The 20 Best Rooftop Bars In Sydney For A Summer Tipple

Sonia is a travel, lifestyle, and design writer and editor…

Sydney is a good looking city and there’s no better perch to drink in the aesthetically pleasing views than a rooftop bar. We’re shameless in our love for them – and when you add warm weather to the mix, you’ve got a dynamite recipe for a good time.

Here are 20 of the best (in no particular order), most of which have a view and all offering that perfect, open-air vibe. Just be sure to book in advance, as venues are under tightened restrictions due to COVID-19.

#1 East Village Sydney, Darlinghurst

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A Sydney Institution, this tri-level pub has a charming open-air rooftop terrace with impressive city views.

#2 The Glenmore Hotel, The Rocks

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This Aussie icon is a classic pub in the historic Rocks district, with unrivalled views across the harbour from its rooftop set up.

#3 The Royal Hotel, Paddington

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Another long-standing stalwart of Sydney’s rooftop scene, The Royal is a heritage pub with a prime posi in Five Ways serving epic views from its open-air bar. They’re currently running Aperol Sunset Sessions, too, with $14 Aperol Spritz daily from 6pm.

#4 The Light Brigade, Woollahra

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From this four-level pub’s prime Oxford Street location, you’ll take in views stretching from Paddington clear across to the Harbour Bridge.

#5 Slim’s Rooftop, Hyde Park House, East Sydney

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Inspired by Slim Aarons, this cactus-filled, pink-frilled umbrella retro cocktail bar serves Japanese-inspired fare and pizzas atop Hyde Park House.

#6 Nick & Nora’s, Parramatta

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If you’re afraid of heights, this 30s-inspired bar with an insane Champagne collection isn’t for you: it’s 26 floors up with spectacular 270-degree views.

#7 Untied, Barangaroo

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Enjoy your views over Darling Harbour in this leafy open-air spot with an oyster bar and Aussie-themed cocktails (like a Flamin’ Galah).

#8 Glasshouse, Hotel Steyne, Manly

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Manly’s go-to beachfront pub’s rooftop area, The Glasshouse, has direct ocean views and a stage for live bands.

#9 Sweetheart’s Rooftop, Potts Point

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This no-frills rooftop spot is a Cross gem, but be ready for the thigh burn as it’s seven flights up the Potts Point Hotel

#10 Bar Ombre, Circular Quay

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From the team behind Salt Meats Cheese, this Italian rooftop gem not only boasts a dedicated Spritz bar and serves antipasti, there’s harbour glimpses, too.

#11 Coogee Pavilion Rooftop, Coogee

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Mediterranean conservatory vibes are on the menu at this beachside jaunt, with the rooftop offers four indoor and outdoor bars, with four distinct concepts.

#12 Mary’s On Top, The Lansdowne Hotel, Chippendale

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The Mary’s team serve up their tried-and-true mix of burgers, chicken and beer in a no-frills spot atop the historic music venue, The Lansdowne Hotel. There’s also a pizza party every Friday and Saturday.

#13 Rooftop Bar, Intercontinental, Double Bay

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For something a little more fancy, have your rooftop cocktails by an infinity-edge pool with loungers that belong in a scene from the Amalfi, all while taking in sweeping views across the bay.

#14 Imperial Up, Erskineville

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An Art Deco-inspired rooftop space with an excellent Italian-leaning menu, glittering golden pizza oven and fabulous LGBTIQ culture? There’s only one place this much fun – the top level of the iconic Imperial Hotel.

#15 Old Mate’s Place, CBD

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This tiny little city bar can be difficult to find, but once you do, make your way four levels up to the rooftop bar and order some delicious cocktails.

#16 Quarryman’s Hotel, Pyrmont

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A slice of Palm Springs in Pyrmont, this is a sunny California-inspired rooftop bar with lots of good tequila.

#17 The Fernery, Mosman

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This botanical wonderland on top of the Mosman Club has a greenhouse-inspired rooftop with a gin room and a rosé bar.

#18 The Royal Oak Hotel, Double Bay

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This Double Bay stalwart has been around for 149 years, but Phil’s rooftop is where you want to be within this historic multi-level venue.

#19 Manly Greenhouse, Manly

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This tri-level beachside eatery has both a greenery-filled all-day diner and chic rooftop bar.

#20 Fire & Brimstone, Castle Hill

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This isn’t technically open-air like the rest, but The Hills deserves a mention for this spacious, low and slow American-style barbeque and bourbon rooftop bar concept. Oh and on Thursdays, there’s $1 wings and $5 Jack Daniels.

(Lead Image: Instagram / @theglenmore)