Aster Bar at InterContinental Sydney 

Location: Circular Quay  

Great for: Cracking good cocktails and vistas of the city's icons.

Once reserved for guests of InterContinental Sydney, the 32nd-floor Aster bar is now open to all. Boasting views across Sydney Harbour, the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, this stylish bar offers an elevated (literally) drinking and dining experience. Think bright triple-juniper gin fizzes, bespoke tableside martinis and fine whisky flights. Even the humble chicken nugget gets a luxe makeover here, topped with Ossetra black caviar, crème fraîche and chives, and served with a gin martini.

The Aster Bar at The Intercontinental, Sydney 

The Light Brigade

Location: Woollahra 

Great for: Open-air drinks and woodfired pizzas.

Standing four storeys above Oxford Street, The Light Brigade is a glorious Art Deco pub that’s been pouring beers since the 1930s. Cheer on your team at the ground-floor sports bar, share a meal at the level one bistro, or sip cocktails in the moody, Jazz Age-inspired lounge on level two. The rooftop is the pinnacle, with city skyline views stretching to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In summer, choose a chorizo and hot honey pizza to share and enjoy the leafy alfresco space, with its mint-green bar tables and apricot-hued lounges beneath broad umbrellas. In cooler weather, a fireplace and outdoor heaters keep things cosy alongside comforting classic pub fare like schnitzels, burgers and woodfired pizza.

The Light Brigade, Woollahra

The Glenmore Hotel

Location: The Rocks 

Great for: Postcard-worthy views of the Sydney Opera House and classic pub vibes.

From its coveted position in The Rocks, The Glenmore Hotel’s rooftop bar offers dreamy water views to the Sydney Opera House, best enjoyed with a beer in one hand and a burger in the other. Built in 1921, the heritage-listed venue has a laid-back pub atmosphere, where board shorts are as welcome as business suits, and features a classic public bar on the ground level as well as intimate lounge spaces on the middle floor.

The Glenmore Hotel, The Rocks - Credit: W Short Hotel Group

Nick & Nora's

Location: Parramatta 

Great for: Prohibition-era perspective.

Towering above most rooftop bars in the city, Nick & Nora's rests on the 26th floor of the V by Crown in Parramatta. Taking inspiration from the 1934 detective novel The Thin Man, this bar is a celebration of the lively underground party culture during Prohibition, with opulent decor, polished service and fancy cocktails. Expect an extensive Champagne list, bubbly towers, delicious on-theme cocktails, oysters and charcuterie.

Nick and Nora's, Parramatta

Quarrymans Hotel

Location: Pyrmont  

Great for: Palm Springs-styled cocktails with a heritage outlook.

Despite being more than a century old, Quarrymans Hotel is experiencing a surge in popularity because of its walking-distance proximity to the new Sydney Fish Market. The pub comprises three levels: an industrial-style downstairs bar and beer garden, a cosy mid-floor lounge area and a pink-hued Palm Springs-style rooftop bar where laid-back afternoon drinks carry into the evening. Beer lovers are covered: the pub specialises in Aussie craft beer with a rotating selection of 34 on tap, mainly sourced from independent breweries throughout the country. Expect classic pub food such as burgers, salads, pizza and steak.

Quarryman’s Hotel Rooftop, Pyrmont

Old Mate’s Place

Location: Sydney CBD 

Great for: A cosy nook surrounded by skyscrapers.

Looking at the heavy, billiard-green door on Clarence Street, you wouldn’t suspect this unassuming building contained a bar. But four flights of stairs later, you’ll arrive at Old Mate’s Place, a compact, moody venue characterised by dark leather, timber and bookshelves stacked with classics. Hit the stairs once more for the rooftop oasis, where dense greenery decorates a cosy CBD terrace. Take a seat at the bar or settle into the turquoise banquettes and order a classic Philly cheesesteak while browsing through the creative cocktail list. Try the Tropics-inspired Pandan Airways, made with gin, pandan and coconut; or the boozy, dessert-style Flapjack with rum, cacao and Italian vermouth.

Old Mate’s Place, Sydney CBD

Jacksons on George

Location: Sydney CBD 

Great for: A beloved dive bar is totally reimagined.

Since the mid-’80s, George Street stalwart Jacksons on George was synonymous with late-night debauchery – but it reopened in 2023 as a completely transformed venue. The sleek, three-storey space houses a casual, ground-floor public bar and a polished bistro on level two. Chef Steven Sinclair (ex-Icebergs) is at the helm, serving a menu that leans on local produce including an express two-course lunch midweek. Upstairs, the glamorous open-air rooftop bar (with views over George Street) is an urban party spot, complete with weekend DJ sessions.

Jacksons on George, Sydney - Credit: Jason Lucas/DTL Entertainment Group PTY LTD

The Library Bar

Location: The Domain 

Great for: Harbour views from a secret rooftop.

Finding The Library Bar isn’t straightforward, but it was never meant to be: just enter an arched entry on Hospital Road, go down a corridor and up a goods lift. The bar was once a State Library of NSW staff-only social space. In 2021, the indoor bar, terrace and observation deck (with spectacular views of the Domain and Sydney Harbour) opened to the public. Sip a negroni under the rooftop’s sparkling festoon lights or head inside near the baby grand piano and order a grazing platter and glass of crisp white. Keep an eye out for upcoming events including live music, poetry and storytelling.

