High-altitude drinking is the best way to make the most of Perth's/Boorloo's non-stop sunshine this summer.
At Urban List, we’ve sipped our way through all the rooftop bars this city has to offer, bringing you a hit list of the absolute best rooftop bars in Perth.
Lil's Rooftop Bar
437 Murray St, Perth WA 6000
Image credit: Lil’s Rooftop Bar | Facebook
Raise your hand if you've ever been personally victimised by Tiger Lil's. Same. Once the go-to party palace of questionable decisions, the Murray Street icon has had what I'm calling the city's glow-up of the decade, re-emerging as Lil's Rooftop Bar. The Mediterranean-inspired space now has multiple chic zones to explore, from the main bar and breezy patio to a moody dining room and, my personal favourite, the rooftop alfresco terrace.
Order up their signature limoncello spritz or work your way through the long list of classic cocktails, then line your stomach with wood-fired pizzas and Italian-leaning share plates from the kitchen.
INSIDER INTEL
- Jazzed up with honey, grapes and sweety drop peppers, the crispy halloumi is a hit
- Perfect pitstop for big groups and after-work drinks
Hello Rooftop Bar At The Rechabite
224 William St, Northbridge WA 6003
Image credit: Hello Rooftop Bar | Instagram
I'm always tempted to pull up a chair at Double Rainbow downstairs, but you’ll be seriously missing out if you don’t climb the extra flights to Hello Rooftop Bar. Perched above the Rechabite, this sky-high playground serves up Northbridge from a whole new angle, with fairy lights, skyline views and a buzzing open-air bar scene.
The cocktail list is as fun as the crowd, with fresh takes on the classics. Think a punchy margarita dialled up with kimchi, a negroni with mezcal in the place of gin, and a cookie espresso martini. Beers, wines and non-alcoholic options are well covered too, so there’s something for everyone in your crew.
INSIDER INTEL
- Check The Rechabite’s website to see who's DJing or what's on before you go
- Great for a late-night boogie after dinner downstairs
Folly Bar
Quest East Perth, Level 18/176 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth WA 6004
Image credit: Folly Bar | Supplied
Eighteen floors up and worlds away from the Adelaide Terrace traffic, Folly Bar is East Perth’s lofty little secret. Wrapped in a lush deck with uninterrupted 360-degree views, this sun-drenched rooftop bar had me half-seriously considering a move to the neighbourhood just so it could be my local.
The menu features punchy Italian-leaning bites plus cheesy woodfired pizzas, perfect for sharing between sunset sips. Drinks are just as much of a drawcard—magnums of rosé for the table, playful cocktails for the ‘gram, and a tight list of tap beers, wines and bubbles by the glass to keep the vibes high.
INSIDER INTEL
- Come at sunset, golden hour hits different at Folly
- Living in East Perth? Sign up for the Folly Gold Card to get 15% off food and drink
AGWA Rooftop Bar
The Art Gallery of Western Australia, Perth WA 6000
Sitting pretty on top of the Art Gallery of WA, AGWA Rooftop Bar is the city’s cultural crown jewel. Designed by TAG Architects and fjmt, this sprawling open-air terrace is Perth’s largest commercially-available rooftop, comfortably hosting up to 500 punters. With 360̊ city, hill and museum views, it’s basically a full-on feast for the senses.
The drinks list keeps things classic—wines, beers, a couple of spritis and a solid rotation of cocktails—but I think it's the surroundings really sets it apart. Wander the open-air sculpture walk featuring works from the State Art Collection, check out exhibitions in the internal gallery, or stop to marvel at the 34-metre-long contemporary Aboriginal piece by Minang/Wardandi/Bibbulmun artist Christopher Pease.
INSIDER INTEL
- The rooftop is seasonal and open only during the warmer months, so plan around summer
- Sunset is the sweet spot for maximum city-skyline magic
Mechanics Institute
222 William St, Northbridge WA 6000
Image credit: Mechanics | Instagram
Mechanics Institute’s tiered rooftop bar in the hidden, but by no means secret, alleyway behind William Street is a much-loved Perth drinking institution and one of Perth's best rooftop bars. One epic bloody mary on this rooftop and you’ll swear you are kickin’ it in trendy Brooklyn.
Terrarium Bar
99 St Georges Terrace, Howard St, Perth WA 6000
Image credit: Terrarium Bar | Elle Borgward
With twinkling festoon lights, plants galore and enough city skyline to make you feel like you’ve been whisked straight to NYC, Terrarium Bar is one of my favourite spaces in the CBD.
Led by one of the city’s all-time top bartenders, David "Xander" Stucken, the drinks are next-level. Feeling smoky and bold? He’s got you. After something light, bubbly and sweet? Sorted. Or, if you just want a fun, punchy Tiki-style drink, the Cyclone is a winner: white rum, papaya, aloe vera and passionfruit in a glass that tastes like summer in a sip.
INSIDER INTEL
- If whisky’s your thing, Xander is your guy—he’s the WA state manager for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and always happy to share a story
- Got an event coming up? The terraces makes a great spot for milestone birthdays, end-of-year celebrations and even wedding receptions
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Storehouse
9 Alvan St, Subiaco WA 6008
Image credit: Storehouse | Website
Didn't know there was a hotel in Subiaco? Now you do. It’s the Vibe Hotel, and it just happens to have a picture-perfect rooftop restaurant and bar boasting sweeping views of the city.
The wholesome meals are designed to share and we reckon you should dive right in with the rapple cocktail—it tastes just like an apple and rhubarb pie.
