Best bars with views in Sydney: Where to Drink with Harbour, City & Beach Views

Looking for the best bars with views in Sydney? This guide covers harbourside venues, rooftop bars with city skyline views, beachfront spots and a few local favourites where you can enjoy Sydney’s spectacular scenery for the cost of a drink.

This guide covers Sydney’s most scenic drinking spots across the city – from the iconic Opera House views in Circular Quay to beachfront bars in Bondi and Coogee. I’ve included everything from high-rise cocktail lounges to relaxed pub rooftops where you won’t need to dress up.

What you will find in this guide:

• Insider tips for getting the best seats and avoiding crowds
• Harbour view bars in Circular Quay and The Rocks
• High-rise bars with views of the city skyline
• Rooftop venues in Barangaroo and Darling Harbour
• Beachfront bars on Sydney’s eastern beaches

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Best Harbour View Bars in Circular Quay

If you’re visiting Sydney’s most famous landmarks – the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, or Royal Botanic Gardens – you’ll likely find yourself in Circular Quay. This area offers some of Sydney’s most photographed bar views, making it perfect for celebrating special occasions or treating out-of-town guests to something memorable.

Opera Bar doesn’t need much of an introduction if you’re familiar with Sydney’s dining scene. With its signature white umbrellas mimicking the Opera House sails, this harbourside venue is well positioned for sunset watching.

Whether you’re here for weekend breakfast, afternoon drinks or late-night pizza, the harbour views make any visit enjoyable.

Insider tip: Thursday and Friday afternoons get packed with Sydney office workers, so arrive by 4pm if you want a waterside table. Most evenings and weekend afternoons feature live acoustic music from talented local artists – it’s one of the reasons locals keep coming back.

Vibe: Fun and friendly
Where: Sydney Opera House, Macquarie St, Sydney
Hours: 10am till midnight on weekdays and 9am till midnight on weekends.
Check their website for the latest menus and events.

Cruise Bar – Prime Opera House views from Circular Quay

Located on the western side of Circular Quay in the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Cruise Bar delivers some of the best Opera House and city skyline views you’ll find. The venue spans three levels, each with indoor and outdoor seating options, so you can choose your ideal vantage point.

Melba’s on the rooftop at Cruise offers the best views with plenty of outdoor seating, while the lower levels provide more intimate settings. The menu ranges from light snacks and high tea to substantial seafood platters, making it work for everything from afternoon drinks to dinner with a view.

Vibe: Hollywood Luxe, locals and visitors
Where: Level 1, 2 and 3, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay West
When: 11am – Midnight 7 days

More Circular Quay Bars

We have listed all our favourite bars in Circular Quay so you can keep exploring.

Top Rooftop Bars in The Rocks with Harbour Views

The Rocks neighbourhood sits right beneath the Harbour Bridge, making it prime real estate for rooftop bars. While new venues open regularly across Sydney, these established favourites in The Rocks have earned their reputation for combining great views with inviting atmospheres.

The Glenmore – relaxed rooftop with views of the Opera House

The Glenmore feels like drinking at a friend’s place – if your friend happened to have a rooftop with Opera House views. Located on the top floor of a traditional pub, this bar features a retractable roof for Sydney’s unpredictable weather and affordable prices.

Monday deal: Steak for $19.90 – one of the best value meals with a view in Sydney.
Sunday sessions: Live acoustic music from 3pm with $9 Rosé.
Check the latest deals before you visit.

Vibe: Relaxed and casual, no need to dress up
Where: 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks
Hours: 11am -Midnight or 1am

Henry Deane – panoramic harbour views from Millers Point

Located on the top floor of the Palisades Hotel, Henry Deane delivers 360-degree harbour views that few Sydney bars can match. The glass-enclosed rooftop space with a small outdoor terrace lets you see both sides of the harbour – west towards Parramatta River and Darling Harbour, east to the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. It’s like having a bird’s eye view of Sydney’s entire foreshore.

