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20 Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney [2024]

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Rooftop Bars Sydney

Best Rooftop Bar Sydney
Best Rooftop Bar Sydney

If you’re looking for rooftop bars Sydney, you’re in luck. There are plenty of them to choose from! In this blog post, we will list 20 of the best rooftop bars in Sydney. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax after work or want to party all night long, these rooftop bars have something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your rooftop bar crawl today!

1) The Rooftop Sydney

Key ServiceHamptons-inspired rooftop bar
AddressLevel 3, 200 Sussex St Sydney
Websitehttps://www.therooftop.com.au/
Phone(02) 9267 3100
Operating HoursWednesday to Friday 12pm to late

If you’re ever in Darling Harbour and are searching for a breathtaking view, look no further than The Rooftop. With its recent refurbishment, The Rooftop offers stunning Hamptons-inspired decor, such as palms, hanging chairs and rattan lounges with either a mesmerizing blush sunset or dazzling blue sky (depending on the retractable roof) as your backdrop. And to keep you fueled throughout the night, we serve pizzas, bar snacks and salads!

Key Differentiators:

  • Garden terrace
  • Equipped with a retractable roof
  • Darling Harbour views and spectacular sunsets night after night

Customer’s Review:

Awesome rooftop bar, with a roof that opens and beautiful views over Darling Harbour. We enjoyed a great night out with colleagues, taking some high tables and enjoying the drinks and bar food. Great place to come with friends and workmates, both in small and larger groups. We’ll be back! x

The Rooftop Sydney – Rooftop Bar Sydney

2) Royal Hotel – Paddington

Key ServiceRooftop bar with unparalleled city views
AddressFive Ways 237, Glenmore Road
Paddington, NSW, 2021, Australia
Websitehttps://www.royalhotel.com.au/elephant-bar-and-dining
Phone(02) 9331 2604
Emailfunctions@phmg.com.au
Operating HoursSun – Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri – Sat: 11am – 11pm

This eastern suburbs favourite got a complete makeover in 2019, from top to bottom. The ground floor is largely the same, but the real jewel of the venue is its rooftop – which somehow remains one of the best-kept secrets in town. There’s a retractable roof and rosé on tap, so you can enjoy those unparalleled city views with a glass of something nice in hand rain or shine all year long.

Key Differentiators:

  • Multilevel venue with a swanky cocktail lounge 
  • Smart sports bar, plus upscale pub grub
  • Roof top balcony views with smoking area

Customer’s Review:

Classy reno, great areas for many groups, large or small. Rooftop with superb view. Worth a visit.

Giulia Cardamone

3) Fire and Brimstone

Key ServicePitmaster-driven barbecue spot
AddressLevel 1, 273 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill 2154
Websitehttps://www.fireandbrimstonebbq.com.au/
Phone(02) 8884 2807
Emailinfo@fireandbrimstonebbq.com.au
Operating HoursWednesday from 5pm, Thursday – Sunday 12pm to 9pm

Fire and Brimstone, a barbecue restaurant reminiscent of America’s deep south has opened at the Hillside Hotel’s rooftop in Sydney. Head Pitmaster Brad Shorten is serving up delicious smoked meats three nights a week. It’s first come, first served here- so make sure to get there early if you don’t want to go home meatless!

Key Differentiators:

  • Inspired by America’s deep south
  • First in, first served the brisket
  • Open three nights a week

Customer’s Review:

Great atmosphere with a rooftop setting and big screens showing the footy. The Brimstone Feast is an epic platter, we had plenty left after the 3 of us were full and were able to take it home. Lucky we found this place as it was hard to get a seat anywhere for dinner on fathers day without a booking and this turned out to be amazing. Would love to visit again.

Christopher Jones

4) The Burdekin

Key ServiceStunning views from five storeys high overlooking Oxford St.
Address2-4 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
Websitehttps://burdekin.com.au/rooftop/
Phone(02) 9331 3066
Emailevents@burdekin.com.au
Operating HoursMON | Closed
TUES | 4pm – 10pm
WEDS | 4pm – 11pm
THURS | 4pm – 1am
FRI | 12pm – 4am
SAT | 12pm – 4am
SUN | 12pm – 10pm

The Burdekin is one of the oldest pubs in Sydney, and it has recently added a rooftop bar. Standing five storeys up, this casual-chic watering hole is the only one of its kind on Oxford Street. Take in sweeping views of Sydney’s main drag for queer partying, stretching out to Hyde Park and to the Domain as you sip on original cocktails by the likes of the Back Ally, the Slutty Mermaid and the Pink Flamingo.

