Say cheers to city views at the best rooftop bars in Brisbane

Meet at Iris, Hotel X’s bustling rooftop bar and restaurant, for a Mediterranean inspired evening that’s fast become a Brisbane nightlife hotspot. Peering over Brunswick Street and offering up city skyline and Story Bridge views, soak up rays pool-side or kick back in a private cabana while sampling from house cocktails, mezze and tapas.

Coming from the crew behind Brisbane dining and bar sensations Bisou Bisou, Boom Boom Room, Donna Chang and Byblos, you know you’re in for a good time before you even ride the elevator to the top floor. 

The Terrace at Emporium Hotel, South Bank

If there's one Brisbane rooftop bar that should be top of your weekend to-do list, it's Emporium Hotel's 21 floors-up hotspot, The Terrace. Dripping in luxury and huge River City views from its South Bank location, The Terrace is an unforgettable backdrop for a relaxed lunch, a sparkling sunset, and as the energy pulses into nightlife, complete with DJs. 

Valley Hops Brewing, Fortitude Valley

You’ll be above the clouds – or at least, Cloudland – at Valley Hops Brewing. An independent rooftop brewery in the heart of pumping Fortitude Valley, they’re pouring all your favourites from hazy IPAs to lagers and sours, alongside wood-fired pizza, charcoal-grilled skewers and bar snacks like smoked chicken wings and duck confit spring rolls. 

Beer aficionados: book a brewery tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at the magic as it happens. 

WET Deck at W Brisbane, Brisbane City

There’s a reason that one of the world’s coolest hotel chains, the W Hotel, picked Brisbane to be its first Aussie home. One of Queensland's most luxuriously designed hotels, it's got more than its fair share of places to dine and drink. 

Looking more like a work of art than a bar, WET Deck is the larger than life rooftop-bar-slash-pool-area that wraps around to nearly 360 city views from the W’s prime position on North Quay. The cocktail list here also calls on plenty of inspiration from Brisbane, with pineapples, passionfruit, coconuts and more iconic local moments getting a nod in the cocktail list.

Fiume, Brisbane City

Local riverfront hotspot Howard Smith Wharves has it all: a brewery, overwater bar, award-winning restaurants and casual eateries. But ascend above the crowds to the rooftop of Crystalbrook Vincent to meet Fiume.

The views are A+, the infinity pool is just daring you to dive in (hotel guests only though, sorry), and there's a local touch on the native-inspired cocktail menu, with liqueurs from nearby distilleries. 

Maya, Fortitude Valley

Your ticket to Tulum has arrived, no passport needed.

Inspired by a trip to Mexico, Maya delivers a divine slice of culture - and a love of artisanal tequila - to the River City. Towering eleven floors above The Valley’s nightlife district, Maya is an oasis boasting 180 degree city views that’ll have you in holiday-mode whether you’re sitting in the dreamy silk-curtained booths or lounge area surrounded by greenery and cacti. Kick back and sip from a huge range of tequilas, mezcals and margaritas, feast from the menu of Mexican flavours, and if you’re ready to let you hair down – there’s live DJs come the weekend. 

Soleil Pool Bar, South Bank

Head south of the river to find Soleil Pool Bar at Rydges South Bank. This swanky spot wraps around the pool with peeps of Grey Street, and offers sun-soaking by afternoon and DJs on the weekends.

The perfect spot for a drink with show-stopping atmosphere, before a show – Soleil Pool Bar is a short walk from Brisbane’s entertainment quarter.

Hungry? Stick around for one of the city’s best degustation experiences at Bacchus. 

Lina, South Brisbane

While you're on the south side, why not pop in to see Lina - a rooftop bar that somehow also feels like you're on a beach holiday, thanks to its Mediterranean day beds and 30-metre infinity pool. Lina Rooftop takes elevated dining and drinking to the next level: the signature cocktail menu will keep you sipping, while diners can choose between a la carte in the restaurant or poolside bites like Moreton Bay Bug ceviche, sashimi plates and beef sliders. 

A great spot for groups, you can make advance reservations for six different areas including the restaurant, day beds, bar lounge and booths. See you by the pool. 

Cicada Blu, Brisbane City

Want to savour the views at the newest Brisbane rooftop bar? Make your way 100-metres above the city to the top of The Star at Queens Wharf to do just that at Cicada Blu. The cocktail-crown of the Sky Deck, Cicada Blu boasts unparalleled views that sparkle day and night. Settle in for sunset, or pop by for post-dinner drinks you’re sure to remember. 

