Sydney’s best roof top bars

DESPITE challenges with lockout laws and dealing with COVID-19, Sydney is still 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. Here are our favourites.

Taylor's Rooftop Bay

Taylor’s Rooftop Bar

Sitting on the fourth foor 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 DJs and musicians perform for a lively crowd tearing up the dance foor. Bring your friends, enjoy your drinks and dance the night away.

Green Moustache

Green Moustache Rooftop Garden Bar and Restaurant

Located in North Sydney, indulge in the luxury of dining surrounded by large glass windows and an emmaculate garden. Relax with an elegant dinner that is seasonally sourced and pair it with wine that is specially curated by an in-house sommelier. The vibrant plants, food and wine with the surrounding view of the skyline make Green Moustache a great place for a date or casual get together.

Bar Ombré Rooftop

Bar Ombré is the ultimate sunset spot. Located in Circular Quay on the rooftop of award-winning restaurant Salt Meats Cheese with unrivalled views over the harbour, you can watch the sky turn pink and purple as the ferries come in. The atmosphere 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.

The Rooftop

Right above the Quarryman’s Hotel in Pyrmont lies this rooftop cocktail bar and lounge. Palm Springs is a major inspiration for this Sydney favourite, making it a getaway during the day when it starts feeling too long. Stay cool with various cocktail offerings while relaxing on a mini vacation in this California-inspired oasis.

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.

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 and toast to good times.

Merivale Pool Club

Merivale Pool Club

This little known rooftop venure brings a slice of summer to the CBD. Work your way through the extensive cocktail menu while relaxing in a cabana or table around the pool. Merivale Pool Club is the perfect place to escape during lunch and recharge for the rest of your day. Sample the chef’s Mediterranean style menu while tossing back a few photo-worthy cocktails.

The Fernery

The Fernery

Travel a little outside the 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

Hyde Park House is four foors 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

The Rook

Peeking 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, offering guests a clear view of the evening sky. The setting is intimate – dimly lit with fairy lights tangled up in ivy garlands. Be sure to snap a quick pic as you enter through an archway of stunning foral bouquets before grabbing a drink and settling in for the night.