Key Differentiators:

  • Casual-chic watering hole
  • Offers sweeping views of Sydney’s main drag
  • Serves seasonal cocktails

Customer’s Review:

A gorgeous spot, with friendly staff, and great cocktails! Will be back!

Evelyn Veitch

5) Orient Hotel

Key Service1840s pub with chic lounge areas
Address89 George Street
The Rocks, Sydney
Websitehttps://www.orienthotel.com.au/
Phone(02) 9251 1255
Operating HoursMon-Sun 10am-late

The Orient Hotel is a Rocks landmark with an outdoor courtyard perfect for summer drinking and bar food. The first-floor restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine in elegant surroundings.

Key Differentiators:

  • Leafy courtyard
  • Tri-level building
  • Bistro meals & fine dining

Customer’s Review:

Upper-level and curbside dining are very inviting. Centrally located in the heart of the rocks. Always a staple for a decent beer and lite meal. The staff were friendly and helpful.

Jon Waine

6) Old Mate’s Place

Key ServiceRooftop bar with leather booths & a terrace
AddressLevel 4, 199 Clarence St,
Sydney NSW 2000 (take the lift)
Websitehttps://oldmates.sydney/
Operating HoursMonday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 4pm – 2am
Wednesday: 4pm – 2am
Thursday: 4pm – 2am
Friday: 2pm -2am
Saturday: 2pm – 2am
Sunday: 2pm – 2am

Old Mate’s Place is the perfect combination of a moody candle-lit bar and a sunny rooftop bar. Clock off early to get a seat up amongst the potted plants along with some Negronis and Jamaican beers in the late evening light. 

Key Differentiators:

  • Candle lit drinking
  • Serves Negronis and Jamaican beers
  • Surrounded by potted plants

Customer’s Review:

Amazing rooftop spot that’s perfect for an after-work drink or two. The staff are super friendly and the drinks are reasonably priced. Would definitely recommend it!

Emma Johnson

7) Glenmore Hotel

Key ServiceStalwart bar over 3 levels with elevated fare
Address96 Cumberland St
The Rocks, NSW 2000
Websitehttps://theglenmore.com.au/
Phone+61 2 9247 4794
Emailinfo@theglenmore.com.au
Operating HoursMonday: 11am – 12am
Tuesday: 11am – 12am
Wednesday: 11am – 12am
Thursday: 11am – 12am
Friday: 11am – 1am
Saturday: 11am – 1am
Sunday: 11am – 12am

The Glenmore Hotel in the Rocks provides one of Sydney’s most breathtaking views of the harbour panorama. It’s popular among locals and tourists alike, but we’re just as happy heading here on a Monday for a cheap steak and some peace and quiet with friends.

Key Differentiators:

  • One of the best views in Sydney
  • Great value steak night on Mondays
  • A local favourite for a rooftop drink

Customer’s Review:

Food was surprisingly delicious. Great view on the rooftop floor featuring a bar with plenty of alcohol. Staff are polite and respectful. Overall a great place for work Christmas parties and functions, or just a night out with friends. The rooftop level is usually booked out for dinner so it’s best to call and book a table first for your group.

David Tan

8) The Strand Bistro

Key ServiceFrench bistro and bar
Address99 William Street
Darlinghurst, NSW, 2021
Websitehttps://www.strandhotel.com.au/bistro
Phone(02) 9068 8527
Emailhello@strandhotel.com.au
Operating HoursOpen 10am to Midnight

In honour of its 100-year anniversary, the Strand has been transformed into a roaring ’20s French bistro complete with boutique accommodations and a rooftop cocktail bar.

Key Differentiators:

  • 100-year-old pub
  • Indulge in French-inspired classics
  • Boutique accommodation

Customer’s Review:

As it’s a bistro, there’s a real vibe to the place. The food was delicious and a great selection of wine. Our waiter was very friendly and professional and could answer questions and make suggestions. 

