17 Melbourne Bars With A Killer View

Because drinking is infinitely better when you're looking at something cool.

1. The Arbory

John Gollings / Via arbory.com.au

Melbourne's new favourite after-work watering hole, The Arbory, lies between the iconic Flinders Street Station and the Yarra River, meaning you're only ever about a 22 second walk to your desired train platform. Sip a couple of vinos, munch on a burger or tapas and take in the view of the river and those twinkling city lights.

2. Naked in the Sky

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From the bustle of Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, you'll find this drinker's fave with uninterrupted views of the Melbourne city skyline. It gets packed on Fridays and Saturdays, so arrive early or queue for the elevator. Once you've got your Pimms in hand and that sun is setting, you'll know you're in the most Instagram-able location in Melbourne.

3. Section 8

Section 8 Facebook / Via Facebook: section8containerbar

A "view" in Melbourne doesn't have to come from great heights. Case in point is Section 8 Container Bar, located down the graffiti-covered Tattersalls Lane. Literally housed in an old shipping container, you'll perch on a wooden pallet and swill your ale in a spot that couldn't be more Melbourne if it tried.

4. The Loop Rooftop Bar

Peter Bennetts / Via looprooftopbar.com.au

For an incredible city view and arguably even better cocktails, you can't beat The Loop at the top end of town. Melbourne is known for its hospitality and this bar lives up to the hype, offering a specially constructed awning to protect you from extreme sun, wind and rain meaning you can absorb the ambience in all four seasons.

5. Campari House

Via Facebook: CampariHouse

No visit to Melbourne is complete without a wander down the bustling Hardware Lane where restaurants spill onto the sidewalk. Have a pizza or pasta then take a few flights of stairs up Campari House to land at this iconic rooftop for vinos, beers and good tunes. Claustrophics steer clear on a Friday night - it can be a squeeze with after-workers.

6. Ponyfish Island

Via ponyfish.com.au

There's looking at a river, and then there's being on a river. Built under Pedestrian Bridge over the Yarra, water laps at the edges of the bar that serves up good wines, beers and tasty food. Expect to settle in for a while.

7. Village Melbourne

Via villagemelbourne.com.au

Once the home of the Belgian Beer Garden, Village Melbourne is one of the south-side's choice indoor/outdoor drinking hubs. Flanked by garden and the heritage-listed Ormond Hall, there are five separate entertainment areas allowing you to spend sunny afternoons outdoors or retreat into the bistro or terrace bar when the mercury drops.

8. The Emerson

theemerson.com.au!rooftop/chy1

If you prefer a side of sophistication with your city view, then the Emerson in South Yarra will be up your alley. Without a hipster in sight, well-dressed locals mingle with out-of-towners kicking back on daybeds.

9. The Workshop

The Workshop Bar Facebook / Via Facebook: theworkshopbar

Art and alcohol make Melbourne tick, so it's only logical to combine the two in one classic venue. At The Workshop you'll find installations from up-and-coming street artists and designers to give you a hit of culture while you sip your sauv.

10. Father's Office

Via fathersoffice.com.au

Overlooking the majestic State Library of Victoria, this cosy establishment has all the ingredients for a social session. Perch on the couches or grab a spot on the balcony to take in the hustling city streets and unforgettable architecture of one of Melbourne's most historic spots.

11. The Melbourne Supper Club

Via Facebook: MelbourneSupperClub

For a good bottle of red, a cosy atmosphere and glimpses across Parliament House, you can't beat the Melbourne institution, the Supper Club. If you crave a breath of fresh air, wander upstairs to sister bar Siglo for uninterrupted views of Spring Street where all the politics goes down.

12. The Boathouse

Via theboat-house.com.au

Head out of the city and onto the Maribynong River to discover Masterchef judge Gary Mehigan's Melbourne institution, The Boathouse. Famous for its food but with no shortage of drinks, you can soak up the sun and take in the quaint riverside locale that could be mistaken for the countryside, even though you're just 10km northwest of the CBD.

13. Richmond Club Hotel

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From football fans to Saturday night revellers to Sunday sippers, the Richmond Club Hotel will hit the spot any day or night of the week. Multi-levelled and renovated with style, you'll find a little nook to wile away the hours while taking in a different vantage point of the city (rattling train tracks included).

14. Blue Diamond

Blue Diamond Club Facebook / Via Facebook: bluediamondclub

Stepping out of the elevator into this 15th floor cocktail and cigar lounge is quite literally a time warp. You'll make like Ron Burgundy admiring the rich mahogany decor, but what this place lacks in modern styling it makes up for with breathtaking views from one of the city's highest drinking vantage points.

15. Captain Baxter

Via Facebook: CaptainBaxter

If you feel like a break somewhere that looks more Hawaii than Melbourne, then Captain Baxter is for you. St Kilda's iconic palm trees will be the only thing standing between you and Port Phillip Bay. Oh, and did we mention zesty cocktails, fresh Asian fare and good beats? You're welcome.

16. Little Blue, St Kilda Pier

Via littlebluerestaurant.com.au

A short stroll down the iconic St Kilda pier will bring you to this quaint little building. Kick back on a sunny arvo for a few wines or Coronas and take in the distant city skyline, bobbing yachts and sparkling blue bay. But if Melbourne's stormy, forget it - waves could wash you off the pier.

17. Rooftop Bar

Via rooftopcinema.com.au

No list of Melbourne bars with a vista is complete without Rooftop Bar, the astro-turf-covered, festoon light-laden oasis in the middle of the high-rises. Tunes crank, smiles abound and burgers are munched in a place that probably coined the term fun. Take the rickety elevator to the seventh floor or brave the stairs and stop for a drink or bite at the Toff In Town, Cookie or Mesa Verde. Oh, and in summer, it doubles as a rooftop cinema.