Edinburgh is a city blessed with the best of both worlds.
It is the perfect mix of classic architecture with a contemporary lifestyle. It also has some of the best bars in the world with breathtaking views that are perfect for a night out, date night, or a wild celebration. If you want to soak in the breathtaking view of the city over your favorite drink, we have compiled a list of some of the most stunning rooftop bars in Edinburgh.
Get ready to raise your glasses at these 15 incredible rooftop bars in Edinburgh!
Looking for cocktail bars in Edinburgh? Check out this post!
Table of contents
- 1. Shout!
- 2. Skybar
- 3. Chaophraya
- 4. Cask Smugglers
- 5. Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Brasserie and Bar
- 6. Rooftop 51
- 7. Nor’ Loft
- 8. Cold Town House
- 9. One Square
- 10. Johnnie Walker 1820 Rooftop Bar
- 11. Bar 50
- 12. The Snug @ the Glasshouse
- 13. Ondine
- More Things To Do in Edinburgh
- 14. The Lantern Room
- 15. The Lookout
1. Shout!
This Waverley Mall bar is one of the most happening rooftop bars in Edinburgh with a stunning view across Edinburgh’s cityscape. The ambiance is that of a vibrant music festival located right below the skies. It hosts live music which adds to the overall experience. The posh old-school decor is a vibe in itself, with the antique-style rugs and fairy lights.
- Location: L3, Princes Mall, 3/48 Princes St, Edinburgh EH1 1BQ, United Kingdom
- Hours: 11am-10pm
- Price range: £
- Cuisine: American
- Go for: Music festival vibes
- Vegan food options: Unclear
- Drink options: Beer, cocktails, ciders
2. Skybar
A part of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, the SKYbar oozes class and sophistication. Located in Edinburgh’s city center, this bar has one of the most mesmerizing views of the Scottish capital. Choose to be seated by the windows and enjoy their champagne over some delicious finger foods. They are also pet friendly which means your little pooches can enjoy the view as well.
- Location: 34 Bread St, Edinburgh EH3 9AF, United Kingdom
- Hours: Friday 5pm-12am; Saturday 2pm-12am; Sunday 12pm-5pm
- Price range: £££
- Reservations: Click Here (A £15 deposit per table is required)
- Cuisine: Al Fresco Barbecue
- Go for: Castle view
- Vegan food options: Lots of Vegan/vegetarian dishes
- Drink options: Beer, cocktails, ciders, soft drinks, wines
3. Chaophraya
From beer and wine to fine cocktails, Chaopraya houses it all. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, this upscale resto-bar has the finest and authentic Thai spread prepared by the top chefs in the country. They offer a holistic experience that is a treat for your eyes -thanks to the view, a treat for your palate, and a great place for all beverage lovers.
- Location: 4th Floor, 33 Castle St, Edinburgh EH2 3DN, United Kingdom
- Hours: 12am-12pm
- Price range: (£, ££, £££)
- Reservations: Click Here
- Cuisine: Thai
- Go For: Great spread
- Vegan food options: Separate Vegan menu with a range of starters and mains
- Drink options: Beer, cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, ciders, mocktail
4. Cask Smugglers
With rustic decor, dim lighting, and exposed wooden surfaces, Cask Smugglers in Edinburgh is all about reminiscing the yesteryears of the Scottish Capital. To keep the guests refreshed, this bar serves craft brews, creative cocktails, and an extensive collection of whiskey. Sway to their go-to jazz tunes at the bar alongside their Latin American specials. From the rooftop you can see many of Edinburgh’s most famous sites, including Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Monument. While the extensive cocktail menu is inspired by the mysterious 13 revolutions of the moon, the food menu by the renowned head chef at Edinburgh restaurant Lichen focuses on Scottish produce with an international twist.
- Location: Waverley Mall Rooftop, 3 Princes St, Edinburgh EH1 1BQ, United Kingdom
- Hours: 11am-1am
- Price range: ££
- Reservations: Click Here
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Go For: Rustic decor
- Vegan food options: Vegan charcuterie boards and afternoon teas
- Drink options: Beer, cocktails, ciders, spirits, wines, mocktails
Read More: 20 Jaw-Dropping Speakeasies in Edinburgh (+ Underrated Bars)
5. Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Brasserie and Bar
Dive into an array of fabulous drinks at a bar that overlooks the spectacular Edinburgh skyline. For accompaniments, you can choose between lunch and snacks. For drinks, you will be spoilt for choice between the finest of wines, champagnes, and a never-ending list of cocktails.