Al Cook

9) East Village Hotel

Key ServiceVintage sports-themed bar
Address234 Palmer Street
Darlinghurst NSW
Websitehttp://www.eastvillagesydney.com.au/
Phone0431 622 944
Emailhello@eastvillagesydney.com.au
Operating HoursMonday – Friday 12pm – 12am
Saturday 11am – 12am
Sunday 11am – 10pm

Sydneyites are no strangers to rooftop bars, and the new addition to the East Village Hotel (previously the Darlo Village) is no exception. Located on the top floor, this lofty drinking spot offers stunning views of the cityscape. However, if you’re not a fan of cardio, you may need to take a break at the second-floor Athletic Club – a vintage sports-themed bar with an upscale ‘I went to Eton during the Downton Abbey years’ vibe.

Key Differentiators:

  • Smart, kid-friendly venu
  • With booths and a cosy courtyard
  • Pub classics and craft beer

Customer’s Review:

Had a casual baby shower on a Saturday and the staff were incredibly helpful and accomodating—reserving the front bar and courtyard space for us as the weather was on and off raining. The whole process was simple and the food was great (grazing platter and canapes). Highly recommend!

Julianne Howells

10) The Woollahra Hotel

Key ServiceTrendy, modern rooftop pub
Address116 Queen Street, Woollahra NSW
Websitehttps://www.woollahrahotel.com.au/
Phone02 9327 9777
Operating HoursFront Bar
Monday to Friday from 12pm
Saturday, Sunday from 11am
Upstairs
Tuesday to Thursday from 4pm
Friday to Sunday from 12pm

The Woollahra Hotel is a pub located in Woollahra, a neighbourhood near Paddington. The hotel has been around since the 1930s and recently reopened after undergoing some renovations. The area surrounding the hotel is relatively affluent and residents are known for their love of tradition and old-fashioned values.

Key Differentiators:

  • Cutting-edge French bistro with a curved wood ceiling
  • With a terrace bar
  • Serves delicious Asian dishes

Customer’s Review:

Excellent food and a really nice menu with some delicious Asian dishes. Great service. We love coming here for family celebrations as it never disappoints. Unpretentious. One of Sydney’s nicest pubs.

Tiffany Cole

11) The Fernery

Key ServiceRooftop bar with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour and the Heads
AddressRooftop 719 Military Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
Websitehttps://www.thefernerymosman.com.au/
Phone(02) 8459 9410
Operating HoursMonday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 10 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM – 10 PM
Friday 11:00 AM – 11 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM – 11 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 6 PM

The creators of Greens and Acre Eatery have decided to put their green thumbs and cocktail-shaking skills to use on a Mosman rooftop. The Fernery has amazing views of the harbour that stretch all the way to North Head. They also brought urban farmer Adrian Baiada aboard to help them build an outdoor kitchen garden.

Key Differentiators:

  • Nestled in the heart of Mosman
  • Seasonal, modern menu
  • Serves cocktails & craft gins 

Customer’s Review:

Amazing interior, stunning rooftop views and great food. We really enjoyed the sashimi tacos and spiced calamari. Would highly recommend the baked 1/2 shell scallops.

A

12) Smoke

Key ServiceSleek rooftop bar with stellar views
Address35 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo, NSW, 2000
Websitehttps://www.barangaroohouse.com.au/smoke
Phone02 8587 5400
Emailbarangaroohouse@solotel.com.au
Operating HoursSunday – Tuesday 12PM – 10PM
Wed – Saturday 12PM – 12AM

Although it’s not evident from the street level, once you ascend to the third-floor deck of this cocktail lounge, you’ll see that it was exactly what Sydney was missing in terms of bars. The Solotel group has outdone itself yet again with Smoke—the crowning glory of Barangaroo House. Things are strictly professional up here; upon arrival, you’re greeted and shown to a seat before being given a time limit until the next booking arrives,

Key Differentiators:

  • Expansive outdoor terrace
  • Serves a range of drinks & snacks
  • Rare haven of tranquillity and style

Customer’s Review:

Smoke was amazing. We came and had cocktails and a mocktail. Walking in you really begin to appreciate the architecture, walking upstairs it feels exclusive. When you finally get upstairs you see an amazingly posh, but somehow masculine atmosphere.

