Rooftop bars in London

Zip over to Tobacco Dock’s Skylight Rooftop and take in fantastic views from above of your local area. The London rooftop Summer at Skylight returns each summer with tempting street food, along with a croquet court and other fun activities which you can book online. Open Thursday to Sunday from June to October

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 from May to September, from Tuesday to Sunday

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 by far the perfect post-lockdown hangout spot for locals in north London.

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.

Perched on top of a hill in north London, The Terrace at Ally Pally may not be a rooftop per say, but the panoramic views from London's largest beer garden make it a must-see. Take your pick from five street food trucks and choose from a wide list of drinks from the bar. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

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, Vietnam and more. 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 an signature cocktails like a fresh Hibiscus Daiquiri. Open Saturdays and Sundays

Nested in foodie heaven Brixton Village, treat yourself to a feast with a backdrop of tropical foliage and cool tunes at Lost in Brixton. Order from multiple restaurants downstairs and have it brought straight to your table – who said you couldn't have it all? Open Tuesdays to Sundays

Get into the festive spirit at Radio Rooftop bar in London, as the ME London Hotel's year-round terrace serves up seasonal cocktails and bites to eat. Arrive at sunset to soak up the stunning views and stay to party through the night. Open daily

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 

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 only. Open Tuesday to Sunday

If adulting is all too much, head to Roof East in Stratford, where you can release your inner child. 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 paired with jaw-dropping views of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Open Tuesday to Sunday

The height of cool in London's hip East End, Dalston Roof Park is a 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 beverage from the pop-up bar, and relax. Open daily during spring and summer

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

Set on the 12th floor of Sea Containers London is 12th Knot. The hotel’s rooftop lounge and terrace has spectacular views of the Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral and the City’s skyline; so grab a seasonal cocktail and hit up your feed with the obligatory selfie. Open Tuesday to Saturday year-round

The Savage Garden, high above the City of London in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London - Tower of London, combines jaw-dropping views and decadent cocktails. Grab a sharing plate and enjoy 360-degree views over the iconic London skyline. Open daily year-round

Take in the tranquility of the almost secret rooftop bar in The Trafalgar St James 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

Wander up the stairs to Pergola Olympia and discover a glittering botanical paradise. Sample the easy life in this tropical heaven and lounge on day beds under tumbling ivy and twinkling fairy lights – perfect for the 'gram.

Head to Big Chill House 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 Tuesday to Sunday 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.

With design mogul Terence Conran overseeing 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

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 is transformed into a nightclub. 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 until 1am upon reservation only. Open daily year-round