Rooftop bars in London

Zip over to Tobacco Dock’s Skylight Rooftop before all the day beds get taken. The London rooftop Summer at Skylight returns each summer, along with activities such as a croquet court and tempting street food. Open Thursday to Sunday from June to October

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

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

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

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

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

Find Lost in Brixton in foodie heaven Brixton Village and be treated to a feast with a backdrop of tropical foliage and cool tunes. Order anything you fancy from multiple restaurants downstairs and have it brought straight to your table, so you don't have to choose between scrumptious dumplings or slices of pizza. Who said you couldn't have it all?  Open Tuesdays to Sundays

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. Open Wednesday to Saturday

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 from May to September, and on selected dates in winter

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 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 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

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

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 Tuesday to Sunday until September

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 Tuesday to Saturday year-round

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.

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

Enjoy cocktails and spot the London Eye and The Gherkin from Aqua Nueva's stylish terrace overlooking Regent Street. If you're keen to make a whole evening of it, take a few steps to the adjoining Aqua Spirit cocktail bar or Aqua Kyoto Japanese restaurant. 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 a range of hipster eccentricities. Open Thursday to Sunday, April to December

Soak up the sun at Art Yard Bar and Kitchen in art-focused Bankside Hotel. Cause serious FOMO as you share snaps sipping on English sparkling wine, spritzes and bellinis in this tranquil Bankside oasis offering views towards St Paul's Cathedral. Open Tuesday to Saturday year-round

Board a glass lift to the top of 110 Bishopsgate for high-end fusion dishes and cocktails. Bringing together the flavours of Japan, Peru and Brazil, Sushisamba City is one of London’s top restaurants, as well as one of the highest. Mingle with City workers over a cocktail and take in the views from the terrace. Open daily year-round