The best rooftop bars in Melbourne

What is it? Since 2006, this rooftop bar on the uppermost floor of Swanston Street's historic Curtin House has been a good times favourite with sweeping 360-degree views over central Melbourne.

Why we love it: Once you ascend the seemingly endless flight of stairs to the Rooftop Bar (passing Cookie and the Toff along the way), catch your breath and quench your thirst while taking in the heart and soul of Melbourne from above. Kick back on the fake grass, or huddle under the heating on colder nights and lose yourself in the spectacular view. This is a place to bring your pals visiting from out of town.

Time Out tip: Don’t bother heading somewhere else for dinner beforehand, since the burgers here are very decent. Grab a grass-fed cheeseburger or whopper BLT, and order a side of poutine before you get stuck into that jug of sangria. 

Address: ​​Curtin House, Level 7/252 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000

What is it? This hip rooftop bar is the crowning glory of a multi-floor hospitality venue in the heart of the CBD, boasting city skyline views rivalling the likes of Rooftop Bar and Goldilocks – and brought to you by the same people behind Arbory. 

Why we love it: The rooftop is evidently the most popular destination on a balmy summer’s night, featuring a who’s who of fine-looking folks and the afterwork drinks crowd. A bonus? Downstairs, you’ve got bangin’ Thai restaurant BKK and record haven and club Music Room if you feel like kick-ons in a more intimate setting until late.

Time Out tip: Feeling the midweek slump a little early? Head up on a Tuesday evening for $28 steak frites (with gravy and salad, of course) and a happy hour wine. That’ll do the trick.

Address: ​​270 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000

What is it? Runner Up rooftop bar is located above the Collingwood Yards arts precinct and community space.  

Why we love it: Stepping inside this casual drinking spot is like being in a sleeker version of your creative mate’s sharehouse – full of random artwork, reclaimed vintage furniture and custom-made pieces, and stacks of house plants. The eclectic and laid-back feel marries well with the Collingwood Yards ethos and its other tenants like Hope St Radio. Downstairs, you’ll find some minimalist and clean art spaces run by well-established artists. But at Runner Up, it feels like the younger creatives have taken over and made this rooftop their own.

Time Out tip: Time your visit at sunset to take in the golden hues and the buzz of the surrounding neighbourhood at dusk. Can you feel it? That’s summer in the air.

Address: ​​Level 2/35 Johnston Street, Collingwood 3066

What is it? A charming and playful hidden gem in Chinatown for bold shirts, nostalgic hip hop, approachable bartenders and creative cocktails.

Why we love it: They like to experiment with fresh bold fruit flavours and unusual liqueurs here – think honeycomb and Geraldton wax with French rum, or fig jam and gingerbread with gin and whiskey bitters. Like this bar, the drinks are worth the wait.

Time Out tip: Aperitivo hour runs from Monday to Friday, 5-7pm, when you can get $9-14 Spritzes and $12 G&Ts. What a steal! 

Address: ​​13 Heffernan Lane, Melbourne 3000

What is it? Armadale's Harvie has a space for every occasion, whether that’s date night, kick ons or sunkissed sundowners. The rooftop is beautiful, just like the people who grace it. It’s also regularly heaving, so get ready to make friends as you squeeze between tables and end up in the background of each other’s selfies. 

Why we love it: The location is breathtaking at dusk and Harvie knows it: the website has a daily sunset timer. On an overcast day, Harvie is moody and tempestuous in all the right ways; when the sun is shining, it’s a shot of happiness right to the heart.

Time Out tip: Glasses, coasters and deli paper are all stamped with ‘Harvie’, so no matter how you arrange your overflowing table, your still life shots will look like Louvre-ready artworks. 

Address: ​​109 Wattletree Rd, Armadale 3143

What is it? Undeniably the most exciting part of the QT Melbourne development has to be the huge indoor-outdoor split rooftop bar, appropriately named the Rooftop. It’s a sleek and elegant addition to Melbourne’s bar scene that otherwise has a reputation for milk crates and astro-turf. 

