Ever notice how the best rooftop bars in the Sydney CBD are often full of city workers? That’s because they represent excellent places to de-stress after a hard day in the office. But which are the best rooftop bars to go to for a spot of dinner and some cocktails? Check out our recommendations below for some of the freshest and hippest rooftop bars in the Sydney CBD:
Bar Ombre
Based in Circular Quay, Bar Ombre also offers a rooftop terrace with excellent views of the Harbour Bridge.
Situated on the top level of the Gateway Dining Precinct, this stylish bar is part of the Salt Meats Cheese group. It boasts a vibrant setting with lots of bright decorative furnishings, that are offset by plenty of green plants.
With a daily happy hour and a dedicated spritz menu, this place is always popular straight after work. Not least because it makes its own house-made cheese and offers delicious antipasto and share plates that include cured meats, wood-baked focaccia, fried calamari and prosciutto with grilled eggplant.
Their cocktail menu, which is inspired by Europe, includes such delights as Forget Me Not and the particularly delicious Smokin’ Nights.
- Address: Level 3, Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000
- Website: https://www.barombre.com.au
Glenmore Hotel
Boasting one of the best rooftop bars in the city The Glenmore Hotel has been an Aussie icon for over 100 years.
Located in The Rocks, the views of Sydney Harbour are quite magnificent.
Also featuring a pub in the floors below, the cocktail bar is always busy. Especially around 5pm when hoards of hungry and thirsty suits come here to deconstruct their working day.
Offering a range of beautifully curated cocktails and an excellent menu of food, the atmosphere is also fun and engaging. While the level of service from the bar staff is easily world class.
- Address: 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks, Sydney 2000
- Website: https://www.theglenmore.com.au
- Phone: (02) 9395 5151
The Rooftop Sydney
How does cocktails with sunset views of Darling Harbour sound to you? Well at The Rooftop Sydney that is exactly what you get.
Located on Sussex Street, on the top level of the recently refurbished Shelbourne Hotel, this Hamptons inspired venue is the perfect spot to wind down after a hectic day in the office.
Offering some of the most exquisite views of Darling Harbour you’ll see anywhere in town, the venue presents a relaxed and beautiful décor of rattan lounges, hanging chairs and verdant palm trees.
A retractable roof protects you from inclement weather, so you can come here all year round. Which is just as well really, because their range of cocktails, champagnes and light bites will ensure you will definitely want to.
- Address: Level 3/200 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000
- Website: http://therooftop.com.au
- Phone: (02) 9267 3100
Pool Club At The Ivy
You can’t beat a good rooftop pool party, and one of the best of them in town can be found in the Pool Club at The Ivy.
Located in George Street, right in the heart of the Sydney CBD, this venue boasts a distinctly Santorini style, complete with cabanas and designer chic striped loungers.
Offering an excellent brunch or lunch menu during the earlier part of the day, at night the Pool Club at The Ivy transforms into a happening hotspot. Pumping out banging tunes and funky beats, spun by the coolest DJs.
A great spot to dance the night away, their signature cocktails include the ‘swim good’ – a mix of Absolut Elyx, Americano Bianco, fruit salad wine cordial, grapefruit and soda, which apparently was inspired by Frank Ocean.
- Address: 320 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
- Website: https://merivale.com/venues/poolclub/
- Phone: 9114 7307
Taylor’s Rooftop
On the top floor of the Republique Hotel you will find Taylor’s Rooftop. A hip and lively rooftop bar on Pitt Street that is well known for its vertical garden.
Another venue with a retractable roof; like the Pool Club at The Ivy, this place also features resident and international DJs who fill the dancefloor with both the latest mixes and old skool classics.
The vibe at this Sydney CBD venu is also fantastic here, especially on a Saturday night. Due in part, no doubt, to a fabulous cocktail menu that includes salted caramel Espresso Martini and a spicy Margarita.
Food options are pub inspired – think chicken schnitzel, beef brisket nachos and chiko spring rolls – and are absolutely delicious.
- Address: 69-73 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
- Website: https://republichotel.com/taylors-rooftop/
- Phone: (02) 9252 6522
The Rook
- level 7/56-58 York St, Sydney NSW 2000
- https://therook.com.au
Old Mates Place
- level 4/199 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000
- https://oldmates.sydney
Hotel Sweeney’s
- 236 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000
- https://hotelsweeneys.com.au
Zephyr
- Located in the Hyatt Regency Sydney
- Level 12/161 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000
- https://zephyrbarsydney.com
Bristol Arms Hotel
- Address: 81 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000
- Phone: (02) 9262 5491
- https://thebristolarms.com.au
Zeta Bar
- Located in the Hilton Hotel Sydney.
- Address: level 4/488 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
- Phone: (02) 9265 6070
- https://www.zetabar.com.au
Primus Hotel
- Also Known As: Level Seven
- Address: 339 Pitt St, The Rocks NSW 2000
- https://www.primushotelsydney.com/dining/level-seven
Orient Hotel
- Address: 89 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
- Phone: (02) 9251 1255
- http://www.orienthotel.com.au
Hotel Palisade
- Also Known As: Henry Deane
- Address: 35 Bettington St, Millers Point NSW 2000 (The Rocks)
- Phone: (02) 9018 0123
- http://hotelpalisade.com.au
