The 10 Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney (2026)

Updated October 2026 · 10 picks

The best rooftop bars in Sydney in 2026 are Aster at the InterContinental for Opera House views, Old Mate's Place for cocktails, the Glenmore Hotel for a classic pub rooftop in The Rocks and Coogee Pavilion for ocean views. Smoke at Barangaroo House and Zephyr are the picks for harbour sunsets.

Most Sydney rooftop bars are walk-in, so arrive by 5pm on a Friday or a sunny weekend afternoon to get a table, or book where it's possible. Smart-casual dress is the norm, cocktails cost from around A$22–28, and many rooftops close early in winter or in bad weather — check before you go.

1. Aster — CBD / Circular Quay

Level-32 views over the Opera House, the harbour and the Botanic Garden.

$$$ Upmarket

Aster is the bar on the 32nd floor of the InterContinental Sydney, opened to the public as part of the hotel's major renovation. It has sweeping views over the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the Royal Botanic Garden, and a polished cocktail list.

It is a smart, grown-up bar for a special occasion or a pre-dinner drink. Book ahead, especially at sunset and during Vivid Sydney.

Good to know: Book a sunset table; it is the most sought-after slot.

Level 32, InterContinental Sydney, 117 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000

Google Maps Website

2. Old Mate's Place — CBD

A hidden, cocktail-focused rooftop that is easy to miss and hard to leave.

$$ Mid-range

Old Mate's Place is up four flights of stairs from an unmarked doorway on Clarence Street, with an indoor bar and a plant-filled rooftop above. It is one of the best cocktail bars in Sydney, with creative drinks and a relaxed, friendly crowd.

Come for the cocktails rather than a big view; the rooftop is a leafy escape surrounded by city towers. It suits couples and small groups.

Good to know: Look for the small sign at street level, then climb the stairs to the top.

Level 4, 199 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000

Google Maps Website

3. The Glenmore Hotel — The Rocks

A classic Sydney pub rooftop with views over Circular Quay and the Opera House.

$$ Mid-range

The Glenmore is a historic pub in The Rocks with one of the city's best-loved rooftops, looking over Circular Quay, the Opera House and the harbour. It is relaxed, busy and good value compared with the hotel bars.

Order a cold beer or a jug and some pub food, and stay for sunset. It suits groups of friends and visitors wanting an authentic Aussie pub experience with a view.

Good to know: Arrive by mid-afternoon on weekends to get a table on the rooftop.

96 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000

Google Maps Website

4. Coogee Pavilion Rooftop — Coogee

The best ocean view of any Sydney rooftop, above Coogee Beach.

$$ Mid-range

Coogee Pavilion, from the Merivale group, is a big, beach-front venue with an adults-only rooftop that looks over Coogee Beach and the Pacific. The rooftop has several bars and a Mediterranean-style menu, in a bright, conservatory-style space.

It is the place for a sunny weekend afternoon after the Bondi-to-Coogee walk. Expect queues on warm weekends, so arrive early.

Good to know: Finish the coastal walk from Bondi here; it takes around two hours.

169 Dolphin St, Coogee NSW 2034

Google Maps Website

5. Smoke at Barangaroo House — Barangaroo

The top-floor cocktail bar at Barangaroo House, with Darling Harbour sunsets.

$$$ Upmarket

Smoke is the cocktail bar on the top level of Barangaroo House, the distinctive stacked building on the Barangaroo waterfront. It looks west over Darling Harbour, which makes it one of the best spots in Sydney for a sunset drink.

The cocktails are good, and there is a snack menu. It suits after-work drinks and couples, and Barangaroo's restaurants are on the doorstep.

Good to know: Come at golden hour; it faces west for the sunset.

Barangaroo House, 35 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000

Google Maps Website

6. Sky Bar at Shell House — CBD (Wynyard)

A luxe rooftop terrace in a restored heritage clock tower building.

$$$ Upmarket

Sky Bar is on the top of Shell House, a restored 1930s building near Wynyard Station, with a terrace beneath the clock tower and views over the city. It serves cocktails and Mediterranean-style snacks.

It suits after-work drinks and a smart evening out; dress smart casual, and note that minors aren't permitted. It generally opens from late afternoon, Tuesday to Saturday.