Why we love it: This is a top spot in the CBD for some serious summer sundowners or warming red wines under the cosy winter awnings. There’s a good mix of suits, youngins and Champagne-swilling gal groups, and it’s the type of place so convivial that you may just strike up a chat with a stranger.

Time Out tip: Being part of a hotel, this is a bar that still holds onto a smart casual dress code. It's fun if you're in the mood to look the part!

Address: ​​11/133 Russell Street, Melbourne 3000

What is it? This award-winning venue boasts not just one, but two rooftop spaces, Loop Roof and Loop Top. 

Why we love it: The breezy twin-tiered spaces promise sparkling city vistas, primary-bright lawn furniture, astroturf and lush garden beds. A city oasis if you will. If knock-off drinks all-too-easily edge towards midnight, fortify yourself with soft-shell crab bao buns and eye fillet beef skewers or a tasty mezze platter. 

Time Out tip: Loop has a strong rep in Melbourne for supporting emerging artists, musicians and the creative community. While the ground floor space has been closed since 2023, much of the creative action has moved to the level three rooftop so look out for fun film and comedy nights.

Address: 3/23 Meyers Place, Melbourne 3000

What is it? This rooftop incarnation sits two floors above Carlton’s (currently temporarily closed) Italian grocer King and Godfree. Up this high, Johnny’s gets unparalleled views over Melbourne; you can spy CBD high-rises, Melbourne Museum’s roof blades, Collingwood church spires and over in the distance, a parabola-like outline of the Dandenong Ranges. 

Why we love it: There’s a nice collection of classic cocktails, local and imported beer and wines, but Johnny’s own cocktails are worth a shot – perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks after dinner at Di Stasio Carlton downstairs. Friday and Saturday nights are the best if you like a big crowd, which is when the DJs go off.

Time Out tip: On a good date and want to extend it? Check out a late-night flick at Cinema Nova across the road after drinks and dinner.

Address: ​​Level 2/293-297 Lygon Street, Carlton 3053

What is it? Askal’s cocktail destination Inuman is the latest in bar ventures from restaurants – think Maha’s opulent art deco Bar Jayda, Vue de Monde’s rooftop marvel Lui Bar and Longrain’s cocktail bar Longsong. Ascending three flights of stairs from within Askal – enough to elevate you to a handsome view of Melbourne, not so many you completely lose your breath – will bring you to the bar and casual rooftop courtyard decked out with colourful striped cushions and tables. 

Why we love it: The drinks list at Inuman is forever evolving, but it always has a distinct Filipino twist. The Southeast Asian grass jelly dessert cendol is given the cocktail treatment in the Hennessy-based Ais Cendol, while the gentle funk of durian is the lingering aftertaste of the calamansi-rich Tito Ray, an homage to Filipino bartending legend Ray Buhen. Gins infused with lemongrass and pandan, buttered popcorn rum and fried bay leaf oil are the flourishes you’ll find throughout the list. 

Time Out tip: Bars are nothing without their bar snacks, and Inuman has the pedigree of Askal underpinning its offerings. Try the salt and vinegar saltbush prawn crackers, hot fries with 'masarap' seasoning and 7000-island sauce and pork siomai. 

Address: ​​167 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 3000

What is it? Just a stone's throw from South Melbourne Market, Mirror Mirror Rooftop Lounge is an ideal spot to gather your mates for a cheeky cocktail or an even cheekier boozy brunch. 

Why we love it: For the rooftop boozy brunch, both weekday and weekend sessions are available! Just $80 per person will get two hours of free-flowing beer, cider, premium wine and select cocktails, a cheese fondue platter and main dish, with a side of city views. Brb, making a booking.

Time Out tip: Great instead of gimmicky, the Snow White-themed cocktails pack a punch. Try the Poison Fruit, a potion of cherry liqueur-spiked vodka with rich notes of vanilla and apple, or go for the Kiss of Life, a dark chocolate mint bomb in the mouth with a sutbly spiced finish.

