Get a head for heights and enjoy bars across (and above) the city, including year-round hangouts and seasonal pop-ups on rooftop terraces and gardens.
Best rooftop bars in London with a view
1. Radio Rooftop
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.
2. The Rooftop
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
3. Jin Bo Law Skybar

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
4. Madison rooftop bar
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
Cool London rooftop bars
5. Aviary London

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.
6. Savage Garden at Hilton DoubleTree Hotel
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 Wednesdays to Sundays, year-round
7. 8 at The Londoner

8. Boundary Rooftop
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
9. Queen of Hoxton
Meet trendy locals at Queen of Hoxton, the Shoreditch rooftop bar which is transformed with different themes throughout the year. Indulge in cocktails and burgers on the spacious terrace with lots of colourful seating. Open Wednesdays to Saturdays, year-round.
10. The Nest at Treehouse London

11. Lost in Brixton
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 Wednesdays to Sundays, year-round
12. Buck Street Market
Fun rooftop bars in London
13. Skylight London

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
14. Big Chill King's Cross
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
15. The Golden Bee
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 Thursdays to Sundays, year-round
16. Bar Elba

17. Netil 360

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
18. Frank's Cafe
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.
19. Roof East

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.
20. Dalston Roof Park
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.
Find more outdoor foodie treats at alfresco restaurants in London, or enjoy a drink in the capital's laid-back beer gardens.