Sydney is a city with a lot of rooftop bars. And it's a jungle to find the best ones each year. But don't dispear, we've done the hard work for you!
We've visited over 35 Sydney rooftop bars ourselves and researched among locals, so we could narrow it down to 5 must-visit rooftops in Sydney 2025.
For each rooftop, this article comes packed with:
Visiting rooftop bars in Sydney is popular both among tourist and locals, so it's always recommended to book your spot in advance (we’ve prepared all booking links for you in this article) and if you visit during daytime, don't forget your sun screen, the sun is super strong here.
Ambiance: Perched on top of the new luxurious landmark Crown Sydney in Barangaroo, CIRQ Bar & Lounge really raises the bar for the Sydney rooftop scene. Floating 26 floors above the waterfront, CIRQ offers a unique mix of elegant and multi-dimensional indoor and outdoor spaces, all surrounded with mesmerizing views of Sydney’s Circular Quay and waterfront.
Drinks & Food: Up here you can indulge in a prime selection of bespoke cocktails infused with native Australian botanicals, an extensive wine menu that highlights the finest regions, as well as innovative and elevated tapas style dishes, from caviar platters to Wagyu Beef Skirt.
What we think: We love everything about CIRQ Bar & Lounge. The view, the vibe, the food and service. 10/10! Offering luxury at new heights, CIRQ Bar & Lounge is made for truly special days and nights high above Sydney, surrounded by an upscale atmosphere and mellow DJ tracks. Just remember that bookings are essential and released 3 months in advance online, on the first of every month.
Dress code: The CIRQ Bar & Lounge dress code is strictly smart casual. Dress for success to blend in among the trendy crowd here.
CIRQ BAR & LOUNGE
Ambiance: The Glenmore Hotel is a real Sydney classic, built in 1921 and last renovated in 2012 it comes in an old colonial English tradition with a modern touch. On top of the building, you’ll find the rooftop bar where you get an unbeatable panoramic view of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney skyline and the Opera House. Located at The Rocks, just south of Harbour Bridge, Glenmore Hotel is a modern and fun pub-style rooftop bar, perfect for relaxing drinks and bites in a casual atmosphere. Popular place, so it comes with buzzing vibes but also the note that you should be in good time to get a table, both around lunch hour and in the evening.
Drinks and Food: You will not be short on food and drinks up at the Glenmore rooftop, with eats ranging from Salt & Pepper Squid and Poké Bowls to Burgers and Black Angus Sirloin. The beer list is mighty impressive and the cocktails are well made and come in both glasses and jugs.
What we think: It’s not by luck that The Glenmore rooftop is one of the first and oldest rooftop bars in Sydney. Open year round and rain or sunshine thanks to a retractable roof, Glenmore Hotel is an eventful rooftop bar hosting both public and private parties, acoustic Sunday Sessions and even some rooftop yoga in Sydney (complete list here). Do not miss Glenmore Hotel rooftop bar if you are in Sydney.
Dress code: The Glenmore dress code is casual. Casual dress code refers to clothing that is informal and comfortable, yet clean and professional. It’s best to go with nicer casual wear and avoid the baggier items you wear around the house.
THE GLENMORE
Ambiance: Found in the heart of Darlinghurst, East Village Sydney offers three floors of fun. Up top, the true gem, the East Village Terrace Rooftop. Open year-round, the rooftop changes by the season, offering a bright, colorful and Mediterranean setting with cooling mist jets and big umbrellas during the warmer months, turning into a cozy winter garden under the retractable roof during winter. The amazing views over the Sydney skyline are however always included.
Drinks and Food: The rooftop menu includes modern and fresh dishes that are made perfect to share, as well as tasty signature cocktails (some regular and some that rotate monthly) and a great selection of hand-picked wines.
What we think: We had a fantastic evening when visiting East Village late 2024. The rooftop was filled with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and we can understand why the East Village rooftop is a popular venue. The terrace is not huge, so arriving early is a good idea if you want to grab one of the best spots. And we can really recommend doing so. The view from the best seats is spectacular over the Sydney skyline.
Dress code: The East Village Sydney dress code is casual. Casual dress code refers to clothing that is informal and comfortable, yet clean and professional. It’s best to go with nicer casual wear and avoid the baggier items you wear around the house.
EAST VILLAGE SYDNEY
Ambiance: Perched on top of the fantastic boutique Hotel Palisade in Millers Point, Henry Deane is a contemporary rooftop cocktail lounge, offering amazing views over both the Sydney skyline and the surrounding harbour. Set over two levels, the main part of the rooftop is a modern and sophisticated indoor lounge with large panoramic windows, but there is also a smaller alfresco terrace to grab some sunshine.
Drinks and Food: A stylish venue, filled with plush lounges and marble everywhere, and Henry Deane also offers a stylish menu. From small and large dishes made to share, ranging from oysters to pork belly, to a great selection of crafted signature cocktails and an extensive wine list.
What we think: The trendy crowd and spectacular views are two things standing out most for us after our visit here. With views and a setting that is bound to impress, Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade is the perfect Sydney rooftop bar to bring out-of-town visitors or a date. Just remember to make reservations.
Dress code: The Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade dress code is smart casual. Smart casual is an approach to dressing professionally that mixes trendier pieces in with classic staples. The goal is an appearance that’s clean and professional but doesn’t look too formal.
HENRY DEANE
Ambiance: Coogee Pavilion is a large and happening venue, located right off Coogee Beach, south of Bondi. Not only does it have a rooftop with four different bars and a huge wraparound balcony, but also a great downstairs restaurant. The upstairs rooftop is an adults only zone. And from the spectacular Coogee Pavilion rooftop bar you get a magical view of the Australian coastline and the nearby surroundings. One of the best coastal views from a rooftop bar in all of Australia, according to many (us included).
Drinks and Food: The rooftop terrace comes with a very modern, lush and ocean-vibe setting with bright colors and lots of different places to settle down. Here you can enjoy great food inspired by the Eastern Mediterranean, a large selection of beer and wines along with exotic and fresh cocktails. A great place for relaxing ocean side drinks and bites anytime of the day.
What we think: If you love ocean views – just like we do - Coogee Pavilion is the perfect rooftop in Sydney to visit. It’s very popular place among locals, especially around peak hours, so try to be here in time to get a good seat in one of the comfortable outdoor furniture’s. The different bars on top can also be reserved for private events.
Dress code: The Coogee Pavilion Rooftop dress code is casual. Casual dress code refers to clothing that is informal and comfortable, yet clean and professional. It’s best to go with nicer casual wear and avoid the baggier items you wear around the house.
COOGEE PAVILION
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.
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