Cielo, Fortitude Valley

This scenic slice of Italian Riveria is perched above the city in Fortitude Valley. Helmed by the Italian dining gurus from Salt Meats Cheese, head to Cielo on a sunny afternoon for its selection of champagnes, wines and cocktails (including plenty of Aperol spritz and the signature Portofino with its edible bubble) and a summery menu of share plates perfect for snacking.

Hibiscus Bar & Terrace, Brisbane City 

On the hunt for poolside drinks in the heart of the city? Hibiscus Bar & Terrace is a Brisbane rooftop bar ready to answer the call. Just head to the pool deck of Hyatt Regency in the heart of Queen Street Mall (one of the city's best shopping precincts).

Hibiscus is a playful revival of a once-Brisbane icon, and its name is a nod to the bar’s heyday in the 70s and 80s. Today, it’s transformed into a certifiable destination for summer sips and post-work fun, with live music every Friday and Saturday. Matched with a spirited cocktail list and all-day dining menu of charcuterie, pizza and snacks, this is a place to linger a while. 

The Boundary Hotel, West End

Dating back to 1864, there’s more than a little history hidden within the walls of The Boundary Hotel, which after a massive 2018 face-lift now boasts West End’s only rooftop bar.

There are five bars within this huge neighbourhood pub – including a greenery-filled, sunlit backyard bar. But head to the rooftop for skyline views under fairy lights, with plenty of cold beers, Pimms and espresso martinis to sip. 

Ooh La La, Woolloongabba

Brisbane rooftop bars take a French spin at Ooh La La. Located above Woolloongabba restaurant C’est Bon, Ooh La La is their refined rooftop offshoot, where you can sip French wines or choose from a concise menu of signature cocktails.

The food offering continues C’est Bon’s French flair and paddock-to-plate philosophy, so work your way through caviar and oysters, but save room for duck liver parfait, lobster eclairs, angus tartare and locally made fromage.

An intimate space for up to 45 people, one to add to your date-night calendar.

Ooh La La Rooftop is open Friday and Saturday, 3pm til late.

Sixteen Antlers, Brisbane City

Golden hour looks even better 16 floors up. For the perfect city-slicker knock off – and a birds eye view of King George Square and City Hall – head to the sixteenth floor of the Pullman for leafy rooftop vibes at Sixteen Antlers.

Our advice? Order big with the made-to-share menu of mezze platters, charcuterie boards, bread & dips, andmore, and settle in with a signature cocktail.

Not one to rely on the views alone, there's live music on Thursday evening and a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights.

Dirty Sultan, Fortitude Valley

Raise your Rose Turkish Delight cocktail to Dirty Sultan. In the heart of the Valley's bar and restaurant strip, this is the place to kick off an evening, or kick on - the bar is open to the wee hours on the weekend. An exotic, Turkish inspired bar at the top of The Constance Hotel, Dirty Sultan pumps from Thursday – Sunday with a rooftop bar with DJs, bathhouse styled shisha lounge, garden day beds and a huge dining space. Settle in for street food meze like slow cooked lamb ribs, pide (Turkish pizza) and smoked eggplant dip, and work your way through the custom-created cocktail menu. For those seeking a party, you'll find it here. 

Melrose, Bulimba

Head east of the city to Bulimba where beloved neighbourhood restaurant, Melrose, boasts its very own rooftop bar. Continuing the Asian theme upstairs, sip on seasonal cocktails, with twists on lychee martinis and espresso martinis alongside those classic beers you might not have had since your last Asian getaway, like Singha and Tiger, a solid option alongside local brews.

Ideal for pre- or post-dinner drinks, the menu of bao buns, small bites and larger dishes like black angus brisket rendang could easily make this your main destination, too. Especially on weekly ‘Nusa Dua Fridays’ where DJ Varnan spins tropical tunes from 5pm – 9pm.

Stock Exchange Hotel, Brisbane City

Whether you’re after knock-off drinks, trivia night, live sports or a big Friday night, knock on The Rooftop Garden at Stock Exchange Hotel. There’s plenty of craft brews on tap, a bistro menu packed with pub favourites, and its relaxed, leafy atmosphere will make you feel like you’re in your own backyard – just with someone else shaking the cocktails. 

Heights not your thing? Come back down to earth with this list of Brisbane’s best bars - or indulge in the city's finest wine bars.