Best 15 rooftop bars in London 2023

See unique views of London from Radio Rooftop bar in London, as the ME London hotel's terraces are transformed this winter into immersive partying spaces for the festive season. The north ICE terrace is a Nordic-style winter hideaway whereas the south FIRE terrace transports you to a lively South America oasis. Soak up the juxtaposing atmospheres with stunning views, ranging from the London Eye and Big Ben to St Paul's Cathedral. Open daily, year-round.

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

Fairy lights, foliage and festive vibes combine at Pergola Paddington this winter at its Deck the Halls winter pop-up. Take your pick from bench seating and cosy chalets, explore the winter forest, delve into warming après-ski fare from its three new pop-up restaurants, and sip on hot bourbon toddies, mulled wine or cider. Open daily from 09 Nov to 31 Dec

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

Take in the tranquillity 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 (The Trafalgar, St James Hotel, 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 daily, year-round

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

Take in views over the City of London and celebrate with friends or family in Aviary London's private igloos this winter on the 10th floor of The Montcalm Hotel in Old Street. Catch up with friends in dedicated “drinks and snacks igloos” for up to six people, or opt for dining igloos for up to eight, where you’ll be served a three-course set meal during December. Open daily, year-round.

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

Check out vibrant hot-spot London Bridge Rooftop this winter for a magical Christmas rooftop experience. Sit in heated sections amongst Christmas trees, decorations and baubles galore and enjoy mulled wine, festive food and cocktails to the backdrop of London's twinkling skyline and DJ sets. Open daily

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

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 (The Londoner Hotel, 38 Leicester Square, WC2H 7DX)

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 (John Lewis, 300 Oxford St, W1C 1DX)

Go for a spin on Skylight’s ice rink (from 10 Nov) as you gaze across east London from this rooftop pop-up in Tobacco Dock. Drink or dine under a heated pergola or snuggle up in igloos as you pick from seasonal street food covering everything from bratwurst to churros, plus warming drinks and wintry cocktails. Winter takeover launching Oct 17. Open Thursdays to Saturdays, 12pm to 11pm

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

Head to Madison this festive season for a slice of Manhattan style glamour and sip seasonal cocktails under fairy lights as you gaze out at St Paul's Cathedral. Enjoy live music while you indulge in gourmet wintery treats such as baked camembert and truffle mac and cheese. Winter rooftop takeover launching soon. Open daily, year-round.

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

Head to the ever-trendy Queen of Hoxton, a Shoreditch rooftop bar with a Gothic Venice theme for 2023. The Queen's Masquerade Winter Terrace features the signature wigwam adorned with feather masks, drapes of silk and gondola seating around the outdoor firepits. Enjoy Venetian-style food and hot cocktails at this magical winter rooftop takeover. Open Thursdays to Saturdays, weather dependent.

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

Enjoy the festive season at Bar Elba on a heated, covered rooftop adorned in fairy lights and winter decor with panoramic views over the south bank. Sit back and relax with mulled wine, festive fancies and a specially curated winter cocktail list.

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

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)

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)

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)