Welcome to the ultimate guide to Sydney's rooftop revolution! From hidden gems to trendy hotspots, the rooftop scene offers something for everyone. Whether you're a local or a visitor looking for things to do in Sydney, these rooftop bars let you see the city from a whole new angle.
Iconic Rooftop Bars
Get ready to elevate your experience as we explore the most iconic spots to sip drinks, savor food, and soak in the cityscape from above. Whether you're after glamorous cocktails or a sky-high vibe, these Sydney restaurants with a view will surely blow your mind.
1. The Glenmore Hotel
Founded in 1921, The Glenmore Hotel is like your cool, stylish friend. Day or night, this is where locals come to savor good grub. All the pub classics are on the menu, cooked to perfection.
The rooftop bar of The Glenmore Hotel has a retractable roof. That means that, rain or shine, you can lounge and take in the jaw-dropping views of Sydney Harbour. On Friday and Saturday nights, there's even a DJ spinning tunes to give your evening more of a bang.
2. The Rooftop Sydney
Arriving at The Rooftop Sydney, located on Level 3 of the Shelbourne Hotel, means stepping into a haven inspired by the laid-back vibes of the Hamptons. It's like walking onto the garden terrace of a friend's fancy vacation home and feeling welcome right away.
Here, relaxation is the name of the game. Kick back, get pampered, and enjoy yourself. The Rooftop Sydney offers spectacular views. You can nibble on tasty food, sip delicious drinks, and watch boats cruise by on the Darling Harbour below.
Don't worry about the weather. The venue has you covered (literally) with a retractable roof so you can stay cozy and dry. The floor-to-ceiling windows ensure you never miss a stunning Harbour sunset.
This Sydney rooftop bar is a great place for a leisurely lunch or romantic dinner with a view, but it's also the perfect spot for a lively group gathering. Book tables for up to 25 people online, or ask about larger groups. You can even reserve the whole venue if you want! The Rooftop Sydney is open Wednesday through Saturday.
3. Opera Bar
Welcome to Opera Bar, where every moment is a celebration, big or small. This bar bills itself as Australia's most iconic bar, and it's not difficult to see why. Its location right on Sydney Harbour is second to none, and the food is to die for.
Crack open the menu, and take a look. We're sure you'll agree it reads like a love letter to Australia's finest produce. Once you've ordered, look up and bask in Sydney's legendary sunshine.
To elevate your experience even further, there's free live entertainment every day. Sydney's top musicians set the stage on fire, providing the perfect soundtrack to lazy days and unforgettable nights. Come on down, and soak up the vibes!
Luxurious Rooftop Experiences
If you're looking for things to do in Sydney that will leave you feeling like royalty, join us on this tour of the city's most luxurious rooftop experiences. From dazzling cityscapes to plush lounges and impeccable service, these elevated destinations redefine what it means to enjoy a night out.
4. Smoke at Barangaroo House
Smoke at Barangaroo House is the rooftop home of some of Sydney's best merrymaking. This exclusive bar is famous for its cocktails. The curated cocktail menu is a thing of beauty in itself, with a regularly updated theme breathing new life into the bar each season.
In addition to the drinks, the kitchen team whips up some next-level snacks and share plates to accompany your sundowner sessions. From sambuca olives to sweet and spicy popcorn, there's something for every palate to enjoy. Check out the seafood specials, including rock oysters and salt and pepper squid.
Grab yourself a cozy spot under the dim lights, and get ready for a rooftop romance like no other. Alternatively, hire out the whole venue to put on the party of a lifetime. The bar is closed on Mondays, but it's open every other day of the week for celebrations.
5. Zephyr Bar
Zephyr Bar is a cut above most other bars in the city. Located on Level 12 of the Hyatt Regency, this rooftop bar has some of the best bird's-eye city views.
With DJs spinning tunes every Friday and Saturday night, it's a great place to dance, hang out, and savor the sunset. On Saturday evenings, you also get an unbeatable view of Darling Harbour fireworks (weather permitting, of course).
