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High Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to Sydney’s Best Rooftop Bars

By MiNDFOOD

Henry Deane, Hotel Palisade, Millers Point. Credit: Destination NSW
Henry Deane, Hotel Palisade, Millers Point. Credit: Destination NSW
The best places to get a drink with a view in Sydney.

THE GLENMORE HOTEL

The Rocks

For some of the best harbour views in Sydney, head to The Glenmore Hotel. With its prime location, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a beer and a burger. Unlike its more upscale harbour counterpart, Opera Bar, The Glenmore has a relaxed pub atmosphere. Indulge in oysters and polenta chips or classic pub fare like chicken schnitzel and chips.

theglenmore.com.au

TAYLOR’S ROOFTOP

Sydney CBD

Perched atop The Republic Hotel, Taylor’s Rooftop is a haven of open-air relaxation in the heart of the city. While the focus here is on exceptional cocktails, fine wines and delicious snacks, the retractable roof ensures you can enjoy the experience even in less-than-ideal weather. Weekends are lively with tunes from some of Sydney’s top DJs.

republichotel.com

Nick and Nora’s, Parramatta. Credit: Destination NSW

NICK & NORA’S

Parramatta

Think Sydney’s best rooftop bars are all in the CBD? Think again. Nick & Nora’s, perched on the 26th floor of V by Crown in Parramatta, offers a unique Prohibition-era ambience. Inspired by the 1934 novel The Thin Man, this bar celebrates the opulent party culture of the 1920s with stylish décor, top-notch service and an excellent selection of cocktails and champagne.

nickandnoras.com.au

OLD MATE’S PLACE

Sydney CBD

Tucked away in a nondescript Clarence Street office building, Old Mate’s Place is a hidden gem worth seeking out. The ground floor resembles a cosy library while the rooftop, open Thursday to Saturday, offers city views. The creative cocktail list features piña coladas served in old books and refreshing summer drinks with sake and gin.

oldmates.sydney

BABYLON ROOFTOP

Sydney CBD

Babylon Rooftop, situated above Westfield Sydney, is a Middle Eastern-inspired venue with impressive skyline views. Styled after the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, it serves a range of Levantine dishes from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Syria and Turkey. The drinks menu includes Middle Eastern-inspired cocktails, a substantial wine list and beers on tap.

babylonrooftop.com.au

ICEBERGS

Bondi

A Bondi Beach institution, Icebergs is a quintessential Sydney spot that you’ll often see on postcards. Overlooking the iconic beach, Icebergs Dining Room and Bar is perfect for special occasions. Relax with a bottle of champagne and modern Italian fare created with the best produce Australia has to offer. The famed Icebergs outdoor terrace is now a private dining room.

icebergs.com.au

The Butler, Potts Point. Credit: Destination NSW

THE BUTLER

Potts Point

Combining city views with premium Mexican cuisine in a charming terrace setting, this hidden gem offers tasty dishes like lamb barbacoa, confit duck carnitas and pan-seared sea scallops. The terrace, adorned with lush greenery, sets the scene for signature paloma or creative concoctions like the Wayside Native Spritz or the Spicy Peanut Old Fashioned cocktail.

butlersydney.com.au

GREEN MOUSTACHE

North Sydney

Green Moustache, a hidden oasis in North Sydney, boasts a rooftop garden bar brimming with plants and greenery. The menu features seasonal bites and a cocktail list inspired by botanical flavours, alongside a 275-strong wine menu. Enjoy lunch, dinner or a weekend bottomless brunch.

greenmoustache.com.au

TAPHOUSE

Darlinghurst

This iconic corner pub in Darlinghurst was given a new lease of life by Applejack Hospitality in 2023. Featuring a fully retractable roof, the Euro-inspired rooftop terrace emulates ‘holiday vibes’ with whitewashed furniture, crisp white and azure blue painted walls, and custom umbrellas. Grab a feed up top – Taphouse serves an epic Cantonese menu created by Head Chef Sam Ng, with dishes designed to complement the 20+ taps of craft beers and ales on rotational offer. Plus, explore Taphouse with your four-legged friend in tow – Taphouse is dog-friendly across all three levels!

