Best Rooftop Bars In Edinburgh

• Location: 4th Floor, 33 Castle Street, Edinburgh New Town, EH2 3DN
• Views of: Edinburgh Castle and the Firth of Forth
• Why we recommend: not only are the views unbelievable here, but their extensive Thai menu has something to suit the whole group

Ascend to Chaophraya's top floor and you'll be greeted by a beautiful alfresco terrace with gob-smacking, panoramic views. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a removable cover for when the weather's warm and you want to bask in the sun, this slinky Thai restaurant is the real deal.

Serving authentic dishes from the country, alongside creative cocktails and fine wine to match, it's a place with real wow-factor.

• Location: 5 New Street, Holyrood, EH8 8BH
• Views of: the Holyrood area
• Why we recommend: this is our top pick for craft beer fans, and it's got you covered for street food as well

For sublime sips in the sunshine, nab a spot on DogHouse Edinburgh's cool first floor terrace. From snazzy alfresco furniture covered by pergolas with heaters to rounded benches and luscious foliage, it's a great spot to dive into the 30 taps of craft beer on offer.

Both a bar and a hotel, this is the place for the ultimate BrewDog experience and it scratches the rooftop itch on sunny days as well. Hungry? Get stuck into their menu of mouthwatering burgers and wings.

• Location: 34 Bread Street, EH3 9AF
• Views of: Edinburgh Castle and the surrounding area
• Why we recommend: this place provides one of the best views of the castle, and their cocktails are second-to-none

Found five floors up, SKYBar is in the perfect position to look out over Edinburgh Castle. It's got floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a spacious terrace, both of which overlook the city and promise comfortable seating to relax in.

Their carefully curated cocktail menu is full of signature concoctions, with a cracking selection of food to boot. We're talking jackfruit burgers, pepperoni pizzas, tiger prawn linguine and more.

• Location: Arch 16, The Arches, East Market Street, Holyrood, EH8 8FS
• Views of: Calton Hill and National Monument
• Why we recommend: you won't find a better selection of gins than this, and their cocktail menu is full of unique sips

Edinburgh's coolest gin distillery is also home to a gorgeous rooftop bar. Offering panoramic views of the city's historic architecture, head on up in the summer months for a cocktail menu of seasonal highlights.

Keep things cool with their Rhubarb Frosé, or try their Rooftop Iced Tea, alongside a selection of exclusive gin serves. There's no booking necessary either, so just walk on in.

• Location: 1 Leith Street, EH1 3SS
• Views of: Calton Hill and National Monument
• Why we recommend: if you're looking for a premium menu with your rooftop views, then this is the place for you - we lovwe the fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavours

Located on the 10th floor of W Hotel in St James Quarter, Sushisamba is a two-storey restaurant that promises amazing views of the city - complete with an outdoor terrace for all your rooftop needs. Look out over Calton Hill and National Monument while you dine, surrounded by artistic interiors and their iconic red tree sculpture.

The menu is a unique fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisines, featuring dishes like short ribs with jalapeno puree, sweet soy asparagus and wagyu filet with truffle miso. Plus, there are killer cocktails to wash it all down.

• Location: 11th Floor, W Edinburgh, 1 St James Square, EH1 3AX
• Views of: the 360-degree skyline
• Why we recommend: we always feel relaxed but sophisticated in this classy cocktail bar, and floor-to-ceiling windows ensure that everyone gets a great view

Situated on top of the W Edinburgh hotel, the stylish W Lounge looks out over Edinburgh's beautiful skyline from its floor-to-ceiling windows. The bold decor features colourful velvet armchairs and a patterned ceiling, with a bar in the centre.

They serve up some seriously delicious cocktails here, ranging from the honey-infused Midas In Moor to a coffee and toasted cream-based Freya's Whisper. Hungry? They also serve up tasty plates like lamb rump potato gnocchi, roasted butternut squash rigatoni or dry-aged beef burgers.

• Location: 145 Princes Street, EH2 4BL
• Views of: the skyline and Edinburgh Castle
• Why we recommend: stylish, modern and serving some of the best whisky around, this spacious terrace has got it all

Perched atop the Johnnie Walker Princes Street experience centre, 1820 Rooftop Bar offers one of Edinburgh's most stunning rooftop experiences. With sleek indoor lounges featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a modern outdoor terrace, guests enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the city skyline and Edinburgh Castle.

The stylish design blends Johnnie Walker's heritage with a cosmopolitan vibe, making it a top spot for whisky lovers and those seeking a memorable evening high above the city.

• Location: 39 St Andrew Square, EH2 2AD
• Views of: Edinburgh's New Town skyline 
• Why we recommend: for something a little more sophisticated, this secluded rooftop doubles as a private members' club

Perched atop the Gleneagles Townhouse on St. Andrew Square, Lamplighters offers one of Edinburgh's most exclusive and refined rooftop drinking experiences. This elegant bar perfectly blends vintage glamour with modern sophistication, featuring plush seating, warm lighting, and panoramic windows that showcase breathtaking views of the New Town skyline. The intimate rooftop terrace adds an open-air charm, ideal for enjoying sunset cocktails or late-night conversations under the stars.

Access is limited to Gleneagles Townhouse members and hotel guests, making it a hidden gem for those seeking exclusivity. The drinks menu boasts expertly crafted cocktails, curated Champagnes, and premium whiskies, complemented by a selection of elegant bar snacks. 

• Location: 6 Market Street, EH1 1DE
• Views of: Edinburgh Old Town 
• Why we recommend: a classy Champagne bar with a modern, enticing feel, we love this one for an elevated date night

Nor' Loft, located atop the Market Street Hotel in Edinburgh's historic Old Town, is a sleek and sophisticated rooftop bar and Champagne lounge with stunning panoramic views over the city skyline. The interior is modern and stylish, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, plush seating, and a warm, neutral palette that enhances the natural light and the surrounding heritage.

Its open-air rooftop terrace is perfect for daytime relaxation or evening celebrations, offering a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Known for its impressive champagne list, with over 20 labels from independent growers and iconic houses, Nor' Loft also serves expertly crafted champagne cocktails, single malts, and local craft beers. The food menu highlights seasonal small plates and sharing platters inspired by Scotland's finest produce.

• Location: 2 Freer Gait, EH3 9FR
• Views of: Edinburgh Castle and the Pentland Hills
• Why we recommend: having won awards for its excellent drinks menu, you can count on Lochrin for quality cocktails with a view

Named after the historic Lochrin gin distillery that was founded by James Haig in 1780, Lochrin is a sleek rooftop bar in the Fountainbridge area. It won Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year at the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards, speaking to its class and high-quality drinks menu.

While looking out over the city from its heated outdoor terrace, you can sip cocktails like the raspberry-flavoured Sleeping Dragon or an Aperol-based Castle On A Rock. Pair these with small plates like chilli and garlic prawns or patatas bravas, and be sure to check out the live music here too.

• Location: 4 Grassmarket, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2JU
• Views of: Edinburgh Castle from below
• Why we recommend: this award-winning spot offers a great view of the castle, and their delicious pizzas will keep you fuelled all day

A wonderland of craft beers, cocktails and stone-baked pizzas, Cold Town House offers a fantastic spot for your weekend antics. But the real showstopping element here has to be that it's also a rooftop bar near Edinburgh Castle, coming complete with lovely views and foliage-adorned pergolas.

It's also a previous winner of Best Beer Bar at the Scottish Beer Awards and a National Pizza Awards Finalist, so you know that the food and drink quality matches the aesthetic.