Melbourne is a pretty beautiful backdrop and on days where the sun is shining, there is nothing quite like sippin’ on a drink up on a rooftop bar.
Whether you’re in the burbs or the city, whether you’re after tinnies or a cigar and a martini, there is a rooftop waiting for you.
MORE: The Best Bars in Melbourne Right Now
Summer of 2021, otherwise known as Hot Vax Summer, is bound to be one of the most memorable yet, so we’re getting you prepared with a list of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne.
Naked in the Sky
Fitzroy
Its impossible to start a list of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne without including Naked in the Sky. This is where you bring your friends and family visiting Melbourne, and it’s guaranteed that they’ll be impressed. Naked in the Sky is the rooftop bar and Spanish tapas-style eatery above Naked for Satan on Brunswick Street, and it has arguably the best panoramic view of the Melbourne skyline. It’s always a fun vibe up there, with music pumping and proper Melbourne fashion in full swing, it’s a great place to people watch, have a boogie and drink a spritz.
How to book: You can book via their website if you want a seat at the restaurant, but otherwise, just try your luck.
Rooftop Bar
Swanston Street
Another iconic Melbourne rooftop, Rooftop Bar is located on the seventh floor of Swanston Street’s Curtain House, and chances are, you’ll have to take the stairs. It’s worth it for the view, trust us. Smack bang in the middle of the CBD, Rooftop Bar has an incredible view of the cityscape and is always bustling with very cool people, who are there for a pop-up cinema night, happy hour specials, or just some snacks and drinks with friends. The beauty of Curtain House, is there are so many venues, all in one place. If you get hungry for Mexican food, you can go down a single flight of stairs and end up in Mesa Verde, an incredible Mexican restaurant, or go downstairs to Toff in Town for some live music and a late-night boogie. This is the place to be in the CBD in summer.
How to book: You can book via their website, but you can always just walk in too.
Johnny’s Green Room
Carlton
In the land of Aperol Spritzes – otherwise known as Lygon Street – a rooftop bar is exactly what you need. Johnny’s Green Room sits above beloved gelateria Pidapipo, and offers fantastic views over leafy Carlton and the CBD, delish Italian bites, spritz specials for days and Italo disco tunes on repeat. It’s got a more relaxed and refined vibe, so it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon spritz. Aperitivo hour, come at us.
How to book: They only accept walk-ins.
Good Heavens
Bourke Street
Good Heavens sits above Fancy Hanks on Bourke Street and is the best place to stop off for a cocktail after work in the sunshine. This rooftop is Palm Springs-inspired, so expect to find Mai Tais and Pina Coladas on the menu, as well as every staff member wearing a Tiki shirt. It’s always sunny at Good Heavens and on really hot, sweltering days, they turn on their misting fans, which is just the cherry on top.
How to book: They only accept walk-ins but you can book functions via their website
Loop Roof
Meyers Place
Loop Roof is set within the hospo hub of Meyers Place, abuzz with restaurants, take away joints and cocktail bars in a little laneway just off Bourke Street. Loop Roof acts as a versatile arts, film and drinking hub downstairs, while upstairs on the roof, it’s all about deliciously simple drinks, fairy lights, sunshine and a view over Melbourne city’s highrises.
How to book: You can book online or just walk on in.
Marquis of Lorne
Collingwood
Marquis of Lorne has a lot to offer, but one of its best assets is its rooftop bar. The three-level hotel has stood on its corner for over 150 years, serving up delicious food, a great range of wines, pints and cocktails, whether it be by the fire on a Winter’s night or on the sunny rooftop for a Pina Colada during summer. They also do $5 tinnies on Sundays, which never goes to waste.
How to book: If you want to eat in their restaurant upstairs, it’s a good idea to book. You can book via their website, or just walk in for a casual pub meal and a bev.
Siglo
Spring Street
If cigars, jazz music and martinis are your flavours, then Siglo is the rooftop for you. Sitting above the Melbourne Supper Club on Spring Street, it’s one of the few spots in Melbourne that has its own cigar menu. It’s also just a beautiful place to sit, looking out directly over Parliament House, you feel as though you could be in Europe somewhere. It’s a great place to meet before a show, for an after dinner beverage, a glamorous date or a solo drink.
How to book: There are no bookings, but you can give them a call on (03) 9654 6631 for more information or to reserve a table on the night.
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