If there’s one thing Melbourne isn’t lacking, it’s rooftop bars. In the heart of the CBD, you can find one on just about every corner. This means you’re in luck, as many of these perpetually popular places don’t accept reservations — you can make your way through the city and take your pick instead!
Few things beat an aromatic cocktail, a delectable bite, and gorgeous views of the city, whether you’re grabbing after-work drinks or discovering Melbourne from a new angle. At Show Me Melbourne, we believe the rooftop bars are a part of the very fabric of the city. We visit many hidden bars and speakeasies as part of our Melbourne Day Tours, giving locals and visitors a taste of the scene.
We’ve created this guide to the best rooftop bars in Melbourne to help you begin your journey. With so many rooftop bars to choose from, you could be exploring for weeks! If you have any questions about visiting Melbourne or our tours, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Rooftop Bar
While it may be simply named, Rooftop Bar promises a classic experience. Located on the seventh floor of the historical, art nouveau-style Curtin House, this bar delivers exactly what you desire — a wide selection of drinks including beers on tap, cocktails, jugs, wines, and spirits, as well as mouthwatering burgers to go with it. Open from lunch until after midnight, Rooftop Bar places you in the centre of the CBD and provides you with exceptional views as the light changes. Appealing to every taste, Rooftop Bar never disappoints.
Address: Curtin House, level 7/252 Swanston St, Melbourne
Fable Melbourne
Fable Melbourne provides a chic and secluded experience with its glass-enclosed rooftop bar. Protected from the elements, you can admire the glittering vistas of Melbourne no matter the weather. And you’ll want to be here in any weather thanks to the incredible menu. Offering Golden Hour specials from Tuesday to Friday and a standard menu featuring a chef’s set, signature concoctions, and a range of innovative dishes, Fable Melbourne will certainly please your palate.
Address: 13/168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Good Heavens
Good Heavens, indeed! As the largest rooftop bar in Melbourne, Good Heavens places you at the centre of the action. This place is constantly buzzing, with special events held throughout the year. The retro-inspired vibe offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere, perfect for kicking back with one of their unique house cocktails and finger food.
Address: level 2/79 Bourke St, Melbourne
State of Grace
State of Grace is known for its eclectic decor and vibrant atmosphere, with a rooftop bar that offers an unbeatable experience. Come here in the evenings for a classic cocktail and a sourdough pizza and be entertained by a magician! Or, you can join for one of their Saturday brunches, with live music, a shared lunch menu, and bottomless cocktails. You’ll definitely want to try out their popular espresso martinis, which is also one of our choices for Three Cocktails You Need to Have in Melbourne!
Address: 27 King St, Melbourne
Fleet Rooftop Bar
For a truly elevated experience, Fleet Rooftop Bar places you 68 metres high in the air, on the 22nd level of Vibe Hotel Melbourne. The nautical-themed menu offers a wide selection of signature cocktails, spirits, and wines, as well as shared plates and charcuterie boards. And for a different type of bar experience, you can join one of their high teas for bottomless bubbles and a delectable selection of food.
Address: 1 Queen St, Melbourne
Bombabar
For the best tapas and drinks in town, you have to go to Bombabar. Their rooftop bar is perched between tree-lined streets and towering skyscrapers, offering a uniquely cozy experience of the city. Snack on patatas bravas, oysters, and chorizo, and wash it all down with a Mezcal-based cocktail.
Address: 103 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Palmz Rooftop Bar
With its tall palm trees and tropical decor, the Palmz Rooftop Bar is the place to be when the sun is shining. This oasis in the city offers a delicious range of cocktails, beers, and wines, served either with small plates or larger mains including seafood pastas and burgers.
Located at the top of The Carlton, the Palmz Rooftop Bar provides a holiday atmosphere whenever you need one and would make for an excellent weekend outing. For more ideas on how to spend your Saturdays and Sundays, check out our blog on the Best Things to Do on a Weekend in Melbourne.
Address: 193 Bourke St, Melbourne
Discover Melbourne’s Underground Bar Scene with Our Tours!
This is just the beginning of what Melbourne offers, with even more rooftop bars, laneway bars, and secret speakeasies waiting to be discovered! With Show Me Melbourne, you can explore some of the city’s hidden gems and underground bar scene with our tours.
Our Thirsty Thursday Laneway Bar Tour in Melbourne offers a budget-friendly exploration of bars tucked away from the main city streets, while our Melbourne Hidden Bar Walking Tour takes you to some truly under-the-radar watering holes.
If you want to find out more about our tours or book your spot, get in touch with our team. We can’t wait to share a drink with you!
