Best 24 rooftop bars in London

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.

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.

See unique views of London from Radio Rooftop bar in London, as the ME London hotel's terrace serves up seasonal cocktails and bites to eat. Soak up the sun during the day or arrive at sunset to soak up the stunning views, ranging from the London Eye and Big Ben to St Paul's Cathedral. 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 terrace, and choose from salads, small plates and meat and fish dishes. Open daily, year-round. 

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.

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

Get a taste of Japan at izakaya-themed bar, terrace and restaurant 8 at The Londoner. Perched atop The Londoner Hotel in Leciester Square, this classy hangout has three laid-back spaces to enjoy; from the Lounge & Terrace with retractable skylights, to the sensory Shima Garden and the understated Restaurant. Enjoy cocktails, sake, whiskies, robata-grilled meats and more. Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 22 September

Kick back with a drink or some light bites, burgers or sandwiches at quirky rooftop bar The Nest, atop Treehouse London hotel. Decked out in boho-chic sofas, armchairs and rugs, with foliage hanging form the ceiling and a stylish outside terrace, this uber-cool space is a great place to hang out in London's West End. Open daily, year-round.

With late 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.

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 daily, year-round.

Buck Street Market is the UK’s first eco-conscious market, complete with two rooftop bars. This Camden hangout has an Insta-worthy pink terrace and sustainable pallet sofas, the perfect hangout spot for locals in north London. 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.

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 to Big Chill for seasonal cocktails, a generous bottomless brunch and a sun-blessed colourful roof terrace in King's Cross. Come back on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday evening when DJs usually get the party started. Open daily, 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.

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. Check its Instagram feed for Monday and Tuesday openings. Open Wednesdays to Sundays, year-round, and Mondays and Tuesdays in summer, depending on the weather.

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.

Pergola Paddington brings seasonal food from four restaurants, two bars and lots of laid-back vibes. Relax with drinks under the leafy decor, book day beds, and enjoy DJ sets at weekends at this popular Paddington rooftop. Open daily

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 a secluded hideaway with a breathtaking backdrop of the city's skyscrapers at Tobacco Dock’s seasonal Skylight London pop-ups. Have a go at croquet, pétanque and table tennis, book a covered booth or relax in the sun while enjoy London's vistas, sipping on cocktails and tucking into delicious food. Open Thursdays to Sundays.

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 going with live music singalongs and jaw-dropping views of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Open Thursdays 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.

Meet trendy locals at Queen of Hoxton, the Shoreditch rooftop bar which is transformed with different themes throughout the year. Indulge in cocktails and burgers on the spacious terrace with lots of colourful seating. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, year-round.