Best 21 rooftop bars in London

1. Radio Rooftop

An empty terrace with lounge-style seating and London's skyline in the background, at dusk. — Radio rooftop bar at ME London. Image courtesy of ME 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.

Location: 336-337 Strand, WC2R 1HA

2. Savage Garden at Hilton DoubleTree Hotel

A parallel image of Savage Garden rooftop bar in London, showing the warm orange interiors and the open rooftop near the shard. — Savage Garden Rooftop London. Image courtesy of Savage Garden

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

3. 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

4. Jin Bo Law Skybar

People sitting on the terrace at Jin Bo Law Skybar in the daytime, with City of London skyscrapers in the background. — Jin Bo Law Skybar at the Dorsett City Hotel. Image courtesy of 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

5. Madison rooftop bar

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

7. Oxo Tower

An outdoor rooftop overlooking the London skyline, with people eating and drinking in the hazy sunshine. — Terrace at OXO. Image courtesy of OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie.

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

Location: Barge House St, SE1 9PH

7. 12th Knot at Sea Containers

An outside rooftop bar terrace, overlooking the London skyline at night — 12th Knot at Sea Containers. Image courtesy of Sea Containers

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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 8 at The Londoner

A photo of the firepit at Shima Garden, the Japanese rooftop bar at London hotel 8 at The Londoner. — Shima Garden rooftop bar at 8 at The Londoner. Image courtesy of 8 at the Londoner.

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

11. Dalloway Terrace

The flower-filled outdoor dining space at London restaurant Dalloway Terrace. — The floral spectacular at Dalloway Terrace. Image courtesy of Perowne International.

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

12. Queen of Hoxton

A cosy rooftop bar with furry seats and fairy lights at the queen of hoxton. — Queen of Hoxton rooftop bar. Image courtesy of Mothership Group.

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 most 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.

13. The Nest at Treehouse London

The interior of The Nest rooftop bar at Treehouse London hotel, featuring boho-style furniture, rugs, plus pendant lights and plants hanging from the ceiling, and London's skyline in the background. — The Nest at Treehouse London hotel. Image courtesy of Bacchus Agency.

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

14. Angler Terrace

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

15. Lost in Brixton

The sunny outdoor dining space at the London restaurant and bar Lost in Brixton. — Sun-drenched outdoor dining area at Lost in Brixton. Image courtesy of Lost in Brixton. Photo Credit: Pasco Photography.

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

16. John Lewis' Willows on The Roof

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

17. Skylight Tobacco Dock

A big sign of the Skylight Rooftop Bar on a sunny day with London panorama in the background. — Skylight rooftop bar and more venues are opening up for the summer. Credits: Haydon Perrior. Image courtesy of Skylight Rooftop Bar.

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

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

Location: 257-259, Pentonville Rd, N1 9NL

19. 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, 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

20. Bar Elba

People enjoy drinks on the rooftop of London bar, Bar Elba. — London rooftop bar Elba. Image courtesy of Bar Elba.

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

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 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)

Location: The Print House, 18-22 Ashwin St, E8 3DL

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