Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney for Sunset Drinks

The Rooftop Bar Boom in Sydney

Sydney has experienced a rooftop bar boom over the past five years. The city now has more than 30 rooftop bars spread across the CBD, Surry Hills, Newtown, and the Harbour foreshore. The defining characteristic of Sydney rooftop bars is the view, with many bars positioned to take advantage of the harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House. The best rooftop bars combine a strong cocktail program with a well-designed space and comfortable seating.

The Rooftop Bars to Visit

The Roof at the Sydney Opera House is the most iconic rooftop bar in the city. The bar is located on the upper level of the Opera House and has 80 seats with unobstructed views of the harbour and the Harbour Bridge. The cocktail menu is built around Australian spirits and native ingredients. The signature cocktail is the "Opera House Gimlet" with Sydney Gin, lime, and native pepperberry. The price is $22. The bar opens at 4pm on weekdays and at 12pm on weekends.

Papa's in Surry Hills is a 60-seat rooftop bar with views of the CBD skyline. The bar opened in 2021 and has developed a strong following for its natural wine list and its pizza oven. The natural wine list includes more than 100 wines from Australian and European producers. The pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven imported from Italy. The Margherita is $18. The bar opens at 3pm on weekdays and at 12pm on weekends.

The Dom in the CBD is a 100-seat rooftop bar with views of the harbour and the Harbour Bridge. The bar opened in 2019 and has developed a strong following for its cocktail program and its food menu. The cocktail menu is built around Australian spirits and native ingredients. The signature cocktail is the "Dom Gimlet" with Sydney Gin, lime, and native pepperberry. The price is $20. The bar opens at 4pm on weekdays and at 12pm on weekends.

The Rook in Newtown is a 40-seat rooftop bar with views of the Inner West. The bar opened in 2022 and has developed a strong following for its beer list and its food menu. The beer list includes more than 20 Australian craft beers on tap. The food menu includes burgers, hot dogs, and fried chicken. The burger is $18. The bar opens at 3pm on weekdays and at 12pm on weekends.

The Glen in Bondi is a 50-seat rooftop bar with views of the ocean. The bar opened in 2023 and has developed a strong following for its cocktail program and its food menu. The cocktail menu is built around Australian spirits and native ingredients. The signature cocktail is the "Glen Gimlet" with Sydney Gin, lime, and native pepperberry. The price is $22. The bar opens at 4pm on weekdays and at 12pm on weekends.

The Sunset Times

The best time to visit a rooftop bar in Sydney is during the hour before sunset. The light is at its best and the temperature is comfortable. During the summer months, the rooftop bars are crowded from 4pm onwards and booking is essential. During the winter months, the rooftop bars are quieter and booking is not usually required.

The Pricing

Cocktails at Sydney rooftop bars range from $18 to $25. The average price is $20. Wine by the glass ranges from $14 to $22. Beer ranges from $10 to $15. Food menus range from $18 for a burger to $45 for a steak. The average spend per person is between $50 and $80 for a two-hour visit.