Address: ​​Level 3/209 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne 3205

What is it? Lulie Tavern might be grungy rock'n'roll downstairs, but up top, all the sunny Cali-inspired vibes come out to play. 

Why we love it: Here’s a spot where you can sit among the succulents and suckle on something fruity. Try the ethereal Blue Moon Martini or the Supernova Spritz. They're (literally) out of this world! And once you fear the LA energy has gone to your head, you can slink back downstairs for a game of pool and a pint. It's two experiences in one.

Time Out tip: Ten years on, one of our food critics reckons the burgers are still better at Lulie Tavern. So there’s your dinner sorted.

Address: ​​225 Johnston Street, Abbotsford 3067

What is it? Sitting high above the Goldfields House development in South Yarra, this swanky drinking and dining space offers unmatched 270-degree views of Melbourne.

Why we love it: As the masterminds behind Melbourne favourites such as Grill Americano and Carlton Wine Room, it's no surprise design team Mitchell and Eades have transformed the sky-high space into a serene and tasteful haven with pearlescent hues, earthy touches and an ingenious retractable glass ceiling perfect for Melbourne's quick weather turns. We also love the California-inspired food menu.

Time Out tip: This rooftop bar is on the classier (southside) side, so feel emboldened to wear that fancy frock and heels if you please.

Address: ​​Level 24/627 Chapel Street, South Yarra 3141

What is it? A sultry Latin-inspired bar offering one of the CBD’s most sensual and thoughtfully curated casual drinking experiences above ground level. 

Why we love it: Consider puffing away on a Montecristo Short while nursing an El Presidente – a perfect balance of dark rum, dry vermouth, curacao and cranberry grenadine. Or swirling a glass of Emiliana Natura carménère from Chile while you take in moody views of the city’s nightscape. We love the friendly and knowledgeable service. 

Time Out tip: This is one of the few bars in Melbourne where you can purchase cigars, and you can also BYO.

Address: ​​Level 3/169 Melbourne Place, Melbourne 3000

What is it? A Latin fusion restaurant and rooftop bar in St Kilda with awesome food and drinks.

Why we love it: While you can always nestle in the sleek dining space downstairs, we recommend nabbing a seat in the sky for melt-in-your-mouth arepas, fresh grilled seafood and a round of tequila cocktails for the whole gang. The energy always feels relaxed at this chill spot, which is only just a hop, skip and a jump from the sea. 

Time Out tip: Got dietaries? Rufio’s menu happens to be 100 per cent gluten-free, plus plenty of vegan-friendly options.

Address: ​​188 Carlisle Street, St Kilda 3182

What is it? Ready for the city’s first-ever brewery rooftop bar? Anticipate a three-storey wonderland with capacity for a whopping 400 beer lovers, complete with 34 taps from head brewer Tim Miller. Here’s a man who was once Little Creatures’ brewing manager, so you know he knows his froffs. 

Why we love it: Brewmanity focuses on traditional beer styles, using natural fermentation methods without additives. It was co-founded by AFL legend David Neitz and gives back to the community through regularly raising funds for charity. You can read more about the brand’s impressive initiatives at the website.

Time Out tip: Every Sunday, you can BYO a picnic to the rooftop bar.

Address: ​​50 Tope Street, South Melbourne 3205

What is it? The Rooftop at Farmer's Daughters is a tranquil city oasis. Sitting pretty above the deli and the restaurant, the rooftop bar’s vertical gardens include native herbs like strawberry gum and lemon myrtle, with mountain pepper bushes lining the sides.

Why we love it: If you’ve had the pleasure of dining at the excellent Farmers Daughters restaurant, you’ll be unsurprised at the exceptionally high standard of the cocktails served at its rooftop bar. Ask for the bartender's fave; there are a few secret picks off-menu that'll blow your socks off. 

Time Out tip: Be sure to book in advance for a weekend sesh as this is a go-to spot for many.

