London’s skyline glows after dark, and nothing beats sipping a cocktail with the city spread out below you. Rooftop bars aren’t just trendy spots-they’re where the real nightlife happens. You don’t need a VIP list or a reservation at a club to feel the pulse of the city. Just head up, find a seat, and let the lights of London do the talking.
The View Matters More Than the Drinks
Some rooftop bars serve great gin and tonics. Others serve unforgettable views. The best ones in London do both. At The Sky Garden, you get 360-degree views of the City, the Tower Bridge, and the Shard-all for free. Yes, free. You just need to book a slot online weeks ahead. No cover charge, no minimum spend. Walk in during evening hours, and you’re looking down on a sea of office lights turning into a glittering map of the capital. It’s not a bar, technically-it’s a public garden with bars tucked inside. But if you want to see London from above without paying a fortune, this is your spot.
Not every rooftop needs to be free to be worth it. Skylight on the 16th floor of the Citypoint building delivers a different kind of magic. The space is open-air, heated in winter, and lit with string lights that make it feel like a secret garden in the clouds. The cocktails? Solid. The crowd? Young professionals, creatives, and tourists who know the drill. Order the London Fog-a lavender-infused gin sour-and watch the sunset bleed over the Thames.
Where the Locals Go After Work
If you want to skip the tourist traps, head to The Garden at 100 in Shoreditch. It’s not on the tallest building, but it’s one of the most relaxed. The vibe is casual, the music is indie electronic, and the staff remember your name by the third round. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see someone in a suit unwinding after a long day, next to a group of artists in vintage coats. The food menu is simple-truffle fries, charcuterie boards, flatbreads-but it’s designed for snacking while you chat. No one rushes you. No one checks your watch. You could stay until 2 a.m. and no one would blink.
Down in Bermondsey, Bar SixtySix at the Hilton London Metropole gives you a rare combo: a proper bar with a proper view. The 66th floor means you’re above nearly everything except the Shard. The terrace wraps around the building, so you can swing from side to side and catch different angles of the city. They serve classic cocktails with precision-Old Fashioneds, Negronis, and a mean Espresso Martini. The crowd here leans older, more polished. Think lawyers, bankers, and people who’ve been doing this for years. It’s not loud. It’s not flashy. But it’s real.
For the Instagram Crowd (And Why That’s Okay)
Let’s be honest-some rooftop bars exist to be photographed. And that’s fine. The Roof at The Standard in King’s Cross is one of them. Neon signs, velvet booths, a giant disco ball, and a DJ spinning house music until 1 a.m. It’s designed to look like a New York loft crossed with a 90s club. The drinks are overpriced, but the lighting? Perfect. The crowd? Mostly people in coordinated outfits taking selfies. If you’re here for the aesthetic, you won’t be disappointed. Bring a friend who knows how to angle a phone. The view from the west-facing terrace includes the Gherkin, the BT Tower, and the lights of Camden in the distance. It’s a spectacle-and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Another visual standout is The Terrace at The Londoner on Leicester Square. It’s new (opened late 2024), sleek, and built for social media. Floor-to-ceiling glass, heated loungers, and a retractable roof mean you can enjoy the stars even in December. Their signature drink, the London Nights, comes in a glowing glass that changes color as you sip. It’s gimmicky. But it’s also fun. And on a Friday night, the energy is electric.
Where to Go When It’s Cold or Rainy
London weather doesn’t care if you booked a rooftop table. But good ones plan for it. The View from The Shard has a fully enclosed terrace with heaters and thick blankets on every seat. You can still see all the way to Greenwich, even when it’s drizzling. The drinks are pricey, but the view is unmatched. It’s the only place in London where you can look down on Big Ben from above. If you’re going to splurge, this is the one.
