15 Best Rooftop Bars in London for Drinks, Views and Sunset
There is something about having a drink above London that makes the city feel completely different.
The traffic gets quieter.
The buildings suddenly look smaller.
Church domes sit beside glass skyscrapers.
The Thames catches the light.
And if you time it right, the whole skyline changes while you're holding a drink.
London has no shortage of rooftop bars, but they aren't all the same.
Some are about spectacular views.
Some are better for cocktails.
Some are lively places for a night out.
Others are quiet terraces where you can sit for an hour and actually talk.
Then there are the rooftops that are really restaurants, hotel bars or social spaces with a terrace attached.
So instead of simply looking for the highest rooftop in London, think about what kind of evening you actually want.
Here are 15 rooftop bars in London worth knowing about, from famous skyline favourites to newer and less obvious places to try.
1. Sky Garden - The Rooftop With the City at Your Feet
Sky Pod Bar
If you've never experienced London from above, Sky Garden is an obvious place to start.
Set high above the City in the Walkie Talkie building, Sky Garden combines indoor gardens, viewing areas and bars with huge views across London.
You can see landmarks including the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, The Shard and the Thames from different parts of the building.
The reason it is particularly interesting for visitors is that general entry can be free, although you need to book an available slot in advance.
That makes it different from many premium London rooftop experiences.
You can arrive, walk around the gardens, enjoy the views and then decide whether you want a drink.
The Sky Pod Bar gives you the option of actually sitting down for one.
Don't think of this as just a place to go for cocktails, though.
Come for the skyline.
Stay for the atmosphere.
And if you can get an evening slot around sunset, even better.
Best for: First-time visitors and skyline views.
Area: City of London.
Good to know: Free entry is subject to availability and booking conditions.
2. Madison - For the St Paul's Cathedral View
Madison
Some rooftop views are all about seeing as much of London as possible.
Madison is different.
Its biggest attraction is sitting almost directly opposite St Paul's Cathedral.
The rooftop terrace at One New Change puts the cathedral right in front of you, creating one of those views that immediately makes you reach for your phone.
It works particularly well around sunset, when the stone of St Paul's starts changing colour and the surrounding City buildings begin lighting up.
There is also a restaurant and cocktail-bar atmosphere, so this works if you want something more substantial than just one drink.
The venue currently operates year-round, with DJs on selected evenings.
If your idea of a rooftop evening is:
cocktail + skyline + music + St Paul's
this is one to remember.
Best for: St Paul's views, sunset and a lively evening.
Area: St Paul's.
3. 12th Knot - South Bank From Above
12th Knot
Head to the top of Sea Containers London and you'll find 12th Knot.
The view is different from the City rooftops.
Here, you're looking across the Thames.
That means you get the river itself, London's skyline and the constant movement of boats below.
It is particularly good if you're meeting friends or looking for somewhere that feels like a proper night out rather than simply a viewing platform.
The rooftop serves cocktails, wine and food, while weekends can bring DJs and a livelier atmosphere. Visit London currently lists it as operating year-round, Tuesday to Saturday.
There's also something nice about its South Bank location.
You can have a drink here and then walk along the Thames afterwards.
So the evening doesn't have to end when the rooftop does.
Best for: Thames views, dates and evenings with friends.
Area: South Bank.
4. Florattica - A Rooftop Hidden Among the City
Florattica Rooftop London
Florattica is one of the more visually distinctive rooftops in the City.
Located on the 11th floor of Canopy by Hilton London City, it takes inspiration from East London's textile heritage and uses floral installations throughout the space.
But the important part is what happens outside.
From the rooftop, you get views across the City towards landmarks including St Paul's Cathedral and Canary Wharf.
The drinks menu follows the floral theme, while food includes small plates, sharing dishes and other options.
There are also DJs and live entertainment on selected occasions.
It is a good alternative if you've already done the obvious London rooftops and want somewhere that feels slightly more tucked away.
