While most visitors hunt for Melbourne's famous culture at ground level, we quickly learned the city's real magic happens several stories up. Melbourne's rooftop bars offer this perfect blend of spectacular views, creative cocktails, and seasonal transformations.
Seasonal Transformations
One city, two completely different rooftop experiences
Summer Spectacles
Summer transforms Melbourne's rooftops into buzzing oases, with vibrant crowds spilling onto sun-drenched terraces until late. We loved how many spots convert into outdoor cinemas, hosting everything from cult classics to new releases under the stars.
Summer Must-Experience:
- Bottomless brunches with city views
- Rooftop Cinema at Curtin House
- Palm Springs-inspired pool parties
- Sunset DJ sessions at QT Rooftop
Winter Wonders
What impressed us most is Melbourne's refusal to hibernate during winter. When temperatures drop, these spaces transform with ingenious adaptations like QT Rooftop's "snow globe" with hourly snowfall shows and other venues installing transparent igloos.
Winter Innovations:
- Transparent heated igloos for small groups
- Retractable glass roofs and walls
- Fire pits and outdoor heaters
- Winter-inspired cocktail menus
Our 2025 Top Picks
These gems captured our hearts (and Instagram feeds) during our Melbourne adventure
Naked in the Sky
Fitzroy
If you're looking for the quintessential Melbourne skyline view, this Fitzroy institution is our top pick. The rooftop of Naked for Satan offers the most spectacular vistas of northern Melbourne with the CBD skyline front and center.
Their infamous 20-page drink menu had us sampling everything from house-infused vodkas to local craft beers, while grazing on delicious Basque-inspired tapas. We ended up here multiple times—both for sunset drinks and late-night cocktails.
Rooftop at QT
CBD
This CBD rooftop bar impressed us with its complete seasonal transformations—in summer, it's a buzzing cocktail hub, but winter brings its famous snow globe conversion, complete with hourly snowfall shows that had us feeling like we were in a holiday movie!
Located at the designer QT Hotel on the 11th floor, the large rooftop terrace offers uninterrupted skyline views. Their signature cocktails like the "Rooftop G&T" became our go-to sundowner drinks. Weekend DJs create perfect vibes for night sessions.
Rooftop Bar & Cinema
Curtin House, CBD
Melbourne's original and most beloved rooftop cinema sits seven floors up the Curtin House. We spent a magical evening watching "Die Hard" under the stars (yes, it's a Christmas movie) with the CBD skyline twinkling in the background.
The rooftop operates as a regular bar year-round but transforms for summer cinema season. Hi-Fi headphones provide crisp audio that drowns out city noise. Their Burger Shack became our pre-movie ritual—we recommend the veggie burger with extra pickles!
Neighborhood Rooftop Guide
Each Melbourne district offers its own unique rooftop personality
CBD
Melbourne's central business district hosts the city's most polished rooftops, often perched atop designer hotels and historic buildings with panoramic city views.
We found the CBD rooftops to be perfect for after-work drinks, with a mix of suited professionals and tourists creating an energetic buzz as the workday ends.
- Rooftop at QT (11th floor snow globe)
- Siglo (Parliament views, French bistro vibes)
- Rooftop Bar at Curtin House (summer cinema)
Fitzroy & Collingwood
These northern neighborhoods host Melbourne's edgier, more creative rooftop scene, often housed in converted warehouses and historic buildings.
We loved how these rooftops blend seamlessly with the area's artistic character—expect craft beers, locally-sourced ingredients, and a hipster crowd.
- Naked in the Sky (best CBD skyline views)
- Industry Beans (multi-level coffee playground)
- Farmer's Daughters (regional cuisine)
St Kilda
This beachside suburb offers rooftops with a relaxed, vacation vibe and stunning views across Port Phillip Bay toward the city.
Perfect for watching the sunset behind the CBD skyline, St Kilda's rooftops tend to be more laid-back than their city counterparts.
- Captain Baxter (beachfront views)
- The Espy (historic hotel with multiple levels)
- Gigi Rooftop (intimate space above High St)
Southbank
Home to some of Melbourne's newest and most luxurious rooftop experiences, often atop high-rise hotels with panoramic river views.
We found Southbank's rooftops to be the most glamorous, with sophisticated cocktail programs and sleek, modern designs.
- Strato Melbourne (40th floor bay views)
- Mid Air (Mediterranean-inspired terrace)
- The Stolen Gem (270° city views)
Rooftop Moments
Visual highlights from our Melbourne vertical adventures
Our Photo Tips
The best skyline shots happen about 30 minutes after sunset when the sky turns deep blue but the city lights are bright. From Naked in the Sky, position yourself on the northern corner for the perfect CBD angle.
For drinks photography, QT Rooftop's creative winter cocktails with dry ice and fire elements make for the most dramatic Instagram content—Michael's flaming whisky shot boomerang got more likes than anything else we posted!