10 Rooftop bars you must visit in Sydney

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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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.

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. Aside from great drinks, you can also get your hands on delicious Mediterranean food, pizzas and burgers. Find the Coogee Pavilion here. 

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.

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. 

The Local Taphouse

Did someone say beer? The Taphouse is where it’s at! Rather than inundating you with a million craft beers on tap, the guys at the Taphouse have a carefully curated range for you to sample, albeit there are still over 20 of them on tap. Get yourself a cosy spot in the open-air rooftop garden at their Darlinghurst location, soak in that glorious Sydney afternoon sunshine and start working your way through that beer list. They offer beer pairings for their fantastic food menu, huzzah! Find The Local Taphouse here. 

Intercontinental Sydney Supper Club

For 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. 

Sweetheart’s Rooftop BBQ

Don’t let its Kings Cross location scare you off, Sweetheart’s Rooftop BBQ is a brilliant spot to eat, drink and be merry. Take a moment to catch your breath after hauling your sorry self 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. 

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 back-up for rainy days, and the food here is damn delicious!! Find The Glenmore hotel here.

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. 

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.

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