Sydney's rooftop scene is built around two icons — the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The 10 below show how Sydney uses its harbour. Most are in the CBD, The Rocks or Bondi.
Part of our 50 Best Rooftop Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best rooftop bars in Sydney
01 · Sydney
Bondi
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Pool view · Ocean front
On top of the iconic Bondi Icebergs swimming pool, with the entire Bondi sweep below.
Order: A spritz, looking at the Pacific
02 · Sydney
Circular Quay
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Open-air · Bridge view
Outdoor bar directly underneath the Sydney Opera House sails. Direct view of the Harbour Bridge.
Order: An icy beer, bridge side
03 · Sydney
The Rocks
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Hotel rooftop · Bridge view
At Pier One Sydney Harbour. Direct view of the Harbour Bridge from the rooftop.
Order: A martini with the bridge view
04 · Sydney
The Rocks
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Hotel rooftop · Casual
On top of The Glenmore hotel. Casual rooftop with Opera House view.
Order: A casual cocktail at sunset
05 · Sydney
Surry Hills
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Casual rooftop · Surry Hills
Surry Hills casual rooftop. Walk-in friendly with city views.
Order: A house cocktail at sunset
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06 · Sydney
The Rocks
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Hotel rooftop · Bridge
Sister rooftop at Pier One Sydney Harbour. Direct Harbour Bridge view.
Order: A signature with the bridge
07 · Sydney
QVB
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Historic rooftop · Polished
In the Queen Victoria Building. Historic interior with rooftop section.
Order: A martini in the historic room
08 · Sydney
CBD
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Casual rooftop · CBD
Casual CBD rooftop with sweeping city views.
Order: A casual cocktail at sunset
09 · Sydney
King Street Wharf
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Wharf rooftop · Casual
Casual King Street Wharf rooftop with harbour views.
Order: A signature cocktail at sunset
10 · Sydney
The Rocks
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Pub rooftop · Casual
Pub rooftop in The Rocks. Casual atmosphere with bridge views.
Order: A pint + the bridge view
More Sydney rooftopsThe full Sydney rooftop-bar index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
How Sydney rooftops own the harbour
Icebergs and Opera Bar are the two essentials. Most peak between 5 and 9 PM at sunset.
