The 15 Best Rooftop Bars In Melbourne

There is nothing better than sipping on an ice-cold drink on a warm summer’s evening and looking out onto a city skyline.

Whether you’re indulging after a hard day’s work or on a first date and looking for the perfect aesthetics to compliment your vibe, Melbourne has a stunning variety of rooftop bars to suit your every whim.

Whether you are an avid cocktail lover or you prefer to indulge in craft beers or locally sourced wines, you will find the perfect rooftop bar in Melbourne. Read on to find out about the 15 best rooftop bars that this city has to offer.

Planning a trip to the beautiful Yarra Valley? Check out the wines – and food – at Quarters at Hubert Estate

The 15 Best Rooftop Bars In Melbourne

Rooftop At QT

Location: QT Melbourne, 11/133 Russell St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 8636 8800

We kick off our take on the best rooftop bars in Melbourne with a stunner.

This is a trendy rooftop bar located in the luxurious QT Melbourne Hotel in the centre of the city. Here, an expansive terrace showcases undisturbed views of this city’s skyline. Conveniently, it is open 7 days a week.

For a more in-depth review of The Rooftop at QT, click here.

There is a relaxed vibe which is ideal for post-work cocktails and stylish rooftop parties. There is a DJ on a Weekend and both the indoor lounge and terrace serve tasty bar treats.

This is the perfect venue for work parties and family gatherings alike as you will become immersed in the pulsating sounds and stunning views that the QT has to offer.

Rooftop at QT - best rooftop bars in Melbourne

Loop Roof

Location: 3/23 Meyers Pl, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: 0481 785 190

This rooftop bar can be found in the heart of Melbourne. It is a green oasis amidst the concrete. This third floor roof was extended with a fourth floor in 2019 and is shrouded in an awe-inspiring vertical garden.

The loud and comfortable lounge furniture compliments the terrace and the incredible views of the city skyline. The menu is filled with crafted cocktails as well as locally sourced wine, beer and champagne.

Upside Rooftop Bar (now Fitzroy Rooftop Bar)

Location: 127 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, VIC 3065 Ph: (03) 9417 4127

Located at the top level of Hotel Fitzroy on Brunswick Street is the Fitzroy Rooftop Bar. Until recently known as Upside, the timber-heavy decor and eclectic list of Asian-inspired cocktails remain the same, and the views of the Melbourne skyline are still splendid.

Upside is situated directly above one of Melbourne’s best Izakaya experiences (Ichi Ni Nana) and so you’re able to order sushi and Japanese pub-style snacks from their kitchen. Prices are reasonable, the service is excellent and the weekend DJs keep the vibe pumping until late.

The last we heard, Upside was looking to focus on private functions and special events, and so it may be worth calling first or dropping a line to [email protected] to see if that is still the case.

Or you could just wander a few steps down the road to Naked in the Sky…

Naked In The Sky 

Location: 285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, VIC 3065 Ph: (03) 9416 2238

Just a hop and a skip from Upside Rooftop Bar, Naked in the Sky boasts one of the best views that northern Melbourne has to offer with stunning vistas that scan the skyline. In a quirky, urban setting, you can enjoy a wide variety of drinks on a 20 page long menu, alongside a large selection of wine and craft beer.

The terrace also serves tapas, whilst the downstairs restaurant serves more hearty, Australian food. 

With something different on every floor and a chilled vibe, the whole Naked for Satan set-up is one of our favourite watering holes. And on a balmy evening, the expansive Naked in the Sky is definitely one of the top rooftop bars in Melbourne.

See our recommendations for the Best Cocktail Bars in Melbourne

Rooftop Bar

Location: Curtin House, Level 7/252 Swanston St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9654 5394

This self-explanatory rooftop bar is one of the most popular in Melbourne. Its urban nuances are complemented by its centralised location and fantastic seventh floor skyline views.

The terrace is spacious which is perfect on a sunny day when it is more crowded. The atmosphere is vibrant and the decor is understated. Enjoy wonderful signature cocktails and a large selection of wholesome food from the ‘burger shack’.

This venue also boasts a rooftop cinema which was the first to be introduced in the whole of Melbourne!

Johnny’s Green Room

Location: King & Godfree, Level 2/293-297 Lygon St, Carlton, VIC 3053 Ph: (03) 9347 1619

Update: As the mercury drops, Johnny’s Green Room is temporarily closed. Rumour has it, the venue is having a bit of a spruce up and will be back when the sun returns.

This open-air venue boasts wonderful panoramic views over the Carlton rooftops and the Melbourne city skyline. The bar is extensively length (over 15m metres) and from here, you can order classic cocktails and more creative house alternatives.

