3 Views

If magical fort views, delectable cocktails, and unmatched hospitality sound like your factor, the rooftop bars in Edinburgh will probably be simply what you’re in search of. You’ll discover every little thing from easygoing terraces to luxurious lounges, that are the proper locations to wind down after an Edinburgh meals tour!

After visiting a number of the hottest rooftop bars in Edinburgh, these are the spots that I can’t wait to return to subsequent time I’m within the metropolis.

What Makes Edinburgh’s Rooftop Bars Particular?

Scottish climate may be unpredictable at the very best of instances, however when the solar comes out, there’s no higher place to be than in a trendy rooftop bar in Edinburgh. The enchanting structure, surrounding hills, and cobbled streets make for some sensational vistas which are in contrast to these in some other metropolis.

After all, the views are only one a part of the expertise, because the eating choices, cocktail menus, and vibrant atmospheres make it an unmissable expertise. Attempt to time your go to for sundown and keep a bit of longer to benefit from the metropolis’s buzzing nightlife scene after darkish!

Greatest Rooftop Bars in Edinburgh

SKYbar Edinburgh

Picture credit score: SKYbar Edinburgh

SKYbar Edinburgh is a well-liked decide for an evening out within the Fountainbridge space on account of its rooftop location with unique non-public occasion areas. Providing a implausible view of the town and an upmarket vibe, no place beats this for a drink at sundown.

The cocktail I went for right here was ‘Failte Gu Alba,’ and to say it was scrumptious could be an understatement. It was made with a smokey shot of Johnnie Walker Black, an almondy trace of Amaretto, refreshing apple juice, and a squirt of tangy lime.

SKYbar Edinburgh – Edinburgh EH3 9AF – Closed each Monday to Thursday and Sunday, open each Friday and Saturday from 5:00 pm to 12:00 am.

1820 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

Picture credit score: 1820 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

Johnnie Walker’s 1820 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant in the Previous City goes past the model. Not solely are you able to get a clear have a look at Edinburgh Citadel, nevertheless it additionally includes a tastefully adorned outside terrace. 

Like all rooftop bars, sundown is if you wish to come to 1820 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant to look at Mom Nature do her factor. As for drinks, I used to be a giant fan of the black ruby tonic, a tasty fusion creation with a fruity shot of Johnnie Walker Black Ruby blended with some bitter tonic water and candy, tart blueberry jam. 

1820 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant – Edinburgh EH2 4BL – Open day-after-day from 10:00 am to 12:00 am.

Nor’ Loft

Picture credit score: Nor’ Loft

Nor’ Loft, which sits atop the Market Road Lodge, is among the greatest rooftop bars in Edinburgh for sipping on some advantageous champagne. From the expansive floor-to-ceiling home windows that supply wonderful vistas to the opulent furnishing, this can be a pretty place for an afternoon drink.

Since I used to be right here with just a few of my buddies, we thought it could be impolite to not order a bottle of bubbly. We ended up going for the Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut, and it hit the spot. Every sip got here with a citrussy kick and a spicy aftertaste.

Nor’ Loft – Edinburgh EH1 1DE – Open each Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am and each Friday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am.

Chilly City Home

Picture credit score: Chilly City Home

Chilly City Home alongside Edinburgh Citadel is all the time a great time for a drink after darkish when issues get full of life. Set over three ranges and residential to its personal microbrewery, this spot has a stylish hip vibe you’ll love..

Since they make their very own beer on-site, I figured, why not give the lager a strive? It was refreshingly chilly and crisp, with a contact of malt and refined elderflower notes.

Chilly City Home – Edinburgh EH1 2JU – Open each Monday to Thursday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, Friday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am, Saturday from 11:30 am to 1:00 am, and each Sunday from 11:30 am to 12:00 am.

Harvey Nichols Forth Ground Brasserie and Bar

Aptly named the Forth Ground Brasserie and Bar, Harvey Nichols’ modern terrace is well among the many most glamorous rooftop bars in Edinburgh. The views over the Previous City are second to none, and the group right here presents every little thing from afternoon tea specials to brunch sittings.

I arrived late within the afternoon and wasn’t feeling too hungry simply but, so I simply went for one in every of their quirky cocktails. Their cinnamon and ginger-infused gin providing sounded in contrast to something I’d tried earlier than, so I needed to strive it. Whereas the gin had a singular mix of warmth and citrus, the flavors had been elevated by the addition of bitter apple juice and sugary syrup.

Harvey Nichols Forth Ground Brasserie and Bar – Edinburgh EH2 2AD – Open each Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to six:00 pm, Friday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and each Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.

The right way to Select the Proper Rooftop Bar in Edinburgh

• Every bar boasts distinctive options and atmospheres, with some rooftop bars in Edinburgh being relaxed and low-key and others being far more upscale. As such, it’s all the time a good suggestion to take a look at visitor experiences and evaluations earlier than deciding on a particular bar.
• Check out the food and drinks menus prematurely in the event you’re in search of explicit choices, akin to craft beer or top-shelf cocktails.
• Analysis upcoming occasions, like reside music periods, scheduled in any of those rooftop bars earlier than your go to.
• I counsel making a reservation prematurely to safe your desk, and it’s all the time a good suggestion to ask in regards to the gown code whilst you’re reserving.

Closing Ideas: The Greatest Rooftop Bar Expertise in Edinburgh

There’s no higher means to absorb the jaw-dropping views of Scotland’s fascinating capital than swinging by a few of these beautiful rooftop bars in Edinburgh’s metropolis middle. Whether or not you’re available in the market for a laidback sundown or a glitzy evening out, one in every of these spots is certain to be an ideal match.

Sources:

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Edinburgh meals excursions. Consuming Europe. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/edinburgh/

Skybar Edinburgh. (n.d.). Skybar Edinburgh – Rooftop bar with metropolis views. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://skybaredinburgh.com/skybar

Johnnie Walker. (n.d.). Rooftop bar & eating at Johnnie Walker Princes Road. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://www.johnniewalker.com/en-gb/visit-us-princes-street/rooftop-bar-dining

Market Road Lodge. (n.d.). Nor’ Loft – Champagne lounge & rooftop bar. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://www.marketstreethotel.co.uk/norloft

Chilly City Home. (n.d.). Chilly City Home – Rooftop beer backyard & pizzeria. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://coldtownhouse.co.uk/

Harvey Nichols. (n.d.). Forth Ground Bar – Cocktails & panoramic views in Edinburgh. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://www.harveynichols.com/eating places/edinburgh/forth-floor-bar/