Manchester is one of the best cities in the north, and there’s certainly no shortage of things to do and bars to visit here.
If it’s a rooftop bar you’re looking for in Manchester, then you’re in luck, because there are loads of them around.
We’ve compiled this handy list of the best rooftop bars in Manchester so you don’t have to do any of the hard work.
From Instagrammable rooftops with amazing views to rooftops with live music and DJs, there’s something for everyone.
Just get reading and head on down to your favourites!
1. Honest Burgers
Address: 36 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BT
Phone number: 0161 676 3890
Honest Burgers is one of the nation’s favourite burger joints.
And the good news is, their Manchester location has a rooftop bar for you to chill out on too!
It’s the perfect place to catch some rays on a sunny summer day while tucking into one of their incredible burgers.
They’ve got some great vegan-friendly burgers on offer too, so there’s something for everyone here.
The fritter burger takes the crown for me!
2. Junkyard Golf Club
Address: 2 First St, Manchester M15 4RP
Junkyard Golf Club is known the nation over for being the king of the crazy golf scene.
And it just so happens that their Manchester spot has an equally epic rooftop bar!
Treat yourself to a game of crazy golf before heading up to their rooftop to finish the night with a view.
Their cocktail menu is one of the best around with creative concoctions like Bubblegum Sunset, Fairground Spritz, and Junkyard Love Club gracing the menu.
Order your favourite and sip it in style from one of the coolest rooftop bars in Manchester!
3. Roof Garden Playground at Great John Street Hotel
Address: Great John St, Manchester M3 4FD
Phone number: 0161 831 3211
Great John Street Hotel is a stylish hotel that has one of the nicest rooftop bars in town, and it goes by the name of Roof Garden Playground.
It’s perfect for those who love an intimate rooftop terrace, as it’s well hidden from the street.
This means you can usually chill out here without having to make your way through huge crowds of people to get a drink.
It’s fun, it’s classy and it’s by far one of the best rooftop bars in Manchester.
4. The Ivy Spinningfields
Address: The Pavilion, Byrom St, Manchester M3 3HG
Phone number: 0161 503 3222
The Ivy Spinningfields is a much-loved spot for celebrating special occasions across the board.
And their rooftop garden will make your celebration that little bit more unique.
The beautiful rooftop garden is a magical oasis full of lush florals and foliage.
It’s also decorated in gorgeous colours which make for a wonderful Instagram backdrop.
The Skylight Terrace within the Roof Garden is an oasis in the heart of Manchester and is available for private hire for up to 50 people.
This one is a real treat!
5. Atlas Bar
Address: 367 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LY
Phone number: 0161 834 2124
Atlas Bar is a smart industrial-chic bar with a beer garden that’s really worth a visit.
They specialise in gin and currently have over 570 on offer, so if gin is your thing, then Atlas is probably the one for you.
Their beer garden isn’t technically a rooftop, but it’s suspended in the arches below the roof, so that still counts, right?
Get on down here and try out one of their unusual gins while enjoying the fresh air in the garden.
6. YES
Address: 38 Charles St, Manchester M1 7DB
Phone number: 0161 273 2725
YES is a fab live music venue which is spread out across four floors, one of which is, as you’ve probably guessed, a cracking roof terrace space.
The pints are cheap, the food is delicious, and the vibes are immaculate, so this is the perfect rooftop terrace for a chilled one with your mates.
They have pizza from Pepperoni Playboy and vegan kebabs from Doner Summer.
I can testify to the tastiness of the kebabs, so would recommend giving one of those a go!
7. Hatch
Address: 103 Oxford Rd, Manchester M1 7ED
Phone number: 07586 111640
Hatch is an incredibly cool spot full of pop-up food and drink stands, and funky shops.
And it’s one of the best places in Manchester to go for a relaxed catch-up with your nearest and dearest.
There are over thirty independent traders at Hatch, and all of them are unreal.
This means you can keep going back and trying new things without ever getting bored!