taphousesydney.com.au

THE BRISTOL

Sydney CBD

The Bristol is a five-level nightlife hotspot in a beautifully renovated 126-year-old pub. The Rooftop steals the show for its three outdoor terraces and street eats-style Greek menu. With pretty pastel décor and Euro-summer vibes, it’s a happening place to be. The Rooftop Kouzina menu is veteran chef Peter Conistis’ take on an Athens souvlaki bar.

thebristol.com.au

Jacksons on George. Credit: Nikki To

JACKSONS ON GEORGE

Sydney CBD

Jacksons on George, a long- standing fixture on George Street, has a fresh look and a new chef from Icebergs. The venue has a casual bar on the ground floor, a bistro on the second, and a glamorous rooftop open from noon until midnight. Enjoy a Euro/ Aussie-style menu, classic cocktails, and live DJ sets on weekends.

jacksonsongeorge.com.au

ZEPHYR

Darling Harbour

Zephyr at Hyatt Regency Sydney Hotel, a luxury sky bar overlooking Darling Harbour, is renowned for its epic sunset views and extensive spirits menu. The award-winning bar features rare and exclusive spirits, along with classic and signature cocktails. Enjoy share plates, oysters and desserts while watching the sun set over the harbour.

zephyrbarsydney.com

Hotel Palisade, Millers Point. Credit: Destination NSW

HENRY DEANE AT HOTEL PALISADE

Millers Point

Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade offers sophisticated cocktails and stunning harbour views. Located in the historic Millers Point, this contemporary lounge has a diverse cocktail menu with uniquely named creations like Smooth Criminal and Old Salty Girl. Savour tasting plates or indulge in a Sunday bottomless brunch.

hotelpalisade.com.au

QUARRYMAN’S HOTEL

Pyrmont

Despite its century-old heritage, Quarryman’s Hotel is a modern destination with a chic twist. The Palm Springs-inspired rooftop bar is a standout, offering a range of cocktails. Downstairs, the pub has 34 craft beers on tap, mostly from independent Australian breweries. The menu features classic pub dishes with an international flair.

quarrymans.com.au

Aster Bar, InterContinental Sydney. Credit: InterContinental Sydney

ASTER BAR AT INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY

Circular Quay

Aster Bar, on the 32nd floor of the InterContinental Sydney, offers artful small plates and cocktails inspired by the Sydney skies. Enjoy a bold and velvety After Glow or thirst-quenching Golden Hour, all while taking in panoramic views over Sydney Harbour and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

sydney.intercontinental.com

THE LIBRARY BAR

The Domain

Nestled atop the Mitchell Building at the State Library of NSW, The Library Bar offers one of Sydney’s best sunset cocktail spots with stunning harbour views. Accessed via a secret entry on Hospital Road and an old goods lift, this bar provides a secluded, atmospheric experience. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails while taking in the vistas.

librarybar.sl.nsw.gov.au

Coogee Pavilion, Sydney. Credit: Destination NSW

COOGEE PAVILION

Coogee

Overlooking Coogee Beach, the versatile Coogee Pavilion caters to all your post-beach needs. The ground floor is family-friendly with pizza and casual dining, while the middle floor has a range of dining options. The adult-only rooftop terrace has four bars, lush greenery, and some of the best views in Sydney. A great spot for a relaxing drink by the sea.

merivale.com/ venues/coogee-pavilion-precinct/

UNTIED

Barangaroo

Untied, located in Barangaroo’s revamped waterfront precinct, offers a tropical rooftop retreat and a menu that captures the essence of contemporary Australian cuisine. Enjoy cocktails like the Flamin’ Galah and Boozy Acai, alongside a menu of seafood, fusion dishes and a diverse range of plant-based options. Weekend brunch features bottomless cocktails with live entertainment.

untiedsydney.com.au

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