The cocktails served at Zephyr are works of art. Expect citrus fruits, seashells, and more adorning your glass rim. It’s like being transported to the Mediterranean's most beautiful shores. Let the taste of St. Tropez dance on your tongue and the aroma of the Greek Islands awaken your senses.
6. Old Mate's Place
Instead of taking bookings, Old Mate's Place offers a welcoming atmosphere open to all. This tiki-inspired rum bar is the perfect place to chill out on a hot summer night or warm up in winter.
Sample a range of rums, but be sure to leave space for the fantastic food that fills the Old Mate's Place menu. Olives, cheeses, meats, and more hit the spot and leave you feeling sated.
Best Views of Sydney
Get ready to discover the most breathtaking vistas that this vibrant city has to offer. Every rooftop on our list gives you a front-row seat to Sydney's spectacular beauty.
7. Blu Bar on 36
Got a head for heights? Head to Blu Bar on 36 to drink in Sydney's most iconic view. From this height, even the famous Opera House looks as tiny as a toy.
Experience Blu Bar on 36 in the way that suits you best. Sip tea and nibble cakes in the most exclusive venue possible, high above the city. Alternatively, swing by in the evening for twilight tapas or late at night to watch the urban lights twinkle.
Blu Bar on 36 has an excellent menu, including vegan options. For cocktails, both original recipes and tried-and-tested classics are on the menu. If you want to learn to create your own concoctions, why not look into the venue's private cocktail classes? The skills you learn are sure to impress your friends.
8. Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade
Is it cheating to include a rooftop bar that's spread over the top two floors of a venue? Not to us. All it means is that you have twice as much space to have a good time. Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade is a double-decker cocktail lounge brimming with contemporary charm.
Swing by for lunch, dinner, or drinks to enjoy the views from the fourth or fifth floor. Food at Henry Deane is the domain of head chef Cian Mulholland. There are plenty of plates designed for sharing, so bring your friends or that special someone.
You can book online for up to six people. Keep in mind that no kids (including babies) are allowed in the venue. It's open every evening except for Monday when it's closed all day.
9. Bar Ombré
Do you love to stand in a high place in a city and watch the cars and people scuttle by like ants below? Our high-flying performers know the feeling. We suspect you'll enjoy hanging out at Bar Ombré, an inner-city rooftop bar with fabulous views of the Sydney skyline.
Want some dancing with your dinner? Bar Ombré has a resident DJ to help you work up an appetite with some hip-shaking tunes. It's open every day of the week from midday on, so be sure to add it to your must-visit list during your time in Sydney.
Hidden Gems
From secret rooftop hideaways to tucked-away treasures, these elusive spots hold the key to unforgettable experiences. These are the best-kept secrets in town.
10. The Rook
From drag brunches to charity cheeseburger functions, The Rook Rooftop hosts tons of events.. Book yourself an exclusive gin-tasting event, or swing by to grab some cheap drinks at Rooky Hour. You can even rent the space to put on your own event.
The food at The Rook is one of the main draws. Locals love to order takeaway. The downside? You miss out on fantastic views. Come in person, and grab yourself a cozy spot. This inclusive bar welcomes all.
11. Sweethearts Rooftop
The vibe at Sweethearts Rooftop is seriously laid back. Locals love to come to this hidden gem after work. One look at the menu, and it’s easy to see why. The food is simple but satisfying, including nachos, tacos, and other shareable fare. Is your mouth watering already? We haven't even mentioned the frozen margaritas!
DJs spin tunes on Fridays and Saturdays. Come for a dance at Sweethearts Rooftop, three floors above the popular Darlinghurst Road. We promise you'll fit right in.
12. Untied
In the heart of Barangaroo, Untied Sydney is an awesome rooftop hangout that's one of our favorite urban sanctuaries. For the decor, think modern with a splash of color. Dine surrounded by lush plants and epic views of the harbor. It's a chill and classy place to soak up the Sydney sunshine.