To maximise space, Hatch has several different “rooftop” spaces where you can eat on elevated terraces on top of some of the containers that are dotted around.
A fab idea on a sunny day!
8. Club Brass at Hotel Gotham
Address: 100 King St, Greater Manchester M2 4WU
Club Brass is a private members’ club that’s housed in one of the city’s grandest properties, Hotel Gotham.
This bar is as exclusive as it gets, and you can only get in if you’re a member or a guest of the hotel.
So if you’re looking for one of the most exclusive rooftop bars in Manchester, then this is bound to be perfect for you.
Up on the seventh floor, you’ll pass through two vault-style doors which give the place a Prohibition vibe that only adds to its sense of uniqueness.
Apply for a membership and get ready for the elegant members’ club of your dreams.
9. 20 Stories
Address: No. 1, 1 Hardman Square, Manchester M3 3EB
Phone number: 0161 204 3333
20 Stories is an iconic cocktail bar and restaurant found in the heart of Spinningfields.
It has sweeping views of the city as well as stylish décor and delicious modern British cuisine, paired with equally tasty cocktails.
They serve the highest afternoon tea in Manchester, which is a pretty impressive feat.
Surely that’s enough to tempt you to visit?
During winter, they transform the space into an après ski rooftop winter hideaway, so you can have some festive fun while looking out over the night sky of Manchester.
10. Brewdog DogHouse
Address: 18-20 Fountain St, Manchester M2 2AR
Phone number: 0161 467 1003
Brewdog has popular bars all over the country, and Brewdog DogHouse is so popular, it even has a hotel within it for people to stay the night with their favourite brand!
Their rooftop terrace is everything you would expect from a Brewdog venue.
It’s cool, it’s fun and it’s great for a casual chat with friends.
They also have an incredible tacos menu featuring everything from birria beef tacos to chipotle corn tacos, as well as loaded waffle fries and loaded tiger fries, among a whole bunch of other delicious snacks.
Get yourself up there!
11. SkyLounge at Doubletree
Address: 1 Piccadilly, Auburn St, Manchester M1 3DG
Phone number: 0161 242 1000
SkyLounge at Doubletree is exclusively a private hire venue, but oh my is it worth it if you get the chance to go.
It’s the penthouse event space at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, and it’s the perfect place to take full advantage of the beautiful views of the city’s fabulous skyline.
The floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to fully absorb the gorgeous vistas.
There’s no better place to celebrate your next big event, I can assure you of that.
12. South Terrace and Lounge at King Street Townhouse
Address: 10 Booth St, Manchester M2 4AW
Phone number: 0161 667 0707
Up on the sixth floor of King Street Townhouse, you’ll find the South Terrace and Lounge, their gorgeous rooftop garden.
Though it’s mostly used for private hire, it’s occasionally open to hotel guests, and when it is, it’s worth the trip upstairs.
The beautiful terrace space has heating and a canopy, too, so it’s suitable whatever the weather, which is always good with a rooftop terrace!
Their seasonal grazing boards are worth a trip in themselves, so make sure you go hungry!
13. Tre Ciccio
Address: 4a Moss Ln, Altrincham WA14 1BA
Phone number: 0161 414 0196
Tre Ciccio is a wonderful Italian restaurant, with an equally amazing rooftop terrace for you to enjoy your dinner on.
From roast chicken and potatoes Italian style through to Neapolitan pizza, the guys at Tre Ciccio are bringing the best of Italy to Altrincham.
You’re sure to love it, no matter what you order.
It’s only made even better by virtue of its gorgeous rooftop terrace, so make sure to sit out there if you get a chance to.
You’ll regret it if you don’t!
14. El Gato Negro
Address: 52 King St, Manchester M2 4LY
Phone number: 0161 694 8585
El Gato Negro‘s Manchester location is set in a three-storey townhouse that has a gorgeous rooftop terrace with a retractable roof.
This means it’s one of the best rooftop bars in Manchester come rain or shine, which is always good.
(I mean, this is Manchester we’re talking about after all!)