Address: ​​95 Exhibition Street, 80 Collins Precinct, Melbourne 3000

What is it? Perched 68 metres high on Vibe Hotel's 22nd floor, Fleet is a secret rooftop bar serving up nostalgic old-world cocktails and snack plates in a space designed by some of Australia's leading creative talents.  

Why we love it: Expect classics drinks that nod to the past made from Fleet's signature blends, such as the Seafarers' Hurricane with gold rum, navy rum, pineapple, orange, lime and passionfruit, or a Manhattan with barrel-aged tequila, sweet vermouth, bitters and maraschino.

Time Out tip: From live music performances to sky-high afternoon teas, there’s always some kind of cool event or activation happening at Fleet. Find out what’s on now at the website.

Address: ​​1 Queen Street, Melbourne 3000

What is it? Marquis of Lorne boasts a boisterous public bar on the ground floor, a homey dining room and kitchen up the stairs, then a small rooftop terrace up top with its own bar that serves easy-going craft tinnies and a couple of simple cocktails. 

Why we love it: Drinking up here feels like being on the deck of a boozy ship sailing the seas of Fitzroy. Yo-ho, me hearties, we say! From the decadent Sunday roasts to the rollicking, feel-good energy, we love pretty much everything about this pub.

Time Out tip: Since the superior pub grub here is a major drawcard, be sure to stick around for a feed. 

Address: 411 George Street, Fitzroy 3065

What is it? Skinny Dog Hotel has always been a favourite for Kew locals, and a new and exciting era has recently been ushered in for the 150-year-old neighbourhood watering hole. 

Why we love it: A lush upstairs bar and bistro opened on the rooftop, Skinny Dog Upstairs, where you can channel your inner California cool amidst the greenery over freshly shucked oysters with prosecco foam, Spritzes and share plates. 

Time Out tip: We’re big fans of Skinny Dog's legendary parmas. 

Address: ​​155 High Street, Kew 3101

What is it?  Your pint at the top of this Bourke Street establishment comes with 360-degree views of the Melbourne skyline and Parliament House.

Why we love it: Imperial Hotel happens to be the third oldest pub in Melbourne, so you'll be enjoying the rooftop beer garden with a side of local history. It’s an oldie but a goodie. 

Time Out tip: This is also a sports-mad venue, which stays open late for all the matches and keeps it classy, clean and comfortable with a traditional English pub vibe, so wear your colours if you want to. 

Address: ​​2-8 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000

What is it? This lively modern pub and rooftop bar hosts comedy nights, cheap Negroni deals and all sorts of fun. 

Why we love it: Exploring more of the venue, you'll discover the rooftop brimming with life, even more beer taps flowing and modern beats pulsing into the city streets. Downstairs in the basement, there's a bonafide NYC-inspired comedy club, with photos of well-known comedians lining the walls. You'll want to go back for a gig, or even just for another bowl of those top-tier fries. 

Time Out tip: Want to catch a vibe? The best time to go is on a Friday night, when the after-work drinks buzz is ringing at full volume.

Address: 120 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 3000

What is it? Formerly known as the Crafty Squire since 2015, this cornerstone pub has returned to its roots and reopened as Hickens Hotel – its original moniker nearly 160 years ago.

Why we love it: If it’s good grub you’re after, Level One is dishing up playful twists on reimagined Aussie pub fare. And the cherry on top is a brand new open-air rooftop bar offering CBD skyline views, long lunches and late-night cocktails every day of the week.

Time Out tip: The second level is where you'll now find the aptly named Abe's Athletic Hall: a retro-themed space featuring massive screens for viewing your fave sports live and loud, plus karaoke rooms, cosy booths and a nostalgia-inducing array of arcade games and foosball to transport you right to the good ol' days. 

Address: 127 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000

What is it? Here's a place where you can catch a live jazz band or settle in for a long, boozy dinner, but you can also have a game of darts, get a photo opp in front of the old-school jukebox or simply sink a few pints in the Love Shack pool room. 

