Melbourne's best rooftop bars

The glorious rooftop views above Hyde Melbourne Place are back. The former Mid Air bar has been replaced by Cleo, a sleek Mediterranean restaurant. Grab a seat by the iconic windows from breakfast right through to late-night drinks. Start with flatbread and mezze plates like crispy calamari and halloumi. Then move onto lamb cutlets or roasted cauliflower.

Soak in the city skyline views from Carlton at Johnny's Green Room. Find the neon-lit entry and fly up above Lygon Street for pizzas loaded with potato, prosciutto or mortadella. Pair with fresh salads, stracciatella and burrata. You can't say no to a fresh limoncello cocktail.

Discover the heavenly world of Higher Grace, the rooftop of State of Grace. Settle in and soak up the views overlooking the city. The vibe is casual – think pizzas and share plates, cured meat boards and halloumi. Match with deliciously summery cocktails, tap beers and tinnies.

The former home of Madame Brussels, this iconic Melbourne rooftop has been transformed into an '80s Japanese disco diner. Sip sakes, highballs and Tokyo-inspired cocktails on the terrace. Then move inside for izakaya dishes under the disco ball. There's also an intimate omakase counter for an elevated sushi experience.

A huge, newly renovated pub is fast becoming one of Melbourne’s favourite watering holes. Behind the heritage-listed 1920s facade are seven levels to explore. There’s a rooftop with sprawling city views, plant-lined terraces, charming courtyards, a laksa restaurant and a beer garden. On the rooftop you can expect '70s vibes and signature cocktails.

A new four-level mega pub has opened at the former site of The Crafty Squire. Grab a cold one at the front bar and kick back in a retro lounge. Tackle a hearty pub feed or catch live sports in Abe's Athletic Hall. Then cool off with frozen cocktails on the airy rooftop. The large outdoor space sits at tree level with gorgeous central city views.

This top-end spot is a historic pub dating back to 1858. Today it's known for its large rooftop beer garden and live sports, as well as its icy cold beers and classic pub fare. Book a spot on the freshly renovated rooftop beer garden to check out the 360-degree views of the city.

Have you been to the biggest rooftop bar in Melbourne's CBD? Head upstairs to Good Heavens for cocktails in the sunshine, complete with striking city views. If you've got a hungry crew, order from the bar snack menu featuring pork jalapeno croquettes, BBQ corn ribs and smoked brisket pies. Plus there are loads of bookable tables.

Melbourne’s new laneway rooftop bar doubles as a gluten-free Mexican restaurant. Located on Hardware Lane, Hotel Nacional is a five-storey foodie paradise. Take a seat at ground level and order a juicy steak with chimichurri butter or a plate of birria tacos. Then head upstairs for spicy margaritas with a view.

As the sun sets and the skyline begins to sparkle, head up to Ocean 12 for one of the most stunning night views in Melbourne. You'll need a fancy drink for that fancy view, so go all out and order from the signature cocktail menu. Think bubble gum infused vodka martinis and an old fashioned made with barrel aged whisky. Keen to party into the night? Book a private karaoke room complete with room service.

Soaring high above Drewery Lane, this massive multi-storey venue comes from the minds behind Arbory Afloat. Her is a vertical laneway celebrating food, drinks, music and art. Explore the moody ground floor bar, the vinyl-spinning Music Room and resident Thai BBQ diner BKK. Then soar up to the rooftop for a Med-style escape.

Stay golden on hot days beneath the Goldilocks misters. Try shots poured over teddy bear ice blocks or cocktails shaped like honey pots. Once the sun goes down, you get some pretty sweet views of the city skyline. Look out for the Melbourne Central shot tower or Her rooftop.

That first night out at QT rooftop bar in summer just hits different. This 11th floor gem on Russell Street is almost an old-fave by Melbourne standards. Visit for a curated selection of wines, and stop to admire the stunning street art mural by Aussie artist Rowena Martinich.

Slogging up seven flights of stairs for the best views in the city – it’s a Melburnian rite of passage. Or you can take the lift, which is known for being a little grungy but fully functional. This sky-high spot is walk-in only, so make sure to get in early to catch the sunset.

The views from this eight-storey high rooftop terrace steal the show. Look out over Bourke Street and the GPO and dig into cauliflower bites and fried chicken. Then try creative cocktails like a euro summer inspired martini.

When it comes to iconic rooftop bars, Siglo is a must-visit. Stunning views over Parliament and St Patrick’s Cathedral combine with an impressive cocktail list. The retractable awnings keep an even balance between the stars and weather.