The Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney to Unwind This Summer

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Despite your super-parent powers, you deserve a timeout once in a while—and what better way to recharge than with a cocktail in hand and Sydney's skyline in full view!

Whether you're in the mood for beachy vibes or city chic, Sydney's best rooftop bars have got you covered. From the city vibes of East Village Sydney to the panoramic ocean views at Manly Greenhouse, these spots are perfect for a well-deserved night out without the kids. Get ready to unwind, sip, and soak in the scenery at these top spots around the city. Cheers!

The Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney to Unwind This Summer

1. East Village Sydney

East Village Sydney
The incredible city views at East Village. 


Like a disillusioned pop star, this rooftop bar in Sydney is constantly reinventing itself, and they're always out-doing themselves. When summer calls for the good vibes, East Village turn up the Miami vibes with their Beach Club, and when the cooler months call for a Winter Wonderland, East Village transforms into a snowy winter garden. 

East Village's Terrace is the place to be to soak up Sydney's neverending city views with one of their signature cocktails in hand. And if you're feeling peckish, their food menu offers a wide selection of tapas, snacks, mains and more. 

Location: 234 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst

2. Coogee Pavillion

The best rooftop bars in Sydney
Sweeping views of Coogee Beach are on offer at Coogee Pavilion.


Keen for a girls' night out? Grab your besties and head to Coogee Pavilion for incredible views and incredible cocktails.

Coogee Pavilion is one of the it places to be seen in the Eastern Suburbs, not least because of its epic location just a stone's throw from Coogee Beach. It’s about as Instagrammable a location as they come, boasting a stunning bar that will quickly see you mentally redesigning your entire home. The cocktail list comprises both classics and slightly quirkier numbers, and there’s no end of great wine for all you vino-fiends.

Location: 169 Dolphin St, Coogee

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3. Slims Rooftop

The best rooftop bars in Sydney
Slims Rooftop


Overlooking the magnificent Hyde Park with uninterrupted views of the city CBD and westerly sun, Slims Rooftop is a mecca of frilly umbrellas just waiting to be sat under by gaggles of girlfriends.

The Japanese-style menu serves a variety of small dishes and snacks to accompany the exquisite drinks list, which includes a diverse range of cocktails. See you there!

Location: 47/49 William St, Darlinghurst 

4. Bar Ombré

Bar Ombre
Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from Bar Ombré.

 

We love the name and absolutely love the location and views of Bar Ombré.

Offering Insta-worthy views of the Harbour Bridge, a DJ spinning the latest tunes, a dedicated spritz menu, a daily happy hour, delicious fare, and even more delicious drinks for cocktail hour, there's no better place to be to unwind away from the kids.

Bar Ombré's offering is purely for cocktail hour (they close at 10 pm on the dot!), so make sure that you get in quick to secure your spot for happy hour!

Location: Level 3, The Gateway, Alfred St, Sydney

5. The Light Brigade

The best rooftop bars in Sydney
The famous Light Brigade in Woollahra.


Sitting way up high, 83 metres above sea level, The Light Brigade boasts a stunning urban outlook of the city and offers excellent food and drink options to boot.

Why not grab your mates a few rounds of frosé and enjoy an afternoon soaking up the stunning location of this gorgeous rooftop?

Location: Oxford St & Jersey Rd, Woollahra

6. Smoke Bar

Smoke Bar
Smoke Bar at Barangaroo.


Touted as 'a love letter to the rooftop bars of LA and NYC', Smoke Bar is possibly one of the chicest rooftop bars in Sydney.

Trendy tipples are mingled with sensational views from atop the architecturally-designed Barangaroo House that hugs the waterfront at Barangaroo. The world-class cocktail menu will delight all punters - from giggling mums on a night on the town to couples enjoying a romantic date night, there's something for everyone at Smoke Bar. 

Location: Level 2/35 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo

7. Manly Greenhouse

Manly Greenhouse
We can't get enough of the chic interiors at Manly Greenhouse.


Manly Greenhouse is the ideal spot to soak up views of Manly Beach and soak up their delicious cocktail menu.

The multi-storey beachfront bar and restaurant offers impressive panoramic ocean views, situated under a canopy of cascading ferns. The cocktail list is both innovative and classic, with cheeky names like ‘Shirley’s Body is not a Temple’. Sold! to the pun-suckers at ellaslist.

Location: 36-38 S Steyne, Manly

8. Lady Banks

The best rooftop bars in Sydney
Lady Banks


If you're keen to let your hair down in the heart of Bankstown, Lady Banks is a modern destination and officially one of the largest rooftop bars in Sydney.

Scope out a table overlooking the streets of Bankstown and get ready for a night of great drinks and food with friends. Lady Banks sits 10 stories above the street and boasts some of the most impressive views in Sydney - you can see all the way out to the Blue Mountains!

If you're looking to stay a few hours (highly recommended), the delicious menu boasts Middle-Eastern influences and the highest-quality Australian produce. The famous Tomahawk Steak is a must-try!

Location: 25 Restwell St, Bankstown

9. Zephyr

The best rooftop bars in Sydney
Zephyr bar overlooking Darling Harbour.


Your next romantic date night is sorted, compliments of Zephyr.

Whether you're stopping by at lunchtime or during the evening, the ultra-elegant bar in Darling Harbour offers exquisite water and city views for bar-goers. Located on level 12 of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Zephyr has cocktail-making in the bag - a Noble Gold Martini, or a Royal Passionfruit Mojito, anyone?

Location: Level 12/161 Sussex St, Sydney

10. The Newport

The best rooftop bars in Sydney
Views across Pittwater from The Newport.


One of the best outdoor bars on the Northern Beaches for cocktail hour, The Newport doesn't technically have a rooftop venue, but the views of Pittwater are not to be missed!

Formerly The Arms, the sprawling Newport venue underwent a complete transformation a few years ago and now presents families with a chic Riviera-style outdoor pub for just about any drink under the sun and family-friendly dining from the handful of restaurants dotted around the property. 

The indoor kids' play area ensures that the kiddies are occupied while the parents enjoy a tipple or two, plus there are outdoor fireplaces to keep things cosy during winter. 

Location: 2 Kalinya St, Newport

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