Why we love it: Our advice? Pick a summery day when Brunswick Street's full of life and hide on the cruisy rooftop. This suntrap is a wonderful place to drink, think or even scrawl some ink in your journal solo. 

Time Out tip: Everything on the menu is consistently good at Punters Club, but you can never go wrong with the South Melbourne dim sims with lao gan ma as a starter. It's the ultimate Melbourne snack. 

Address: ​​376 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, 3065

What is it? What was once Richmond's old and crumbling Great Britain Hotel is now Harlow: an old-school pub with new-school sensibilities. The rooftop bar at Harlow wraps around the building giving sweet city views. 

Why we love it: Music is a strong focus in the building, with DJs playing on Friday and Saturday nights. The modern pub menu features favourites like chicken parmas, burgers and pies and lighter options like heirloom tomato salad and eggplant baos. We love that you can really let your hair down here. 

Time Out tip: Check the website for weekly specials and events.

Address: ​​447 Church St, Richmond 3121

What is it? There's a new kid on the Collingwood block and she's no short runt. Playfully named Slowpoke Lounge and Lookout (a nod to Looney Tunes character Slowpoke Rodriguez), the cosy rooftop watering hole treats visitors to panoramic views of Melbourne's inner north and city skyline.

Why we love it: Chic interiors, dreamy sunset views and a lovely sense of community (the Slowpoke team has said this is where everyone is free to be “the weirdest possible version of themselves”). What's not to love?

Time Out tip: Feeling peckish? Slowpoke's famous cheeseburger is the perfect bar snack.

Address: ​​Level 4/50 Gipps St, Collingwood 3066

What is it? Naked in the Sky is the restaurant and rooftop bar crowning Naked for Satan – Fitzroy’s bright and brassy house of flavoured vodkas and Spanish snacks. You can also get a cheese board to share.

Why we love it: There’s a reason why this breezy Brunswick Street haven was once voted one of the world’s best rooftop bars. Not only does it boast one of the best views of the city skyline; it’s also got year-round cracking vibes, a killer drinks list and great bar food game. What a winner.

Time Out tip: It can be fairly difficult to get a table at peak hour, so if you’re going with a group, assign a Northside-dwelling pal to be the designated early table-snatcher.

Address: 285 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy 3065

What is it? Brought to you by the folks behind Fancy Hank's, Good Heavens is Melbourne’s largest rooftop bar. It serves Aussie wines, craft beers, seasonal cocktail specials and casual bar food: think buffalo wings, barbecue corn ribs, and brisket sangas from Fancy Hanks’ giant smoker downstairs. 

Why we love it: Good Heavens is an undeniably smooth operation, with happy hour specials pretty much every day of the week, above-par bar snacks, pumping music and bartenders who know their booze. And it’s not just a warm weather fave either; in winter, plenty of heaters keep its patrons toasty if there’s a nip in the air. 

Time Out tip: Book a spot in advance. This rooftop may be ginormous but it also gets super busy all year round.

Address: Level 2/79 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000

What is it? The lush rooftop bar at this music gig institution serves up share dishes, pub classics and a late-night bar food menu – perfect for pre- or post-gig drinks.

Why we love it: There are plenty of covered areas and heaters to keep inclement weather at bay. Big props to Therefore Studio for making the rooftop wheelchair accessible and for adding more seating areas en plein air. A local Richmond favourite for a reason. 

Time Out tip: Find out who’s performing next.

Address: ​​57 Swan Street, Richmond 3121

What is it? A contemporary CBD rooftop bar for sophisticated cocktails, restaurant-quality mains and atmospheric open-air vibes. 

Why we love it: If there’s one thing that sticks out about Fable Melbourne – besides a 13-floors-up view of Melbourne city – it's attention to detail. Velvet salmon-coloured booths are matched against Ancient Greece-inspired flooring, olive trees and a stunning emerald green bar. It’s old-world Mediterranean with a modern flourish. And so is the menu. 

