Best Rooftop Bars Melbourne (2026): 15 Skyline Stunners

Words: Melbourne Tourism Guide
Updated: July 29, 2026
Read: 10 min

Best rooftop bars Melbourne 2026 — Lui Bar, Curtin House, Naked in the Sky, Siglo, Higher Ground, Madame Brussels and more. Views, cocktails, bookings.

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By the Melbourne Tourism Editorial Team · Last updated 30 May 2026

Melbourne’s rooftop bar scene is among the world’s best, with more than 40 sky-high venues across the CBD, Southbank, Docklands and inner suburbs. From historic 1850s warehouses topped with garden bars to glassed-in penthouse cocktail rooms 50 floors up, Melbourne’s rooftops let you take in the city’s distinctive skyline — Eureka Tower, the Yarra River, the Docklands waterfront and the surrounding Dandenong Ranges — drink in hand.

This guide covers the 20 best rooftop bars in Melbourne for 2026, ranked by view, atmosphere, and drinks program. We cover dress codes, booking requirements, peak-hour wait times, and which rooftops are best for views vs. for cocktail programs vs. for groups. Whether you want a casual after-work beer with skyline views or a sunset cocktail at one of Melbourne’s best mixology bars, this guide has you covered.

Best rooftop bars Melbourne — quick picks

Bar	Vibe	Best for	Booking
Lui Bar	Sky-high luxe	Special occasion	Required
Naked in the Sky	Lively, eclectic	Groups, after-work	Yes for tables
Siglo	Heritage, refined	Cocktails, cigars	Yes
Rooftop Bar (Curtin House)	Iconic, casual	Pre-dinner drinks	None
Goldilocks	Garden vibe	Long lunches	Yes
Loop Roof	Quirky, inclusive	Pre-dinner, mid-week	None
Madame Brussels	Vintage tea-party	Wedding, hens parties	Yes
Bomba Rooftop	Spanish, Mediterranean	Tapas + drinks	Yes

Top 10 rooftop bars in Melbourne (ranked)

Melbourne CBD skyline view from rooftop — Many Melbourne rooftops offer sweeping CBD skyline views.

1. Lui Bar (Vue de Monde, level 55)

Lui Bar is on level 55 of the Rialto building, sharing the floor with three-hat fine-diner Vue de Monde. The view is the best of any Melbourne bar — sweeping panoramas of the city, Yarra River, Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges. Cocktails are A$28-36 with a focus on native Australian ingredients (wattleseed, finger lime, eucalyptus, smoked saltbush). Dress code is smart-casual; sneakers and shorts are not allowed.

Address: Level 55, Rialto South Tower, 525 Collins Street
Hours: 5pm-11pm Tue-Sat
Booking: Required (luibar.com.au or via OpenTable)
Best for: Special occasions, sunsets, anniversary drinks

2. Naked in the Sky

Naked in the Sky is a casual rooftop on Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, attached to longstanding Naked for Satan tapas restaurant. The vibe is fun, eclectic, and good for groups. Cocktails A$22-26, tapas A$16-22. Outstanding sunset views over Fitzroy and the city skyline. No dress code; expect a 30-60 minute queue from 5pm Friday.

Address: Level 2, 285 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Hours: Daily from 4pm
Booking: Tables yes, but stand-up bar walk-in only
Best for: Groups, after-work drinks, casual atmosphere

3. Siglo

Siglo sits atop the heritage Supper Club building on Spring Street, with views directly across to Parliament House. The vibe is sophisticated and old-world — leather chesterfields, candlelit tables, an extensive cigar list (smoking permitted in designated zones), and one of the best whisky lists in Australia. Cocktails A$24-32. Smart-casual dress code.

Address: Level 2, 161 Spring Street, CBD
Hours: 5pm-3am Mon-Sat
Booking: Recommended (siglobar.com.au)
Best for: Date nights, after-theatre drinks, cigars

4. Rooftop Bar (Curtin House)

Cocktails at a Melbourne rooftop bar — Most Melbourne rooftops run accomplished craft cocktail programs.

