The Best Rooftop Bars In Edinburgh

Temperatures are expected to hit insane highs of 30 degrees in Edinburgh this week. With these exotic temperatures, it’s hard to feel like you’re at home and that you haven’t been unknowingly teleported to the Caribbean. Naturally, this means we’ve all got alcohol on our minds. 

So after a long day of work with the sun relentlessly beating down, you won’t regret stopping by for one or two at one of the best rooftop bars in Edinburgh before heading home. Or even just making one of Edinburgh’s rooftop bars your second home for the weekend. Especially with the city’s breathtakingly gorgeous architecture as a backdrop. 

So check out what rooftop bars the city has to offer below.

Cold Town House

Photo: Cold Town House on Facebook 

Where: 4 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU, Edinburgh 

Cold Town House is adored for many reasons. First, look at that view, it’s crazy. It's easily one of the best views from Edinburgh's rooftop bars. The bar is known for live music, cocktails, and Neapolitan pizza. It's also known for great beer, which you can get in a beer tower that holds six pints, allowing you and your mates to comfy and forget about queues. Perfect for the summer when the bar's five rows deep.

Chaophraya

Photo: Chaophraya (Edinburgh) on Facebook 

Where: 4th Floor, 33 Castle Street, EH2 3DN, Edinburgh 

Come on, look at that! Chaophraya is the place to be if you’re looking for alfresco dining or an after-work beverage. The floor-to-ceiling windows mean you can enjoy the views (and hopefully a sunset like the one in the picture) no matter the weather. Gorgeous with beautiful food and views, it’s clear to see why Chaophraya is one of the best rooftop bars in Edinburgh.

SKYbar

Photo: SKYbar Edinburgh on Facebook 

Where: 34 Bread Street, EH3 9AF, Edinburgh

We'd be lying if we said SKYbar is easy to get into. But we wouldn't be lying if we said the views are bloody fantastic, the bar is insanely classy and stylish, and it's worth a visit if you have the opportunity. But we do recommend booking in advance as, not so surprisingly, lots of people want to enjoy those breath taking views while feeling pampered.

One Square 

Photo: One Square on Facebook 

Where: 1 Festival Square, EH3 9SR, Edinburgh

Known amongst locals for fresh and seasonal Scottish produce, One Square is a bar and brasserie in Festival Square. And despite its brilliant reputation, a cocktail will only set you back around £10. There are over 100 gins to choose from, and it's open for afternoon tea, so you can soak up the views and sip a lovely cocktail any time of day. And did we mention One Square has been named as having one of the best views in the UK?

Nor’ Loft

Photo: Nor' Loft on Facebook 

Where: 6 Market Street, EH1 1DE, Edinburgh

If you're feeling champagne, Nor' Loft is definitely the best of Edinburgh’s rooftop bars. Offering bubbly from independent and globally renowned brands, this champagne lounge is located on the seventh floor, offering views of the Scott Monument and the pretty Prince Street Gardens. With a glass of champagne in hand and a charcuterie board to graze, how could you not feel super boujee? 

Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Photo: Johnnie Walker Princes Street on Facebook 

Where: 145 Princes Street, EH2 4BL, Edinburgh 

 If you’re a whisky-lover, we think your search for the best rooftop bar in Edinburgh is officially over. Johnnie Walker on Princes Street is open every day and can sort you out with coffee, alcohol, and food. When Friday comes, walk in, choose a whisky to sip or order a world-class whisky cocktail, gaze out at some of Scotland's many striking buildings, and let your troubles melt away as your drink warms your chest. 

Cask Smugglers

Photo: Cask Smugglers on Facebook 

Where: 3 Princes Street, EH1 1BQ, Edinburgh

Step back in time at this prohibition-themed cocktail bar at Waverly Market. Known for its amazing views of the Scot Monument and secret domes, Cask is easily one of the best rooftop bars in Edinburgh. Check out Cask for photogenic cocktails with ice lollies for garnish, alcoholic slushies, mouth watering charcuterie boards and, of course, lovely views. The bar also offers afternoon tea, so you have an excuse to sink a few any time of day. 

Edinburgh rooftop bars are the place to be if you’re looking for respite during this killer heatwave. Cooling off with a cocktail, a breeze and views of such a picturesque city is massively underrated. So if you get time this summer, check out the best rooftop bars in Edinburgh. They won’t disappoint. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header: SKYbar on Facebook