There is also a range of imported and local beer on draught along with a beautiful selection of wines. This bar is vibrant with shrieks of laughter and the sound of the best DJs in Melbourne filling it with good vibes and positive energy.

You are also guaranteed to be served with efficiency as the long bar enables you to prop yourself up and gain the barman’s attention without becoming overcrowded by other customers. 

Incidentally, the Agostino Wine Bar lies on the ground floor of the building that houses Johnny’s Green Room. Serving a great selection of wines and classic Italian fare, it’s worth checking out. You can read more about it here.

Imperial Hotel

Location: 2-8 Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9810 0062

This hotel is positioned on the third floor of the Imperial Hotel. This rooftop bar is located in central CBD and presents stunning views over Parliament House and the city of Melbourne’s skyline.

It is a classic pub that brings a heartwarming essence to both locals and travellers. This is a wooden deck rooftop and there is plentiful open plan seating. Heaters and cover are also provided during the winter months.

You can try a wonderful range of classic pub dishes alongside craft beers and innovative wines and this older stylised atmosphere is perfect for those travellers who are used to the decadence of a traditional pub.

It is one of the most popular venues in Melbourne for a reason and you will be sure to indulge in the hearty vibes and wonderfully nuanced alcoholic beverages that are on offer here.

Do you like the odd cheeky cocktail? If yes, you can mix and shake your own inventions all day with the AYAOQIANG Cocktail Making Set. It includes a sleek cocktail shaker and all the tool you need to get you started.

Bomba

Location: 103 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9650 5778

The 15 Best Rooftop Bars In Melbourne

This rooftop bar and Spanish restaurant sits in the heart of the Central Business District. The Bomba rooftop bar sits above a reputable tapas restaurant and boasts amazing views over the city.

The Spanish setting and vibe is complemented by a retractable roof, meaning that it is a destination that is able to be used all year round. The fine selection of Spanish wines alongside the incredible signature cocktails and sangria make it the perfect rooftop vibe. 

Sydney also has some must-visit rooftop bars. Here are our favourites

Campari House

Location: 23-25 Hardware Ln, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 7036 0346

This rooftop bar has been open since the 1960’s and is arguably the most authentic and original venue in the city.

The rooftop terrace is tucked between the CBD skyscrapers and is the perfect place to avoid the busy bustle of the city whilst relaxing with a glass of Champagne, Campari or one of the delightful cocktails on offer on the extensive rooftop menu.

Dom’s Social Club

Location: Unit 1/301 Swanston St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: 0401 605 845

This rooftop bar is centred in the heart of Melbourne and boasts jaw dropping views over the Melbourne skyline. There is a uniquely crafted cocktail menu and a large selection of wines to choose from.

It also has a killer pizzeria on the lower level.

This is one of the best bars in Melbourne for sun-soaking cocktails and weekend night time vibes.

Whilst we’re talking pizzas, these are our go to Best Pizza Places in Melbourne

Captain Baxter

Location: 10/10-18 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Ph: (03) 8534 8999

This beachside rooftbar star is beyond stunning. Take in breathtaking views of Australia’s golden beaches whilst sipping on stylish cocktails.

This deck contains large umbrellas to shelter you from any overwhelming sunshine and the length list of wines and beer will be sure to satisfy your every need. This spot is one of the most popular rooftop bars for a reason and you’ll soon discover why!

The Rooftop at Farmer’s Daughters is also pretty cool. Read our review of the Deli at Farmer’s Daughters, here.

Good Heavens Rooftop Bar

Location: Level 2/79 Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9453 2882

This rooftop bar is positioned on top of the renowned American BBQ restaurant, Fancy Hank’s in the centre of the city. The rooftop also serves it’s own BBQ treats for lunch from Monday-Saturday and serves up a delicious brunch option on Sundays.

However, it is mainly focused on crafting brilliantly unique cocktails and creating a vibrant atmosphere.

The views from the Good Heavens may not be as awe-inspiring as it is only located on the second floor, but it is still undoubtedly nice to be surrounded by the city’s skyscrapers, even if you are positioned at a lower level. And with a winning atmosphere, it’s still one of the finest rooftop bars in Melbourne.

Osborne Rooftop & Bar

Location: 119 Commercial Rd, South Yarra, Vic 3141 Ph: (03) 9866 7918

The distinctly stylish Osborne Rooftop Bar offers two floors of ambient relaxation. The top floor’s cocktail lounge extends to a rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the South Yarra sky.

The menu is also extensive and offers a wide range of spirits, craft beer and wine as well as juicy nibbles from the rooftop snack menu. 

