852 Views

If magical fort views, delectable cocktails, and unmatched hospitality sound like your factor, the rooftop bars in Edinburgh might be simply what you’re searching for. You’ll discover all the pieces from easygoing terraces to luxurious lounges, that are the proper locations to wind down after an Edinburgh meals stroll!

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 could be unpredictable at occasions, 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 another 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 longer to benefit from the metropolis’s buzzing nightlife scene after darkish!

Our Guides’ Favourite Skyline Views

We consider that seeing the Fort and the Firth of Forth from an elevated perspective is a transformative native expertise. Our crew has recognized the terraces that supply probably the most cinematic vistas of the town’s distinctive volcanic and medieval structure. We search for perches the place the ambiance stays welcoming whatever the unpredictable Scottish climate. Ebook a meals tour with us to study extra.

SKYbar Edinburgh

Photograph credit score: SKYbar Edinburgh

SKYbar Edinburgh is a well-liked decide for an evening out within the Fountainbridge space attributable to its rooftop location with unique personal occasion areas. Providing a improbable 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

Photograph 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 take a look at Edinburgh Fort, however it additionally contains a tastefully adorned out of doors terrace. 

Like all rooftop bars, sundown is if you need to come to 1820 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant to look at Mom Nature do her factor. As for drinks, I used to be an enormous 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 on daily basis from 10:00 am to 12:00 am.

Nor’ Loft

Photograph credit score: Nor’ Loft

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

Since I used to be right here with a couple of of my buddies, we thought it might 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.

Go-To Elevated Lounges

We discover that one of the best rooftop bars are those that prioritize native craft beers and Scottish botanical gins. These lounges present a classy sanctuary the place you possibly can unwind whereas watching the lights of the Previous City flicker to life. We worth venues that preserve an expert but pleasant service, making everybody really feel like an invited visitor. Ebook a meals tour with us to study extra.

Chilly City Home

Photograph credit score: Chilly City Home

Chilly City Home alongside Edinburgh Fort is all the time time for a drink after darkish when issues get vigorous. 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 delicate 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’ up to date terrace is well among the many most glamorous rooftop bars in Edinburgh. The views over the Previous City are second to none, and the crew right here presents all the pieces 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 among 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 novel 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 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 critiques earlier than deciding on a particular bar.
• Check out the food and drinks menus prematurely in case you’re searching for explicit choices, akin to craft beer or top-shelf cocktails.
• Analysis upcoming occasions, like dwell music classes, 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.

Timing the Skyline in Edinburgh

We advocate reserving your desk for about forty minutes earlier than the “blue hour” to witness the dramatic change within the metropolis’s stony silhouette. In Edinburgh, the sunshine throughout the lengthy summer time evenings gives a spectacular backdrop that’s finest loved with a slow-sipping drink. We discover that even in winter, many of those terraces present heated snugs and blankets to maintain the expertise genuine and cozy. Planning your go to across the altering gentle permits for probably the most photogenic and atmospheric views of the capital.

Edinburgh’s Sustainability at Peak

We’re inspired by the rising variety of Edinburgh rooftops which are incorporating city herb gardens into their bar applications. By rising their very own garnishes on-site, these venues cut back their carbon footprint and contribute to the greening of the town’s skyline. We encourage selecting bars that make the most of energy-efficient lighting and prioritize native suppliers for his or her seasonal snack menus. Supporting these eco-conscious companies helps protect the great thing about our historic capital for future generations to get pleasure from.

Remaining Ideas: The High Rooftop Bar Expertise in Edinburgh

There’s no higher manner to absorb the jaw-dropping views of Scotland’s charming capital than swinging by a few of these attractive rooftop bars in Edinburgh’s metropolis middle. Whether or not you’re out there for a laidback sundown or a glitzy evening out, one among these spots is sure 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 Resort. (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/