Melbourne’s best rooftop bars include Naked in the Sky in Fitzroy, Siglo in the CBD, Rooftop Bar on Swanston Street, Goldilocks in the CBD, and Loop Roof in the city centre. Each offers a distinct atmosphere, price point, and view across the city.
The Standout Options Worth Knowing
Rooftop Bar (Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street) is one of the most well-known, sitting atop a seven-storey building with open-air cinema screenings in summer. Entry is free before 9pm most nights, and it draws a mixed crowd of locals and visitors. Drinks are pub-priced by rooftop standards.
Siglo (Spring Street) sits above the European restaurant and looks directly onto Parliament House. It has a more refined feel, with a strong cocktail list and an impressive wine selection. It suits a post-work or date-night visit rather than a big group session.
Naked in the Sky (168 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy) is a consistently busy option with a full restaurant menu and bar downstairs. The rooftop level is small and popular on weekends, so bookings are worth making. Views stretch across inner-north Melbourne.
Goldilocks (267 Little Collins Street) operates across two rooftop levels and tends to attract a younger after-work crowd. It runs regular DJ sets on weekends and has a broader food menu than most rooftop venues. The cocktail list is reasonably priced for the CBD.
Loop Roof (23 Meyers Place) is open year-round and features a retractable roof structure, making it one of the few options that stays fully operational through winter. It hosts live music most weekends and has a small but solid bar menu.
What to Expect on Pricing and Bookings
Most Melbourne rooftop bars do not charge a cover fee during the week, though some apply entry charges on Friday and Saturday nights, typically between $10 and $20. Siglo and Naked in the Sky both accept table bookings, which is advisable on weekends. Rooftop Bar and Goldilocks tend to operate on a walk-in basis, though Goldilocks occasionally takes reservations for larger groups.
Cocktail prices generally sit between $20 and $26 in the CBD, slightly lower in Fitzroy. Most venues offer happy hour deals between 4pm and 6pm on weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Melbourne rooftop bars are open in winter?
Loop Roof (Meyers Place) is the most weather-proof option, with a retractable roof that covers the space during cold or wet weather. Siglo has outdoor heating and stays open through winter, as does Naked in the Sky. Rooftop Bar on Swanston Street reduces its hours significantly outside of the warmer months.
Do Melbourne rooftop bars require bookings?
It depends on the venue. Siglo and Naked in the Sky accept and often require bookings on weekends. Rooftop Bar and Loop Roof are generally walk-in, though arriving before 7pm on a Friday or Saturday will give you the best chance of getting a spot without a wait.
Which rooftop bar has the best views of the Melbourne CBD skyline?
Goldilocks and Rooftop Bar both offer open views across the city skyline. Siglo’s view is more focused on the Parliament precinct and Spring Street rather than a wide panorama. For a broader city outlook, Goldilocks on its upper level is a strong choice.