Perfect for: Photography enthusiasts and anyone wanting to see Sydney’s harbour layout from above.

Timing tip: Weekends get busy, so visit midweek for the best experience or arrive early on weekends to secure a window seat.

Vibe: relaxed and bright
Where: Palisades Hotel Bettington St, Millers Point
Hours: Midday to midnight (10pm Sun) – closed Mondays
More: Check the menus and current specials here

More Rocks venues: Check out our guide to all the pubs in The Rocks for a historical pub crawl.

Sydney’s Best High-Rise Bars for City Skyline Views

Want those Instagram-worthy shots of Sydney’s skyline without paying for the BridgeClimb? These high-rise bars offer stunning city views from comfortable seats with a drink in hand. Each provides a different perspective on the urban landscape, from harbour panoramas to sunset views.

Bar 83 – Sydney Tower’s retro sky-high lounge

Bar 83 sits 83 floors above street level in Sydney Tower, offering 260-degree views across the city. The retro-styled comfortable seating and dim lighting create a sophisticated atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

Best for sunset: Book ahead if you want to watch the city light up as the sun goes down.

Vibe: old school cool
Where: Level 83 Sydney Tower – entry via level 4
Hours: Closed Monday, from 4pm Tue-Thurs and noon Fri-Sunday.
More details and bookings: here

Located on level 47 of Australia Square, O Bar slowly rotates 360 degrees, giving you ever-changing views of Sydney’s skyline without having to move from your seat. It’s particularly stunning at twilight when you can watch the city transform from daylight to the glittering evening lights.

The tapas-style menu works well for sharing, with cocktails around $30 and mocktails for $22.

Vibe: Boarding on formal with dress rules
Where: Level 47 Australia Square, 264 George St, Sydney
Hours: Sunday-Wednesday: 5pm-10.30pm Thursday: Noon -11pm, Fri-Sat: Noon-11.30pm.

Bar Blu on level 36 of the Shangri-La Hotel offers some of Sydney’s most photographed harbour views – this is where you’ll get those perfect Instagram shots of the city’s icons. The views are incredible any time of day but weekends get crowded, so visit earlier in the week for a more relaxed experience.

Seating strategy: No reservations for the bar, so arrive early or book the adjoining restaurant if you want guaranteed seating with a view.

Vibe: Glamourous, dress rules apply and no shorts after 5pm.
Where: Level 36 of the Shangri La Hotel, Cumberland Street, The Rocks,
Hours: 4pm – Midnight (Mon- Thu) Noon to 1am Fri-Sat 11pm Sun.
More: Check the Shangri-La website for menus and prices

Aster – InterContinental’s exclusive rooftop bar

Located on level 32 of the InterContinental Sydney, Aster offers 270-degree harbour views that take in the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Royal Botanic Gardens. The creative cocktail menu features native Australian botanicals, while the food focuses on artful small plates showcasing local produce.

Booking essential: Reservations are recommended due to limited seating. Minimum spend of $60 per person (Wednesday-Sunday) for external guests, $40 for hotel guests.

Best time to visit: Weeknights for a more intimate experience, or sunset for the best harbour light.

Vibe: Sophisticated and exclusive
Where: Level 32, InterContinental Sydney, 117 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Hours: Sunday & Monday: 4pm-10pm, Tuesday-Saturday: 4pm-midnight
More: Check the InterContinental website for current menus and availability

Rooftop Bars at Barangaroo and Darling Harbour

There are plenty of bars in Darling Harbour, and you won’t have to walk far to find a drink, but these four are our top choices for rooftop bars in Barangaroo and Darling Harbour.

Above 319 – Darling Harbour’s rooftop pool bar

Above 319 sits on level 14 of Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour, offering city skyline views and an unusual feature for Sydney bars – a rooftop pool. The open-air space combines lush green walls with vibrant neon lighting, creating a lively atmosphere that works for lunch, sunset drinks or evening cocktails.