The food is fantastic and is a winner for anyone who loves tapas.
What I love about tapas is the freedom to choose a whole bunch of different dishes, because I hate having to choose just one!
Patatas bravas are non-negotiable for me because I love them, so they would be one of my choices.
What would yours be?
15. Terrace NQ
Address: 43 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA
Phone number: 0161 819 2345
Terrace NQ is a super fun bar with not one, not two, but three lovely roof gardens where you can indulge in everything from craft beer to cocktails.
The leafy rooftop spaces are incredibly cool, with some industrial-chic décor bringing all the vibes to the terraces.
They have rotating guest beers on tap, too, so you’ll be able to try something new every time you visit, should you so wish!
They also serve delicious pizzas, which makes Terrace NQ the perfect package, don’t you think?
16. Big Hands
Address: 296 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9NS
Phone number: 0161 272 7309
Big Hands is a cool venue popular amongst gig-goers, which is also perfect for students and casual drinkers.
They play energetic music which will get you in the mood to party, and their rooftop garden is one of the best places in Manchester to get the party started.
If you’re after a relaxed vibe that will still get you feeling ready to boogie, then Big Hands might just be the one for you.
Check it out and chill out on their cracking rooftop garden.
17. BrickHouse Social
Address: 11-13 New Wakefield St, Manchester M1 5NP
Phone number: 0161 236 4899
BrickHouse Social is an incredibly funky NYC-style bar and diner with a pool room and a rooftop terrace, as well as a fantastic Day-of-the-Dead-themed basement club.
They’re bringing the vibes and you can enjoy them while drinking in the city skyline (and a beverage or two, of course!).
It’s so much fun, no matter which floor you choose, and is a great place to go if you’re not sure quite what you’re looking for.
Plus, BrickHouse Social is also one of the best places to go for bottomless brunch in Manchester.
They have it all here, that’s for sure!
18. Lower Turks Head
Address: 36 Shudehill, Manchester M4 1EZ
Phone number: 0161 834 2910
Lower Turks Head is a traditional pub that dates back to 1745.
It’s steeped in history and it emits a strong sense of community spirit as soon as you step through its doors.
Admittedly, it might not be the first place you’d think of for a roof terrace.
But their rooftop space is a great place for a chilled-out pint with your pals.
It’s unassuming and friendly, and the outdoor space is heated, which is always good in my eyes.
Moreover, the rooftop is adorned with artwork by local artists plus a dedicated poem to the pub.
It truly is a pub that’s loved by the community!
19. Cloud 23
Address: Beetham Tower, 303 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ
Phone number: 0161 870 1688
Cloud 23 is the Hilton’s smart cocktail and champagne bar, that’s located on the 23rd floor of Beetham Tower, a Manchester landmark.
A contemporary design, stylish cocktails and a cracking soundtrack set the scene for one of the very best rooftop bars in Manchester.
They even have a cocktail which is served in a miniature hot air balloon.
It doesn’t get much cooler than that!
Head up here for unbeatable views and even better drinks.
20. The Deansgate Tavern
Address: 321 Deansgate, Greater Manchester M3 4LQ
The Deansgate Tavern is a proper pub which is well-loved by everyone who goes there.
It may come as a surprise at first glance that this pub has a rooftop garden, but trust me when I say it’s well worth checking out.
The beautiful roof garden terrace is a standout feature of this pub, and it perfectly complements its original décor.
If you’re after the perfect spot to enjoy a pint above the streets of Manchester, then The Deansgate Tavern is one of the best rooftop bars in Manchester for you.
Give it a go!
21. The Ape & Apple
Address: 28-30 John Dalton St, Manchester M2 6HQ
Phone number: 0161 839 9624
If you’re looking for a pub that’s light, spacious and welcoming as well as having a banging rooftop terrace, then The Ape & Apple is most definitely one of the best rooftop bars in Manchester for you.
Their rooftop terrace is the perfect place to while away a summer’s afternoon.
