Melbourne’s Rooftops Are the City’s Best Kept Not-Secret
Every capital city does rooftop bars. Melbourne does them with more personality. The best ones are hidden behind unmarked doors, up dodgy stairwells, and occasionally require you to step over industrial equipment to reach the terrace.
CBD Rooftops
Naked in the Sky, Fitzroy (technically) — One of the originals. Above Naked for Satan with views over Brunswick Street. Gets packed on warm evenings, but the pintxos and spritz combination is hard to beat.
Rooftop Bar, Curtin House, CBD — The granddaddy of Melbourne rooftops. Open-air cinema in summer, heaters and blankets in winter. The fact it is still good after two decades says everything.
Goldilocks, CBD — Newer addition with better cocktails than most. The view is of other rooftops, but that is Melbourne’s charm.
Siglo, CBD — Upstairs from Melbourne Supper Club. Cigar-friendly terrace overlooking Parliament House. Old-school in the best way.
South of the River
The Emerson, South Yarra — Rooftop with a retractable roof. Fancy without being annoying.
Borneo Rooftop, South Yarra — Recently arrived. Strong cocktail menu with Indonesian-influenced bar snacks.
Inner North
Naked in the Sky, Fitzroy — The view from the terrace bar anchors the Brunswick Street experience.
Easey’s, Collingwood — Train carriages on a roof serving burgers. Instagram-famous, but the burgers are genuinely solid.
What to Know
- Summer bookings fill fast — reserve early for December through February
- Wind is a factor — bring a jacket even on warm evenings
- Dress codes are relaxed at most, but Siglo and Emerson lean smart-casual
- Happy hour deals exist at most rooftops — usually 4-6 PM weekdays
Check our suburb bar guides for the best rooftop and cocktail bars near you.