Drink In The View With Brisbane’s Best Rooftop Bars

Perched high above the streets of Fortitude Valley lies the Italian Riviera-inspired rendezvous, Cielo Rooftop. Beloved by our city for their orange-hued open-air booths, vibrant cocktail trees, bubbles everywhere you wouldn’t expect, and surreal metropolitan outlook, it’s a must for those who love an alfresco tipple. From the brains behind the Salt Meats Cheese Group, its charm remains its affability – an oasis easy to slink into and stay well past sundown. A tribute to a summer spent on coastal Italy, you can’t go past shared antipasti like Mooloolaba prawn cocktails or Byron Bay burrata, paired perfectly with a selection of twenty contemporary cocktails. Take note, late arvo is the best time to snag a seat and soak up the sun!

With their finger on the pulse of all things Fortitude Valley, Valley Hops Brewing are embracing both the nice and the nasty of this booming historic suburb. Pouring top-quality beers under the Queensland sunshine, this rooftop brewpub and bar is sitting pretty on Cloudland with good times aplenty. The distinctive characters of The Valley are captured in each brew, with a core range of six signature house-brewed beers named after people, places, and moments in time across the Valley’s eccentric history like the Herbalist IPA or the 21 Pubs Pale Ale. Featuring striking steel arbours intertwined with lush greenery, sip back and enjoy beer made for locals, by locals!

From the same creators of what was Brisbane’s most iconic rooftop bar, Eleven Rooftop, MAYA Mexican has well and truly taken over this highly sought-after space. This venue makes our list of best rooftop bars in Brisbane for its unparalleled views of Brisbane from countless stories high, a long list of delectable cocktails, and deep appreciation of regional Mexican cuisine – all inspired by a trip to Guadalajara Mexico, and plenty of artisanal tequila. From long lunches to late-night cocktails, no one does chilli margs, artisanal mezcals, and pescado tacos quite like MAYA. Choose the lush rooftop courtyard during the day and watch it transform into a bustling bar come sundown with live music performances and DJ sets reverberating from this enviable Mexican oasis.

Effortlessly cool with some of the best views in town, Fiume is the rooftop bar that just gets it. A quick elevator ride above the buzz of Howard Smith Wharves lands you at Crystalbrook Vincent’s resident hotspot – perched right beneath the Story Bridge, with sweeping views of the Brisbane River and city skyline. That spicy marg or Aperol spritz? Somehow tastes even better up here. Fridays are all about $3 oysters and cocktail deals to toast the weekend, while Sundays call for their iconic bottomless brunch – a seven-course banquet with two hours of cocktails, spritzes and wines for $85 per person. With its slick setting, vibrant energy, and unbeatable backdrop, Fiume is the kind of rooftop rendezvous you’ll keep coming back to.

From the creators of sAme sAme, Hôntô and Biànca, Agnes has been cooking up a fiery storm in Brisbane. They’re best known for their wood-fired dishes and contemporary restaurant experience, but up the dark staircase above the main dining room you’ll find an intimate terrace, overlooking the CBD and Fortitude Valley. Best in, best dressed – once you’ve experienced a house-made limoncello, a serving of wood fired bread, and (if you’re lucky enough) an oven baked cheese cake, you’ll be itching for another night at Agnes. Complete with cobblestones, an exposed brick wall, olive trees, and black garden tables, this outdoor bar serves up bar snacks, desserts and of course, wine and cocktails. Open late from Tuesday through to Saturday, this hidden gem on our list of the best rooftop bars in Brisbane is best enjoyed on a weeknight. Seats on the terrace are available by walk-in only.

360° views? Do tell. Perched high above Fortitude Valley atop Hotel X, Iris Rooftop brings serious main-character energy to Brisbane’s bar scene. With dreamy, expansive views of the city skyline, luxe poolside lounges, and an open-air terraza that channels European summer vibes, it’s the kind of spot you’ll want to linger. The menu leans Spanish, with vibrant tapas perfect for sharing and a killer drinks list curated by some of Brisbane’s best behind the bar. Whether you’re popping champagne in a cabana, grazing your way through jamón and manchego, or just soaking up the sunset with a cocktail in hand, Iris has your golden hour plans sorted. It’s a go-to for special occasions, romantic dates, or simply living your best life.

If stunning views of Brisbane’s skyline take your fancy, then strut your stuff over to SOKO Rooftop Bar. Situated at the top of Jubilee Place in Fortitude Valley, you’ll find Japanese Peruvian bites, jungle-inspired interiors, and drinks aplenty! With an abundant array of spirits, wines, and cocktails, there is something on their beverage list for everyone. Not to mention, their entertainment scene is sure to please – think bongo players, Latin dancers, DJ tunes, and more. So gather the gang, because it’s time to hit SOKO!

If rooftop bars are your love language, Hibiscus Bar & Terrace is calling. Perched above Queen Street with an infinity pool glinting nearby, this sky-high oasis is made for knock-off spritzes, long lunches, and sunset cocktails with the city skyline on show. The vibe? Effortlessly relaxed, with stone-baked pizzas, share plates, and burgers that match the breezy poolside energy. On the drinks front, think crisp wines, classic spritzes, and fresh cocktails worth a second round. Fridays bring live music, and there’s space to host your next rooftop celebration if you’re in the mood. Sunshine, sips, and skyline views – Hibiscus is everything we love about Brisbane’s rooftop bar scene, served with a dash of good times.