You haven’t really seen Melbourne until you’ve nursed a beverage or two atop one of its many rooftop bars.
With so many ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ bar entrances strewn throughout the city, we’ve compiled a guide to Melbourne’s best rooftop watering holes. Stroll confidently up that hidden alley stairwell like you own the place, sit back and enjoy the view.
Rooftop Bar
252 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
Confusing to do an internet search for, Rooftop Bar sits a brisk stairway’s walk above Swanston Street in the heart of the city. But don’t fear the stairs – the view when you get to the top is worth it, and the Rooftop Cinema sessions make for a great night out in Melbourne.
Rooftop Cider Bar
1 Flinders Street, Melbourne CBD
Tucked away above the historic Young & Jackson Hotel, it’s easy to miss this little ‘hole in the ceiling’ cider bar. The perfect pit stop after a day out in the city, the hot mulled cider on a winter’s night is particularly satisfying. Cider lovers will appreciate the broad range of craft cider on tap.
Madame Brussels
59 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
A Melbourne establishment, Madame Brussels stands out from the rooftop bar crowd with delightfully kitsch décor – think 1950’s florals, fake grass and tiny tennis shorts. Grab a cocktail jug and enjoy the afternoon sunshine.
Siglo
161 Spring Street, Melbourne CBD
Another regular on the rooftop bar scene, Siglo sits at the pricier end of the scale – but with that comes a beautiful rooftop terrace, attentive table service and an enviable drinks list. A great place to celebrate on your last night in Melbourne.
Naked in the Sky
85 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Oft-referred to as “That naked devil place?” by confused patrons, Naked in the Sky sits a rickety elevator ride above tapas joint Naked for Satan in the heart of Fitzroy. Get there early to nab one of the prized balcony tables and enjoy the best view in the inner north.
Loop Roof
23 Meyers Place, Melbourne CBD
Right around the corner from Madame Brussels sits Loop Roof, a sleek and leafy oasis serving up sophisticated cocktails and city views. The vodka snow cones are a must on a warm night.
The Emerson
143/145 Commercial Road, Prahran
A staple on the Southside bar circuit, The Emerson is a great destination, day or night. The sun-soaked decks conjure up breezy beach vibes; by night it’s a cosy cocktail lounge with sparkling city views. If you’re looking for low-key, seek elsewhere – but if you’re up for a dressy night out with friends, The Emerson is the place to be.
Easey’s
3/48 Easey Street, Collingwood
Graffiti’d train carriages? On a rooftop? It sounds implausible, but add to that the magical combo of beer and burgers and it all works. Come prepared for the Collingwood dress code (plaid shirts and tattoos, obviously).
Feast of Merit
117 Swan Street, Richmond
Rising through the fine-dining ranks over the last couple of years, YGAP initiative Feast of Merit is a dinner destination in its own right. With the recent addition of a rooftop bar serving up Middle Eastern inspired snacks and local tipple, you’ll want to add this one to your must-visit list.
Campari House
23/25 Hardware Lane, Melbourne CBD
Located on Melbourne’s iconic Hardware Lane, Campari House is a multi-level delight. Start your night with the modern Italian dinner menu on the ground floor, sprawl across the leather couches of the cocktail lounge and work your way up to the rooftop bar to cap it all off. Laneway bliss.