Slim Karaaslan

13) Webster’s Bar

Key ServiceRooftop bar with private function space
Address323 King St, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia
Websitehttps://www.webstersbar.com.au/
Phone0427 431 284
Emailinfo@webstersbar.com.au
Operating HoursDaily from 10am

Zanzibar has changed its name and offerings. Although don’t worry, you can still get beers on the roof with late-night party vibes on weekends. They have in between revamped the drinks offerings by hosting wine and whisky dinners and given this multi-storey Newtown pub a bit of a spruce up though.

Key Differentiators:

  • Can accommodate large groups
  • Serves burgers & bar food
  • Overlooking the bustling hub of King Street

Customer’s Review:

Had my birthday here last night and it was such a great venue! The rooftop is beautiful with string lights and there’s a lot of space. The staff were attentive and accommodating, especially given that we had a large group. Would definitely recommend it for functions or a night out.

Ellen Nguyen

14) Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel

Key ServiceServes fresh seafood & Aperol spritzes
Address1 Military Road (corner of Marine Parade)
Watsons Bay Sydney NSW
Australia 2030
Websitehttps://watsonsbayhotel.com.au/
Phone+61 2 9337 5444
Email info@watsonsbayhotel.com.au
Operating HoursMon – Thur 11am – 9pm
Fri – Sun 11am – 11pm

Come to Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel on weekends to enjoy Sunday Sessions with fresh tiger prawns and an Aperol spritz or two as the sun sets. The rooftop offers stunning views of sparkling blue water, and you can enjoy live music late into the night.

Key Differentiators:

  • Brekkie and diverse global dishes
  • Live music on weekends
  • Packed on Sundays for sunset sessions

Customer’s Review:

Fantastic location, great atmosphere, and the food are excellent. We enjoyed a hot afternoon at the beach bar after walking to South Head lighthouse. friendly staff fast service, while waiting to catch a ferry back to Sydney.

MozinOz Digital content creator specialist

15) Marrickville Springs

Key ServiceTropical-themed rooftop bar
Address92-98 Sydenham Rd,
Marrickville NSW 2204
Websitehttps://www.philterbrewing.com/marrickville-springs
Emailevents@philterbrewing.com
Operating HoursMonday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Thursday: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Friday: 12:00am – 11:00pm
Saturday: 12:00am – 11:00pm
Sun: 12:00am – 6:00pm

The love affair between Sydney and rooftop bars has come full circle with the opening of Marrickville Springs. This tropical resort-style bar is atop Philter Brewing in Sydney’s Inner West. The sky-high bar features pink hues, wooden bench seating, and plentiful tropical plants.

Key Differentiators:

  • Serves Philter Brewing beers & cocktails
  • Pizza, chicken wings & loaded fries

Close to public transport & Marrickville Road shops

Customer’s Review:

Excellent, friendly and attentive service from all staff at our function on the rooftop bar would highly recommend booking an event! Thank you for your support.

Luisa Soussa

16) Henry Deane

Key ServiceElegant rooftop bar with a range of drinks on offer
Address35 Bettington St, Millers Point NSW 2000, Australia
Websitehttps://hotelpalisade.com.au/henrydeane/
Phone(02) 9018 0123
Emailgroupbookings@hotelpalisade.com
Operating HoursMonday Closed
Tuesday 4–10PM
Wednesday 4–10PM
Thursday 12PM–12AM
Friday 12PM–12AM
Saturday 12–11:30PM
Sunday 12–10PM

Up on top of the newly renovated Hotel Palisade is a new bar called Henry Deane, which is taking your after-work drinks in the Rocks to great new heights, and we’re guessing will be a hotly contested space for the New Year’s fireworks displays.

Key Differentiators:

  • Small plates menu available
  • Contemporary cocktail lounge
  • Friendly service and delicious cocktails

Customer’s Review:

Gorgeous view, menu and cocktails! Wonderful for friends, visitors to Sydney, or a date night. Make sure you catch a golden hour on the balcony.

Jessie Schilling

17) SoCal Neutral Bay

Key ServiceSouthern Californian-inspired rooftop bar
Address1 Young Street, Neutral Bay, 2089, Sydney
Websitehttps://socalsydney.com.au/
Phone+61 2 9904 5691
Emailinfo@socalsydney.com.au
Operating HoursMonday to Thursday: 5pm – Late
Friday to Sunday: 12pm – Late

Bondi Hardware and the Botanist, two renowned Southern Californian establishments, created this restaurant and bar with a sunny rooftop. Here, you can savour quesadillas, ceviche, and hot dogs tacos while enjoying the beautiful weather.