The cocktail menu celebrates Australian flavours with drinks like the Bush Apple Martini (made with Granny Smith apples and Poor Toms Gin) and the Bloody Rozella featuring native jam and Bam Bam Rum. The food menu focuses on sharing plates including trio beef sliders, salt and pepper squid and karaage chicken.

Happy Hour: Wednesday-Sunday 4:30pm-6:30pm with $10 wine and beer, $15 cocktails

Perfect for: Groups looking for something different, pool-side cocktails and casual dining with city views

Vibe: Playful and vibrant
Where: Level 14, Vibe Hotel, 319-325 Sussex Street, Darling Harbour
Hours: Wed-Thu: 4:30pm-9pm, Fri: 4:30pm-11pm, Sat: 1pm-11pm, Sun: 1pm-8pm
More: Bookings and details at @above319

Zephyr – Mezcaleria in the Sky above Darling Harbour

Zephyr Sky Bar sits high above Darling Harbour with west-facing views that make it perfect for Sydney sunsets and Saturday night fireworks. This summer, they’ve launched “Mezcaleria in the Sky” – a rooftop takeover focusing on mezcal and tequila cocktails.

The collaboration with Don Julio Rosado features five signature cocktails including The Frosado (pink shaved ice with Crème de Pamplemousse), Fire and Tide (mezcal with jalapeño syrup) and Blue Paloma (kumquat cordial with blueberry purée).

Summer bites include Beef Barbacoa Sliders, Snapper Ceviche, Flathead Fiesta Tacos and Cheese Empanadas – ideal for sharing while watching the harbour views.

Booking tip: Reservations recommended for sunset tables – ask for shaded seating during summer.

Vibe: Elevated rooftop with Mexican influences
Where: Level 12, 161 Sussex Street, Sydney
Hours: Open Tuesday – Friday: 3pm till late, Saturday & Sunday: 12:00pm till late

Smoke sits on the top floor of Barangaroo House and you definitely can’t just rock up hoping for a table. Bookings are essential – we learned this the hard way after multiple failed drop-in attempts. The upside is that once you’ve got a reservation, you’re guaranteed a seat without having to wait for someone to leave.

The cocktail menu is the main draw – creative takes on classic cocktails with quality ingredients. The snacks are designed for sharing and pair perfectly with the drinks. Those cashew & macadamia nuts with lemon myrtle salt are dangerously good – seriously challenging to leave any behind.

Happy Hour tip: “House Hour” runs 4-6pm Monday-Friday with $7 beers and wines, $9 spirits, $15 spritzes and $3 oysters.

Vibe: Stylish, even the staff are beautiful
Where: Level 3, 35 Barangaroo House Barangaroo Ave
When: Monday to Wednesday – 3pm to midnight / Thursday to Sunday – midday to midnight

Untied brings a bit of tropical north Queensland to Barangaroo’s rooftop scene. The bright furniture and lush greenery create a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for catching up with friends, while the panoramic harbour views remind you you’re still in Sydney. It’s more laid-back than most bars in the area.

The menu focuses on contemporary Australian dishes with plenty of share plates and plant-based options. The cocktail list leans tropical – featuring frozen margaritas and Four Pillars yuzu gin and tonics that suit the laid-back atmosphere.

Events and specials: Friday DJ sets, weekend bottomless brunches and regular live entertainment keep things lively. Happy hour features $7 house spirits, wine, tap beer and frozen cocktails in six flavours.

Vibe: Tropical and relaxed
Where: 400 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
When: Monday to Wednesday – 3pm to midnight / Thursday to Sunday – midday to midnight
More: Check out the menu and what’s on at Untied

Café Del Mar brings that Ibiza chill-out vibe to Darling Harbour. The rooftop terrace overlooks Cockle Bay Wharf, and the music policy focuses on creating the right atmosphere rather than getting everyone dancing. DJ sessions run Friday and Saturday evenings from 5pm, plus Sunday Sunset Sessions starting at 2pm.

