Photo Above: Henry Deane (Photo: Destination NSW)
Electric atmosphere, exceptional service and unparalleled views – a rooftop bar is exactly where you want to be on a warm Sydney day or evening.
Glenmore Hotel
Some of Sydney’s best views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and city skyline – all in a relaxed and friendly setting. The Glenmore is an institution of The Rocks and is always buzzing with atmosphere.
96 Cumberland St, The Rocks
Old Mate’s Place
A newer addition to the city’s bar scene that has quickly risen up the ranks, Old Mate’s Place is a hidden rooftop (up 102 very-much-worth-it steps –though there’s also an elevator) with some of the friendliest service in Sydney.
Level 4/199 Clarence St, Sydney
Library Bar
Once the secret lunch spot for library staff with privileged views of the harbour and city skyline, the Library Bar at the State Library of NSW is now available for all to enjoy. Come for the views, stay for the cocktails.
1 Shakespeare Pl, Sydney
Henry Deane
Technically a top-floor bar rather than a rooftop bar, but the floor-to-ceiling windows with 360° harbour views mean you won’t notice the difference at Henry Deane, located on the top floor of the Hotel Palisade.
35 Bettington St, Millers Point
Cirq
Located all the way up on level 26 of Crown Sydney, Cirq’s expansive and luxurious open terrace lets you raise a glass while enjoying exquisite harbour views from the water’s edge at Barangaroo.
Crown Sydney, Level 26/1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
The Butler
Situated in a backstreet of Potts Point in Sydney’s east, heads upstairs and The Butler opens up with panoramic views of Sydney’s skyline. Better still, the Ibero-American food and cocktails on offer give the views a run for their money.
123 Victoria St, Potts Point
The Toxteth
The recently renovated Toxteth Hotel in the trendy Inner West suburb of Glebe now features a brand-new bright, leafy rooftop terrace with views towards Darling Harbour and the city skyline. Essentially, this much-loved Glebe institution just got even better.
345 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe
Coogee Pavilion
Make your way past the casual dining area downstairs and up the stairs you’ll find the glamorous Coogee Pavilion rooftop, which attracts revellers from all over Sydney for Mediterranean-influenced food, lovely drinks and, of course, those prime views over Coogee and the coastline.
Level 3/169 Dolphin St, Coogee
Smoke Bar
Barangaroo is one of the true dining hot spots of Sydney, and there’s no better place to soak in its vibes than with a rooftop cocktail and share plate at Smoke Bar at Barangaroo House. Come in the early evening and enjoy the sun setting over King Street Wharf and Pyrmont.
Level 2/35 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
East Village Hotel
A curated wine list, signature cocktails and breathtaking views of Sydney’s CBD skyline – East Village Hotel is a small but bustling three-level hotel in the eastern Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst. Head upstairs to the rooftop and enjoy the urban rooftop garden aesthetic.
234 Palmer St, Darlinghurst