Key Differentiators:

  • Delicious cocktails
  • Southern Californian surf vibe and theme
  • Share-style street food

Customer’s Review:

Absolute delight. My Mexican wife is always a bit sceptical about places serving tacos while being American-themed. But we had no bad surprises with the excellent food. Before we ventured into cocktail heaven and simply enjoyed being. Relaxed atmosphere, great decor, friendly service – 100% recommended.

Andreas Ludwig

18) Sky Bar, Shell House

Key ServiceLuxurious Art Deco rooftop bar
Address37 Margaret St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Websitehttps://shellhouse.com.au/sky-bar/
Phone+61 2 9158 4000
Operating HoursWednesday 4pm – til late
Thursday – Saturday 2pm til late

The second of four restaurants to open at restaurateur Brett Robinson’s new CBD hub Shell House, the Sky Bar is an Art Deco dream in earthy hues – a palette of burnt umbers, rich terracottas and creamy tones. The design throughout these upper levels of Shell House is a luxurious ode to the building’s unmistakable clock tower – a glazed stone monolith watching over the Sky Bar’s alfresco terrace.

Key Differentiators:

  • Oversees the Sky Terrace & clock tower
  • Cocktails & small plates menu
  • Italian-inspired food

Customer’s Review:

It is a convenient location for after-work dinners or drinks in Sydney CBD. We went to Menzies Bar & Bistro on ground level, it turned out pretty decent experience with service and food. It was quite busy on a Tuesday evening in terms of CBD dining.

Kirsty Wong

19) The Butler

Key ServiceRooftop bar with a panoramic view of Sydney city skyline
Address123 Victoria Street, Potts Point, 2011
Websitehttps://butlersydney.com.au/
Emailinfo@butlersydney.com.au
Operating HoursMonday – Tuesday | 4pm – late
Wednesday to Sunday | 12pm – late

With a beautiful view of the city, the garden terrace is perfect for working your way through an extensive list of delicious cocktails. Sydney’s skyline is breathtaking, and the Ibero-American cuisine here is exquisite. The menu has a wide variety of wines and cocktails to choose from. If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, look no further than this eclectic oasis in Potts Point. From the dining area with its exotic themes to the forest-like garden, there’s something for everyone here. And with original sandstone walls and a twist on traditional colonial influences throughout, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world entirely.

Key Differentiators:

  • Exquisite Ibero-American cuisine
  • Extensive wine list and delicious cocktails
  • Forest-like garden 

Customer’s Review:

A really outstanding dining experience in Potts Point. The food was sensational. The cocktails and wine list were excellent. The staff were also super friendly and helpful. Highly recommended plus the view over Sydney is worth a million dollars.

Geoff Cutler

20) Estate Coogee Beach

Key ServiceWithin a relaxed, casual luxe atmosphere
AddressCorner Arden & Carr St
Coogee NSW 2034
Websitehttps://estatecoogee.com/
Emailhello@estatecoogee.com
Operating HoursMonday – Thursday 4pm – 11pm
Friday 4pm ’til late
Saturday 12pm ’til late
Sunday 12pm – 10pm

The three-in-one venue occupying the ground floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Estate, much like its neighbour Coogee Pavilion, has maximised its appeal by having three differently styled spaces to cater to the needs of various crowds. Making full use of its beachside location, Terrace is perfect for a younger audience looking to relax with friends; drink in hand as evening falls and watch Coogee sands from across the street.

Key Differentiators:

  • Incredible cocktails
  • Three-in-one venue
  • Simple, tasty seafood dishes 

Customer’s Review:

Great for dinner & drinks or having a margarita listening to the live music on the terrace. Estate is for sure going to be our new summer hangout.

Aisling O’Nolan

Rooftop Bars Sydney

Rooftop bars Sydney are a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With stunning views of the skyline, these rooftop bars offer an oasis-like atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy delicious cocktails and small plates menus.

If you’re looking for more recommendations, you can check out our other posts below:

Rachel Tan - FunEmpire

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I'm currently the editor at FunEmpire Media Australia. I've over 8 years of experience in the media industry discovering the best local businesses, places and things to do in Australia. From lifestyle, entertainment, food, travel, education and more, I strive to curate the very best Australia has to offer.