have one of the world's most famous opera houses here and a good selection of museums. But the best thing about Sydney is probably the city's small, cozy cafés, bars and restaurants. Here you can stroll around forever and just eat and drink.

Flights and hotels in Sydney

Sydney Airport is the only airport Connected to Sydney. Although Australia is fairly remote with other countries in the world, many airplanes lands and take off from here every day. Mainly from the Airline companies Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia. The airport is fairly close to the city, which increases the flexibility of communication here. Hotel's something they have lots of in Sydney. A very wide range with everything you can imagine. The more luxurious hotels can often boast with fine rooftop bars. Book your hotel in Sydney through us and take advantage of the best prices in the market.