The Melbourne rooftop bars you need to visit
What better way to spend a warm afternoon or balmy evening than lounging in one of Melbourne’s famous rooftop bars. Here’s a list of CBD terraces offering spots to sip in the sky.
Best of Melbourne
Don't miss out on the headlines from Best of Melbourne. Followed categories will be added to My News.
What better way to spend a warm afternoon or balmy evening than lounging in one of Melbourne’s rooftop bars.
Here’s a list of excellent CBD terraces offering spots to sip in the sky — because as everyone knows, drinking at altitude is always more fun.
MELBOURNE’S BEST FISH AND CHIPS BY THE BAY
YARRA RIVER THE HOT SPOT FOR SUMMER
HOW TO HOST THE ULTIMATE HIGH TEA
THE PROVINCIAL HOTEL
299 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
The “Prov” rooftop adds a new level to the Grand Old Dame of Brunswick St. With its vintage patio-chic vibe, rambling vines and dilapidated charm, The Provincial Hotel’s deck with a view remains a Fitzroy favourite.
Hit the rooftop for an array of beers on tap, Prov pina coladas, plus a range of burgers, hot dogs and pizzas to sate hungers day through night.
THE WATERSIDE HOTEL
508 Flinders St, city
It’s been a year since the Waterside Hotel’s new publicans — the smart Sand Hill Road guys — transformed it into a handsome, multifaceted venue.
There’s a public bar and restaurant, The Dog House dive/sports bar, the Bubble House cocktail lounge, the bistro, and, of course, the roof.
With the city skyline a-twinkling and the ice in glasses a-clinking, the Waterside is still making a splash.
LOOP ROOF
23 Meyers Pl, city
This lush rooftop is fringed by vines and set against black interiors illuminated by white and blue lanterns.
Boasting a superior bar food menu, the tacos on offer cater for even the fussiest eater.
The crisp rockling taco on guacamole and slaw is an absolute winner paired with a crisp gin and tonic.
GOLDILOCKS BAR
264 Swanston St, city
To get to this little bar, you have to pass through Noodle King, climb four flights of stairs and through a separate bar before you can settle in for an afternoon session.
Goldilocks is the perfect place for a daytime tipple. Sit among the high-rises and sip on cocktails flavoured with unusual flavours such as chicken fat-washed ginger and “gone surfin’” tea.
GOOD HEAVENS
79 Bourke St, city
Come for the brilliant barbecue at Fancy Hanks, then head upstairs and stay for Poco Locos, Bloody Sangrias, Pretty In Pinks and other fabulously tongue-in-cheek cocktails at Good Heavens.
Thank the lord.
IMPERIAL HOTEL
2-8 Bourke St, city
If you’re looking to change up your pub this cricket season, the Imperial Hotel has plasma screens throughout, an expansive rooftop deck and a good selection of beers to match with your weekly parma.
Set near Spring St, this trendy deck comes with a terrific view of Victoria’s Parliament House and the surrounding skyline.
ROOFTOP AT QT
11/133 Russell St, city
Patrons at QT Hotel’s huge rooftop bar always dress to impress, making the open-air terrace one of Melbourne’s finest spots for a sexy sundowner.
It’s sleek, stunning and perfect for a cheeky afternoon rosé, sunset spritz or Friday night beers and bubbles and funky beats.
qthotelsandresorts.com/Melbourne
NAKED IN THE SKY
285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
Behold the bustling Brunswick St below from Naked in the Sky.
Drink in the incredible views across Melbourne along with the range of house-infused “Satan’s vodka” — choose from the more-ish salted caramel to the delicate violet.
Can’t choose just one? Order a tasting plate to sip on three delicious shots.
CORNER HOTEL
57 Swan St, Richmond
The Corner remains one of Melbourne’s best live music venues, and its rooftop is one of the city’s top elevated beer gardens.
Cool cocktails, a smart wine list and lots of cold beer makes for a space that’s a sure-fire summer hit.
ROOFTOP BAR
252 Swanston St, city
Melbourne’s original rooftop bar is still one of the best — with a recent refurb cementing its status as a must-visit.
Rooftop’s take on the espresso martini combines maple syrup and 666 butter vodka, pairing the sweetness of molasses with subtle savoury notes.
Enjoy a movie at Rooftop Cinema over the summer months or hunker down with a blanket and possie of mates over the winter.
SIGLO
161 Spring St, city
Embrace your inner Don Draper as you enjoy a scotch and cigar at the terrace bar looking over Spring St, Parliament and the Parliament Gardens.
Siglo offers a wide variety of cigars, spirits and wines and is open until 3am daily.
After that, retreat one level to the overstuffed red leather seats in The Melbourne Supper Club for bar snacks and sips until 6am on Fridays and Saturdays.
BOMBA
103 Lonsdale St, city
Cool, calm and filled with Iberian charm, this dynamic rooftop space opens up into a light-filled, yet cool sanctuary on warmer days.
Sip red sangria or vermouth on ice while crunching on spicy chorizo and bikini Catalan toasties while enjoying a slice of Madrid in the heart of Melbourne.
MADAME BRUSSELS
59 Bourke St, city
This astroturfed garden tea party themed bar is a CBD icon, where waiters decked out in their crisp tennis whites serve cocktails by the jug.
Enjoy jugs of punch, Pimms and other cocktails that turn any night at Madame Brussels into a party.
CAMPARI HOUSE
23-25 Hardware Lane, city
Combining thirsty Melburnians’ two favourite features, Campari Bar’s laneway drinking hole boasts a cosy rooftop terrace with heaters and a retractable roof come rain or shine.
Be transported to the Mediterranean with a zesty Sicilian Lemonade or have a sophisticated sip of the juicy mixed berry Bellini.
MELBOURNE’S MOST INSTA-WORTHY LUNCH SPOTS
THE 20 BEST DISHES TO EAT IN VICTORIA RIGHT NOW
MELBOURNE’S BEST HIDDEN LUNCH GEMS
How to plan a post-lockdown Great Ocean Road getaway
The regional border has lifted, which means we can plan a trip to the Great Ocean Road. Here’s where to eat, stay and play.
‘I wouldn’t even s*** that’: What you missed on Wentworth
Wentworth does WikiLeaks in the third episode of the new season, as the Foxtel drama welcomes a new face. And there’s drama for Reb and Lou. Warning: Spoilers.