The Best Rooftop Bars in London for a Skyline View

Written by Fiona Brydon (Fee)

Travel writer and founder of Where's the Rooftop™ and World Rooftop Day™. With over 700 rooftops featured, every one has been personally visited, photographed, and reviewed by Fee.

Discover 22 of the best rooftop bars in London with a sensational skyline view. Being a Londoner this is one of the questions I am asked the most – what rooftop bars in London have the best views. For others, its the pull of the bottomless brunches on high or beautifully craft cocktails but for me, its the ones that when you walk out you just say, wow! It’s like that feeling when you arrive on holiday and you feel transported to another amazing world and see a city from a whole new perspective. So I have rounded up 22 of the best, walk out and be wowed skyline rooftop bars in London.

SeaBird rooftop bar
Seabird Rooftop Bar

Aviary Rooftop Bar

The Avairy rooftop

Where’s the rooftop? Moorgate

What’s the wow London views? The city. This is one of my favourite walk out and be wowed rooftop bars in London. Sitting at a table with that stunning view, it’s as if you’ve been transported to another realm entirely, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the office life below. More info here.


Bokan Bar

Bokan Rooftop

Where’s the rooftop? Canary Wharf

What’s the wow London views? The shard and back over the whole city. Not the best picture I’ve ever taken but was having too much fun! The bar is high – floor 39 so you feeling far up and away from reality. More info here.


The Culpeper

 Culpepper

Where’s the rooftop? Aldgate

What’s the wow London views? Nestled atop an old public house, this oasis awaits. Ascending the steep stairs, you’re suddenly whisked away to a different world, transported to a realm of serenity with some of the city’s finest building tower over this small but perfect rooftop garden. More info here.


Cloud M Rooftop bar

Cloud M rooftop bar

Where’s the rooftop? Tower Hill

What’s the wow London views? You have all the views here – the city as illustrated but also Tower of London and the Shard. This is a hidden gem! More info here.


Florattica

Florattica rooftop Bar

Where’s the rooftop? Tower Hill or Aldgate

What’s the wow London views? The city. Upon entering the indoor bar, the views may not immediately obvious, but step outside and prepare to be amazed. To your left awaits a breathtaking panorama that is sure to exceed your expectations. More info here.


Coq d’Argent

Coq du argent

Where’s the rooftop? Bank

What’s the wow London views? Walking out to this view is truly spectacular. However it is worth noting the bar and restaurant don’t hold these views. More info here.


Jin Bo Law

Jin Bo Law Rooftop Bar

Where’s the rooftop? Aldgate

What’s the wow London views? The city, so close you can almost touch them! And you can sit and just sip and be in awe! More info here.


LSQ

LSQ Rooftop Bar

Where’s the rooftop? Leicester Square

What’s the wow London views? The views here span over the city from St Pauls right round (though this picture is zoomed in for the rainbow). A glass indoor restaurants with a terrace wrapped round this is one for tourists. More info here.


London Bridge Rooftop

London Bridge Rooftop Bar

Where’s the rooftop? London Bridge

What’s the wow London views? The shard! Obviously not as high as The Shard but when you walk out (after a LOT of stairs) you are greeted but this views and every step was worth it More info here.


Madisons

Madisons rooftop bar

Where’s the rooftop? St Pauls

What’s the wow London views? St Pauls Cathedral, the experience actually starts in the lift! A glass elevator wizzes you up and this historic building is directly opposite. So when you get to the top you are almost face to face! This rooftop bar also shared this space with a public viewing area that you can’t take your drinks down to. As you can see from my photo this is as close to St Paul’s you can get for the ‘drink with a view pic’. However you are welcome to go down without them for selfies and snaps! More info here.


Mercer

Mercer Rooftop

Where’s the rooftop? Mansion House

What’s the wow London views? The Shard, the city and the top of St Pauls Cathedral! Wherever you are on this rooftop terrace you will have spectacular views. More info here.


