The best rooftop bars in Melbourne

What is it? The 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. 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? 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? Adding to the vibrant food scene in the city's inner west, Bangkok-born home cook turned restaurateur Jojo Parkinson (Thai Alley) and her team have recently opened Odette House in Spotswood – a multi-level Thai-inspired experience, featuring an all-inclusive café, restaurant and rooftop bar.

Why we love it: The cherry on (the) top (floor)? Uday Bar, which is one of the only few rooftop experiences in the area. Boasting uninterrupted views of the Westgate Bridge and CBD, this charming new watering hole spotlights cocktails and local and European bevvies.

Time Out tip: Live music is scheduled for every Saturday.

Address: ​​109 Wattletree Rd, Armadale 3143

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, for example, the ethereal Blue Moon Martini or the Supernova Spritz. They're (literally) out of this world! And once you fear the L.A. 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: 10 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? 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 Bar Jayda, Vue de Monde’s rooftop marvel Lui Bar, 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 cocktails list. 

Time Out tip: Bars are nothing without their bar snacks, and Inuman has the pedigree of Askal underpinning its offerings. Show up between 4 and 6pm to capitalise on their happy hour, which apart from drink specials, includes freshly shucked oysters for $3 each.

Address: ​​167 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 3000

What is it? This hip rooftop bar is the crowning glory of a multiple-floor hospitality venue in the heart of the CBD, boasting city skyline views rivalling the likes of Rooftop Bar and Goldilocks – 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, 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 $25 steak (served with fries, salad and gravy) and happy hour wines. That’ll do the trick.

Address: ​​270 Lonsdale 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: Unwind from the busy work week every Saturday and Sunday with the Fairest of Them All boozy brunch session from noon to 3pm. For just $80 per person, you can enjoy two hours of free-flowing beer, cider, wine and select cocktails, with a side of panoramic city views. 

Time Out tip: Great instead of gimmicky, the Snow White-themed cocktails pack a punch. Try the Poison Apple, a potion of cherry liqueur-spiked vodka with rich notes of lime, cherry and apple, or go for a White as Snow, a smoky, sweet concoction of mezcal, lychee and orgeat.

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

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 the 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 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 new Latin-inspired bar is 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 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? 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 Transit is ideal for watching the Yarra after a long day with a cocktail in hand.

Why we love it: The bar knows they’re in prime viewing position and they 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: Espresso Martinis are available for $15 on Friday and Saturday nights from 7-10pm, and all day on Sunday.

Address: ​​Transport Hotel, Level 2, Federation Square, 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 – so much that it won our 2023 Casual Drinking Venue of the Year award. The people agreed as it also won our people's choice!

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, 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, Spritz cocktails and share plates. 

Time Out tip: We’re a big fan 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 on a piece of Melbourne 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? 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 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: ​​222 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 3000

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? 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 affordable pintxos downstairs. 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 someone 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? 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

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 above promise sparkling city vistas, primary-bright lawn furniture, astroturf and lush garden beds. A city oasis if you will. If knockoff 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 since 2003. While the ground floor space has been closed since 2023, much of the creative action has moved to the level 3 rooftop so look out for fun film and comedy nights and more.

Address: 3/23 Meyers Place, Melbourne 3000

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 $6-10 Spritzes and $8 G and Ts. What a steal! 

Address: ​​13 Heffernan Lane, 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? 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 redbrick 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: If you’re having dinner, you can bundle your selection of sides for a discount to save money.

Address: 299 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy 3065