The Library Bar, Sydney

Green Moustache

Location: North Sydney  

Great for: Seasonal bites in a hidden oasis.

Seeking an antidote to the concrete jungle? Filled with lush greenery and wide windows framing the treetops outside, Green Moustache feels a world away from the high-rises of North Sydney. The seasonal menu at this garden bar is fit for every occasion: long lunch or relaxed dinner, a lively bottomless brunch or casual bar snacks. Pair your meal with a glass from the 300-plus-strong wine list, a limited-edition beer or botanic-inspired cocktail such as the Pink Grapefruit Sour or Lemon Meringue. The bar is a little hard to find, so keep an eye out for the floral lifts at the main entrance to North Sydney’s Northpoint Building and ride up to Level 10.

Green Moustache, North Sydney - Credit:1oh1 Media

Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade

Location: Millers Point  

Great for: Fancy cocktails in a historic part of town.

Standing five storeys tall and surrounded by heritage-listed terraces, Hotel Palisade has one of the best views in Millers Point. Built in 1915, the hotel has a public house on the ground floor, accommodation on middle levels and a rooftop bar (named for the building’s architect Henry Deane Walsh) at the crown. Windows spanning entire walls frame outlooks to Sydney Harbour, Barangaroo, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the historic Millers Point area. Toast the view with a signature cocktail, such as the Old Salty Girl with bourbon, macadamia and salted caramel pearls. The menu features grazing boards, finger foods and dishes designed to share – from marinated grilled chicken to tins of sustainably sourced caviar. Enjoy drinks and snacks with live performances from 3pm every Sunday.

Henry Deane rooftop at Hotel Palisade, Millers Point

Babylon Rooftop 

Location: Sydney CBD  

Great for: Middle Eastern cuisine and inner-city vibes.

Perched above bustling Pitt Street, Babylon Rooftop references the legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon, with skyscraper views from its rooftop terrace and cosy dining room. The menu journeys through the Levant, with meze, wood-fired meats cooked on a mangal grill and housemade breads. Signature cocktails include the Beirut Botanic, with tequila, lime and agave; and the mezcal-based Pink Souk. Gather your friends for the bottomless brunch on Saturdays and stay for Babylon Nights, when guest DJs play music after dark.

Babylon Rooftop, Sydney CBD

Zephyr

Location: Darling Harbour  

Great for: Sundowners and rare spirits.

With its west-facing windows overlooking Darling Harbour, Zephyr is arguably one of the best spots in Sydney to watch the sun set. This award-winning bar atop the Hyatt Regency is known for its extensive spirits and liqueurs menu, featuring rare and exclusive gins, rums and whiskies. Cocktails are also delicious: pep up with a Coffee Negroni, sip a Coconut G&T or share a Spiced Pineapple with someone special, while grazing on a charcuterie platter. Bonus points for timing your visit with the monthly Saturday-night fireworks over Darling Harbour.

Zephyr bar in the Hyatt Regency Sydney - Credit: Hyatt Regency Sydney

Untied

Location: Barangaroo  

Great for: Vegan bites and tropical cocktails.

Barangaroo’s waterfront is a hive of activity, but four levels up, this tropical-style bar is a haven, with an outdoor terrace shaded by trees and tangerine-coloured umbrellas. There’s something happening every day at Untied, from the great-value mid-week lunches to bottomless brunches on Saturdays, while two-hour bottomless slushies are offered daily. The food menu has plenty of easy-going favourites such as tacos and burgers, alongside a solid selection of vegan and vegetarian options.

Untied, Barangaroo - Credit: Australian Venue Co.

The Butler

Location: Potts Point 

Great for: Views of the city and Mexican seafood dishes.

It’s easy to see why The Butler has been a favourite among Sydneysiders for more than a decade. Housed within a heritage-listed terrace, this Potts Point establishment is distinguished by its ever-changing façade, painted with murals by local artists. Inside, The Butler is a contemporary restaurant and bar that marries the bounty of the Australian coastline with Mexican ingredients and techniques. Dishes include salmon tostadas, king prawns with chintextle, brisket empanadas and achiote chicken. It would be remiss not to order the margarita of the day or go all-in with a margarita flight. It all goes down exceptionally well on the alfresco sun-drenched terrace, surrounded by lush greenery and 180-degree views across the city skyline, including Sydney Tower and St Mary’s Cathedral.

The Butler, Potts Point

Smoke Bar

Location: Barangaroo 

Great for: Harbour sunsets.

There’s nothing wrong with a little revelry at Smoke, an edgy rooftop bar at Barangaroo House. With views stretching from Darling Harbour to Pyrmont, it’s the place to come for sunsets and stay for the sparkling city lights. Order inventive cocktails such as the house margarita, made with tequila, curaçao, grapefruit, rosemary and ‘truffle air’; or muse over the wine list. The menu is full of tasty snacks: chicken karaage, fried squid and tuna tacos. Every Friday, DJs spin R&B and hip-hop tracks on the rooftop, while downstairs at Japanese vinyl bar Rekodo, the soundtrack spans funk, disco and soul.