Up at The O2 is another weather-proof option. It’s not technically a rooftop, but the bar sits on top of the O2 Arena with panoramic views of the Thames and Canary Wharf. The space is indoors but open to the air via glass walls. It’s warm, cozy, and perfect for a date night when the wind’s biting outside. The cocktail menu changes monthly, but the Thames Sunset-a mix of blood orange, elderflower, and smoked sea salt-is always a hit.
What to Order (And What to Skip)
Don’t waste your time on generic cocktails. Most rooftop bars in London have house specialties that reflect the city’s character. Look for drinks with local ingredients: London gin, elderflower from Kent, honey from Tower Bridge hives, or Earl Grey syrup from Borough Market. Avoid anything labeled “Tropical” or “Piña Colada” unless you’re at a beach-themed bar (and there aren’t many in London).
Try these instead:
- London Fog (gin, lavender, lemon, soda) - perfect for Skylight and The Garden at 100
- Spiced Apple Old Fashioned - the winter go-to at Bar SixtySix
- Blackberry & Thyme Martini - a signature at The Roof at The Standard
- Smoked Earl Grey Tea Sour - found only at The Terrace at The Londoner
And skip the “bottomless brunch” deals after 6 p.m. They’re designed for lunch crowds. Nighttime is for sipping slowly, not chugging.
When to Go (And When to Avoid)
Weekends are packed. Always. If you want space, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Most rooftop bars open at 5 p.m., but the real magic starts after 8 p.m., when the sun sets and the city lights turn on. Arrive by 7:30 if you want a good seat. By 9 p.m., you’re lucky to find a spot near the edge.
Avoid holidays like New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day unless you’re ready to pay triple and wait two hours for a drink. Some places don’t even let you in without a reservation-no exceptions. Book ahead, even if you’re not sure you’ll go. Most offer free cancellations up to 24 hours before.
Final Tip: Dress for the View, Not the Crowd
There’s no strict dress code at most rooftop bars in London. But smart dressing goes a long way. No flip-flops. No baseball caps. No oversized hoodies. Think: smart casual. A nice coat, clean shoes, maybe a scarf. It’s not about being fancy-it’s about fitting in. You’re not going to a club. You’re going to enjoy the city. Dress like you belong there.
And remember: the best rooftop bar isn’t the tallest, the flashiest, or the most expensive. It’s the one where you feel like you’ve found a quiet corner in a noisy city. Where the drink tastes good, the view doesn’t disappoint, and you don’t want to leave.
Do I need to book a table at London rooftop bars?
Yes, for most popular spots-especially on weekends. Places like The Sky Garden, The Roof at The Standard, and The Terrace at The Londoner require online reservations. Even if they say "walk-ins welcome," arriving without a booking means you might wait an hour or get stuck at a corner table with no view. Book at least 24 hours ahead.
Are rooftop bars in London expensive?
Cocktails usually cost £14-£18, and small plates are £10-£16. That’s steep, but not unusual for central London. Some places, like The Sky Garden, don’t charge for entry, so you can sip a £12 drink without paying a cover. If you’re on a budget, go earlier in the evening-many bars offer happy hour deals from 5 to 7 p.m. with 30% off cocktails.
Can I go to a rooftop bar alone?
Absolutely. Many people do. The Garden at 100 and Bar SixtySix are especially welcoming to solo visitors. Just sit at the bar or near a window. Staff are used to it. You’ll likely end up chatting with someone else enjoying the view. It’s one of the best ways to meet people without the pressure of a club.
Which rooftop bar has the best view of the Thames?
Bar SixtySix and The View from The Shard offer the clearest, most unobstructed views of the Thames. From Bar SixtySix, you see the river winding past Tower Bridge and the City. From The Shard, you can trace the entire stretch from London Bridge to Greenwich. Both are ideal for sunset or night views.
Are rooftop bars open in winter?
Yes, most stay open year-round. Many have heated terraces, outdoor heaters, and even blankets. The Sky Garden, The View from The Shard, and Up at The O2 are fully weather-proofed. Some smaller spots might close during heavy rain or snow, but the major ones are built for London winters. Just dress warmly.
