5 Best Rooftop Bars in Edinburgh

If magical castle views, delectable cocktails, and unmatched hospitality sound like your thing, the rooftop bars in Edinburgh will be just what you’re looking for. You’ll find everything from easygoing terraces to luxurious lounges, which are the perfect places to wind down after an Edinburgh food tour!

After visiting some of the most popular rooftop bars in Edinburgh, these are the spots that I can’t wait to return to next time I’m in the city.

What Makes Edinburgh’s Rooftop Bars Special?

Scottish weather can be unpredictable at the best of times, but when the sun comes out, there’s no better place to be than in a stylish rooftop bar in Edinburgh. The enchanting architecture, surrounding hills, and cobbled streets make for some sensational vistas that are unlike those in any other city.

Of course, the views are just one part of the experience, as the dining options, cocktail menus, and vibrant atmospheres make it an unmissable experience. Try to time your visit for sunset and stay a little longer to enjoy the city’s buzzing nightlife scene after dark!

Best Rooftop Bars in Edinburgh

SKYbar Edinburgh

Photo credit: SKYbar Edinburgh

SKYbar Edinburgh is a popular pick for a night out in the Fountainbridge area due to its rooftop location with exclusive private event spaces. Offering a fantastic view of the city and an upmarket vibe, no place beats this for a drink at sunset.

The cocktail I went for here was ‘Failte Gu Alba,’ and to say it was delicious would be an understatement. It was made with a smokey shot of Johnnie Walker Black, an almondy hint of Amaretto, refreshing apple juice, and a squirt of tangy lime.

SKYbar Edinburgh – Edinburgh EH3 9AF – Closed every Monday to Thursday and Sunday, open every Friday and Saturday from 5:00 pm to 12:00 am.

1820 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

Photo credit: 1820 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

Johnnie Walker’s 1820 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant in the Old Town goes beyond the brand. Not only can you get a clear look at Edinburgh Castle, but it also features a tastefully decorated outdoor terrace.

Like all rooftop bars, sunset is when you want to come to 1820 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant to watch Mother Nature do her thing. As for drinks, I was a big fan of the black ruby tonic, a tasty fusion creation with a fruity shot of Johnnie Walker Black Ruby mixed with some bitter tonic water and sweet, tart blueberry jam.

1820 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant – Edinburgh EH2 4BL – Open every day from 10:00 am to 12:00 am.

Nor’ Loft

Photo credit: Nor’ Loft

Nor’ Loft, which sits atop the Market Street Hotel, is one of the best rooftop bars in Edinburgh for sipping on some fine champagne. From the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that offer excellent vistas to the opulent furnishing, this is a lovely place for an afternoon drink.

Since I was here with a few of my buddies, we thought it would be rude not to order a bottle of bubbly. We ended up going for the Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut, and it hit the spot. Each sip came with a citrussy kick and a spicy aftertaste.

Nor’ Loft – Edinburgh EH1 1DE – Open every Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am and every Friday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am.

Cold Town House

Photo credit: Cold Town House

Cold Town House alongside Edinburgh Castle is always a good time for a drink after dark when things get lively. Set over three levels and home to its own microbrewery, this spot has a trendy hip vibe you’ll love..

Since they make their own beer on-site, I figured, why not give the lager a try? It was refreshingly cold and crisp, with a touch of malt and subtle elderflower notes.

Cold Town House – Edinburgh EH1 2JU – Open every Monday to Thursday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, Friday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am, Saturday from 11:30 am to 1:00 am, and every Sunday from 11:30 am to 12:00 am.

Harvey Nichols Forth Floor Brasserie and Bar

Aptly named the Forth Floor Brasserie and Bar, Harvey Nichols’ contemporary terrace is easily among the most glamorous rooftop bars in Edinburgh. The views over the Old Town are second to none, and the team here offers everything from afternoon tea specials to brunch sittings.

I arrived late in the afternoon and wasn’t feeling too hungry just yet, so I just went for one of their quirky cocktails. Their cinnamon and ginger-infused gin offering sounded unlike anything I’d tried before, so I had to try it. While the gin had a unique blend of heat and citrus, the flavors were elevated by the addition of sour apple juice and sugary syrup.

Harvey Nichols Forth Floor Brasserie and Bar – Edinburgh EH2 2AD – Open every Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Friday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and every Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.

How to Choose the Right Rooftop Bar in Edinburgh

Each bar boasts unique features and atmospheres, with some rooftop bars in Edinburgh being relaxed and low-key and others being much more upscale. As such, it’s always a good idea to check out guest experiences and reviews before settling on a specific bar.
Take a look at the food and drink menus in advance if you’re looking for particular offerings, such as craft beer or top-shelf cocktails.
Research upcoming events, like live music sessions, scheduled in any of these rooftop bars before your visit.
I advise making a reservation in advance to secure your table, and it’s always a good idea to ask about the dress code while you’re booking.

Final Thoughts: The Best Rooftop Bar Experience in Edinburgh

There’s no better way to take in the jaw-dropping views of Scotland’s captivating capital than swinging by some of these gorgeous rooftop bars in Edinburgh’s city center. Whether you’re in the market for a laidback sunset or a glitzy night out, one of these spots is bound to be a perfect fit.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Edinburgh food tours. Eating Europe. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/edinburgh/

Skybar Edinburgh. (n.d.). Skybar Edinburgh – Rooftop bar with city views. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://skybaredinburgh.com/skybar

Johnnie Walker. (n.d.). Rooftop bar & dining at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://www.johnniewalker.com/en-gb/visit-us-princes-street/rooftop-bar-dining

Market Street Hotel. (n.d.). Nor’ Loft – Champagne lounge & rooftop bar. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://www.marketstreethotel.co.uk/norloft

Cold Town House. (n.d.). Cold Town House – Rooftop beer garden & pizzeria. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://coldtownhouse.co.uk/

Harvey Nichols. (n.d.). Forth Floor Bar – Cocktails & panoramic views in Edinburgh. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://www.harveynichols.com/restaurants/edinburgh/forth-floor-bar/