Edinburgh Rooftop Bars: The 10 Best Picks for 2026

Overview:Located on the 12th floor of the luxury 5 star W Edinburgh in the heart of St James Quarter, the iconic W Deck blends skyline views with a vibrant, open‑air atmosphere. The seasonal deck is available to visit for viewing all year round, weather permitting, with the bar opening for the Spring / Summer 2026 season on Friday 3rd April 2026.

View:Uninterrupted 360° views across Edinburgh, with panoramas stretching from Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill to Arthur’s Seat and the historic Old Town and New Town.

Menu:A curated menu of classic cocktails and bold twists, celebrating seasonal flavours and elevated serves, accompanied by light bites and pinchos.

Price:Cocktails: £15

Why visit:For long afternoons and unforgettable evenings, with amazing Edinburgh views.

Our insider tip

• The W Deck offers all-weather pods, contemporary dining domes which shield from high winds or cooler days.

Overview:Located on Castle Street in the heart of Edinburgh, Chaophraya offers truly delicious Thai cuisine and tantalizing cocktails in a unique rooftop setting.

View:Incredible views of Edinburgh Castle and the surrounding cityscape, both at the open-air terrace and through the floor-to-ceiling windows on the glassed terrace with retractable roof.

Menu:Indulge in classic Thai and distinct signature dishes, as well as a unique range of signature cocktails crafted by expert bartenders.

Price:Cocktails: £12-14

Why visit:For a memorable dining experience that pairs panoramic castle views with exquisite Thai cuisine and cocktails.

Our insider tip

• For daytime rooftop indulgence, check out the 'Lunch Club', available Sunday to Friday.

Overview:Heaven for any whisky fan, the happening Johnnie Walker Princes Street is set over several floors, featuring retail area, five-star tours, immersive tastings, event spaces and best of all: a lovely Edinburgh rooftop bar called 1820 Rooftop Bar.

View:Breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and historic Old Town, with the Edinburgh Castle as given focal point.

Menu:The 1820 menu is created to offer the ultimate Scottish culinary and whisky experience, featuring evolving bartender-created drinks menus and locally-sourced cuisine.

Price:Cocktails: £12.5-15

Why visit:To experience the best of whisky sips and Edinburgh views.

Our insider tip

• While a given end to a tasting experience, you don't have to book a tour to visit 1820 Rooftop Bar.

Overview:Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket, Cold Town House invites to fun over 3 floors, where the jewel in the crown is the iconic and vibrant roof terrace.

View:The terrace coses surrounded by beautiful florals and great views of Edinburgh Castle.

Menu:Try one of the Cold Town Beers from the on-site microbrewery, sip some of the crisp and creative cocktails, or munch on the awarded Neapolitan Pizzas.

Price:Cocktails: £11-13

Why visit:Always a great spot for sunny and casual drinks with a view, the rooftop also host plenty of vibrant events.

Our insider tip

• AUnder 18s welcome with a responsible adult until 10pm.

Overview:On top of the Harvey Nichols department store in St Andrews Square you find a stylish brasserie, bar & foodmarket, inviting to breakfast with a view, elevated lunch-breaks, refined sunset drinks or special dinners above Edinburgh.

View:Part interior dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and part wrap-around outdoor terrace, you are surrounded with spectacular views over Edinburgh Castle and the Firth of Forth no matter the season.

Menu:Enjoy Scottish flavours and a modern take on conventional European cuisine, as well as creative cocktail concoctions and an extensive wine list.

Price:Cocktails: £10-14

Why visit:For breakfast with a view, an elevated lunch-break during shopping, refined sunset drinks or a special dinner above Edinburgh.

Overview:Nor’ Loft is an elegant and sophisticated rooftop bar and champagne lounge, perched on top of the fantastic Market Street Hotel, offering tall glasses ā taller views.

View:The rooftop features both an interior lounge with full height windows and rooftop terraces, overlooking Edinburgh’s iconic skyline.

Menu:Indulge in a champagne menu which boasts over 20 various labels, as well as champagne cocktails, single malts and local beers, paired with seasonal dishes created with sharing in mind.

Price:Cocktails: £14

Why visit:For a truly memorable Edinburgh evening, savour a glass of champagne with unparalleled city views in a sophisticated yet relaxed setting.

Our insider tip

• At special dates, a beautiful 'Afternoon Tea' is served on the rooftop.

Overview:Located moments away from the Royal Mile, BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh is a dog-friendly craft beer hotel featuring epic food, in-room beer taps, and a lovely rooftop terrace.

View:When the weather allows, head up to the lush and modern rooftop, overlooking E Market St.

Menu:30 taps of craft beer, and a great food selection, including stacked burgers, Korean BBQ wings, salads and daily brunch.

Price:Craft beer: £6-8

Why visit:To sip craft beers and enjoy sunny and friendly sessions in a chill-out atmosphere.

Our insider tip

• njoy unlimited wings on 'Wings Wednesday'.

Overview:Found on St. Andrew Square, the Gleneagles Townhouse brings a large slice of refined luxury to Edinburgh, all the way up to the rooftop. Here you find Lamplighters Rooftop Bar, a rarified cocktail bar for those in the know, only available to members and hotel guests.

View:Join the Georgian statues looking out over Edinburgh’s picture-perfect New Town.

Menu:Sip on expertly crafted cocktails, premium champagnes, and a curated selection of top-tier Scottish whiskies, all complemented by light, elegant bar snacks.

Price:Cocktails: £14-18

Why visit:A celestial playground for cocktail enthusiasts and social butterflies.

Overview:Found on top of Calton Hill, Cafe Calton invites to everything from breakfast and brunch, to sunset sips and dinners, all with a breathtaking view.

View:While technically not a rooftop, the elevated position, terrace and floor-to ceiling-glass windows still ensures one of the best panoramic views across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth you can find.

Price:Cocktails: £12-14

Why visit:Well worth the climb up the hill, especially for sunset sips with views that are some of the most amazing Edinburgh has to offer.

Our insider tip

• Book a table for a meal inside, but for drinks and terrace seating, Cafe Calton is first come first served.

Overview:On top of Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre, in one of the city’s most iconic A-listed buildings, you find the contemporary and exclusive SKYbar Edinburgh. Only open to the public on selected days throughout the year, this is now mainly an elevated event venue..

View:The charming outside terrace, boasting magnificent views of Edinburgh Castle, the city and beyond to the Firth of Forth.

Why visit:Featuring a modern array of event spaces, the venue can be booked for everything from intimate business meetings to full scale conferences and events, as well as memorable weddings and holiday celebrations.

Our insider tip

• Expect public events on special days, like New Year's Eve and during major summer concerts.