As the capital of Australia, Canberra is a city that needs no introduction.
It’s surrounded by gorgeous nature reserves and staggering mountain ranges so the views here are like no other.
And what better place to enjoy the views than at a sky-high bar with a drink in hand?!
Luckily, there are several great rooftop bars in Canberra where you can start your night in style.
And I’ve rounded them all up for you in one handy list!
Canberra may not be known for its nightlife in the same way other Aussie cities are but thanks to these incredible bars, you won’t be missing out.
So from Instagrammable bars to bars with live music and DJs, here are the seven best rooftop bars in Canberra with amazing views.
1. The Howling Moon
Address: Level 6/150 Northbourne Ave, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia
Phone number: 02 6248 5311
The Howling Moon is the most famous rooftop bar in Canberra – and for good reason!
Situated atop the Canberra Rex Hotel, The Howling Moon invites you to ‘step into the wild’ with its delicious drinks, modern bar snacks, and epic view.
Here you can enjoy live music and DJs and a load of special events, as well as happy hour deals and more relaxed sunset sessions.
While their drinks menu is lengthy, it’s their signature cocktails that steal the show.
Topped with everything from pink fairy floss to toasted marshmallows, they are a sight to behold!
My favourite is the Floral Spritz but if you have a super sweet tooth, I’d recommend ordering the Above the Avenue.
Pair it with one of their wood-fired pizzas and you’re onto a winner!
For a good time in Canberra, you can never go wrong with The Howling Moon.
2. Leyla Bar
Address: 1 Burbury Cl, Barton ACT 2600
Phone number: 02 2 6188 3443
For one of the most elegant rooftop bars in Canberra, look no further than Leyla Bar which can be found on top of the Burbury Hotel.
Bringing an exclusive lounge experience to the city, this new rooftop is open from 3 pm to late Tuesday to Sunday.
Here you can indulge in uniquely crafted cocktails, beautiful bites, and several exciting weekly deals.
From champagne and caviar nights to French cake afternoons at the weekend, there’s no better place in Canberra to celebrate a special occasion.
However, if you’re just visiting normally, I urge you to try some of their bar snacks – they’re amazing!
(A special shoutout goes out to the smoked soy and miso salmon tacos.)
The cocktails are also to die for (my recommendation is the Just Peachy) and the views from here are truly second-to-none.
They’re worth the steeper price tag, that’s for sure!
3. YAKI BOI
Address: ORI Building, 72/30 Lonsdale Street, Canberra, Braddon ACT 2612
Phone number: 02 6156 9166
Love Japanese food?
Then I may have just found one of your new favourite rooftop bars in Canberra!
YAKI BOI is a casual restaurant serving Japanese-inspired fusion food, and every bite here will blow your mind.
From sashimi and dumplings to pizza and burgers, they serve something for everyone here.
(Yes, even the fussy eaters!)
While the drinks here are also fabulous, it’s the food that really shines so I urge you to try some if you visit.
Of course, it’s the roof terrace that you’re really interested in though, and this one is a good ‘un!
A sun trap on a hot summer’s day, it’s the perfect place to kick back with a pint in hand and soak up the buzzing atmosphere.
Open from noon til late every day, you’ve got plenty of time to check out YAKI BOI’s terrace.
4. Edgar’s Inn
Address: 1 Edgar St, Ainslie ACT 260
Phone number: 02 6257 5488
For a laidback pub to enjoy a beer, wine, or mixer, you can never go wrong with Edgar’s Inn.
Its gorgeous roof terrace is adorned with greenery and it feels like you’ve stepped into a tropical rainforest.
Edgar’s is the perfect place for a sundowner as the sunsets from here are pretty phenomenal.
Grab a drink and try to bag yourselves one of the best spots on the terrace for sunset where you can watch the golden glow over Telstra Tower and Mt. Ainslie.
As for food, their meat-heavy menu is short but sweet.
Highlights are the Bannockburn chicken with shallot cream and chilli cabbage, and the Murray cod with roast butter sauce and sea succulents.
They love a deal at Edgar’s Inn too so be sure to time your trip with one of their special events for cheaper food and drink.
5. Highball Express
Address: 77 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601
Phone number: 02 6179 8973
Highball Express is one of the most beautiful rooftop bars in Canberra.
With its white-washed walls, pastel tones, and abundance of greenery, its outdoor terrace looks great in an Instagram photo.
And luckily for you, its tropical cocktails are just as pretty!
While they’re all super tasty, rum is what Highball Express does best, so I’d recommend ordering a rum-based cocktail such as the Lautoka Breakfast or the Caribbean Iced Latte.
Alternatively, if you’re with a big group, you need to order one of their punch bowls – they’re heaps of fun!
One of my favourite things about this bar is how many fun specials it has on.
From live DJs and salsa dancing to cocktail masterclasses and cheap booze deals, there’s always something fun happening here.
6. The Duxton
Address: 8 Macpherson St, O’Connor ACT 2602, Australia
Phone number: 02 6162 0799
The Duxton is a buzzing modern pub with an incredible atmosphere and a rooftop terrace to match.
The friendly bar staff at The Duxton serve wide-ranging pub fare: an eclectic mixture of pub classics and more modern Australian cuisine.
Think battered flathead and chips, alongside a spiced tofu burger, and you’re on the right lines.
It’s the pizza that’s the real showstopper, though, so I’d order one of them if I were you!
Of course, the drinks here are just as fantastic, with wine and cocktails being stand-out options.
Sadly, their rooftop terrace is only available for private events but if you have a work function or a birthday coming up, it’s the best place to celebrate!
The outdoor area is a generous 120m2 and it features a grass floor, a luscious living green wall, and loads of tables and seating.
Its retractable roof means that come rain or shine, you’ll be able to party with no worries up here!
7. Assembly The People’s Pub
Address: 11 Lonsdale St, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia
Phone number: 02 6174 0440
Assemble all your favourite people and get yourself down to Assembly The People’s Pub for a drink in the sunshine!
This sprawling, vibrant venue features a bistro, two bars, and a fun beer garden where you can catch up with pals or dance the night away.
The pub is open from early til late so if you fancy an alfresco breakfast, they’ve got you covered.
Relax under the shaded oasis of a nearby oak tree and indulge in a filling breakfast burrito, a nourishing salad bowl, or sweet vanilla hotcakes.
Whatever you order, it won’t disappoint as The People’s Pub serves some of the best food in town.
Luckily, lunch and dinner are just as great, and the drinks are amazing too.
The beer garden has private access to the pub’s famous tinnie bar where you’ll find over 50 varieties of beer tins, as well as wine and spirits.
Bottoms up!
So that’s the end of my round-up of all the best rooftop bars in Canberra!
Whether you’re after an upmarket bar or a down-to-earth pub, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Why not shortlist your favourite rooftop bars in Canberra and visit them all in a sky-high bar crawl?
Sounds like the perfect way to spend a Saturday to me!