Sydney is known for its great nightlife and airy drinking spots. The harbour city and surrounding suburbs are positively heaving with places to catch some sun while downing a cold one.
Rooftop bars in Sydney are cool and calming places to go during the day for a change of pace and an awesome view, and at night they’re the ideal place to unwind and have a good time while watching the city lights and the people pass by. If you want to find your next place to get drinks, here’s a list of some of the best rooftop bars in Sydney.
Plane Spotter Garden Bar
This rooftop bar takes the cake for being sky-high! The Plane Spotter Garden Bar on the rooftop of the Branksome Hotel boasts spectacular views of the city skyline and Sydney airport. Curl up on the cosy outdoor couches by the heater, or enjoy the view from inside with floor to ceiling glass windows. Sip on your favourite cocktail as you watch the planes take off and land at the busiest runway in Australia.
Taylor’s Rooftop Bar
Sitting on the fourth floor of the Republic Hotel near Circular Quay, Taylor’s Rooftop is a green jungle that meets the concrete jungle of the big city. This is the rooftop bar you want to be at late at night on the weekends; it holds a “Disco Diner” where local and international DJ’s and musicians perform for a lively crowd tearing up the dance floor. Bring your friends, enjoy your drinks and dance the night away.
The Glenmore Hotel
Built in 1921, this unique and primitive pub has been an iconic Aussie location for decades. The lower floors of The Glenmore Hotel feature a lounge area where the hotel rooms used to be, followed by a cocktail bar, Juliette balconies, and many attributes from the original building. When you make your way up to the rooftop terrace, you’re greeted by exceptional views of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. With weekly special events and a perfect view of the city, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Bar Ombré Rooftop
Bar Ombré is the ultimate sunset spot. Located in Circular Quay on the rooftop of award-winning restaurants Salt Meats Cheese with sunspot views over the harbour, you can watch the sky turn pink and purple as the ferries come in. The experience here is intimate while energetic, making it a great place for you to sit down for a delicious Italian dinner and drinks while reminiscing on your day, week, or year with the ones you love and the good energy around you.
Websters Bar
Located on the buzzing hub that is King Street, Websters Bar is the perfect place for a chill afternoon drink or a night out. From lush, hanging plants, turf flooring, and rustic Australian memorabilia located around the terrace, this Newtown classic is the ideal place to grab a pint and enjoy the summer sunsets. And don’t forget to try some of their famous American style chicken wings, cooked to perfection and coated in a tangy sauce.
Sweethearts Rooftop at Potts Point Hotel
Located on top of the Potts Point Hotel, this four level pub is the place to go for carefree fun. With live music every other day, Sweethearts is the perfect place to soak up the ambience with excellent views of Sydney’s CBD. Potts Point Hotel has an extensive bistro and smoker menu, so you can enjoy both a good bite to eat and a few drinks. It’s also known for having the best New Year’s party in the city. It’s a place “where first timers are treated like locals and locals are treated like family.”
Zephyr
This is luxury in the stars. Twelve levels up amongst the Sydney skyline, Zephyr has some of the most competitive views of Darling Harbour, making it a highly sought-after New Years spot. Enjoy an artfully crafted cocktail while catching up with friends on the weekend or celebrating a big win at work with colleagues. With a smart casual dress code, an evening at Zephyr is the perfect excuse to get dolled up.
The Fernery
Travel a little outside the big city to Mosman for this rooftop experience. The relaxing garden at The Fernery offers a soothing aesthetic with natural light enveloping the space. Explore the different areas in this bar such as the Rosé bar and Gin room while enjoying the views of Sydney Harbour. The food completes this experience with locally sourced ingredients grilled to perfection.
Hyde Park House
Hyde Park House is four floors of fun. It has a public bar with live sports, a cocktail bar, and a club lounge, but when you need some fresh air, head up to the rooftop bar. Sitting on top of a refurbished hotel that has proudly stood since 1919, you can feel the history and look over Hyde Park. Enjoy modern Asian fusion and some drinks to complete your time at this bar.
The Rook
Peaking out above the skyline on York Street, The Rook has a great summer vibe with its Italian food and inventive cocktails. The main dining area has a retractable roof for guests to have a clear view of the sky while enjoying good quality time with a group of people. The bar has an intimate setting that sets its mood with dimly lit lights, allowing the focus to be on the atmosphere of the bar and your experience.
Manly Greenhouse
Take a break from your beach day and wander upstairs to the rooftop at the Manly Greenhouse. Aptly named, this beachside destination and greenhouse is ideal for any occasion, from a family get-together to a celebratory event. Enjoy locally sourced seafood, a display of Aussie wines, and unobstructed views of the beach right in the heart of Manly.
Babylon Rooftop
Right atop the Westfield Sydney stands Babylon Rooftop and Garden Bar. This Middle Eastern inspired restaurant and bar includes an extensive menu that takes inspiration from countries such as Turkey, Egypt, and Israel. Babylon is a fantastic rooftop bar in Sydney, with everything you need for a lively time with family and friends, from live music, a never-ending list of spirits, and even bottomless brunch on the weekends.
Rex Airlines will take you to even greater heights on a flight to the NSW capital. Take a look at their route map to find the best options for you.
Enjoyed reading about the best rooftop bars in Sydney? Looking for more places to eat and explore? Check out the best of Sydney’s green spaces.
