Best 23 rooftop bars in London

Go for a spin on Skylight’s ice rink (from 5 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. Various dates from 7 Oct

Popular east London rooftop bar Queen of Hoxton hosts its latest themed winter pop-up in 2021, this time focused on Alice in Winterland. Don’t be late for a very important date, as you tumble through the rabbit hole into an enchanting rooftop world of cocktails, mocktails and foodie treats this winter. Open daily from 5 Nov

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 five restaurants, and sip on hot bourbon toddies, mulled wine or cider. Open daily from 11 Nov to 24 Dec

Take in views over the City of London and celebrate with friends or family in Aviary London's private igloos this winter. 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 from 4 Oct

Find all sorts of furnishings perfect for snuggling within Radio Rooftop’s Winter Bubbles in 2021. Faux fur? Check. Blankets? Of course. Fireplaces? Yes! Warming cocktails? You bet…! There’s everything you need for a cosy evening with friends and family. Open daily, 1 Nov-28 Feb

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 daily, year-round

Take in the tranquility of the almost secret rooftop bar in The Trafalgar, St James, Curio Collection by Hilton 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

Step out onto Madison's rooftop bar and be dazzled by some of the most Instagrammable views of London. Savour a glass of bubbly as you gaze on neighbouring St Paul's Cathedral, or chill on a day bed with a classic cocktail revisited. Open daily, year-round

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

Get a taste of Japan at izakaya-themed bar, terrace and restaurant 8 at The Londoner. Perched atop The Londoner Hotel in Leciester 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

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

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're peckish, order from many restaurants downstairs and have it brought straight to your table – who said you couldn't have it all? Open Tuesdays to Sundays, year-round

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 spot for locals in north London. Open daily, year-round

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 Thursdays to Sundays, year-round

Head to Big Chill for seasonal cocktails, a generous bottomless brunch and a sun-blessed 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, year-round

Relax on the comfy sofas, cocktail in hand, at luxurious Karma Sanctum Soho's roof terrace. This Soho rooftop hosts a hot tub and special events throughout the year, and is open to non-residents upon reservation only. Open daily, year-round

An independent cafe and informal workspace during the day, Netil 360 gradually transforms into a hip and lively rooftop bar as evening falls. Visit this Hackney institution for craft beers, outdoor movie screenings, jazz and DJ sessions. It also has private Finnish-style saunas where you can unwind as you gaze out over London. Open Fridays and Saturdays in winter, times during other seasons vary

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, wines and spirits. Come the weekend, dance to house and club classics at the over-21s venue. Open Wednedays to Sundays, year-round

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

Head on top of the Bussey Building in Peckham to discover Bussey Rooftop Bar, a spectacular roof terrace with great views of the city. Grab yourself a fresh cocktail and some mouthwatering street food, as you soak up the sun at this alfresco hotspot. Open Thursdays to Sundays, year-round

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 area is filled with sculptures and trendy locals, who gather to watch the sunset with a summer cocktail in hand. Open July to September.

Release your inner child at Roof East in Stratford. Battle your friends over fun games, which have included crazy golf, table-top curling and VR table football in recent years. Keep the fun going with live music singalongs and jaw-dropping views of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Open Thursdays to Sundays during spring and summer.

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 – all powered by the giant solar panels. All you need to do is pick up a drink from the pop-up bar and relax. Open daily during spring and summer.