- Location: 30-34 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD, United Kingdom
- Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 11am-6pm
- Price range: £££
- Reservations: Click Here
- Cuisine: Contemporary
- Go For: Impressive wine list
- Vegan food options: Vegan soup, bagel, salad and platter
- Drink options: Beer, cocktails, ciders, spirits, wines, mocktails
6. Rooftop 51
Rooftop 51 is a new addition to Edinburgh’s list of rooftop bars. It boasts of an exceptional view over the city center. From craft beers to interesting cocktails, this rooftop bar serves it all alongside delicious bar bites.
- Location: 2 Freer Gait, Edinburgh EH3 9FR, United Kingdom
- Hours: 5pm-10pm; Closed on Mondays
- Price range: £££
- Reservations: Click Here
- Cuisine: Finger food
- Go For: Creative cocktails
- Vegan food options: Vegan Meatballs
- Drink options: Beer, cocktails, ciders, spirits, wines, mocktails
7. Nor’ Loft
A rooftop champagne lounge, as they call it, the Nor’ Loft is all about small plates, a long list of beverages, and an enticing view of the city. They serve a wide range of champagnes sourced from independent growers to prestigious champagne houses.
- Location: 6 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE, United Kingdom
- Hours: Thurs-Sat 1pm-12am; Sun-Tue 1pm-11pm
- Price range: £, ££, £££
- Reservations: Click Here
- Cuisine: British
- Go For: Specialty champagne and coffees
- Vegan food options: Vegan roasted cauliflower and Trio of Nibbles
- Drink options: Beer, cocktails, ciders, spirits, wines, mocktails
8. Cold Town House
Enjoy the marvelous view of the Edinburgh castle from Cold Town House, a name that has become synonymous with Edinburgh restaurants with a view. Pick a gondola, grab a blanket and order your favorite sips and homemade authentic pizzas from the vintage Nissan Van. Don’t forget to marvel at their eight huge tanks filled with their in-house beers through the floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
- Location: 4 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU, United Kingdom
- Hours: Sun-Wed 12pm-11pm; Thurs-Sat 12pm-1am
- Price range: ££
- Reservations: Click Here
- Cuisine: American & Italian
- Go For: Craft beer brewed on-site
- Vegan food options: Vegan smoothie bowl, burger and breakfast
- Drink options: Beer, cocktails, ciders, spirits, wines, mocktails
9. One Square
Sophistication meets modernism at One Square, one of Edinburgh’s finest rooftop restaurants and bars. With one of the most notable names in the kitchen, the menu boasts of a fine A la Carte menu that is made with high-quality, fresh ingredients sourced by their local farmers. The resto-bar has a collection of over 100 varieties of gin and also offers creative cocktails made with ingredients.
- Location: 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SR, United Kingdom
- Hours: 7am-1am
- Price range: ££
- Reservations: Click Here
- Cuisine: European & Scottish
- Go For: Modern decor and drinks variety
- Vegan food options: Few Vegan small plates and sides
- Drink options: Beer, cocktails, ciders, spirits, wines, mocktails
10. Johnnie Walker 1820 Rooftop Bar
Expertly crafted cocktails, views of the Scottish capital, and locally sourced cuisine come together at Johnnie Walker 1820 Rooftop Bar. Explore Scotland’s most loved cocktails along with the global favorites prepared by whiskey masters and don’t forget to try local bites perfected by their culinary artists. Delight all your senses at this rooftop bar in Edinburgh and make memories of a lifetime.