Pomelo Rooftop

Location: Level 3/169 Melbourne Pl, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Whilst not the highest rooftop bar in Melbourne, this candy-toned terrace bar still has some interesting vistas of the CBD.

However, of more interest is the drinks menu.

Pomelo Rooftop - best rooftop bars in Melbourne

At first glance, it might seem a bit disappointing. A slushie machine churning a lurid coloured cocktail and a few seltzers in cans. But first impressions can be deceiving. Those seltzers aren’t your regular, supermarket bought tinnies. Instead, they are original creations, whipped up and canned in-house by the imaginative minds at Bouvardia – Pomelo Rooftop’s sister bar a flight of stair below.

Add in Pret-Nat wines and a carefully selected range of local beers and ciders and an evening at Pomelo Rooftop shows why it’s rapidly becoming one of the top rooftop bars in Melbourne.

For a more detailed review of Pomelo Rooftop, see here

FABLE Melbourne

Location: 13/168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9662 2629

This is one of the most elevated rooftop spots in town where you can immerse yourself in Mediterranean vibes in a trendy setting. This modernised rooftop comes complete with booths to give you the privacy that you and your party need.

It is also perfect for a first date. You can immerse yourselves in the enigmatic selection of curated cocktails and wonderful Mediterranean food that is perfect for sharing.

Have you been to all 15 of our Best Bars in Melbourne?

Rooftop At The Provincial Hotel

Location: 299 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, VIC 3055 Ph: (03) 9810 0042

This is an iconic venue in Fitzroy, Melbourne and since 2017 it has boasted a stunning rooftop terrace.

The retro decor is utterly gorgeous and their full, extensive menu includes signature cocktails and an incredible selection of beer and wine alongside pub-food classics like burgers and handmade pizza. We just had to include it amongst our best rooftop bars in Melbourne.

It is open late at night and always boasts a warm, vibrant atmosphere.

This Simple Modern Cocktail Shaker Gift Set with Jigger Lid makes a great addition to any drinks cabinet – and a fab present.

Harlow

Location: 447 Church St, Richmond, VIC 3121 Ph: (03) 9810 0082

Lastly on our rundown of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne, we’re off to Richmond.

Harlow brings positive vibes for all events and occasions into the heart of Richmond, Melbourne. This venue feels fresh and the open-air terrace is undoubtedly stylish.

The terrace wraps around the building and comes complete with incredible views of the city skyline.

The unique, signature cocktails are perfectly accompanied by the classic pub food and it also hosts a Bottomless Brunch, live music and game screenings on it’s in-build wide television screens.

Transit Rooftop Bar (BONUS)

Location: Rooftop, Level 2, Transport Hotel, Federation Square, Cnr Flinders & Swanston St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9654 8808

The Transport Hotel in Melbourne’s iconic Federation Square has something for everyone.

On the ground floor there’s the Transport Public Bar, with a food menu of crowd-pleasers, screens showing sport and live music slots. Above that you’ll find Taxi Kitchen – a Modern Australian restaurant serving a more refined menu than the bar downstairs.

And finally, if you take the lift to the top of the building, you hit the Transit Rooftop Bar.

Yes, there’s a pretty extensive Bar Food menu and a decent Drinks List, including a good selection of cocktails (though a number were ‘unavailable’ when we last visited).

For our full review of Transit Rooftop Bar, see here.

However, it’s the rooftop deck that really pulls in the punters on a warm evening.

Transit Rooftop Bar - Federation Square - Best rooftop bars in Melbourne

The Transit Rooftop Bar is arguably the best vantage point to take in the skyline of South Bank over the Yarra. And if you sit on the left-hand corner of the terrace, you also get a dramatic slice of Fed Square and the cityscape behind it.

Overall

To conclude, Melbourne hosts a variety of wonderful rooftop bars that make the perfect settings for family events, work parties or date nights.

There is nothing quite like sipping on a beautifully crafted alcoholic beverage whilst staring out at a city skyline and these venues also have a warm and inviting atmosphere where you will feel satisfied by your surroundings and the service.

If you enjoy nestling away from the bustle of the city whilst appreciating it’s vast array, then these rooftop terraces are perfect for you. You can also indulge in a variety of bar food, ranging from tapas to pub classes.

Melbourne has a reputation for being one of the best cities with regards to it’s nightlife and these rooftop terraces also present the opportunity to party in style, dancing into the early hours of the morning whilst absorbing the warming glow of the city skyline.

But don’t just take my word for it, visit these venues yourself and lose yourself in the overarching views and wonderful nuances of these rooftop bars. 

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Dylan Cole
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