Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city? It's time to rise above it all and try these sky-high spots. From alfresco terraces to watering holes in the clouds, we've got a great selection of locations to suit any evening. Check out our recommendations for the most jaw-dropping rooftop bars in Manchester and pair spectacular views with indulgent meals, all while sipping a drink or two.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 8th August 2025
Sora Sky Bar at Malmaison Manchester is a rooftop gem serving up small plates with big flavour. Think Japanese fried chicken, Thai-style prawns and expertly mixed cocktails with Japanese-inspired flavours like peach and lychee spritz or miso old fashioned, all with panoramic views of the city.
It's the perfect spot for sunset drinks or a stylish date night.
Perched in the clouds at one of the city's most enviable addresses, 20 Stories is firmly on the list of most beautiful rooftop bars in Manchester city centre. Chill out on the expansive patio, which comes complete with English garden-style touches, igloos in winter and some of the finest food in town.
The Dome stands as the city's go-to rooftop destination for unforgettable events. Nestled in the heart of Manchester, it offers a distinctive space that wows every guest.
With its versatile blank canvas design, The Dome seamlessly transitions between indoor and outdoor settings, making it perfect for any occasion - from vibrant summer soirées to magical winter gatherings. Check out its fantastic food and drinks offering too, featuring street food like beef burgers, jerk-style chicken skewers and lamb koftas.
You can really imagine that you're in a stunning Spanish city with El Gato Negro; the central tapas bar with a rooftop terrace and thirst-quenching cocktails that are perfect on those rare sunny days. Dinner dates? Sun-soaked sips? You'll find it all here.
Honest Burgers are bringing so much more than just their signature patties. The burger joint have teamed up with Runaway Brewery to open a snug little terrace, which is one of the best rooftop restaurants. It serves ice cold brews with impressive views all year round.
Up at the top of DogHouse Manchester, you'll find a lovely roof terrace strewn with fairy lights. Here you can nab the usual range of craft beers, wines and signature serves, while there's also a delicious taco menu too.
Terrace NQ is a rooftop bar in Manchester's Northern Quarter framed by exposed brick walls and a distinctive stripped-back look. When the clouds part, you can relax with a range of locally sourced ales and beers, making it one incredible spot to unwind after a hard day of work.
Created by the team behind Chester's Covino, Climat is a sophisticated rooftop restaurant and bar on the eighth floor of Blackfriars House in Salford. Admire views of the city from their sunny outdoor terrace, or head inside for clean, natural interiors filled with pretty plants.
Sip fine wines while looking out over Manchester's skyline, with over 250 bottles to choose from. As for the menu, think international plates like beef and duck liver raviolo, courgette with goat's curd and tempura asparagus.
Get your fix of potent cocktails and craft beers at The Con Club, an Altrincham drinking and dining den. Not only does it have an on-site microbrewery and hidden rooftop tipi, which makes it one of our favourite bars with a view in Manchester, but it's also got a great menu of sushi and seafood if you get peckish.
The luxurious Hotel Gotham harbours a secret - and that's one of the swankiest rooftop cocktail bars in Manchester. While only open to hotel guests and members, this intimate retreat is the ultimate location for concoctions and bubbly with plenty of stunning views.
Gin, anyone? Atlas Bar has more juniper-laced pours than you can shake a stick at, alongside that sunny terrace to boot. This lovely little space might not be the highest rooftop around, but it's just as good for catching some rays while sipping delish drinks.
This former auction house is one of the best rooftop bars in Manchester, thanks to its bright pink gig space, industrial touches and beer garden terrace space to boot. You can grab pizza slices or vegan doner kebabs, all washed down with affordable pints and heady concoctions.
Amalfi spritzes, negronis and Lombardy wines are all on the menu at Tre Ciccio, an Italian bar and restaurant outside of Manchester. Head here for a day spent sipping delicious drinks while topping up your tan on its rooftop terrace.
SkyLounge Manchester is the penthouse private dining area within the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel. It takes full advantage of the beautiful views over the city centre from its Piccadilly perch, perfect for a night of partying under the stars.
The Ivy Spinningfields, a gorgeous rooftop restaurant in Manchester, is the perfect spot to soak up the last of the summer sun. Sitting high above the city with panoramic views, The Ivy on the Roof now features a brasserie-meets-Asian fusion menu, cocktails, and live DJ entertainment every weekend. You'll find small and large plates packed with bold seasonal flavours, including yellowfin tuna tataki, wagyu short rib croquettes, lobster and prawn rolls, and a peach, prosciutto and mozzarella salad. For dessert, go classic with the ivy chocolate bombe or try something zingy like the yuzu and lemon tart with black sesame meringue and clotted cream.
To elevate the experience even further, The Ivy is turning up the volume every Friday and Saturday from 4pm until 1am, with live DJs bringing the vibes from sunset to late. Expect a rotating lineup of top talent spinning soulful house and crowd-pleasing hits, perfect for setting the mood as day turns to night. Add a sunset in Salford cocktail, and you've got one of Manchester's most stylish ways to see out the summer.
A proper Deansgate boozer, The Ape & Apple offers all the quirks of a traditional pub with a few modern touches. Think wood panelling and cosy interiors alongside a spacious roof terrace, making it a top pick out of outdoor bars.
