Best 37 rooftop bars in London

See unique views of London from Radio Rooftop bar in London, as the ME London hotel's terrace serves up seasonal cocktails and bites to eat. Soak up the sun during the day or arrive at sunset to soak up the stunning views, ranging from the London Eye and Big Ben to St Paul's Cathedral. Open daily, year-round.

Where: Covent Garden (336-337 Strand, WC2R 1HA)

Take in the tranquility of the almost secret rooftop bar in The Trafalgar, St James hotel, safe in the knowledge that nobody in Trafalgar Square below is as lucky as you. Grab a premium cocktail at The Rooftop and settle back into the cosy seating, as you see eye to eye with Nelson. Open daily, year-round

Where: Trafalgar Square (7th floor, 2 Spring Gardens, SW1A 2TS)

The Savage Garden, high above the City of London in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London – Tower of London, combines swish vibes, seasonal decor and decadent cocktails. Grab a sharing plate and enjoy 360-degree views over the iconic London skyline. Open every day, year-round

Where: Tower of London (12th floor, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London, EC3N 4AF)

Step out onto Madison's rooftop bar and be dazzled by some of the most Instagrammable views of London. Sip on a glass of bubbly as you gaze on neighbouring St Paul's Cathedral, or wind down with a classic cocktail listening to tunes from the live DJ. Open daily, year-round

Where: St Paul's (Rooftop Terrace One, EC4M 9AF)

Experience breathtaking views from the 14th floor of Aldgate's Dorsett City Hotel, at Asian-themed Jin Bo Law Skybar. Indulge in a range of creative cocktails from a drinks menu that takes inspiration from the favourite tipples of Japan, China and Vietnam. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, year-round

Where: Aldgate (14th Floor Dorsett City, EC3N 1AH)

This stunning rooftop bar and restaurant enjoys a lofty position on the 10th floor of The Montcalm Hotel in Old Street. Gaze over the City’s skyline with a botanical-themed cocktail on Aviary London's terrace, and choose from salads, small plates and meat and fish dishes. Open daily, year-round.

Where: Old Street (Royal London House, 10th Floor Montcalm, EC2A 1DX)

Soak up sweeping vistas of the river Thames from the terrace of Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie. Savour refined British dishes at the restaurant, enjoy live music at the brasserie and admire the view of St Paul’s Cathedral from the bar's balcony on the eighth floor of this South Bank icon. Open daily year-round

Where: Southbank (Barge House St, SE1 9PH)

With late design mogul Sir Terence Conran having overseen its creation, it's no wonder Boundary Rooftop looks this good and stylish. Sit among silver birch trees at the Shoreditch rooftop bar, or relax in the heated glass Orangery, which boasts fantastic views of the city and east London. Open daily, year-round

Where: Shoreditch (2-4 Boundary St, E2 7DD)

Head to the ever-trendy Queen of Hoxton, a Shoreditch rooftop bar which is transformed with different themes throughout the year, from the dystopian 'Lost Vegas'  to its heremost recent spectacular, 'Cherry Blossom Garden'. Indulge in cocktails and burgers on the spacious terrace with lots of colourful seating. Open Wednesdays to Saturdays, year-round.

Where: Shoreditch (1 Curtain Rd, EC2A 3JX)

An eclectic rooftop bar, 12th Knot sits atop one of London's quirkiest hotels, Sea Containers. Serving expertly crafted cocktails overlooking the Thames, relax on the plush seating, dining on a delightful seasonal menu as the sun sets over the illuminated London skyline. Open daily, year-round

Where: Southbank (20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD)

Get a taste of Japan at izakaya-themed bar, terrace and restaurant 8 at The Londoner. Perched atop The Londoner Hotel in Leicester Square, this classy hangout has three laid-back spaces to enjoy; from the Lounge & Terrace with retractable skylights, to the sensory Shima Garden and the understated Restaurant. Enjoy cocktails, sake, whiskies, robata-grilled meats and more. Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, year-round

Where: Leicester Square (38 Leicester Square, WC2H 7DX)

There’s no need to travel all the way to southern France when you can unwind at Angler Terrace. Relax under a retractable roof, warmed by heaters as you savour gin cocktails on the seventh floor of the City's South Place Hotel. Afterwards, tuck into delicious seafood from its restaurant. Open Tuesday to Saturday year-round

