From rooftop terraces to skyline cocktail spots and venues on the water, this city is full of drinking dens that boast a seriously beautiful location. When you take your pick of the best bars in Manchester with a view? You'll catch the sunset as you sip a drink or watch the streets below with a pint in hand.
For more ideas? Check out our favourite rooftops in Manchester.
Last edited by Lauren Cole
Last updated on 9th July 2025
When only the best cocktail bars in Manchester with a view will do, The Alchemist's MediaCity location springs to mind. Not only do you get views across the water from an outdoor space, but also a whole load of theatrical mixes to sip.
For rooftop bars in Manchester city centre, Honest Burgers is a great choice. The much-loved chain does what it says on the tin: aged patties and delicious toppings. For this outpost? They've teamed up with Runaway Brewery on a secret little terrace that overlooks the area.
Sora Sky Bar brings a taste of the pan-Asia to the heart of Manchester, with a rooftop terrace that's made for golden hour found seven floors up at Malmaison Deansgate. Dive into a menu of vibrant small plates - from crispy duck bao to spicy tuna tartare - and sip on cocktails that are as photogenic as they are punchy.
Found opposite Albert Square, the venue offers great views of the city centre.
Situated right next to the canal, Dukes 92 is a must when it comes to summertime boozing. Make your way over for a much sought-after space in their beer garden. Or, if it's a bit nippier, the restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows also have great views of the water.
Vowing for the title of best rooftop bar in Manchester? Doghouse, which doubles as a totally unique hotel with beer-themed rooms. On the terrace, you'll find plenty of craft pours, tacos and an urban garden, alongside the chance to people watch from the Fountain Street perch.
As a sky-high beauty, rooftop bar 20 Stories Manchester is a safe bet for some of the best views. This all-day destination that has one hell of a terrace with themes that change regularly, so expect winter igloos or sunny gardens whenever you nab a seat outside.
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A Manchester bar with views of the river, Slug and Lettuce Spinningfields is worth a look for that terrace on the Irwell. From all-day 2 for 1 cocktail deals to full meals, there are all sorts of affordable options waiting at this laid-back drinking and dining destination.
Lock 91, a lovingly restored 19th century lock keeper's cottage, has exactly the kind of views you'd expect: canalside ones. The small but perfectly formed terrace is right on the water, so you can glug frozen strawberry daiquiris and craft beer in the sun.
Found overlooking the Irwell at the Lowry Hotel, River Restaurant has you covered for meals and drinking with waterfront views. Our tip? Try to nab a spot near the windows or out on the sweeping balcony during sunnier climes.
Our list wouldn't be complete without city centre staple Rain Bar. Now, the views don't go on for days, but this lovely stretch of canal is surprisingly peaceful - even if the venue itself is usually buzzing. Nab yourself some local pints and enjoy the multi-tiered outdoor area.
Cross the canal on a little bridge to find this utterly adorable drinking den in Castlefield. The large space has been divided into lots of rooms, with plenty of nooks and crannies to curl up in to watch the world float by on the canal. Come summer, the beer garden is perfect for a pint.
The Old Pint Pot is a waterside spot that was just made for sunnier days, as the riverside beer garden isn't to be missed. Make the most of pool and live music indoors, before taking your pint outside to enjoy beaut scenes.
If you're searching for a roof terrace bar in Manchester with views, Atlas is just the place - especially if gin sweetens the deal for you. This Deansgate Locks watering hole has a lovely outdoor space for looking out over the surrounding urban landscape, all with a G&T in hand.
Private members' club Brass can afford to be exclusive when the views are this beautiful. Located atop Hotel Gotham, this rooftop looks out over some of Manchester's most beautiful buildings and fronts sippable cocktails.
Quirky bars in Manchester with a view don't get any better than a microbrewery, restaurant and rooftop tipi rolled into one. When you venture up to the hidden space at The Con Club, you'll uncover panoramic scenes across Altrincham's market area.
Spend an evening sipping on Italian wines, Amalfi spritzes and freshly poured pints of Peroni at Tre Ciccio, a gorgeous Altrincham venue. The beaut spot sports Mediterranean decor and a chic outdoor terrace, making it the ideal spot at any time of year.
SkyLounge at Doubletree by Hilton has city skyline views across the city centre from its Piccadilly perch. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor lounging area and more across this private hire space.
One of the best rooftop bars in Manchester, Cloud 23 is a classy experience if you're looking for enviable views to accompany cocktails and Champagne sipping. While huge windows provide eye-catching panoramas across the city and beyond, the space also serves up signature concoctions with names like vertigo.
It doesn't get much slinkier than The Ivy - and the Spinningfields site is no exception. Head up to the top floor where the space is housing floral fixtures, cosy seating, a glowing bar and a retractable roof for summer days.