Best for: Stylish interiors, cocktails and City views.
Area: Aldgate.
5. Radio Rooftop - Central London After Dark
Radio Rooftop
For a rooftop that feels properly central, Radio Rooftop is hard to ignore.
It sits on the 10th floor of ME London on the Strand, putting you close to Covent Garden, the West End and the Thames.
From the terrace, you can see landmarks including the London Eye, Big Ben and St Paul's Cathedral.
The atmosphere becomes more energetic later in the week, with DJs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
This is less of a “quietly admire London” rooftop and more of a place to dress up, order cocktails and make an evening of it.
It's particularly useful if you're already planning a night around the West End.
You can start with drinks here and continue into Covent Garden or Soho afterwards.
Best for: Central London nights and cocktails.
Area: Strand / Covent Garden.
6. Aviary London - A Rooftop That Works in Winter Too
Aviary
One problem with London rooftops is obvious.
British weather.
Aviary gets around that better than many.
Located on the 10th floor of Montcalm Royal London House, the rooftop combines City views with cocktails, food and outdoor seating.
And when temperatures drop, its seasonal outdoor setups can make the rooftop usable for a very different kind of evening.
Visit London currently describes Aviary as a year-round rooftop and highlights its winter igloos and heated outdoor experience.
So don't automatically write rooftop bars off once summer disappears.
A cold evening with the London skyline in front of you can actually be part of the experience.
Best for: Winter rooftop drinks and City views.
Area: Finsbury Square / Old Street.
7. Sabine Rooftop Bar - A Garden Above St Paul's
Sabine London St Paul's
Sabine takes a different approach.
Instead of making the skyline the entire personality of the venue, it combines the rooftop with a botanical garden feel.
The bar sits on the seventh floor of Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul's and has outdoor terraces overlooking St Paul's Cathedral.
There are cocktails, wines and food, alongside live musicians and DJs on selected occasions.
It's the sort of place that works particularly well when you want the rooftop experience but don't want somewhere that feels overwhelmingly like a nightclub.
Think:
plants + cocktails + St Paul's + city lights.
Best for: Dates, relaxed drinks and St Paul's views.
Area: St Paul's.
8. Coq d'Argent - An Elegant Rooftop in the City
Coq d'Argent
If your idea of a rooftop bar involves something slightly more polished, head towards Bank.
Coq d'Argent sits on the roof of No. 1 Poultry and combines a French-inspired restaurant with several covered and heated rooftop terraces.
The views take in landmarks including St Paul's Cathedral, Monument and the Bank of England.
This isn't the place to come if you're looking for cheap drinks and a casual party.
It's better suited to:
after-work drinks
a special date
a business evening
or simply an occasion when you want something a little more sophisticated.
And because several areas are covered and heated, it can be a useful option when London's weather isn't cooperating.
Best for: Elegant evenings and after-work drinks.
Area: Bank.
9. Netil360 - The Local Rooftop
If you want something that feels less like a luxury hotel and more like a neighbourhood hangout, look towards Hackney.
Netil360 has a laid-back atmosphere with wide views across East London.
Visit London currently describes it as a local favourite with cocktails, draught beer, wine and Neapolitan pizza. DJs play on Friday and Saturday nights.
That combination is what makes it interesting.
You don't necessarily have to dress up.
You can arrive with friends, order food, have a drink and watch the sun disappear over East London.
It feels more relaxed than some of the polished central rooftops.
And that can be exactly what you want.
Best for: Casual rooftop drinks and East London atmosphere.
Area: Hackney.
10. London Bridge Rooftop - For an Easygoing Night Out
London Bridge Rooftop Bar
Want something casual, central and easy to combine with the rest of your evening?
London Bridge Rooftop is worth considering.
The rooftop looks towards some of London's most recognisable landmarks, including The Shard, the London Eye and the Tower of London.
