Sky high! Sydney’s top rooftop bars

Classy yet laid-back, The Rooftop at Cruise Bar is your go-to spot in Circular Quay for soaking up the stunning city and harbourside views come happy hour.

Enter a lush garden oasis to find resort-style sofas and tables, live DJ music and free-flowing drinks. Take your pick from the tropical-leaning cocktail selection or go all out with a carafe. Pricey bottles of top-shelf wine abound if you’re in the mood for something a bit more upper crust, and the eats here have an international flavour about them.

It’s not the easiest feat in the world to score a spot amongst folks rubbing shoulders on the sun-soaked balcony at Henry Deane, but is it worth it if you succeed? 100%.

Elevated high on the top floor of Sydney’s grand heritage-listed Hotel Palisade in the Rocks, enjoy sweeping harbour views and some of the sexiest cocktails going around.

Try some of the seductive cocktails on offer and when hunger strikes, graze on caviar and oceanic finger foods. The menu is exotic and sophisticated, the perfect accompaniment to your drinks.

There are rooftop bars and then there are fancy hotel rooftop bars. Each has their place in a city but if it’s the latter you’re searching for, make a beeline for Aster Bar. But you’ll need to make a reservation first; walk-ins aren’t welcome in this exclusive sky-high spot.

Housed on the highest floor of Sydney’s extraordinary Intercontinental, there aren’t many more rooftop bars in the city more elegant or breathtaking than this one. Featuring jaw-dropping views of one of the most beautiful harbours in the world, the venue offers light snacks of fine dining quality, creative cocktails, reserve wines and highly personalised service.

Cosy up to your date on one of the plush lounges, or sidle up to the marble centre bar for a standing bevvy.

It was the first bar of its kind in Sydney and it’s still set firmly in the hearts of Sydneysiders. Next time you’re in Potts Point, take the trip to the top of Potts Point Hotel to find Sweethearts, a leafy and vibrant haven in the sky.

The low-key drinks menu keeps it simple with a smattering of summery cocktails, wines and craft beers on tap. The food is where it gets interesting, with ooey-gooey Mexican cheese bombs and nacho bowls catching your eye across the tables.

The bar is known for its succulent grilled seafood and barbecued meats, so make sure you show up hungry.

Cross a wealthy academic’s home library with an old-timey drinking saloon and you have Old Mate’s Place. It’s chock-full of charm, hidden up several flights of stairs through an unmarked door.

Inside, you’ll find towering shelves of old books, hanging plants and an open-air hive of merry revellers. Nestle into your chosen nook amidst the lush greenery and take in the surrounding city views as you choose your order.

The drinks menu means business with a lengthy and artful range of cocktails. The eats menu is dominated by American-style cheesesteaks. The Philly is the original (and here, they’re rumoured to do a mean one) but branch out if you please into jamon, Tennessee pork or even Spicy Portuguese. All of them come oozing with the classic provolone cheese.