The Rooftop Bar at Curtin House is Melbourne’s iconic rooftop — the city’s first major rooftop bar, opened in 2002 and still pulling crowds. Casual, decked-out, with a signature outdoor cinema (running classic films Dec-Apr). Beer A$10-14, cocktails A$18-22, food trucks rotating. Six-floor walk up via Swanston Street.

Address: Level 6, Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street, CBD
Hours: Mon-Wed from 12pm; Thu-Sun from 12pm-1am
Booking: Walk-in only; queues 20-40 min on summer Fridays
Best for: Casual catch-ups, summer cinema, pre-dinner drinks

5. Goldilocks

Goldilocks is a hidden upstairs bar above an Indian restaurant on Swanston Street, accessed via a small unmarked door and a flight of stairs. The space combines indoor lounge with a bright, plant-filled outdoor terrace. Cocktails A$20-25, sharing platters A$28-42. Sunday afternoon “Goldilocks Garden” sessions are popular.

Address: Level 4, 264 Swanston Street, CBD
Hours: Wed-Sun from 4pm
Booking: Recommended (goldilocks.com.au)
Best for: Long lunches, weekend afternoons, group bookings

6. Loop Roof

Loop Roof is a quirky, inclusive rooftop on Meyers Place — a small CBD laneway. The space is small (capacity 100) and has a Greek-Mediterranean food and drinks program. The signature watermelon cocktail (A$20) is on every Best of Melbourne list. Big focus on inclusion: drag brunches and LGBTQ+ events run regularly.

Address: Level 4, 23 Meyers Place, CBD
Hours: Tue-Sun from 4pm
Booking: Walk-in (table reservations weekend evenings)
Best for: Mid-week drinks, sunsets, drag brunch (Sundays)

7. Madame Brussels

Rooftop garden bars in Melbourne — Several Melbourne rooftops feature garden settings with pavilions.

Madame Brussels is a vintage tea-party-themed rooftop in the CBD, named after a notorious 19th-century Melbourne brothel madam. Astroturf lawns, picket fences, garden-party styling, and a strong Pimm’s program. Famous for hens’ parties and themed events. Cocktails A$22-28.

Address: Level 3, 59-63 Bourke Street, CBD
Hours: Wed-Sun from 4pm
Booking: Strongly recommended (madamebrussels.com)
Best for: Hens parties, special occasions, themed gatherings

8. Bomba Rooftop

Bomba Rooftop is a Spanish-themed rooftop on Lonsdale Street, attached to the well-regarded Bomba tapas bar below. Mediterranean-leaning food (paella, Spanish ham, croquettes) plus an excellent gin selection. Smaller and more intimate than Naked in the Sky, with similar vibes. Cocktails A$22-26.

Address: Level 2, 103 Lonsdale Street, CBD
Hours: Daily from 4pm
Booking: Yes for groups (bombabar.com.au)
Best for: Tapas + drinks, smaller groups

9. Higher Ground (Rooftop)

Higher Ground is a 1900s converted power station with a small upstairs section. The cocktail program is one of Melbourne’s most acclaimed; the food (Aussie modern, A$32-58 mains) is hat-rated. Industrial-meets-warehouse aesthetic.

Address: 650 Little Bourke Street, CBD
Hours: Daily from 7am-late
Booking: Required (highergroundmelbourne.com.au)
Best for: Sit-down dining, special drinks, brunches

10. Aer Rooftop (Hyatt Centric)

Aer Rooftop is on top of the Hyatt Centric Melbourne, on Bourke Street. The 21st-floor terrace has 270-degree skyline views and a heated pool. Hotel guests get priority but the bar is open to the public from 4pm. Cocktails A$24-30.

Address: Level 21, Hyatt Centric Melbourne, 81-99 Bourke Street, CBD
Hours: Daily from 4pm-late
Booking: Recommended (hyatt.com)
Best for: Hotel-style high-rise drinks, dating

More Melbourne rooftop bars worth knowing

11. Transit Rooftop Bar (Federation Square)

Transit Rooftop is in Federation Square with views over Flinders Street Station, the Yarra River, and Birrarung Marr. Casual, beer-focused (24 taps), with bistro food. A solid pre-event venue.