The atmosphere is more relaxed and social than formal.
Think cocktails, beers, food, DJs and plenty of people meeting up after work or at the weekend.
And the location makes it particularly convenient.
You can walk around Borough Market and London Bridge beforehand, then head up for drinks later.
Or do it the other way around and finish the night beside the Thames.
Best for: Casual drinks, groups and an easy London evening.
Area: London Bridge.
11. The Emory Rooftop Bar - For a More Exclusive Evening
The Emory Rooftop Bar
If you're looking for something more luxurious, The Emory's rooftop is a very different experience.
The bar sits within The Emory hotel in Knightsbridge and offers views across central London alongside an extensive drinks selection.
This is not really a “grab a few cheap drinks with friends” kind of rooftop.
It's more suited to a special occasion.
The setting is intimate, the hotel itself is luxurious and the drinks list focuses on premium spirits, wines and champagne.
So if you're celebrating something or looking for a rooftop that feels noticeably more exclusive, this is one to consider.
Best for: Luxury, celebrations and special occasions.
Area: Knightsbridge.
12. Jin Bo Law Skybar - Asian-Inspired Cocktails and City Views
Jin Bo Law
On the 14th floor of the Dorsett City Hotel, Jin Bo Law offers another perspective over the City.
The bar has an Asian-inspired drinks menu and a more energetic atmosphere, with DJs forming part of the experience on selected nights.
It's particularly interesting if you want a rooftop that doesn't feel like another variation of the classic hotel cocktail bar.
The menu draws inspiration from Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese flavours.
And because you're in Aldgate, you're close to the Tower of London, Spitalfields and Shoreditch.
That makes it easy to build a longer evening around the visit.
Best for: Creative cocktails and lively evenings.
Area: Aldgate.
13. Wagtail - Multiple Views From the City
Wagtail
Wagtail is another strong option if you want to explore the City from above.
Located on King William Street, the venue combines rooftop spaces, cocktails, food and skyline views.
The location is particularly useful because you're right in the middle of some of London's most interesting City architecture.
You can start around Monument.
Walk towards the Bank of England.
Continue towards the Thames.
Then finish with drinks above the streets.
It turns a rooftop bar into part of a larger London evening rather than the only destination.
Best for: A central night out with a rooftop finish.
Area: Bank / Monument.
14. The Rooftop at The Standard - King's Cross From Above
The Standard's rooftop is a good reminder that rooftop bars aren't only about the traditional City skyline.
Up in King's Cross, you're looking across a very different part of London.
The rooftop combines skyline views with a retro-inspired setting, drinks and food, and its current operation is seasonal. Visit London currently lists it as a spring-to-summer rooftop.
That makes it particularly worth checking during warmer months.
You can start around Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square, have dinner nearby and then head upwards for drinks.
Or simply make the rooftop the final stop of a King's Cross evening.
Best for: King's Cross dates and summer evenings.
Area: King's Cross.
15. Roof East - Rooftop Drinks With Something to Actually Do
If sitting around drinking cocktails isn't enough for you, Roof East changes the formula.
This huge rooftop space in Stratford combines drinks and food with activities including crazy golf, batting cages and other games.
Visit London currently describes it as a 30,000-square-foot rooftop playground overlooking Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, with seasonal opening from spring into summer.
That makes it particularly good for groups.
Instead of:
“Let's meet for drinks.”
it's more:
“Let's go play something, then get drinks.”
And because you're in Stratford, you can combine it with a walk through Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
This is one of the better choices if you want the rooftop to be part of the activity rather than simply the setting.
Best for: Groups, games and summer evenings.
Area: Stratford.
Which Rooftop Bar Should You Choose?
With so many rooftops around London, the answer depends on what you're actually looking for.
Want the classic London skyline?
Try Sky Garden or Madison.
Want to see St Paul's?
Go for Madison or Sabine.
Want Thames views?
Try 12th Knot.