Where: Islington (South Place Hotel, EC2M 2AF)

Discover a tranquil heaven in central London with Dalloway Terrace's outdoor restaurant and bar. The covered and heated terrace is the perfect place to sip on a hot cocktail and savour cheese fondue. Open daily year-round

Where: Bloomsbury (16-22 Great Russell St, WC1B 3NN)

A Victorian pub turned laid-back London bar, head to Big Chill for seasonal cocktails and local craft beers, a generous bottomless brunch and a colourful roof terrace in King's Cross. Come back on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday evening when DJs usually get the party started. Open daily

Where: King's Cross (257-259, Pentonville Rd, N1 9NL)

Kick back with a drink or some light bites, burgers or sandwiches at quirky rooftop bar The Nest, atop Treehouse London hotel. Decked out in boho-chic sofas, armchairs and rugs, with foliage hanging form the ceiling and a stylish outside terrace, this uber-cool space is a great place to hang out in London's West End. Open daily, year-round

Where: Marylebone (14-15 Langham Pl, W1B 2QS)

Settle in to a chalet-inspired cabin at Willows on The Roof above John Lewis. The ultimate spot to enjoy a seasonal beverage and delicious food after shopping til' you drop on London's Oxford Street. Open daily, year-round

Where: Oxford Street (300 Oxford St, W1C 1DX)

Nested in foodie heaven Brixton Village and with a seasonal backdrop of fairy lights and jolly tunes, Lost in Brixton is a place to chill whatever the time of the year. If you want to grab a bite to eat, order from many restaurants downstairs and have it brought straight to your table – who said you couldn't have it all? Open Wednesdays to Sundays, year-round

Where: Brixton (Brixton Village, SW9 8PS)

Sprawl out under the retractable roof of The Golden Bee rooftop bar in fun-loving Shoreditch. Choose from the long list of martinis and classic cocktails, pairing your expertly crafted drink with a tasty sushi platter. Come the weekend, dance to house and club classics at the over-21s venue. Open Thursdays to Sundays, year-round

Where: Shoreditch (Singer St, EC1V 9DD)

Zip over to Tobacco Dock’s Skylight Rooftop and take in fantastic views from above of your local area. The London rooftop at Skylight returns each summer and winter with tempting street food, along with a host of fun activities to try out with friends and family. Open summer and winter only

Where: Tobacco Dock (Tobacco Dock, E1W 2SF)

The height of cool in London's hip East End, Dalston Roof Park is a true social hub. Budding creatives put on special events, from film nights to live gigs and most recently, the 2022 Qatar World Cup. All you need to do is pick up a drink from the pop-up bar and relax. Open Fridays (4pm - 12am) and Saturdays (3pm - 12am)

Where: Dalston (The Print House, 18-22 Ashwin St, E8 3DL)

Inspired by Napoleon's exile on the Mediterranean island of Elba, cool rooftop-party events are what Bar Elba knows best. From sunset sessions and open-air picnics, to rooftop brunch and outdoor cinema, there is plenty of fun to be had and stunning views to admire at this prime location in Waterloo. Open daily, year-round

Where: Waterloo (111 Waterloo Rd, SE1 8SG)

Perched on the roof of No.1 Poultry, Coq d’Argent’s elegant rooftop terrace is the ideal destination for special celebrations. Come for lunch to try the extensive grill menu, or soak up the bar’s panoramic view at sunset, exquisite cocktails in hand. Open daily year-round

Where: Bank (1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ)

Buck Street Market is the UK’s first eco-conscious market, complete with two rooftop bars. This Camden hangout has an Insta-worthy pink terrace and sustainable pallet sofas, the perfect hangout for locals in north London. Open daily, year-round

Where: Camden (192-198 Camden High St, NW1 8QP)

Enjoy panoramic views across London from The Skyline London bar and indulge in authentic Italian sharing plates and classic cocktails. Settle into the cosy terrace and take in the 360-degree views of the city. Open every day, year-round.

Where: London Bridge (100 Minories, EC3N 1JY)

Release your inner child at Roof East in Stratford. Battle your friends over fun games including Birdies crazy golf, Sluggers batting cages, Glitter Bowls and many more. Keep the fun going with live music singalongs and jaw-dropping views of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Open spring to summer

Where: Stratford (7 & 8 Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, E15 1XE)

Discover a botanical paradise at Pergola Paddington. Sample the easy life in this tropical heaven close to Paddington station and lounge about under tumbling ivy and twinkling fairy lights – perfect for the 'gram. Open Wednesdays to Sundays, year-round.