12. The Emerson

The Emerson is a multi-storey nightlife venue in South Yarra with a top-floor rooftop. Late-night DJ sets transition from drinks to clubbing. Lined with palm trees and Mediterranean-tile tables. Younger crowd; cover charge A$15-25 after 10pm.

13. Carlton Club Rooftop (Bohemian Rooftop)

Carlton Club’s “Bohemian Rooftop” is themed as a Berlin punk garden — wild, eclectic, with one of Melbourne’s longer-running rooftop drag shows. Cocktails A$20-25.

14. Hihou

Hihou is a small Japanese-themed cocktail bar with a small rooftop section in CBD’s Howey Place laneway. Sake program, Japanese whisky list, and one of Melbourne’s most knowledgeable bartenders. Cocktails A$24-30.

15. Sky High Mt Dandenong

Not a CBD bar, but Sky High Mt Dandenong (45 km east of CBD) sits on Mt Dandenong with sweeping views over Melbourne and the Yarra Valley. Restaurant and outdoor terrace. Best for sunset (book a window table).

Best rooftop bars by purpose

Sunset at a Melbourne rooftop venue — Sunset hour is peak rooftop bar time across Melbourne.

Best rooftop bars for views

Lui Bar — level 55, panoramic
Aer Rooftop — level 21, 270-degree
Sky High Mt Dandenong — Yarra Valley + Melbourne
Naked in the Sky — sunset over CBD from Fitzroy
Transit Rooftop — Yarra River + Flinders Street Station

Best rooftop bars for cocktails

Higher Ground — hat-rated bar program
Lui Bar — native Australian ingredients
Siglo — extensive whisky and cocktail list
Hihou — Japanese mixology
Bomba Rooftop — Spanish gins

Best rooftop bars for groups

Naked in the Sky — large, casual
Goldilocks — book a section
Madame Brussels — themed events
Rooftop Bar (Curtin House) — communal benches
Bomba Rooftop — tapas-style sharing

Best rooftop bars for dates

Lui Bar — special-occasion luxury
Siglo — leather chesterfields, low light
Higher Ground — heritage industrial
Hihou — small, intimate
Aer Rooftop — heated pool views

When to visit Melbourne rooftops

Patrons enjoying a Melbourne rooftop — Rooftop bars draw the busiest crowds from 5pm onwards.

Best season: November-March (summer/late spring) is peak rooftop weather. December-February sees long queues and reservations get booked weeks ahead. The Rooftop Bar at Curtin House runs the rooftop cinema mid-December through April.

Shoulder season: April-May and September-October are pleasant but cooler — many rooftops have heaters, and crowds are smaller. Excellent for booking a table without weeks-ahead planning.

Winter (June-August): Most outdoor rooftops have heaters and remain open. Indoor sections fill quickly. Lui Bar, Siglo and Higher Ground are well-suited to winter evenings.

Best time of day: Sunset hour (5:30-7pm in summer, 4:30-6pm in winter) is peak. For quieter visits, midweek lunch (12-2pm) or post-dinner (10pm onwards).

Tips for visiting Melbourne rooftops

Dress smart-casual: Most rooftops have at least casual dress codes. Lui Bar and Aer enforce smart-casual (no shorts, no athletic wear). Casual rooftops like Curtin House and Naked are more relaxed.
Book ahead for sit-down dining: Higher Ground, Bomba Rooftop, Goldilocks and Madame Brussels require advance booking. Lui Bar can book 4 weeks ahead for sunset.
ID is required: All bars are 18+. Bring photo ID even if you look 30+.
Cash and card: All accept card; many are now cashless.
Tipping: Not customary in Australia. 10% service may be added to large groups (5+).
Weather: Most rooftops close their outdoor sections in heavy rain. Indoor backup areas are usually available.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous rooftop bar in Melbourne?