INSIDER INTEL
- It's a short stroll from the train station, but usually pretty easy to get a park out the front if you're driving
- Great for big groups or giving out-of-towners a view of Perth city from the sky
Songbird At The Ritz
Level 5/1 Barrack St, Perth WA 6000
Image credit: Songbird At The Ritz | Instagram
We reckon this rooftop needs a little more credit, because honestly, the views are unbeatable. Located upstairs at The Ritz Carlton in Elizabeth Quay, you get sweeping views over the water and into the city, topped off with boujee nibbles and beautiful cocktails inspired by native birds.
Connections
81 James St, Northbridge WA 6003
I’m surprised I haven’t heard more hype about the refurbished rooftop terrace at the much-loved Northbridge club, Connections. Leave the drag queen-fueled dance party inside to drink in million-dollar city views with your wine, then go back to the drag queens. Because, drag queens.
The Arbor At Old Synagogue
92 South Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160
Image credit: The Arbor | Instagram
The Arbor is a Sunday sesh go-to with its rooftop deck that looks across Fremantle Oval, with lush trees and vines growing through every nook and cranny. Grab something from the extensive drinks menu and settle in for one of Perth's best sunsets.
The Beaufort
521-525 Beaufort St, Highgate WA 6003
Image credit: The Beaufort | Instagram
While we're talking about The Old Synagogue, we have to slip in a mention about The Beaufort—the dreamy new Mount Lawley precinct from the same crew. You'll find loads of sun-soaked rooftop terraces to explore here along with a killer dancefloor downstairs.
The National Hotel
National Hotel, 98 High St, Fremantle WA 6160
This longstanding Freo favourite finally opened up their rooftop bar and we're oh so glad they did. With incredible 360 degree views over Fremantle, out past the cranes of the port and towards Rottnest, The National Hotel is the perfect spot to relax with an ice cold brew.
Sweetwater Rooftop Bar
Level 6/1 Silas St, East Fremantle WA 6158
Image credit: Sweetwater Rooftop Bar | Instagram
With amazing cocktails, delicious Asian-inspired nom noms and views from six stories up, it's pretty hard to beat an afternoon at Sweetwater.
Tiki As FK
91a James St, Northbridge WA 6003
Tiki As FK is not your average tiki bar. With an unexpected outdoor terrace boasting epic views of the city, plenty of tropical cocktails and a few bar bites to line the stomach, you'll want to add this one to your tiki hit list stat.
Lucky Chan’s Laundry + Noodle Bar
311 William St, Northbridge WA 6003
Image credit: Lucky Chan's | Instagram
The rooftop bar at Lucky Chan’s Laundry + Noodle Bar doesn’t provide much of a view, but this intimate space will win you over with its delicious cocktails and epic Japanese whiskey selection.
The Reveley
Eastern Promenade The Towers at Elizabeth Quay, Ophir Walk, Perth WA 6000
The Reveley has a cafe and restaurant, both of which are serving up delish eats. But if it's a killer view of Perth that you're after you'll want to head straight to the rooftop bar and grab a cocktail.
Rooftop At QT
Level 18/133 Murray St, Perth WA 6000
Image credit: QT Perth | Instagram
You’ll hear QT's rooftop bar before you see it—the chatter (and clink of cocktails) only gets louder as the elevator climbs. With gorgeous views of the CBD skyline and killer cocktails, this is certifiably the place to go if you want to party. Plus, it also just took out Best Hotel Bar at The 2023 AHA National Awards for Excellence, so consider this the extra push you need to add it to your list.
The Standard
28 Roe St, Northbridge WA 6003
Image credit: The Standard | Elle Borgward
It may not be atop of a skyscraper, but trust me, the raised outdoor deck at The Standard gives the same sun-soaked vibes you're chasing. Lit by twinkling fairy lights, this lush space is my go-to for chill drinks on a balmy evening.
After ten years of pouring pints, The Standard had a serious glow-up in 2024. Now, instead of South-East Asian cuisine, it's slinging pasta plates and Mediterranean-inspired snacks from the kitchen, plus Greek wines, beach club-style cocktails and Aperol slushies from the bar.
INSIDER INTEL
- Buy one pasta plate, get one FREE every Wednesday
- QR ordering on the rooftop = less times climbing up and down the stairs
- It’s the perfect pre-show stop before RAC Arena (or your last port of call after)
The Aviary
Level 1/140 William St, Perth WA 6000
Perched high above the rooftops of William Street, The Aviary sent Perth hurtling into the new age of high-altitude hospitality. Step onto the terrace and you're surrounded by enough leafy greenery, relaxed lounge furniture and jungle vibes to forget you're in the CBD.
The menu is made for sharing, so grab a few mates, a few plates and a couple of pizzas and tuck in. There's plenty of drink options to keep you hydrated, too, including cocktail jugs, a generous selection of beers on tap, and possibly the best espresso martini I've ever had.
INSIDER INTEL
- The Aviary's bottomless brunch is one of Perth's best
- Check out the Instagram to see what DJs are playing during your visit
Bonus: Rooftop Movies
68 Roe St, Perth WA 6000
It’s not exactly a bar but the Northbridge Rooftop Movies boast one of the best rooftops in Perth. When you park yourself on a beanbag amidst the colourful lanterns, AstroTurf and pink flamingoes, there can be no doubt that summer has arrived. Sip on your wine and take in the 360-degree views while watching a flick. You'll just have to wait for this one to open back up in summer.
Looking for more inspo? Check out:
- Perth's Best Wine Bars
- Perth's Best Pubs
- The Best Things To Do This Weekend In Perth
- Perth's Best Restaurant
Main image credit: Folly Bar | Supplied
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