The drinks are well-priced and the food is your classic pub grub, but with plenty of vegan options on offer.
Come here if you love a good pub and you want to enjoy a cold beer in the sun because it’s exactly right for that!
22. The Con Club
Address: 48 Greenwood St, Altrincham WA14 1RZ
Phone number: 0161 696 6870
The Con Club is housed in what used to be the Working Men’s Conservative Club in Altrincham, that’s since been transformed into a lovely stylish restaurant with a gorgeous outdoor space.
First off, they have a rooftop tipi, which is incredibly cool.
Who doesn’t want to enjoy their meal in a tipi, after all?
And secondly, they serve up classic dishes as well as premium cuts of meat, fish and sushi.
This means there’s certain to be something to tantalise everyone’s tastebuds.
23. Dukes 92
Address: 18-25 Castle St, Manchester M3 4LZ
Phone number: 0161 839 8642
One of my favourite rooftop bars in Manchester, Dukes 92 is set in a former stable.
And luckily for you, it has a balcony as well as a gorgeous terrace space.
From stunning interiors, you’ll walk out to an even more gorgeous outside area, making it the place to be, regardless of what you’re looking for.
It’s one of Manchester’s most visited bars, which is testament to how good it is!
Moreover, it’s also located next to the canal, so if you enjoy waterside dining, then Dukes 92 is the perfect fit for you.
24. G-A-Y
Address: 63 Richmond St, Manchester M1 3WB
Phone number: 0161 228 6200
G-A-Y is a huge nightclub that has a gigantic rooftop terrace for revellers to smoke and drink the night away on.
I guess it isn’t technically a rooftop bar, but it deserves a spot on the list – the terrace is a great place to meet new people!
If you’re in the area and are looking for a super fun late-night venue to dance the night away in, then G-A-Y is perfect for you.
Head on down there and get your boogie on with your mates.
25. Barca
Address: 8-9 Catalan Square, Manchester M3 4RU
Phone number: 0161 839 7099
With a cracking outdoor terrace and balcony, Barca is easily one of the best rooftop bars in Manchester.
It has a gastropub-style menu, and it’s canal side, so you get to enjoy waterfront views while you tuck into your delicious grub.
There are also live DJs, so you can get in the mood to party from early on in the day, which is always fun.
From salt and pepper fries to buffalo chicken pizzas, this is the perfect spot for some delicious guilty pleasure food with some banging views.
Get yourself down there for a good time!
26. The Old Nags Head
Address: 19 Jackson’s Row, Manchester M2 5WD
Phone number: 0161 832 4315
Next up on this list of the best rooftop bars in Manchester, we have The Old Nags Head.
The Old Nags Head is the ultimate traditional pub.
However, it also has one of the best rooftop gardens in Manchester too, which may come as a surprise.
They have lovely décor, and a great mix of rooms which are adorned with things from across many eras, meaning that everyone will feel at home here.
Their rooftop terrace is lovely and leafy, making it a great place to go for a summery drink with your nearest and dearest.
27. Zouk Tea Bar & Grill
Address: 5, The Quadrangle, Chester St, Manchester M1 5QS
Phone number: 0161 233 1090
Zouk Tea Bar & Grill are kings of Indian and Pakistani grill dishes.
To make them an even better candidate for your next meal out, you’ll be pleased to hear they also have a gorgeous outdoor terrace.
The terrace is adorned with flora and foliage which will add a bit of colour to your day, with the food being equally colourful to match!
It’s contemporary, it’s stylish and the food is delicious, so get ready for a quality meal here at Zouk.
Head down here and check out their incredible menu while enjoying some fresh air on their fantastic terrace.
Just make sure to snap a photo in front of the flower wall while you wait for your food.
It’s totally Instagram-worthy!
As you can see, there’s no shortage of fantastic rooftop bars in Manchester for you to spend your afternoons visiting.
From casual to classy, you’ll find something to suit every occasion in this fab city.
So get your shoes on and make your way around the lot.
Why not, after all?