Complete guide

Rooftop Bars Edinburgh

2025 update

Elevate yourself above one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Country United Kingdom

Currency Pound

Best time to visit May - September

Courtesy of Marriott International Ltd

Edinburgh Rooftop Guide

By:Hans Ebenman

Updated:June 9, 2024

Edinburgh rooftop map

The capital of Scotland features majestic castles, beautiful streets, cultural attractions and stunning views, so it's no wonder it draws visitors worldwide.

To enjoy it all from above, look up towards the Edinburgh rooftop bars. From swanky dining spots to lush and urban terraces, there is a great selection of venues where you can enjoy food and drinks with a view. Just scroll down and find the rooftop bar in Edinburgh best suited for you.

The list

11 best rooftop bars in Edinburgh

Rooftop bar Edinburgh W Deck at W Edinburgh in Edinburgh — 1

W Deck at W Edinburgh

12th floor | New Town

Highlights

Unique

360° views

$$$$

On the 12th floor of the eye-catching W Edinburgh you find W Deck, a beautiful rooftop terrace open seven days a week. With an exclusive new summer cocktail menu, live music and **unrivalled 360° views** of Edinburgh, W Deck is set to be the city's go-to spot when the sun is shining. The expansive and unique rooftop bar serves classic cocktails and twists, and will also play host to the city's hottest DJs every Thursday night.

Everything you need to know

Rooftop bar Edinburgh 1820 Rooftop Bar in Edinburgh — 2

1820 Rooftop Bar

7th floor | New Town

Highlights

Whisky-heaven

Castle views

$$$$

Heaven for any whisky fan, the happening Johnnie Walker Princes Street does not only feature five-star tours and immersive tastings, but also a lovely Edinburgh rooftop bar. Called 1820 Rooftop Bar, this exclusive and elevated venue blends a panoramic interior lounge with a modern outside terrace, all surrounded with **breathtaking views of the historic Old Town**. Open daily from morning coffee to special dining, the 1820 menu is created to offer the ultimate Scottish culinary and whisky experience.

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Rooftop bar Edinburgh Cold Town House in Edinburgh — 3

Cold Town House

3rd floor | Old Town

Highlights

Casual

Castle views

$$$

Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket, Cold Town House invites to fun over 3 floors, where the jewel in the crown is the iconic roof terrace. Surrounded by beautiful florals and great views of Edinburgh Castle, the vibrant rooftop is made for **great drinks, great food and great vibes**. Try one of the Cold Town Beers from the on-site microbrewery, sip some of the crisp and creative cocktails, or munch on the awarded Neapolitan Pizzas.

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Play

10 Spectacular Rooftop Bars in Edinburgh

Rooftop bar Edinburgh Chaophraya Edinburgh in Edinburgh — 4

Chaophraya Edinburgh

4th floor | New Town

Highlights

Thai with a view

Contemporary

$$$$

Located on Castle Street in the heart of Edinburg, Chaophraya offers truly **delicious Thai cuisine and tantalizing cocktails**. The unique rooftop setting boasts incredible views of Edinburgh Castle and the surrounding cityscape, both at the open-air terrace and through the floor-to-ceiling windows on the glassed terrace with retractable roof. Indulge in classic Thai and distinct signature dishes, as well as a unique range of signature cocktails crafted by expert bartenders.

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Rooftop bar Edinburgh Harvey Nichols Forth Floor in Edinburgh — 5

Harvey Nichols Forth Floor

4th floor | New Town

Highlights

Brasserie & Bar

Spectacular views

$$$$

On top of the Harvey Nichols department store in St Andrews Square you find a stylish brasserie, bar & foodmarket, inviting to breakfast with a view, elevated lunch-breaks, refined sunset drinks or special dinners above Edinburgh. Part interior dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and part wrap-around outdoor terrace, you are surrounded with spectacular views over Edinburgh Castle and the Firth of Forth **no matter the season**. Enjoy Scottish flavours and a modern take on conventional European cuisine, as well as creative cocktail concoctions and an extensive wine list.