Netil 360 – London Fields

Netil 360 Rooftop bar

Where’s the rooftop? London Fields

What’s the wow London views? What I love about walking out to this rooftop is how big it is, the city is in the distance and feels like you are on the rooftops of London. More info here.


The Nest

The Nest Rooftop

Where’s the rooftop? Regents Street

What’s the wow London views? Wrap round views across the whole of London are sure to impress. You just have to decide which side to sit on (the left for the best views!!) More info here.


Oxo Tower

Oxo Tower Rooftop Bar

Where’s the rooftop? Southbank

What’s the walk out London views? Breathtaking panoramic views of the River Thames, leading up to the historic St. Paul’s Cathedral. Here, the contrast between the timeless beauty of the cathedral and the sleek modernity of the city’s skyscrapers is striking. More info here.


Radio Rooftop

Radio Rooftop bar and Restaurant

Where’s the rooftop? The Strand

What’s the wow London views? The Shared, the Walk talkie building, Somerset house, the London eye. This rooftop has a great positioning though unless you are sat at the back to the left you won’t get the views. But they built a boujee bar to compensate! More info here.


Sabine

Sabine Rooftop bar

Where’s the rooftop? Bank

What’s the wow London views? St Pauls and the Shard stand proudly by this beautiful bar. You will need to be out on the terrace to enjoy these picture worthy views. More info here.


Seabird

Seabird

Where’s the rooftop? Southwark

What’s the wow London views? The Shard and the Boomerang! Part of the wow with this rooftop bar is it’s height and décor adding to the experience. More info here.


The Standard

The Standard rooftop

Where’s the rooftop? Kings Cross

What’s the wow London Views? St Pancras Station and The Renaissance Hotel from one side and the rest of London (further away) from the other. Yet another rooftop boasting a lift conveniently positioned on the side of the building, serving as the starting point for your ascent to the top. What sets this one apart is its impressive altitude, adding to the thrill of the journey skyward. More info here.


Savage Garden

Savage Garden Rooftop bar

Where’s the rooftop? Tower Hill

What’s the wow London views? The Shard and the Tower of London, boasting two terraces that feature different views this party rooftop brings the wow. More info here.


The Rooftop

The Rooftop, Trafalgar

Where’s the rooftop? Trafalgar Square

What’s the wow London Views? Trafalgar Square. This was one of my early favourites in London as it used to hold the crown for the only rooftop with Trafalgar Square views. In the background you can see the London Eye and The Shard. Ensure to ask for a table by the edge. More info here.


Wagtail

Wagtail Rooftop Bar

Where’s the rooftop? Monument

What’s the wow London views? All of them! Seriously this rooftop steals the rooftop crown for the best views in London. One of my favourites for its views – I have been in summer, winter, day and night and it never disappoints. Regardless of your seating choice, you’re treated to awe-inspiring modern city scenery. In my opinion, the prime seats are directly facing the Shard. On the opposite side, you’ll find the city’s bustling buildings, with St. Paul’s Cathedral standing tall in the distance, and there is even glimpses of the Tower of London. It’s a sight worth full rooftop marks! More info here.


12th Knot – Southbank

12th Knot Rooftop bar

Where’s the rooftop? Southbank

What’s the wow London views? St Pauls, the river and the city – very similar views to the Oxo tower with a very different vibe and a smaller terrace. But equally stunning to walk out onto. More info here.


Hi, I’m Fee, founder of Where’s the Rooftop® and World Rooftop Day. 🥂 Travel writer and leading rooftop bar expert bringing you over 700 rooftop reviews and 70 accompanying travel guides. Personally experienced, written and photographed to help you find the right rooftop bar, pool, restaurant or hotel because ‘life is better with a good view’!

Published by Fee

Fee is a travel writer specialising in rooftop bars, restaurants and pools. Founder of Where's the Rooftop™ and creator of World Rooftop Day™, she has personally visited 700+ rooftop venues globally.

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