Rooftop Bars – the best bars in Sydney with a View

In a city as beautiful as Sydney, it is only natural to want to visit a rooftop bar. Luckily there are hundreds to choose from. So if you are angling for a night of cocktails, champagnes, wines and delicious gastronomy with an epic view, here are some of the best rooftop bars right across Sydney to visit. No matter what part of Sydney you live in, there’s literally something here for everyone. If you’re in the centre of Sydney looking for some after work drinks, also check out our guide to the best rooftop bars in the Sydney CBD.

Slims Rooftop

Located in Darlinghurst, on top of Hyde Park House, Slims Rooftop offers sensational, uninterrupted views across Hyde Park.

Aside from the views, which are accentuated by the westerly sunset, the cocktails here are a major drawcard.

Sitting alongside all the usual suspects like Margaritas, Aperol spritz, Bloody Mary and Espresso Martinis are other inventive concoctions like the Million Dollar Mermaid – a mix of Ketel One Vodka, lychee liqueur, Blue Curacao, lychee juice and lime, that will blow your mind.

The craft beers are exceptional too, while the food menu features contemporary Asian fusion style ‘izakaya’ share plates, that you won’t want to share!

Nestled on the edge of the CBD, this is a wonderful place to unwind after the completion of your working day.

Royal Hotel

A couple of years ago the Royal Hotel in Paddington underwent a major refurbishment.

Included within this was the rooftop Elephant Bar and Dining, which still seems to have been kept somewhat under wraps.

Perhaps not for much longer though because this stunning space is steadily developing a reputation for being the place to go for after work drinks.

Its terrific views of the city provide an excellent backdrop in which to watch the sunset with a cocktail or champagne in hand. Whilst the coastal themed décor, complete with animal prints, creates a relaxed ambiance in which to view it.

The bar also has a retractable roof, which makes this destination an all year venue, and a Mediterranean inspired food venue with a terrific assortment of light bites.

Taphouse

Craft beers are very much in vogue at the moment in Sydney, and Elm, the rooftop bar at Taphouse, in Darlinghurst, is a great place to try some.

An open-air, all weather joint that offers superb views of the surrounding area, the bar presents 20 craft beers on tap – with a focus on ales and porters – from around the world. They also have a range of outstanding cocktails too.

Their food menu can be described as ‘upmarket pub’ and features the likes of andouille sausages, smoked brisket and chicken wings. While the atmosphere is always blessed with intoxicating laid-back vibes.

The Forgotten Cask

One of the coolest rooftop bars in town can be found on top of the Cauliflower Hotel.

While a congenial pub lies on the floors beneath it, The Forgotten Cask is a rooftop rum bar that will transport you straight to the West Indies.

Replete with appropriate palm trees and tropical décor, this place is a haven for those who love rum, as they offer over 100 labels from around the world.

In keeping with the theme, each of their cocktails is named after an infamous pirate, including the Red Beard and the William Kidd.

The food menu is suitably Caribbean too, with classics like jerk chicken wings, spiced barramundi tacos and cauliflower curry all being available.

Nick & Nora’s

Nick and Nora’s is a legendary rooftop bar in Parramatta.

Perched 26 stories up in the SKYE Suites Parramatta, Nick and Nora’s is an opulent Art Deco rooftop that showcases awesome 270-degree views that spread from the Blue Mountains on one side of the horizon to the Harbour Bridge on the other.

Inspired by Nick and Nora Charles, the fictional murder-solving duo from the 1930s detective story ‘The Thin Man’, this venue boasts over 900 spirits and 50 different types of champagne.

It also presents flamboyant cocktails made with liquid nitrogen – many of which take their name from original characters like ‘The Femme Fatal’ and ‘The Snitch’.

Radiating a decadent post-prohibition vibe, the food menu includes a range of charcuterie items like oysters, gin-infused olives and tequila-compressed watermelon, as well as a variety of exceptional imported cheeses and cured meats.

They even have a selection of high quality Cuban cigars, for those wanting to channel their inner Fidel Castro.

Potts Point Hotel

The Butler

Kings Cross Hotel

Darlo Bar

East Village

Ching-a-Lings

Lord Roberts Hotel

The Colombian Hotel

Aurora Hotel

Strawberry Hills Hotel

Keg & Brew

White Horse Hotel

Madison Hotel

Royal Exhibition Hotel

The Old Clare

Mary’s On Top

Royal Hotel Paddington

The Light Brigade

Woollahra Hotel

InterContinental Sydney Double Bay

Royal Oak Hotel Double Bay

The Golden Sheaf

  • Address: 429 New South Head Rd, Double Bay NSW 2026
  • Phone: (02) 9327 5877
  • https://www.thegoldensheaf.com.au

Bondi Icebergs

Coogee Pavilion

Websters Bar

Corridor

Untied

Smoke Bar

Cafe del Mar Sydney

Watsons Bay Hotel

Quarrymans Hotel

Green Moustache

SoCal

The Bridgeview Hotel

New Brighton Hotel

Hotel Steyne

The Ivanhoe Hotel