Where: Paddington (5 Kingdom St, W2 6PY)

Enjoy laid-back summer vibes and unrivalled panoramic views over east London at the izakaya-themed rooftop bar Netil360. Feast on Japanese small plates including loaded gyozas and sushi platters and cool down with refreshing cocktails and locally sourced beer for the perfect relaxing rooftop experience. Open daily in the summer.

Where: Hackney (1 Westgate St, E8 3RL)

It's well worth the climb up the instagrammable, bubblegum-pink staircase to Frank's Cafe in Peckham, perched on top of a car park. One of the most anticipated summer pop-up bars in London, Frank's vast space is filled with sculptures and trendy locals, who gather to watch the sunset with a summer cocktail in hand. Open Wednesday-Sunday 11am - 11pm, May to September

Where: Peckham (Bold Tendencies, 95A Rye Ln, SE15 4ST)

Escape the city and step into Sabine's secret garden oasis overlooking St Paul's. Enjoy curated cocktails and light bites such as mac n cheese bon bons, tostadas and charcuterie boards. With inside and outside seating areas, it's the perfect rooftop bar to enjoy in every season. Open daily, year-round.

Where: St Paul's (10 Godliman St, EC4V 5AJ)

Check out vibrant hot-spot London Bridge Rooftop for delicious cocktails, tasty burgers and DJ sessions at the trendy rooftop bar. Watch the sunset over the iconic London skyline and see the city illuminate in twinkly lights. Open daily in the summer

Where: London Bridge (Rooftop Colechurch House, London Bridge Walk, SE1 2SX)

Experience impressive views over London at Seabird, the popular seafood restaurant boasting London's longest oyster list. Indulge in Mediterranean-inspired plates and an extensive list of crafted cocktails, wine and spirits. Open daily, year-round.

Where: Southwark (The Hoxton Southwark, 40 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8NY)

Soak up 360° views of Tower Bridge and The Shard from the luxurious rooftop bar Wagtail, perched atop a stunning 1920's building. Explore the innovative cocktail menu and small plates such as lobster and crayfish rolls and beef tataki with unparalleled city views as the backdrop. Open daily, year-round.

Where: Monument (68 King William Street, EC4N 7HR)

Enjoy a slice of NYC rooftop vibes in the heart of King's Cross at The Rooftop at The Standard, with unparalleled views of the London skyline. Sit back and relax in the retro-decor interior and indulge in Instagrammable cocktails, bubbles on tap and street food treats including NYC-style hot dogs and fluffy bao buns. Open daily year round (weather dependent)

Where: King's Cross (10 Argyle St, WC1H 8NP)

Discover west London's skyline from 10 floors up at Paddington's Skylark Roof Garden, a garden-like rooftop offering views of The Shard, sprawling Hyde Park and the Royal Albert Hall. Take your pick from an extensive wine list or go for signature cocktails such as its fragrant Gin Elderflower Spritz. Open Saturdays and Sundays, year-round.

Where: Paddington (10th Floor, 4 Kingdom St, W2 6BD)

Board a glass lift to the top of 110 Bishopsgate for high-end fusion dishes and cocktails. Bringing together the flavours of Japan, Peru and Brazil, Sushisamba City is one of London’s top restaurants, as well as one of the highest. Mingle with City workers over a cocktail and take in the views from the terrace. Open daily year-round

Where: Bishopsgate (Heron Tower, EC2N 4AY)

Escape the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street and relax in an Italian alfresco rooftop sanctuary at Alto by San Carlo. Indulge in Italian-inspired small plates designed for sharing, including bruschetta, pasta, pizza and salads, and the list of cocktails, wines and spirits. Open daily year round

Where: Oxford Street (400 Oxford St, W1A 1AB)

Experience unrivalled views of London's skyline, and sweeping sunset views over Hyde Park in the evenings, at The Berkeley. The rooftop bar is usually reserved for staying guests but for summer 2023 it is open to everyone, with the launch of a brand new bar serving Mediterranean small plates and an extensive summer cocktail menu of refreshing spritz'. Open Tuesday - Saturday 7.30pm - 11.15pm in the summer

Where: Knightsbridge (Wilton Place, SW1X 7RL)