Barangaroo House - Smoke, Barangaroo - Credit: Solotel Pty Ltd

Theo's Rooftop Bar

Location: Penrith 

Great for: Mediterranean references and views out west.

Santorini or Penrith? It’s hard to tell when you’re on level eight of Astina Suites in Penrith, where Theo’s Rooftop Bar channels the breezy Mediterranean. Swathed in a palette of cream and pastel green and surrounded by mature olive trees, the open-air bar has views of the Blue Mountains and a sleek infinity pool (reserved for Astina Suites guests) overlooking the horizon. The seasonal share-plate menu features truffle arancini, Wagyu sliders, oysters, and guacamole with corn chips, while classic cocktails and jugs keep the good times flowing until the sun goes down.

Theo’s Rooftop Bar, Penrith

SKYE Bar and Lounge

Location: Burwood 

Great for: Breathtaking sunset views over the Blue Mountains.

Take the elevator up to SKYE Bar and Lounge, occupying the top level of Crowne Plaza Sydney Burwood, for sweeping 360-degree views across the city and Blue Mountains. Order a classic cocktail or Champagne by the glass and pair it with a charcuterie board or sharing platter for a relaxing afternoon or evening. Larger plates and hand-tossed pizzas are also on offer, while live DJs dial up the party atmosphere on weekends.

SKYE Bar and Lounge, Burwood - Credit: SKYE Bar and Lounge

Lady Banks Rooftop

Location: Bankstown 

Great for: Blue Mountains views and platters with friends.

This rooftop bar sits atop Bankstown Sports Club and has views for days, stretching over city rooftops and out west to the Blue Mountains. It’s inspired by Lady Dorothea Banks, wife of botanist Sir Joseph Banks (yes, the suburb is named after him) and you can relax in the sunshine among potted greenery and stay when the festoon lights are switched on. Happy hour runs every day, Saturdays are popular for the bottomless brunches, and the Banks Platter is loaded with Mediterranean flavours and perfect for groups to share. Visit on the weekend for uplifting beats by live DJs.

Lady Banks Rooftop at Bankstown Sports Club, Bankstown

The White Horse

Location: Surry Hills 

Good for: Share plates and inventive cocktails.

Smack bang in the middle of Surry Hills sits the White Horse. The longstanding boozer has been around since the ‘30s and passed through several hands before hospo titan Craig Hemmings (former general manager of Quay and Chin Chin) took the reins in 2024. What followed was a contemporary refurb that added an elegant dining room, public bar and sunny rooftop lush with greenery. Stop by for an aperitivo and order the Bizzarro Spritz (a mix of strawberry and yuzu spirits served on tap) with rock oysters and wholewheat sourdough, spread with fermented honey butter. Or settle in for a long afternoon and work your way through the menu of small and large plates.

White Horse, Surry Hills - Credit: The White Horse

Ammos

Location: Brighton Le Sands

Great for: Greek eats and water views.

Named after the Greek word for sand, Ammos is located at the top of The Brighton Hotel. The venue combines a Greek Island-inspired aesthetic with award-winning Mediterranean dining and sweeping views over Botany Bay. The menu was developed in collaboration with pioneering Greek chef Peter Conistis and the elegant dining room is made for long, leisurely lunches, while the sun-drenched terrace invites relaxed daytime tipples beneath crocheted umbrellas and palm trees. From the bar menu, expect Greek-inspired bites such as taramasalata, Wagyu souvlaki and Sydney Rock Oysters. Pair them with an Ammos Spritz in the sunshine or go all Greek with an Ouzo Seasonal Highball.

Ammos, Brighton-Le-Sands - Credit: Steven Woodburn

Monica Rooftop Bar

Location: Paddington

Great for: A hotel bar with Hollywood elegance.

Monica is a little slice of Hollywood in Paddington. Located on the top floor of 25hours Hotel The Olympia, the space evokes contemporary grandeur with its velvet textures, wood panelling, neon lights, mural-clad walls and chandeliers. Order the steak frites and the Walk of Shame cocktail, made with aged whisky, peach liqueur, elderflower, lemon, honey and ginger. Outside, the terrace offers sweeping city views, with seating beneath pastel-coloured umbrellas. Nab the corner table with the outdoor fire to keep warm on cooler evenings.  

Monica, Paddington - Credit: Monica

Keg & Brew

Location: Surry Hills   

Great for: Craft beer and pizza fresh from the oven.

Beer and sports enthusiasts will love Keg & Brew. The pub has a leafy open-air terrace with a big screen playing live games, a woodfired pizza oven and more than 50 beers on tap. Try local craft ales from 4 Pines, Young Henrys and Willie the Boatman along with old favourites. Or go for the cocktails, wine by the glass or one of the many bourbons on offer as you enjoy the city views. Aside from pizza, there are pub classics such as burgers, steak and bangers and mash, as well as dumplings, poke bowls and Massaman curry.

Keg & Brew, Surry Hills - Credit: Keg & Brew