It’s high time you elevated happy hour with a drink or two at a rooftop bar. In jam-packed Sydney, venues are claiming more cloud-level spaces and ‘Instagrammable’ views. These skyward escapes trace their roots to New York City’s 1880s roof ‘gardens,’ which lured guests from crowded, street-level drinking dens. In Sydney, each rooftop bar has its own personality. From the beachside bustle at Hotel Steyne to the Japanese-influenced Jōji, we round up the best Sydney rooftop bars you should know about.
1 Monica’s, Paddington
Perched aloft the 25hours Hotel The Olympia, Monica’s is a glamorous rooftop affair. Its heritage façade is a storied spot — beginning as West’s Olympia Theatre, and transforming into iconic 90s nightclub, Grand Pacific Blue Room. Now, Monica’s flaunts an LA aesthetic: sun-drenched Mexican fused with golden-age Hollywood. Think tiled tables, low-slung lounges, and striped umbrellas surrounded by potted cacti, unfolding against a panoramic cityscape. What to order? Mimosa Service and a ritzy retro snack of devilled spanner crab with Jatz crackers.
Where: 1 Oxford Street, Paddington
monica-rooftop.com
2 Jōji Rooftop Bar, CBD
Striking design and sensual lighting make this one of Sydney’s sultriest bars. Jōji’s secretive entry adds to its big city allure, as does its unique sightline. Sitting five levels above street level atop the Cartier boutique, its voyeuristic view frames skyscrapers midway. A Japanese influence is evident throughout, with cocktails inspired by simplicity (shibui), imperfection (wabi sabi), and creativity (datsuzoku). Enjoy succulent snacks like wagyu tartare with nashi pear, and bold pours such as the Geisha with yuzu gin, with a soundscape from a Jōji vinyl session.
Where: Level 5, 388 George Street, Sydney
jojisydney.com
3 UNTIED, Barangaroo
On a rooftop in the heart of Barangaroo, Untied is a favourite spot for after-work drinks with leafy courtyard spaces, elegant indoor bars and harbour views. The colourful surroundings have a garden party feel — an established maple tree is a pretty focal point in the South Courtyard. The modern Australian menu is playful with fruity tropical cocktails and easy-to-share snacks — think tacos, popcorn chicken and fancy toasties. For a glam gathering, Brunch with Soul is a southern-style brunch on Saturdays with two hours of bottomless cocktails and live music.
Where: Lvl 4, Exchange Pl 400 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
untiedsydney.com.au
4 Coogee Pavilion Rooftop
Sundays at the Coogee ‘Pav’ are legendary. Each weekend, Sydney’s style crowd lines up for ocean views and next-level tunes. With four indoor and outdoor bars, wraparound terrace, and live DJ sets, it’s always buzzing. The decor — one of Merivale Group CEO Justin Hemmes’ more playful visions — channels vintage greenhouse vibes, with cabinets of curiosities and lush greenery that recall a 19th-century botanist’s lab. After a few spicy margs, hit the dance floor, share Mediterranean dishes (don’t miss the Lebanese bread with lamb kafta), and watch the sun sink over Coogee.
Where: 169 Dolphin Street, Coogee, New South Wales, Australia
merivale.com/venues/coogeepavilionrooftop
5 Nick + Nora’s, Parramatta
With soaring skyscrapers and a bustling urban centre, Parramatta is known as Sydney’s second city. Overlooking the glittering skyline sits Nick and Nora’s — an elegant Champagne and cocktail bar atop Skye Suites. Ascend 26 floors to an art deco bar and two expansive terraces high above Parramatta city, with the Blue Mountains on the horizon. Settle on the terrace with a seafood platter and sparkling wine, or soak up old-world glamour inside, with decor inspired by Nick and Nora, a literary crime-solving duo.
Where: Level 26, 45 Macquarie St, Parramatta 2150
nickandnoras.com.au/parramatta
6 Zephyr Sky Bar, Darling Harbour
One of the best views of Darling Harbour is from Zephyr, an luxurious open-air bar on Level 12 of the Hyatt Regency Sydney. The nautical design emulates the feeling of being on a luxury super yacht: sparkling water views, circular mirrors, plush lounges and chilled-out tunes. At the bar, discover Sydney’s most extensive collections of high-quality spirits, and expert mixologists shaking up the city’s cocktail scene. Order an Emerald Lotus with Dutch vodka and kitschy Midori, then nab a spot at the balcony edge for prime views.
Where: 161 Sussex St, Sydney
zephyrbarsydney.com
7 The Glenmore, The Rocks
One of Sydney’s original watering holes, The Glenmore has been a timeless classic since 1921. At first glance, it appears to be a classic Aussie street-level pub, but it’s a surprising historical gem. As you ascend the stairs past quaint parlour rooms (just made for hushed conversations and cocktails), you’ll arrive at a rooftop bar with breathtaking views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Grab a seat at a rustic wooden bench, order classic pub fare and enjoy the views rain, hail or shine (The Glenmore rooftop has a retractable roof).
Where: 96-98 Cumberland St, The Rocks
theglenmore.com.au
8 Aster Rooftop Bar, Circular Quay
This sumptuous cocktail bar 32 levels up at the InterContinental Sydney, has knockout views and attentive service. Watch Sydney Harbour transform from day to night as you sip a Golden Hour cocktail made with Never Never Triple Juniper Gin, turmeric and citrus. Or savour artful finger food such as crab toast or Sydney Rock Oysters. Aster’s opulent seating and showstopping views make it ideal for romance — book ahead to ensure a memorable night.
Where: Level 32, InterContinental Sydney, 117 Macquarie Street, Sydney
asterbar.com.au
9 Jimmy’s Rooftop at The Ivy, CBD
Once the Ivy Pool Club, Sydney’s famous rooftop playground, Level 4 of Merivale’s Ivy Precinct is now Jimmy’s Rooftop, where it’s all about come-as-you-are good times and a New York summer state of mind. Grab an icy beer and lounge poolside, or slip into the water for a few laps to unwind. Worked up an appetite in the pool? Try Middle Eastern staples from Jimmy’s Falafel menu — the casual eatery downstairs — including tasty wraps, mezze, and harissa-spiced charcoal chicken.
Where: Level 4, 320 George St, Sydney
merivale.com/venues/jimmys-rooftop
10 Hotel Steyne Manly, The Rooftop
Grab a spot on Steyne’s rooftop for glorious views of Manly Beach and a high-energy atmosphere. Have a sundowner under the gorgeous floral decor, or sip craft beer while watching the surf. Steyne Rooftop is all about sunshine, good tunes and a dance floor waiting for you. Feeling peckish? The menu is loaded with Asian-fusion style comfort food by Miami Rice. Popular dishes are Honey Pepper Pork Ribs and Spicy Malaysian Butter Chicken, or tasty snacks like Furikake fries.
Where: 75 The Corso, Manly
hotelsteyne.com.au
