Looking for the best rooftop bars in Melbourne? You’ve come to the right place. From hidden laneway gems to stylish bars with sweeping city views, Melbourne is full of rooftop spots perfect for drinks, sunsets, and good times. Whether you want a casual place to relax with friends or a vibrant venue with music and cocktails, there’s something for everyone up above the city streets.

At Lookout Australia, we’re all about helping you find the best local businesses across the country — and that includes Melbourne’s top rooftop bars. Our team has put together a curated list of the most popular and highly rated rooftops, complete with key details like location, vibe, drink offerings, and customer reviews. We make it easy for you to choose a spot that suits your mood, whether you’re planning after-work drinks, a weekend catch-up, or a night out in the heart of the city.

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1. Santana Rooftop Bar

Santana Rooftop Bar
Santana Rooftop is a stylish Latin-themed rooftop bar in Melbourne. It has red lighting, warm wooden touches, and heaters to keep things comfortable all year. The bar serves South American drinks like wine, rum-based cocktails, and even cigars. A special drink called “Canelazo” is served warm, making it popular on cooler nights. The space includes a retractable roof and views over the city. It’s a great spot to relax with friends, enjoy music, or take in the city lights. The design and menu make it feel exciting and different. Santana Rooftop is known for its lively vibe, good drinks, and Latin-inspired setting that brings something new to Melbourne’s rooftop scene. Many people visit for its unique look and warm atmosphere.
Review on Google: “Awesome rooftop cigar bar. Service is great, negroni’s tasty, they sell cigars and you can BYO cigars. Olive served cold with no oil. Could have topped up with warm olives in oil. “- Ryan

2. Transit Rooftop Bar

Transit Rooftop Bar
Transport Hotel is a large, busy venue in the heart of Melbourne. It has several levels, including a bar, dining area, and rooftop with views of the city and river. The food mixes Australian and Asian flavours, with snacks, meals, and stylish drinks. The rooftop offers great city views, including the famous cathedral and river nearby. Transport Hotel also features DJs, live music, and big screens for sports. It’s a popular place for groups, parties, or just enjoying a casual evening out. With fun music, tasty food, and a lively crowd, it’s one of the most well-known places in Melbourne for a complete night out. Many enjoy it for its mix of food, music, and atmosphere.
Review on Google: “The staff here are amazing and so helpful. Alyssa went above and beyond helping us out. All the staff have exceptional customer service and I can’t recommend this place highly enough Thank you for a fantastic day and making our party of 8 feel special”- Paige Curtis

3. The Atrium on 35

The Atrium on 35
The Atrium on 35 is a stylish bar located on the 35th floor of a high-rise hotel in Melbourne. It offers beautiful views of the city from tall glass windows and a relaxing space to enjoy drinks. The bar has a modern design with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and a peaceful atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a wide range of wines, cocktails, and light snacks. It’s a great place to unwind, celebrate, or simply take in the skyline. Whether during the day or at night, the views from The Atrium are stunning. Many people visit for special occasions or to enjoy a quiet drink high above the busy streets below.
Review on Google: “Lovely area for a drink prior to dinner. Nice atmosphere , Yummy little snacks to have with a drink, Good drinks list.”- Louise Cooper

4. Palmz Rooftop Bar

Palmz Rooftop Bar is a fun and relaxing rooftop spot in the middle of Melbourne. It sits above Bourke Street and feels like a little tropical escape, with palm trees, fairy lights, and comfy seating. The bar serves tasty drinks like cocktails, wine, and beer, along with light snacks. The open-air space is great for warm evenings or sunny afternoons. Music plays in the background, and the atmosphere is lively but easygoing. It’s a popular place for after-work drinks, weekend hangouts, or meeting friends. Palmz Rooftop is part of a bigger venue, with other bars and spaces inside. With its city views and holiday feel, it’s a favourite rooftop spot for many locals.
Review on Google: “Terrific spot, especially on a warm/hot night as it feels so much cooler than the street temperature. Really good vibe with a mixed crowd.”- Nicholas Davison

5. Workshop Bar

Workshop Bar is a casual and creative bar in Melbourne. It is located in a building that used to be a motorbike repair shop, giving it a cool, industrial look. The bar serves craft beer, pizza, cocktails, and bar snacks. A small outdoor area lets people enjoy fresh air and music. Inside, there are regular art shows, DJ nights, and live performances. The walls often display artworks from local artists. Workshop Bar is known for its relaxed style, friendly crowd, and strong support for the arts. It’s a great place for people who enjoy music, casual food, and a fun, laid-back atmosphere in the city. Many locals see it as a creative space to unwind.
Review on Google: “We had such a great experience at Workshop Bar with our Melbourne Working Holiday Girls group! Hugh and the guys looked after us brilliantly and made sure everything ran smoothly. We had a private area reserved, which gave us the perfect space to relax, chat, and enjoy the night together. The staff were friendly, the drinks were flowing, and the vibe was just right for a social evening. Would definitely recommend Workshop Bar for group events or a fun night out in the city! “- Ellie Cooper

Frequently Asked Questions

Rooftop bars in Melbourne are popular because they offer great views, fresh air, and a fun vibe. Many have music, tasty drinks, and cosy seating. People enjoy spending time outdoors with city lights around them. These bars are perfect for relaxing with friends or enjoying a night out in the open.
The best time to visit is during the warmer months, especially in the afternoon or evening. Rooftop bars are great when the weather is sunny or mild. Sunset hours are popular because the sky looks beautiful and the city lights begin to shine, creating a lovely setting for a drink.
Many rooftop bars in Melbourne serve cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Some also offer small bites like pizza, sliders, fries, and snacks. A few places serve full meals. The menu often matches the style of the bar, from fancy to casual, giving guests plenty of tasty options.
Yes, rooftop bars are great for groups. They often have shared tables or larger seating areas. Some also allow bookings for birthdays or special events. The open space and relaxed vibe make it easy for groups to talk, enjoy food and drinks, and have a good time together.
Most rooftop bars allow only people aged 18 and over, especially in the evenings. This is because they serve alcohol. During the day, some places may allow families or younger guests if there is food service. It’s always best to check the rules of each place before planning a visit.