Want somewhere relaxed?
Netil360 is a good East London option.
Want something more sophisticated?
Look at Coq d'Argent or The Emory.
Want cocktails and a lively atmosphere?
Try Radio Rooftop or Jin Bo Law.
Want somewhere different?
Florattica brings a very different visual style.
Want a rooftop date?
12th Knot, Sabine or Madison all work well for a more traditional date-night atmosphere.
Want a rooftop where you can actually do something?
Roof East.
When Is the Best Time to Visit a London Rooftop Bar?
There's no single perfect time.
It depends on the experience you're after.
Afternoon -
An afternoon rooftop can be much more relaxed.
You can actually see the details of London's architecture rather than looking at a sea of lights.
This can work particularly well for lunch or early drinks.
Sunset -
This is when many rooftops become busiest.
And for good reason.
You get daylight.
Then golden light.
Then the first city lights.
If you want sunset, check the sunset time and book ahead.
Don't assume you can simply turn up at 7pm and get the best table.
After dark -
London looks completely different at night.
Skyscrapers light up.
The roads become streams of headlights.
The Thames reflects the city.
And landmarks such as St Paul's, Tower Bridge and The Shard become part of the skyline rather than just buildings you recognise during the day.
For many people, this is the best time for the classic rooftop-bar experience.
Do You Need to Book London Rooftop Bars?
Often, yes.
Especially for:
Friday evenings
Saturday evenings
Sunset
Special occasions
Popular central venues
Tables with particularly good views
Some rooftops also have minimum-spend requirements, reservations for certain areas or specific entry arrangements.
And some are seasonal.
So don't assume that a rooftop you saw in a summer Instagram post will operate in exactly the same way in winter.
Check the venue's current booking information before going.
Rooftop Bars Are Not Always About the Highest Floor
This is something worth remembering.
The highest rooftop isn't automatically the best rooftop.
A lower terrace directly facing St Paul's can give you a better view of the cathedral than a much taller building several streets away.
A rooftop beside the Thames can offer a completely different experience from a high-rise in the City.
And a neighbourhood rooftop such as Netil360 can feel more relaxed than a luxury hotel bar.
So when choosing, ask yourself:
What do I actually want to see?
What kind of atmosphere do I want?
Do I want food?
Do I want music?
Do I want somewhere romantic?
Do I want somewhere casual?
Do I want a proper night out or simply one drink with a view?
Once you answer those questions, choosing becomes much easier.
A Few Things to Know Before Going
London rooftop bars can have very different rules.
Some are restaurants with rooftop terraces.
Some are cocktail bars.
Some are hotel bars.
Some are seasonal pop-ups.
And some are entertainment venues where the rooftop is only one part of the experience.
So check:
Opening days
Current hours
Booking requirements
Dress code
Minimum spend
Weather arrangements
Age restrictions
Seasonal operation
This is particularly important for venues such as Roof East and The Standard, which currently have seasonal operations listed by Visit London.
And don't forget the weather.
A rooftop in London is always partly a weather bet.
Even if the venue has heaters or covered areas, the experience can be very different on a warm September evening compared with a windy January night.
The Best Rooftop Experience Might Not Be the Most Expensive One
It's easy to assume that rooftop bars are automatically luxury experiences.
Some definitely are.
But London has a surprisingly wide range.
You can find polished hotel rooftops, lively social spaces, neighbourhood terraces and activity-filled rooftops.
That means you don't necessarily have to spend a fortune just to see London from above.
Sometimes the best plan is simply:
Walk around London → find somewhere interesting to eat → head to a rooftop around sunset → have one drink → enjoy the view.
You don't need to turn it into an expensive night.
And you don't need to visit the highest building in London.
Sometimes all you need is a good terrace, a clear evening and a view worth looking at.
Because London looks different from above.
And once you've watched the city light up from a rooftop, you'll probably start looking at those buildings differently when you're back down on the street.
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