As for food and drink, Untied has everything from tropical cocktails to shareable bites and tasty BBQ straight from the grill. If you're vegan or plant-based, there are plenty of options for you, too.
Trendy and Chic
From sleek rooftop lounges to hip urban hotspots, this guide is your passport to the most fashionable destinations in town. Join us as we explore the cutting edge of nightlife, where the vibe is always on point, and the drinks are as Instagram-worthy as the decor.
13. Taylor's Rooftop Bar
Taylor's Rooftop Bar resides on the fourth floor of the Republic Hotel. With a vertical garden on one side and a glorious view of the city on the other, it is the ideal place to kick back and enjoy a cocktail or two. This open-air bar even has a retractable roof that can be pulled over if the weather turns bad.
Friday night brings R&B jams to Taylor's Rooftop Bar, while Saturdays are for lovers of house, techno, and disco. Come on down any time for delicious bar food, such as garlic cheese fingers, polenta chips, and spicy chicken wings.
14. Ivy Pool Club
Welcome to Ivy Pool Club, possibly the most iconic rooftop pool in Sydney. If you want to hang out and enjoy the pool, you can reserve a cabana, but it's also fine to swing by for a simple pizza lunch. Either way, you'll get to enjoy the Mediterranean-inspired menu, premium wine list, and heavenly atmosphere.
15. Nick & Nora's
Get ready to step back in time to the glitz and glamour of the golden era in Sydney's Parramatta suburb! Nick & Nora's is your go-to spot for all things cocktail and champagne, channeling the spirit of those legendary post-prohibition parties.
Inspired by the dynamic duo Nick and Nora Charles from The Thin Man novel, this rooftop bar brings their love for the finer things to life on the 26th floor of V by Crown. Picture this: Stunning views, swanky vibes, and world-class bartenders ready to whip up the perfect drink just for you.
But it's not just about the booze; the food menu is equally impressive. We're talking oysters, caviar, fancy cheeses, and gourmet meats, alongside some seriously tasty canapés.
Planning a special event? Consider heading to the rooftop terrace to treat your guests to epic city skyline views. As connoisseurs of views from great heights, we believe this one takes the cake.
Spectacular Shows Nearby!
Elevate your Sydney experience with breathtaking Cirque du Soleil performances.
Relaxed and Casual Vibes
Welcome to the laid-back side of town, where hustle and bustle take a backseat to easygoing vibes and carefree charm. Explore the places where laughter flows freely, conversations linger, and the only dress code is comfort.
16. Coogee Pavilion Rooftop
Coogee Pavilion Rooftop offers a blending of cultures that makes it one of our favorite spots. It serves Mediterranean-inspired meals and Middle Eastern mezze and wraps, providing plenty of options to sate your appetite. This rooftop bar offers indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great place to go, no matter the weather.
17. Brigade Rooftop
Brigade Rooftop at The Light Brigade sits almost 300 ft. high and offers fantastic views over the city. Be sure to tear your eyes away from the skyline for long enough to look at the menu and order one of the signature wood-fired pizzas.
Will you opt for prosciutto, truffle cured ham, roast sweet potato, or an even more exotic topping? The choice is yours. The menu also boasts an impressive range of salads, burgers, and other mains.
18. East Village Sydney
There's always something exciting going on at East Village Sydney. Check out the upcoming happenings on the website, which include drag brunches, DJs, wine tastings, and book-related events.
It also hosts weekly cocktail hours, burger nights, and more! A retractable roof, heaters, and fans keep you comfortable whatever the weather, so head here for Valentine's Day, Easter, or New Year's Eve events in Sydney.
Elevating Your Sydney Nights: A Rooftop Bar for Every Taste
As we bid adieu to our tour of Sydney's vibrant rooftop scene, we invite you to take your sense of wonder to even greater heights with one of our shows in Sydney. With our dazzling performances and breathtaking artistry, we invite you to escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in a world of color, music, and awe-inspiring acrobatics.
Let your imagination soar where dreams take flight and memories are made to last a lifetime. We can't wait to see you there!