- Location: 145 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 4BL, United Kingdom
- Hours: 9.30am-12am
- Price range: ££
- Reservations: Click Here
- Cuisine: Finger food
- Go For: World-class cocktails
- Vegan food options: A few Vegan/Vegetarian platters
- Drink options: Beer, cocktails, ciders, spirits, wines, mocktails
@voyagingherbivore 🥃 Should you visit #Edinburgh’s #ScotchWhiskyExperience ? 🏴 Even non #whisky lovers will enjoy riding in a barrel while learning about this history of whisky, learning about the different regions of #Scotland ♬ original sound – Alysa
11. Bar 50
Bar 50 is a bright and airy rooftop tavern decorated with conventional pub accouterments. The outside dining area, complete with faux grass, makes the seating area look natural. The meal menu features ultimate comfort food, such as moderately priced pizzas, and burgers. For beverage options choose between beers, ciders, wine, prosecco, and short drinks.
- Location: 50 Blackfriars St, Edinburgh EH1 1NE, United Kingdom
- Hours: Mon- Thurs 4pm-1am; Fri-Sun 11am-1am
- Price range: £
- Reservations: Click Here
- Cuisine: British
- Go For: Comfort food choices
- Vegan food options: Vegan burgers, hotdogs, pizza, and wings
- Drink options: Beer, cocktails, ciders, spirits, wines, mocktails
12. The Snug @ the Glasshouse
The Snug at The Glasshouse provides a modern boutique ambiance through its comfy lounge and a rooftop garden. It provides the ideal backdrop for the guests to experience Scotland’s national drink. Sip your favorite whiskey by the fireplace, have yourself a custom drink on the roof garden, or pair your whiskey with one of their finest cigars. The options at this rooftop bar in Edinburgh are endless.
- Location: 2 Greenside Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3AA, United Kingdom
- Hours: Always Open
- Price range: ££
- Reservations: Call: +44 131 525 8200
- Cuisine: Scottish
- Go For: Unique range of Scotch whiskies
- Vegan food options: Unclear
- Drink options: Beer, cocktails, ciders, spirits, wines, mocktails
13. Ondine
Right in the middle of Old Town Edinburgh lies Ondine. This rooftop bar has humble views of the skyline decked up with appealing decor. Ondine provides a sleek and refined fine dining experience and has received many accolades for its fine service, meals, and drinks. If you are around the block, this rooftop bar in Edinburgh is a must-visit.
- Location: 2 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1AD, United Kingdom
- Hours: Tues-Sat 12pm-10pm
- Price range: £££
- Reservations: Click Here
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Go For: Fine-dining experience
- Vegan food options: Unclear (stick to the booze!)
- Drink options: Beer, cocktails, ciders, spirits, wines, mocktails
More Things To Do in Edinburgh
14. The Lantern Room
End your explorative day by soaking yourself in the Scottish vibe at the Lantern Room, a beer-centric rooftop restaurant in Edinburgh. They have something for everyone on their diverse all-day meals and long beverage menu. From signature burgers, stone-baked pizzas to substantial salads, they have it all.
- Location: 1-3 Baxter’s Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3AF, United Kingdom
- Hours: 12pm-10pm
- Price range: ££
- Reservations: Click Here
- Cuisine: European & British
- Go For: Beers and Ambiance
- Vegan food options: Unclear
- Drink options: Beer, cocktails, ciders, spirits, wines, mocktails
15. The Lookout
Full-length windows, a sky bar atop a hill, a fine dining menu, and an extensive list of drinks, that’s The Lookout for you. Soak in the minimalistic vibe of the ambiance which is all kinds of modern and contemporary, the constant aromas from the open kitchen invite you to try almost everything on the menu. For drinks, you can try the carefully curated bespoke cocktails and much more.
- Location: 38 Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA, United Kingdom
- Hours: Mon-Wed Closed; Thursday 12:30–2:30pm & 5–7:30pm; Friday 12–2:30pm & 5–8:30pm; Saturday 10:30am–2:30pm & 5–8:30pm; Sunday 10:30am–2:30pm
- Price range: £££
- Reservations: Click Here
- Cuisine: Seafood, European & British
- Go For: Food & Service
- Vegan food options: Few Vegan/vegetarian dishes
- Drink options: Beer, cocktails, ciders, spirits, wines, mocktails
Rooftop Bars in Edinburgh FAQs
Dresscode varies by the bar. Most bars are fairly relaxed but some may not allow you in with trainers. Refer to their official websites to know more about their rules and policies.
You can reserve a table via the link provided under each bar section.
This is dependent on the bar. You can always check the restaurant’s official website or google business listing for updated timings.
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