The tapas-style menu works well for sharing while you’re settling in for the evening. Cocktails sit around the $20 mark, which is fairly standard for this part of town.

Happy Hour deals: Monday-Friday 4pm-7pm with Espresso Martinis and Aperol Spritzes for $12, plus $6 Peroni, Corona, standard spirits and house wine.

Vibe: Relaxed and music-focused
Where: Rooftop Terrace, Cockle Bay Wharf, 35 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour
When: 12pm till close
More: Check the website for latest pricing and events

Best Beach View Bars in Sydney

Coogee Pavilion – Food and drink for everyone

Coogee Pavilion sits right across from the northern end of Coogee Beach, making it the perfect spot to watch the waves roll in while you work through their extensive menu. This Merivale venue has something for everyone – from casual drinks on the rooftop to proper sit-down meals downstairs.

The rooftop bar offers panoramic ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere that works well for groups. Downstairs, the main dining area provides a more sheltered option when the coastal winds pick up. The menu ranges from shared plates and pizzas to substantial mains, making it one of the few beachfront venues where you can actually get a proper meal with your drinks.

Vibe: Cool / locals
Where: Dolphin St, Coogee
When: Noon to Midnight
More: Menu and details on the website.

Promenade Beach Bar

The perfect reward for completing the Coogee to Bondi walk is drinking at Promenade Beach Bar in the Bondi Pavilion.

With signature cocktails named after Australia’s legendary surfers and a relaxed menu featuring share plates, pizzas and salads, Promenade is popular with visitors and locals. Head inside to Etheus for Greek eats.

Vibe: up market beach club
Where: Bondi Pavilion, Shop, 1 Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Beach
When: Hours vary according to the weather – Check before visiting.

North Bondi RSL – a local favourite

If you have not come across it before, an RSL is a Returned If you have not come across one before, an RSL is a Returned Soldiers League club. Almost every town and suburb across the country used to have one, but these days, their numbers are dwindling.

RSL clubs have traditionally been known for their very good value drink prices, but North Bondi makes the cut for its position overlooking the famous beach.

A house wine will set you back $9 and cocktails start from $18. Happy hour here is a members event but membership is inexpensive and might be worth it if you are planning a few drinks.

Vibe: Local and relaxed
Where: 118-120 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi
When: Midday till 10pm weeknights, 11pm weekends
More: Check their website for details of what’s on.

Icebergs Dining and Bar – Bondi’s finest view

Icebergs perches directly above the famous Bondi Icebergs pool, offering unobstructed views of Bondi Beach through floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

The indoor bar provides year-round comfort, while the outdoor summer terrace lets you feel the ocean breeze while you drink.

This is definitely the priciest option on Bondi Beach, but you’re paying for those postcard-perfect views and the polished atmosphere. The bar menu is more limited than what you’ll find at nearby venues – think quality over quantity with sophisticated cocktails and a curated wine list. If you want a full meal, you’ll need to book the restaurant upstairs.

Vibe: Beach luxe
Where: Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, 1 Notts Ave
When: Noon to midnight

Heading to the northern side of the city, if you are exploring Manly, these bars are all worth some time.

Felons Manly – a great place to watch the world go by

Sitting right on the wharf where the ferry pulls in at Manly, Felons is a big venue with a large indoor area and a smaller bar sitting on a jetty. There are four bar areas, including a sports bar.

Plenty of daily specials and a large menu including pizzas, buckets of prawns, salads and share plates means it’s easy to find something to please everyone in a group.

Vibe: Casual by day, party by night
Where: Manly Wharf East Esplanade, Manly
When: 11.30am till midnight

Rooftop Garden Bar – New Brighton Hotel

Relax in a Balinese day bed or let your competitive site go wild at Monday night trivia; this friendly pub welcomes everyone and has fantastic views over Manly beach and the Corso.

Vibe: Fun and friendly
Where: 71 The Corso, Manly
When: Rooftop open 12pm – 11pm daily.

Check out our guide to current bar and dining deals in Sydney before you head out.

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