Despite not having any skyscrapers, DC offers a wide, varied and ever-changing selection of rooftops. To help you find the prime hot-spots in 2025, we've created this complete article.
We've visited over 23 rooftop bars in DC ourselves and researched among locals and other travel bloggers, so we could narrow it down to the 5 most hyped and "must-visit" rooftops in 2025.
For each rooftop, this article comes packed with:
Visiting rooftop bars in DC is popular - both among tourist and locals - so two tips from us is to always book your spot in advance (we’ve prepared all booking links for you in this article) and check out which ones that have a view over the famous monoments like The Capitol, the Washington monument and similar.
Ambiance: Nestled between Capitol Hill and Navy Yard, the sleek and modern AC Hotel by Marriott Washington DC Capitol Hill Navy Yard comes with a luxurious rooftop bar, called Smoke & Mirrors. Perched on the 11th floor, the charming indoor/outdoor rooftop features an all-weather patio with a fireplace, fire pits, and a retractable canopy. This means that the panoramic views of the downtown D.C and the U.S. Capitol Building is available year-round.
Drinks & Food: High above it all, here you can sip something from the extensive list of ingenious craft cocktails, or the fine selection of wine and premium spirits. Complementing the drinks, you find a delicious selection of elevated small plates perfect to share.
What we think: We were here two nights in a row (we stayed at the hotel) and both evenings the terrace was not full and had some seats available all the time. I would suggest coming here during sunset for some pre-dinner cocktails. The view of The Capitol is something extra! Open for afternoon and evening drinks and bites, as well as weekend rooftop brunch, Smoke & Mirrors is a prime spot to enjoy a casual elegant and social DC experience.
Dress code: The Smoke & Mirrors 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.
SMOKE & MIRRORS
Ambiance: Nestled in the heart of Washington, Upstairs at The Morrow is your prime location for an upgraded nightlife experience. Located at 222 M St NE Suite 1201, this trendy rooftop bar has an amazing city view and a lively vibe. Upstairs at The Morrow is an American brasserie with breathtaking views of D.C.'s iconic landmarks.
Drinks and Food: Indulge in seasonal cuisine and handcrafted cocktails from morning to night in the indoor-outdoor rooftop terrace, complete with lounge-style couches, firepits, and a wrap-around bar. Whether you're joining us for sunset sparkling wines or last-call tequila, Upstairs is your vibrant rooftop playground in the heart of NoMa.
What we think: Once you hit the rooftop, the cool, stylish setting welcomes you. It's the ideal rooftop to enjoy evening cocktails and night outs with friends. Guests at Upstairs at The Morrow vary from locals to tourists, which tells this is a popular spot on the DC rooftop scene. Works great for both chill Sundays or a vibrant Friday night.
Dress code: The 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.
UPSTAIRS AT THE MORROW
Ambiance: Top of the Gate DC is an energetic and sophisticated Washington DC roof bar, perched on top of the superb Watergate Hotel Georgetown, located along the banks of the Potomac River. Given the location, the rooftop is also known as the Watergate Rooftop Bar. From the 15th floor terrace you get spectacular 360-degree views over the Potomac River, Key Kennedy Center, Washington Monument, Arlington bridges and the rest of the DC skyline. You can even wave to Virgina.
Drinks and Food: From the rooftop bar you can order delicious and handcrafted seasonal cocktails, choose from a fine of wines, or try some of the smaller bites, including gourmet pizzas, tapas and shared plates. Luxurious and modern in decoration, with a large bar counter and lounge areas with fire pits, this is an ideal place for some vibrant and fun after-work cocktails with your colleagues and friends.
What we think: Top of the Gate is a long-time rooftop favorite for us. Having both a water and city view, makes this rooftop unique in DC. At the moment, Top of the Gate is only open during the warmer season, and it is a great spot for sunny cocktails with fantastic views, as well as fun happenings, from rooftop yoga to live events.
Dress code: The Top of the Gate dress code is business casual. Business casual is typically defined as no jeans, no shorts, no short dresses or skirts for women, optional ties for men, and a rotation of button-downs or blouses.
TOP OF THE GATE
Ambiance: Perched on top of the amazing hotel Conrad Washington DC in the heart of downtown, Summit the Rooftop offers one of the most stylish and elevated experiences the city has to offer. With a futuristic and streamlined setting, the open-air and elegant terrace opens up to some fantastic views over the central parts of DC, including the Capitol building.
Drinks and Food: Focusing on an eco-conscious menu, the Summit serves food sourced from the Mid-Atlantic region, with several dishes made in a solar oven. Complementing the food is a fine selection of drink offerings from local and regional distillers, brewers and female winemakers.
What we think: We’ve only been here once, and our first impression was very good from the get-go. Upscale and trendy in setting, this is a prime spot for impressive after-work drinks and bites with a view. And while mainly a hot-spot for the warmer months, Summit do also dress in an Après Ski winter-suit from time to time.
Dress code: The Summit the Rooftop at Conrad 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.
SUMMIT ROOFTOP
Ambiance: Found on top of the fantastic Canopy By Hilton Washington DC in The Wharf, a vibrant new waterfront destination in DC, Whiskey Charlie is a premium rooftop cocktail lounge offering nautical vibes and fantastic views. Spacious, modern and lively, the 10th floor rooftop offers both an intimate outdoor rooftop deck, as well as a stylish indoor lounge, known as ‘The Cabin’. Up here you can watch all the action at The Wharf, but also indulge in panoramic views over the water and many of the famous DC monuments.
Drinks and Food: The Whiskey Charlie rooftop bar serves an impressive selection of crafted cocktails, from iconic signatures to reimagined classics. Complemented with a fine array of wines, locally crafted brews and a Sky High Snacks Menu with tasty shareable small plates, this place is really something for the connoisseurs.
What we think: Sophisticated yet relaxed in atmosphere, Whiskey Charlie rooftop is a great spot for an afternoon cocktail with a great sunset, or some nightly drinks with friends. Note that seating is first come, first served, so try to be in good time to grab the best seats.
Dress code: The Whiskey Charlie 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.
WHISKEY CHARLIE
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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