Drinks under the sun or beneath the stars, these are the best rooftop bars in Perth.

Perth has its fair share of amazing bars, and in a place as warm and sun-drenched as it is, it would be almost criminal not to have an assembly of rooftop venues. From venues perched almost 20 stories high overlooking the glistening Swan River, to intimate terraces nestled amongst heritage rooftops, these are Perth’s most unmissable rooftop bars.

In short

If you only make it to one rooftop bar in Perth, let it be Folly for sky-high, panoramic views of the city, or Bob’s Bar if you’re chasing a lively party atmosphere with a cheeky dose of Aussie history.

1. Mechanics Institute

Best for: Bold and bolshy cocktails

One of Perth’s original and iconic rooftop small bars, Mechanics Institute is tucked down a laneway in the inner-city Northbridge. Once you ascend the staircase, you’ll find yourself on their intimate alfresco roof deck that’s nestled amongst the city’s heritage rooftops. The talented team behind the bar craft unique and interesting cocktails, and also feature regular bar ‘takeovers’ with visiting mixologists who try daring and different things – including a cocktail served on fire.

Address: Rear 222 William St, Northbridge

Opening hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4pm-late; Friday-Sunday 3pm-midnight

2. Songbird Bar & Lounge

Best for: A glamorous experience

Perched on the rooftop of one of Perth’s best hotels, The Ritz Carlton, Songbird is a haven for delicious food, skilfully crafted cocktails and sweeping panoramic views of the Swan River. While their cocktail list is impressive, our hot tip is to go to the gin menu. The bar has partnered with Rainfall Distillery to create a bespoke gin that is exclusively available at Songbird. The specialty gin has been distilled with native WA botanicals of pink finger lime, Geraldton wax, pepi leaf and sea parsley to produce a balanced mix of playful and zesty flavours.

Address: 1 Barrack Street, Perth

Opening hours: Monday & Thursday 3-9pm; Friday 3pm-midnight; Saturday 12pm-midnight; Sunday 2-9pm

3. Hello Rooftop

Best for: A beer and boogie

Hello Rooftop is the rooftop venue of Northbridge’s The Rechabite, an emporium of entertainment, good food and great drinks. The space is fun and unpretentious, with seating options being a bunch of colourful retro lawn chairs that sit beneath a canopy of vibrant plastic lanterns. The DJ behind the decks will have you toe-tapping and the team behind the bar serve up classic cocktails, wine and tap beer.

Address: 224 William Street, Northbridge

Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday 5pm-late

4. Terrarium

Best for: Award-winning cocktails

Terrarium recently won the title of WA’s best cocktail bar. On the corner of Howard Street and St Georges Terrace, this place is a go-to for specialist cocktails, a comprehensive selection of spirits and a refined bar food menu. And what better way to enjoy all that than on their lush foliage-filled rooftop terrace. A stand-out cocktail is the Primrose – a lime curd margarita served with lemon myrtle salt.

Address: Howard St Entrance, 99 St Georges Terrace, Perth

Opening hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4pm-midnight; Friday 2pm-midnight; Saturday 4pm- midnight

5. The Standard

Best for: Med-inspired drinks and food

One of the earliest venues offering a rooftop bar experience, Perth favourite The Standard offers European charm in the heart of Northbridge with a Mediterranean-inspired menu and charming med-inspired space. Set on top of a shipping container, the venue’s rooftop deck is by no means the highest in the city, but the lush and rustic terrace still offers some fantastic views over the city skyline.

Address: 28 Roe Street, Northbridge

Opening hours: Wednesday-Friday 4pm-late; Saturday & Sunday 12pm-late

6. AGWA Rooftop

Best for: Drinks with a side of art

The Art Gallery of WA (AGWA) has merged art and entertainment at this unique rooftop space. Architecturally designed, the AGWA Rooftop is the largest rooftop venue in Perth and features an open-air sculpture walk featuring works from the State Art Collection, an internal gallery space and two rooftop spaces with brilliant city, hill and museum views. The food and drinks lists are tinged with a distinct WA flavour, and local DJs will set the soundtrack to your night.

Address: Perth Cultural Centre, Perth

Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm in spring and summer months

7. Tiki as FK

Best for: Mad Men meets tiki vibes

It goes without saying that Tiki as FK is a tiki bar, however, it’s a tiki bar with a difference. A bit tiki, a bit ’60s, the cocktail lounge and rooftop bar give a self-proclaimed “Mad Men meets Shag" vibe. Step through the tiki door on Northbridge’s James Street to be transported to a different world, with palm tree wallpaper, retro furniture and artisan beaded door curtains adorned with toucans. The rooftop bar boasts shimmering city views, live DJs, and (as you expect) exotic tropical cocktails. Plus, if you’re peckish you can order a mouth-watering toastie from Perth’s iconic toastie joint, Toastface Grillah.

Address: 91A James Street, Northbridge

Opening hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 4pm-midnight

8. Bob’s Bar at Print Hall

Best for: After-work sundowners

Perched above the heritage-listed Print Hall, Bob’s Bar is a rooftop dedicated to one of Australia’s most iconic larrikins, former Prime Minister Bob Hawke. Named after his famous encouragement for Aussies to “have a sickie" following Australia’s America’s Cup win, the bar embodies that same spirit of cheeky celebration. It’s a favourite CBD spot for after-work drinks, with WA craft beers, crisp wines, and playful cocktails – the Bob’s Famous Lagerita is a must-try. Add in wood-fired pizzas and share plates, and it’s the kind of place where knocking off can easily roll into night.

Address: Level 1, Print Hall, Brookfield Place, Perth

Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 12pm–late

9. Rooftop at QT

Best for: Sky-high views

Rooftop at QT gets the bragging rights of being one of Perth city’s highest rooftops, soaring 18 stories high at the top of QT Hotel (which happens to be one of Perth’s best hotels). The bar is an aesthetic wonderland, with the space curated by local artists and designers, and it offers sweeping views of the cityscape. The wine, beer and cocktail list is extensive, while the Mediterranean food menu ensures you won’t go hungry.

Address: 133 Murray Street, Perth

Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 4-10pm; Friday & Saturday 2pm-late; Sunday 2-10pm

10. Folly

Best for: Sunset drinks

Eighteen stories high, you’ll feel like you’re well and truly in the sky at Folly. In the eastern end of Perth city, this sun-drenched rooftop space serves a selection of Australian wines, local and international beers and signature cocktails – try the Cinnamon May, their surprising take on the classic margarita.

Address: Level 18/176 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth

Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday during spring and summer

11. Lil’s Rooftop Bar

Best for: Laid-back weekend drinks

Escape to the rooftop for sun-soaked sips and share-friendly plates at Lil’s Rooftop Bar, a vibrant open-air oasis in the heart of Perth. Sip on Lil’s signature Limoncello while grazing on wood-fired pizzas, grilled skewers and classic share plates. Come the weekend, grab the gang for Lil’s Long Lunch – the ultimate session for eating, drinking and soaking up the city skyline. Regular DJs keep the energy buzzing, making it as good for after-work drinks as it is for long, lively afternoons.

Address: 437 Murray Street, Perth

Opening hours: Wednesday-Tuesday 11:30am to late