Best 25 rooftop bars in London

Enjoy an autumn and winter hideaway with a breathtaking backdrop of the city's skyscrapers at Tobacco Dock’s seasonal Skylight London pop-up. Book into one of its cosy igloos and enjoy London's vistas while sipping on cocktails and tucking into delicious festive food. 3 Dec-30 Jan

Pergola Paddington has not one but 200 Christmas trees as part of its Miracle on Kingdom Street pop-up this winter. Fill your boots with seasonal food from four restaurants, enjoy fondue in your own winter lodge and warm up with hot toddies and other seasonal creations. Fun events, from screenings to singalongs, are running throughout the season, and you may even spot Santa! Open daily from 3 December to 28 February

The cosy wintry igloos are back to Vintry & Mercer Hotel's Roof Terrace for another season. Dine high above The City of London this December and allow the twinkles envelop you in the cosiness of Christmas while you devour English cuisine with a side dish of a spectacular view of The Shard. From 3 December

Each year, you can step into an enchanting world at Queen of Hoxton. This winter, the Shoreditch rooftop bar is transformed into a cosy spot filled with heaters and warming cocktails. You can usually also take part in craft workshops and indulge decadent hot chocolate. Open daily from 3 December

Get into the festive spirit at Radio Rooftop bar in London, as the ME London Hotel's wintry terrace serves up seasonal cocktails and bites to eat. Arrive at sunset to soak up the stunning views from your winter bubble this December. Open daily from 7 to 31 December

Step out onto Madison's rooftop bar and be dazzled by some of the most Instagrammable views of London. Savour a glass of bubbly as you gaze on neighbouring St Paul's Cathedral, or chill on a day bed with a classic cocktail revisited. Open daily, year-round

Experience breathtaking views from the 14th floor of Aldgate's Dorsett City Hotel, at Asian-themed Jin Bo Law Skybar. Indulge in a range of creative cocktails from a drinks menu that takes inspiration from the favourite tipples of Japan, China and Vietnam. Open daily, year-round

Take in the tranquility of the almost secret rooftop bar in The Trafalgar, St James, Curio Collection by Hilton hotel, safe in the knowledge that nobody in Trafalgar Square below is as lucky as you. Grab a premium cocktail at The Rooftop and settle back into the cosy seating, as you see eye to eye with Nelson. Open daily, year-round

This stunning rooftop bar and restaurant enjoys a lofty position on the 10th floor of The Montcalm Hotel in Old Street. Gaze over the City’s skyline with a botanical-themed cocktail on Aviary London's heated terrace, and choose from meat and fish dishes cooked over charcoal. Open daily, year-round 

Discover west London's skyline from 10 floors up at Skylark Roof Garden, a garden-like rooftop offering views over The Shard, Hyde Park and the Royal Albert Hall. Take your pick from an extensive wine list or go for signature cocktails such as its fragrant Hibiscus Daiquiri. Open Saturdays and Sundays, year-round

Buck Street Market is a brand new venue in Camden, the UK’s first eco-conscious market complete with two rooftop bars. Complete with an Insta-worthy pink terrace and sustainable pallet sofas, this is a perfect post-lockdown hangout spot for locals in north London. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, year-round

Nested in foodie heaven Brixton Village and with a seasonal backdrop of fairy lights and jolly tunes, Lost in Brixton is a place to chill whatever the time of the year. If you're peckish, order from many restaurants downstairs and have it brought straight to your table – who said you couldn't have it all? Open Tuesdays to Sundays, year-round

The Savage Garden, high above the City of London in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London – Tower of London, combines swish vibes, seasonal decor and decadent cocktails. Grab a sharing plate and enjoy 360-degree views over the iconic London skyline. Open Thursdays to Sundays, year-round

With design mogul Sir Terence Conran having overseen its creation, it's no wonder Boundary Rooftop looks this good and stylish. Sit among silver birch trees at the Shoreditch rooftop bar, or relax in the heated glass Orangery, which boasts fantastic views of the city and east London. Open daily, year-round

Wander up the stairs to Pergola Olympia and discover a botanical paradise. Sample the easy life in this tropical heaven and lounge about under tumbling ivy and twinkling fairy lights – perfect for the 'gram. Open Wednesdays to Sundays, year-round

An independent cafe and informal workspace during the day, Netil 360 gradually transforms into a hip and lively rooftop bar as evening falls. Visit this Hackney institution for craft beers, outdoor movie screenings and positive vibes. Open Fridays and Sundays, year-round

Head to Big Chill for seasonal cocktails, a generous bottomless brunch and a sun-blessed colourful roof terrace. Come back on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday evening when DJs get the party started. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, year-round

Sprawl out under the retractable roof of The Golden Bee rooftop bar in fun-loving Shoreditch. Choose from the long list of martinis and classic cocktails, wines and spirits. Come the weekend, dance to house and club classics at the over-21s venue. Open Thursdays to Sundays, year-round

Inspired by Napoleon's exile on the Mediterranean island of Elba, cool rooftop-party events are what Bar Elba knows best. From sunset sessions and open-air picnics, to rooftop brunch and outdoor cinema, there is plenty of fun to be had and stunning views to admire at this prime location in Waterloo. Open daily, year-round

Relax on the comfy sofas, cocktail in hand, at luxurious Karma Sanctum Soho's roof terrace. This Soho rooftop hosts a hot tub and special events throughout the year, and is open to non-residents upon reservation only. Open daily year-round

Head on top of the Bussey Building in Peckham to discover Bussey Rooftop Bar, a spectacular roof terrace with great views of the city. Grab yourself a fresh cocktail and some mouthwatering street food, as you soak up the sun at this alfresco hotspot. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, year-round

It's well worth the climb up the instagrammable, bubblegum-pink staircase to Frank's Cafe in Peckham, perched on top of a car park. One of the most anticipated summer pop-up bars in London, Frank's vast area is filled with sculptures and trendy locals, who gather to watch the sunset with a summer cocktail in hand. Open July to September

Enjoy one-of-a-kind views at Good Hotel's rooftop bar The Roof, overlooking the river Thames. Grab a locally brewed beer and pair it with finger-licking food from the cafe. Open daily during spring and summer

Release your inner child at Roof East in Stratford. Battle your friends over fun games, which have included crazy golf, table-top curling and VR table football in recent years. Keep the fun vibes going with live music singalongs and jaw-dropping views of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Open Tuesdays to Sundays during spring and summer

The height of cool in London's hip East End, Dalston Roof Park is a true social hub. Budding creatives put on special events, from film nights to live gigs – all powered by the giant solar panels. All you need to do is pick up a drink from the pop-up bar and relax. Open daily during spring and summer