Rooftop Bar at Curtin House on Swanston Street is Melbourne’s most iconic rooftop, opened in 2002 and now considered the venue that started Melbourne’s rooftop bar culture. For luxury, Lui Bar at level 55 of the Rialto building is the most prestigious. For Instagram, Madame Brussels’ garden styling is most photographed.

Do you need to book a Melbourne rooftop bar?

For top-end and dining-focused rooftops (Lui Bar, Higher Ground, Madame Brussels, Goldilocks, Bomba) — yes, book ahead. For casual rooftops (Curtin House, Loop Roof, Naked in the Sky stand-up areas) — walk-in is usually fine but expect 30-60 min queues on summer Fridays.

What’s the best Melbourne rooftop for sunset?

Lui Bar (level 55, panoramic west-facing views), Naked in the Sky (looking back to CBD silhouette), and Sky High Mt Dandenong (sun setting over Yarra Valley) are top-three for sunsets. Book a window or terrace table 4-6 weeks ahead for summer sunsets.

Are rooftops in Melbourne open year-round?

Yes — most have heated outdoor zones and indoor backup spaces, so they operate year-round. The Rooftop Bar at Curtin House sometimes closes the outdoor cinema in winter. Lui Bar, Aer, Siglo and Higher Ground are excellent winter options as they’re predominantly indoor.

How much do drinks cost at Melbourne rooftop bars?

Beer A$10-16, wine A$12-18 by the glass, cocktails A$18-32. Top-end bars (Lui Bar, Higher Ground) charge A$28-36 for cocktails. Casual rooftops (Curtin House, Loop Roof) are A$10-22.

What’s the dress code for Melbourne rooftop bars?

Casual rooftops (Curtin House, Loop Roof, Naked) — anything goes. Mid-tier (Goldilocks, Madame Brussels, Bomba, Aer) — neat smart-casual. Top-end (Lui Bar, Siglo) — smart-casual to cocktail attire; no shorts, sneakers, or sportswear.

Rooftop bars and the wider nightlife scene

Rooftop bars are just one chapter of Melbourne’s brilliant nightlife. For drinks at street level, the city’s hidden laneway bars and world-ranked cocktail bars are essential, while the historic pubs and live music venues show another side of the city after dark. Many rooftops double as excellent cocktail destinations, so a sunset rooftop session flows naturally into a laneway bar crawl or a club night. A classic Melbourne evening might start with a rooftop for the golden-hour view, drop down into a hidden bar for a craft cocktail, and finish at a live gig or a dance floor. For the full picture, see our Melbourne nightlife guide, and our things to do at night guide for building the evening.

Rooftop pools and dining

Some of Melbourne’s rooftops offer more than just a drink with a view. A handful of hotels boast rooftop pools open to guests (and sometimes the public for events), pairing a swim with the skyline — a glamorous summer treat. Others are full rooftop restaurants, where you can settle in for a long dinner with floor-to-ceiling views over the city, the Yarra and Port Phillip Bay. The taller towers, like those on Southbank, put the whole city beneath you while you eat. Booking a rooftop dinner or a poolside session turns the view into a centrepiece event rather than a quick drink, ideal for a special occasion or a celebration. If you want the vista without committing to a meal, most rooftop bars welcome walk-ins for drinks, especially earlier in the evening — though the best sunset spots fill fast, so arrive ahead of golden hour to claim a railing seat.

Plan your Melbourne rooftop bar crawl

For a classic Melbourne rooftop crawl, start at 4pm at Curtin House (casual welcome drinks), move to Loop Roof at 6pm for sunset, dinner at Higher Ground at 8pm, and finish at Siglo for late-night cocktails. For more nightlife planning, see our Melbourne nightlife guide, our best cocktail bars guide, and our laneway bars guide.

Melbourne Tourism Guide
Melbourne Tourism Guide is an independent publisher of long-form travel guides to Melbourne and Victoria, researched from Public Transport Victoria, Visit Victoria, council and ven…