11 rooftop bars you must visit in Sydney 2026

Planning a trip to Sydney and looking for the very best, must-visit spots to drink? Well, I’ve rounded up 11 of Sydney’s best rooftop bars and compiled them into this nice, neat little list for you. These are the spots to get great views, fantastic drinks and really immerse yourself in Sydney’s awesome social scene.

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1. Henry Deane

Located in Sydney’s historic Rocks Precinct, you’ll find Henry Deane as part of Hotel Palisade. This classy cocktail lounge boasts gorgeous views of Sydney from every direction. It’s chic and sophisticated, but still wonderfully comfortable and welcoming. You’ll love the views, especially as the sun sets, and their brilliant cocktail and wine list. Grab a few plates of nibbles, steal a comfy spot early and settle in for a wonderful evening. Find Henry Deane here.

2. Coogee Pavilion Rooftop

For picture-perfect views of Sydney’s coastline, head directly to the Coogee Pavilion and upstairs to the rooftop. This is the spot to settle in for a few hours with cold beers and pretty cocktails, watching the world unfold below. You know, those days where you find yourself staring off at the horizon, losing yourself in the brilliant blue water. The rooftop is adults-only and features four different bars spread across a sweeping wraparound balcony. Aside from great drinks, you can get your hands on delicious Mediterranean food, pizzas and burgers. Just note that it can get busy on weekends, so arriving early is your best bet. Find the Coogee Pavilion here. 

3. Hotel Ravesis

Another perfect spot for rooftop drinks with a water view, Hotel Ravesis at Bondi Beach is the place to be. You’ll find amazing views of the water, a gentle sea breeze and golden afternoon sunshine. Grab a spot outside and do some serious people watching (and drinking) as the sun goes down. Find Hotel Ravesis here.

4. Hotel Sweeney’s

Escape the hustle and bustle of Sydney’s streets and seek refuge at the rooftop of Hotel Sweeney’s. Haul yourself up to Dots Rooftop, catch your breath, then order a tasting paddle and some burgers. This place is a craft beer haven, so don’t be afraid to seek refuge in a few schooners while you soak in the views of Sydney’s CBD skyline. As the sun sets, twinkling lights come on over head and you’ll find yourself immersed in Sydney’s bright bar scene. Find Hotel Sweeney’s here. 

5. The Local Taphouse

Did someone say beer? The Taphouse is where it’s at. After a major renovation in 2023, this Darlinghurst institution now pairs its carefully curated range of over 20 craft beers on tap with fantastic Cantonese cuisine. Get yourself a cosy spot in the open-air rooftop garden, soak in that glorious Sydney afternoon sunshine and start working your way through that beer list. The combination of craft beer and quality Chinese food makes this one of the most unique rooftop experiences in Sydney. From pork chop curry to salt and pepper squid, the menu is seriously good. Find The Local Taphouse here. 

6. Intercontinental Sydney Supper Club

or something a bit fancier, treat yourself to a few hours indulging in the rooftop lounge at Sydney’s Intercontinental Hotel. From the 31st level of the hotel, you’ll be spoiled with uninterrupted views of the Opera House, the kind dreams are made of. This is the place to be in the afternoon, watching the sunset over the harbour and getting some incredible photos while sipping on a delicious glass of wine. Reservations are essential. Find Intercontinental Sydney Supper Club here. 

7. Sweetheart’s Rooftop BBQ

Don’t let its Potts Point location scare you off, Sweethearts Rooftop is a brilliant spot to eat, drink and be merry. Take a moment to catch your breath after hauling yourself up all those stairs, then settle into one of the benches, nestled underneath the leaves of overhead branches. The vibe here is low-key and laid back, with twinkling festival lights overhead and wine on tap. Snack food is king, so order for the table and get comfortable for an evening of great food and laughs. Find Sweetheart’s Rooftop BBQ here. 

8. The Glenmore Hotel

The well-known and well-loved Glenmore Hotel is a local favourite, boasting views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The low-key, rustic fit-out is in keeping with the hotel’s rich history, having been established in the 1920s. With its comfortable, cool setting, fantastic views of the harbour and brilliant drink and food menus, it really is one of the best rooftop bars to visit in Sydney. Hot tip: this rooftop is open in all weather, so pencil it in as a backup for rainy days, and the food here is damn delicious. Find The Glenmore hotel here.

9. The Rook

These guys have gone niche and the people of Sydney are loving it. Think lobster, burgers and liquor in a very cool rooftop space and you’ve officially learned all you need to know about The Rook. This space boasts a perfect mix of cosy seating, dim lighting, brilliant food and drinks in a very, very cool rooftop spot. It’s just a cool place to drink, eat insanely delicious food and kick back. But be sure to get there before 7pm or you won’t get a seat. You’ve been warned. Find The Rook here. 

10. Blu Bar on 36

Alright, look, this may not technically be outdoors on a rooftop but I’m adding it to this list because it’s on top of the hotel and it offers the best dang views and you’re going to want to visit. Blu Bar sits on level 36 of the Shangri La Hotel and is a fancy, schmancy deal, so make sure you’re dressed presentably. It’s a New York inspired space boasting obscenely good views of Darling Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. It is a very classy cocktail lounge, but an experience worthwhile for the stunning views alone. Find Blu Bar on 36 here.

11. Royal Hotel Paddington

Head to Paddington’s Five Ways precinct and climb to the top of this heritage hotel for one of the best rooftop bars in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The Royal’s rooftop is intimate, holding only about 40 people, which gives it a more exclusive feel than some of the bigger venues in the city. You’ll get fantastic views over the Paddington rooftops all the way to the CBD skyline, and the harbour bridge even peeks out between the high-rises. After a million-dollar renovation in 2024, the whole venue has been spruced up while keeping its classic pub charm. The rooftop is perfect for sunset drinks after browsing the shops along Oxford Street, and the cocktails from the Elephant Bar downstairs are seriously good. Get in early because this small space fills up fast. Find Royal Hotel Paddington here.

Frequently asked questions about Sydney rooftop bars

What’s the best rooftop bar in Sydney for views?

For harbour views, you can’t beat The Glenmore Hotel in The Rocks with its panoramic vistas of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. If you’re after coastal views, head to Coogee Pavilion for spectacular ocean outlooks.

Do Sydney rooftop bars require bookings?

Most rooftop bars in Sydney operate on a walk-in basis, though some upscale venues like Intercontinental Sydney Supper Club require reservations. It’s always best to arrive early, especially on weekends.

What should I wear to a rooftop bar in Sydney?

Most rooftop bars have a smart casual dress code. Skip the thongs and beachwear for venues in the CBD and The Rocks, but coastal spots like Coogee Pavilion and Hotel Ravesis are more relaxed about beach-adjacent attire.

When is the best time to visit Sydney rooftop bars?

Golden hour (around sunset) is the most popular time, so arrive earlier if you want to snag a good spot. Many rooftop bars get busy from Thursday through Sunday, with Tuesday and Wednesday being quieter options.

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