Time Out tip: The cocktails are mostly gluten-free and vegan-friendly. The line-up swaps egg white for aquafaba in an effort to be as inclusive as possible.

Address: ​​13/168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000

What is it? An intimate rooftop fave in the CBD for creative cocktails from skilled bartenders, wine and Asian-inspired snacks. 

Why we love it: At Goldilocks expect craft beer, pre-mixed cocktails for dispensing from siphons and Rositas on tap. Try the signature cocktails aptly named Papa Bear, Mumma Bear and Baby Bear. There’s a good selection of snacks to share from fries and spring rolls to baos and dumplings. There's even vegan calamari to try. It's easy to spend a whole day or night here.

Time Out tip: Try the Three Bears Boozy Brunch.

Address: ​​Level 5/264 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000

What is it? Sitting on top of Taxi Kitchen and Transport Public Bar, Transit Rooftop Bar is the upper crust in the Transport hotel sandwich. From its lofty Fed Square digs it's ideal for watching the Yarra after a long day with a cocktail in hand.

Why we love it: The bar knows it's in prime viewing position and it make good use of it. Transit has a big outdoor deck, all the better for you to idly watch the river, city and sunset. There’s a good selection of beer and wine but where Transit really excels is with its cocktails.

Time Out tip: Note that Transit Rooftop has been closed for renovations but it's set to open mid-October 2026 so we shouldn't have to wait long! Watch this space.

Address: ​​Transport Hotel, Level 2, Federation Square, Melbourne 3000

What is it? The rooftop here on the corner of Brunswick and Johnston Streets has managed to stay classy without being aloof, providing a lovely spot to soak up the inner north from on high. 

Why we love it: Up here, the surrounding red brick buildings block the view of the city skyline, but they create an old Melbourne industrial feel that’s just as nice. Drinks at this rooftop are a great way to cap off a day checking out all that there is happening in Fitzroy. 

Time Out tip: You can get $15 smash burgers on Cheap Tuesdays.

Address: 299 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy 3065

What is it? Out to impress? Then swoosh up to the ear-popping 55th floor of the Rialto. No, we're not suggesting you drop a week's pay on dinner at Vue de Monde, but rather take a sharp left towards the bar. Here, among overstuffed lounges and flouncy lampshades, shiny folk sip Martinis as Melbourne twinkles below.

Why we love it: Perhaps this beautiful bar was a little more in vogue back in its early years (circa 2011-15), but there's no reason a revisit won't yield the same delight. In fact, both the bar and its adjoining fine diner have been treated to fresh renovations in recent years. Most importantly, the snacks and drinks are still outstanding.

Time Out tip: You can try the famous chocolate soufflé from 7pm. 

Address: The Rialto, Lvl 55, 525 Collins St, 3000

What is it? The ultimate late-night bar, perched above Melbourne Supper Club, Siglo is a rooftop haven of frosty beers, Americanos and refined bar snacks.

Why we love it: Where else can you sip a fine Whisky Sour ovelooking parliament, puff on an actual cigar and lift your middle finger to law and order? Just kidding: this isn't a pocket of the Wild Wild West (in fact, Siglo is a rather classy and charming little watering hole). Yet it is admittedly refreshing to chill in a place where the rules are a bit more loosey-goosey. 

Time Out tip: The bar is all about Champagne and well-made classic cocktails, so be prepared to spend a bit if you're feeling thirsty. 

Address: The Rialto, Lvl 55, 525 Collins St, 3000

What is it? A lively Spanish bar for yummy tapas, mouthwatering meat dishes and an extensive range of vermouths.

Why we love it: Whether you choose a Bomba Bellini, a Verdita Margarita, a Caipirinha or a Spanish red wine, the drinks here are perfect pals for pairing up with Bomba’s quality tapas menu. Try the leek and manchego croquettes, cured snapper escabeche with croutons and platefuls of aged jamon, before tucking into some chocolate-dipped churros.  

Time Out tip: There’s a $49 pre-theatre menu available downstairs, if you need an early dinner before seeing a show.

Address: 103 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000