The Best Five Rooftop Bars In Sydney

In contrast to, say, New York, there aren't nearly as many amazing London rooftop bars 2022 in Sydney. There are not nearly as many as there ought to be because of our overly restrictive licencing laws, the prevalence of soulless beer barns, or the plain and simple fact that empty rooftops are difficult to find.

But for those who are in the know, our fine city does have a few spots where you can enjoy a drink at a higher altitude. Now that you've caught your breath, it's time to prepare to ascend some stairs. The list that follows contains five of Sydney's most famous rooftop bars.

The Hotel on the Roof of the Glenmore

96 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, New South Wales

The Glenmore Hotel, a stalwart of The Rocks, is home to one of the most well-known rooftop bars in all of Sydney. Although it occupies the entirety of the top floor of the grand old pub, it is not the trendiest location in town; however, with a view like that, who really cares? Take a seat, look out at the harbour and opera house, and realise that there are people who have travelled half way around the world and paid thousands of dollars to see what you are seeing. On the roof, there is a small bar that caters to the seemingly endless stream of customers who climb the stairs to reach it. Arrive early in order to secure a seat in the front row.

Zanzibar

Newtown location at 323 King Street

The most impressive part of Newtown's renowned drinking temple can be found at the very top. And in contrast to a good number of establishments that call themselves rooftop bars, Zanzibar provides its customers with a sizable outdoor area that is ideal for a great many other activities besides simply lighting up a cigarette. Go downstairs for anything fancier than beer or cider if you're looking for something other than a cold beer on a hot Newtown night at the teeny-tiny bar on the roof, but if it's a cold beer you're after, there's no better place to get it than here.

Hotel Sweeney's

Located at 236 Clarence Street, City

If you take the staircase that seems to go on forever up three levels, you will arrive at a wonderful drinking spot on the hotel's rooftop. The lower levels of Hotel Sweeny's are reserved for older men and tradesmen who spend their money gambling on horse races. The itty-bitty bar on the equally itty-bitty terrace, which is set against the backdrop of the city's skyscrapers, is miraculously stocked with a wide variety of tasty alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. It's a great place to hang out when the weather is nice out, whether it be during the day or in the evening.

Pub Metro

City, Level 1/1 Bridge Street, Location:

Pub Metro is a typical city watering hole, and it can be found on the corner of Bridge and George streets, directly above a McDonald's restaurant. The first bar is located up one flight of stairs and provides pleasant views of the bustle of George Street below; however, it is not much more than a place to have one or two drinks after work. A further set of stairs leads to a different bar that is an exact duplicate of the first. However, continue to climb those stairs. Even though it is not particularly large – one could argue that what you have reached is in fact a balcony – the Metro's rooftop is located high up in the skyscrapers and provides views that are very pleasing to the eye. A marvellously kept urban mystery.

Pyrmont Bridge Hotel

Pyrmont address: 96 Union Street

The Pyrmont Bridge Hotel is a classic watering hole that has been operating since the days when Darling Harbour was still an active port and not just a dull tourist attraction. This bar checks all the right boxes: it has a wide selection of beers on tap, a television for watching sports, and a cool old-school pub atmosphere. In addition to that, it is open all the time and has an entry policy that is extremely, extremely lax. The rooftop bar is a relaxing spot that features a laid-back vibe along with a number of excellent lookout points throughout the area. Conveniently located near the recently renovated gambling den, which is now called "The Star," and only a short hop across the bridge from the town proper. Well-worth keeping in mind if you find yourself in that neck of the woods.

Why? because of the pleasant views, the crisp air, and the refreshing drinks.

When: each day

In and around the Central Business District of Sydney

Cost: Varies

Right now, rooftop bars London are all the rage. People in cities like New York, Tel Aviv, Paris, and everywhere in between are starting to use rooftops to bring people together. It's also not just about drinking. Rooftop bars like the London Bridge Rooftop Bar are great places to meet people, have a drink in the afternoon, or eat dinner with friends and family. No matter why you want to go to a rooftop bar in London, we'd guess that the view from up high is probably the main reason.