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Rooftop bar Edinburgh SKYbar Edinburgh in Edinburgh — 6

SKYbar Edinburgh

5th floor | Old Town

Highlights

Exclusive

Magnificent views

$$$

The **contemporary and exclusive** SKYbar Edinburgh, perched on top of Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre, comes with both a panoramic interior lounge and a charming outside terrace, boasting magnificent views of Edinburgh Castle, the city and beyond to the Firth of Forth. The rooftop bar serves special and classic cocktails, a fine selection of wine and spirits, as well as an elevated Sunday 'SKYBrunch', filled with both delicious sharing brunch platters and live jazz music.

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Rooftop bar Edinburgh Nor’ Loft in Edinburgh — 7

Nor’ Loft

7th floor | Old Town

Highlights

Champagne Lounge

Skyline views

$$$$

Nor’ Loft is an elegant and sophisticated rooftop bar and champagne lounge, offering **tall glasses & taller views**. Overlooking Edinburgh’s iconic skyline, here you can indulge in a champagne menu which boasts over 20 various labels, from independent growers to prestigious Champagne houses, as well as champagne cocktails, single malts and local beers. The drinks are complemented with seasonal dishes created with sharing in mind, filled with classic flavours and contemporary imagination.

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Rooftop bar Edinburgh Doghouse Edinburgh Bar & Terrace in Edinburgh — 8

Doghouse Edinburgh Bar & Terrace

2nd floor | Holyrood

Highlights

Craft beer

Cozy

$$$

Located moments away from the Royal Mile, BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh is a dog-friendly craft beer hotel featuring epic food, in-room beer taps, and a lovely rooftop terrace. At the ground-floor BrewDog Bar you can always enjoy **30 taps of craft beer**, and a great food selection, including stacked burgers, Korean BBQ wings, salads and daily brunch. When the weather allows, head up to the lush and modern Doghouse rooftop, where you find comfy loungers, communal tables, as well as cozy firepits.

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Rooftop bar Edinburgh Lamplighters Rooftop Bar in Edinburgh — 9

Lamplighters Rooftop Bar

4th floor | New Town

Highlights

Exclusvie

Cocktail bar

$$$$

Found on St. Andrew Square, the Gleneagles Townhouse brings a large slice of refined luxury to Edinburgh, all the way up to the rooftop. Here you find Lamplighters Rooftop Bar, a rarified cocktail bar for those in the know, **only available to members and hotel guests**. Join the Georgian statues looking out over Edinburgh’s picture-perfect New Town, while sipping expertly crafted cocktails, champagnes and top-notch whiskies.

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Rooftop bar Edinburgh Cask Smugglers in Edinburgh — 10

Cask Smugglers

2nd floor | New Town

Highlights

Secret Domes

Panoramic views

$$$

Set on-top of Waverley Train Station, Cask Smugglers invites to a spacious and **laid-back cocktail bar experience** in the heart of the city. While not the most elevated venue, the lush and vibrant terrace still offers some amazing panoramic views of Edinburgh's old town. Here you can enjoy a wide selection of creative and colorful cocktails, slushies, wine, beer and house spirits, complemented with food specials from the in-house kitchen.

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Rooftop bar Edinburgh The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage in Edinburgh — 11

The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage

Calton Hill

Highlights

Refined

Panoramic views

$$$$

Found on top of Calton Hill, The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage is built on a cantilever, and partially suspended over Calton Hill’s northwest slope. While technically not a rooftop, the elevated position and floor-to ceiling-glass windows still ensures **one of the best panoramic views** across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth you can find. Recommended by the Michelin Guide, here you can enjoy a fine-dining setting and a menu crafted using seasonal, earthy and local ingredients.

Everything you need to know

Hans Ebenman

Hans has visited over 500 rooftop bars, 200 rooftop pools and 300 rooftop restaurants since 2015. This vast experience has made Hans a true rooftop expert, and one of the most knowledgeable in the field. Today, numerous of travel magazines, bloggers and media websites contact Hans to get his expertise on rooftops.