If you’ve made your way to Sydney this season, you’ll want to soak in the city’s incredible summer months, and cozy winter ones at some of the best rooftop bars on offer. For those who are staying, living or playing in the CBD, The Rocks, Woollahra or Paddington, we have the best rooftop bars near you below.
All of the rooftop bars on our list are quite easy to find and centrally located, so whether you’re in the City, Pyrmont, Newtown or even Double Bay, you’ll have no trouble getting to and spotting the rooftop bars we’ve listed for you.
There’s no better place than Sydney to find an exotic cocktail bar, craft beer, cabana seating or late night beer garden, so take a look below and let us help you explore the city a little easier.
Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade, Millers Point
A few moments into Sydney and you’ll have already heard of the incredible Henry Deane rooftop bar. It’s over one hundred years old and stands atop the Hotel Palisade with views of the entire city skyline, including uninterrupted views of the Harbour Bridge and Barangaroo reserve. Everything here oozes elegance and tranquillity, so come dressed to impress and be prepared to spend just a little above average. You’ll find a diverse range of foods including oysters, lamb cutlets and even mussel bowls! Drinks here are rather formal and traditional, though there are a few curated cocktails on the cocktail list.
Without a doubt, for the best Sydney Harbour and city skyline view, there’s nothing that comes close to Henry Deane. You could also make your way down to Barangaroo House or Pyrmont for Palm Springs-inspired bars – if you find that Henry Deane is a little too busy.
Zeta Bar, the CBD
For those who’d like to stick to the most central bar as possible, the Zeta Bar has you covered. The bar’s rooftop terrace, greenery and relaxing vibes make for one of the most decompressing rooftop bar experiences in the city. With a rotating cocktail menu, you’ll find something new here all the time, and a range of drinks and nibbles to choose from will mean you’re kept comfortable and satiated for hours.
Surrounded by high-rises, the open-air rooftop bar offers an incredible skyline view and being in the Sydney CBD you’ll be able to continue your bar adventure to The Rook on York Street, a few minutes walk North or make your way back to a hotel easily.
The Glenmore Hotel, The Rocks
Another near-one-hundred-year-old rooftop bar is the Glenmore at The Rocks on Cumberland Street, a few minutes stroll from the heart of the CBD. With its traditional Australian vibe and a cocktail, craft beer and casual food menu, you’ll be in the best place for a casual family or friend dinner date and wind down after work or a hectic day. Boasting some of the best views of Sydney CBD, the Opera House and Sydney Harbour, there’s no shortage of things to look at while you take a sip or bite of your lunch or dinner.
Keep in mind that The Glenmore can get quite busy on the weekends, so getting in early is recommended, though you could always make your way across Darling Harbour and Circular Quay to the other bars and restaurants.
Ivy Pool Club Bar, CBD
Making our way back into the heart of the CBD is where we’ll find the Ivy Pool Club Bar, a top pick for almost all Sydney bar-goers. Ask anyone their top choice for a rooftop bar and they’ll undoubtedly have a few good things to say about the Ivy Pool Club Bar. A sophisticated rooftop bar setting meets an Italian restaurant here, so getting a cocktail, spritz, craft beer or soda and an incredible dinner are all on the menu when you stop over here. So, if you’re unable to get out to the local taphouse, at the aptly named Taphouse in Darlinghurst, the Ivy Pool Club is your next best bet for a hearty meal in a rooftop setting.
With a perfect vantage point, you’re able to star up to the sky in the evening and notice you’re encompassed by some of Australia’s tallest buildings. Making the experience is an art deco-style bar a great choice for anyone wanting a rooftop terrace and a view. Also, consider Taylor’s Rooftop a few minutes walk north if you’re looking to bar crawl.
Coogee Pavilion, Coogee
The unrivalled jewel in the Eastern Suburb’s crown is the Coogee Pavilion. The rooftop bar may not have up-close views of Sydney’s CBD, though it has completely open views of the sea as well as a rustic, industrial vibe that you won’t find anywhere else in Sydney or the country. Expect to see exposed brick, aesthetically retained rust and warehouse-style windows here. Outside greenery really makes the experience here and the Eastern Mediterranean-style menu gives the Pavilion a kick that you won’t find at other rooftop bars in the area.
You’ll have a selection of traditional craft beers, wines, cocktails and plenty of unique food choices and some traditional ones, like chicken wings. It’s the ultimate bar if you’re looking to get out of Sydney’s CBD, but not go as far as The Corso in Manly.
Sweetheart’s Rooftop, Potts Point
If end-of-week drinks and cocktail jugs are your thing, then head down to Darlinghurst Road for a Sydney rooftop bar that may just become your next favourite place in the city. The bar is open from Thursday to Sunday and serves lunch and dinner from Friday to Sunday, so getting a meal and a few drinks is going to be easier than ever here. You’ll find an incredible indoor-outdoor feel here, with palm trees, open-air terraces and plenty of music and fun vibes.
For those looking to continue to festivities or make your way to another rooftop bar for food or drinks, you’re close by Kings Cross and Paddington with easy access to beachside pubs and the East Village bar and American-style Ching-a-lings on Oxford Street and Hyde Park House, by the park on William Street. The famous Royal Hotel is also a moment walk from Sweetheart’s Rooftop if you’re looking for a bite to eat or another hot spot to visit, so be sure to visit The Royal Hotel.