Good to know: Enter via Wynyard Lane and take the lift up.

Level 10, Shell House, 37 Margaret St, Sydney NSW 2000

Google Maps Website

7. Library Bar — CBD

A rooftop bar on top of the State Library of NSW, with views over the Domain.

$$ Mid-range

The Library Bar opened in 2021 on the roof of the State Library of NSW's Mitchell Building, with views over the Domain, the Botanic Garden and towards the harbour. It is a small, relaxed bar, and the library describes itself as the only one in Australia with a rooftop bar.

It is an unusual, quieter alternative to the busy hotel rooftops. It opens on limited days, usually from late afternoon Wednesday to Saturday, so check before you go.

Good to know: Pair it with a visit to the library's free exhibitions downstairs.

State Library of NSW, 1 Shakespeare Pl, Sydney NSW 2000

Google Maps Website

8. Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade — Millers Point

An elegant top-floor cocktail lounge with uninterrupted harbour views.

$$$ Upmarket

Henry Deane spreads over the top two floors of the heritage Hotel Palisade in Millers Point, with big windows looking over the harbour and the bridge. It is enclosed rather than open-air, which makes it a good choice in any weather.

The cocktails are strong and the food is shareable. It suits couples and anyone wanting a quieter, more stylish drink than the pubs of The Rocks.

Good to know: Closed on Mondays; go on a weekday evening for a window seat.

Hotel Palisade, 35 Bettington St, Millers Point NSW 2000

Google Maps Website

9. Zephyr — Darling Harbour

A yacht-inspired rooftop at the Hyatt Regency with Darling Harbour views.

$$$ Upmarket

Zephyr is on level 12 of the Hyatt Regency Sydney on Sussex Street, with an open-air deck looking over Darling Harbour and the city. The nautical design is sleek, and the spirits list is extensive.

It suits after-work drinks, couples and anyone staying near Darling Harbour. Sunset on the padded lounges is the time to go.

Good to know: Generally open Tuesday to Sunday; go early for a lounge by the edge.

Level 12, Hyatt Regency Sydney, 161 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000

Google Maps Website

10. The Royal Hotel Paddington — Paddington

A leafy pub rooftop in Paddington, with all-weather cover and harbour glimpses.

$$ Mid-range

The Royal is a grand Victorian pub at Five Ways in Paddington, with a rooftop that has covered and open areas, so it works in most weather. It's a long-standing favourite with locals for weekend afternoons.

Expect a relaxed crowd, good wines by the glass and solid pub food. It suits groups and anyone exploring Paddington's shops and galleries.

Good to know: Pair it with a wander along Oxford Street and the Paddington Markets on a Saturday.

237 Glenmore Rd, Paddington NSW 2021

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

Which Sydney rooftop bar has the best view?

For the harbour, the Opera House and the Botanic Garden, Aster on level 32 of the InterContinental is hard to beat. For an ocean view, Coogee Pavilion's rooftop looks over Coogee Beach, and the Glenmore Hotel's rooftop takes in Circular Quay and the Opera House.

Do I need to book rooftop bars in Sydney?

Most are walk-in, so arrive early on Friday and Saturday. Some, including Aster and Sky Bar at Shell House, take bookings or have reserved areas, so check their websites before you go.

Is there a dress code for Sydney rooftop bars?

Generally smart casual: no thongs (flip-flops), sportswear or beachwear at the hotel and CBD bars, although pub rooftops like the Glenmore and Coogee Pavilion are more relaxed.

Are Sydney rooftop bars open in winter?

Many are, with heaters and covered areas, but some close or cut their hours in the colder months or in bad weather. Check the venue's website or social media before you go.

Where should I stay near Sydney's rooftop bars?

Circular Quay, The Rocks and the CBD put you within walking distance of most of these — see our best hotels in Sydney.

1. Aster — CBD / Circular Quay

2. Old Mate's Place — CBD

3. The Glenmore Hotel — The Rocks

4. Coogee Pavilion Rooftop — Coogee

5. Smoke at Barangaroo House — Barangaroo

6. Sky Bar at Shell House — CBD (Wynyard)

7. Library Bar — CBD

8. Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade — Millers Point

9. Zephyr — Darling Harbour

10. The Royal Hotel Paddington — Paddington

Frequently asked questions

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