18 Brisbane Rooftop Bars That 100% Pass The Vibe Check

Just think of the golden hour selfie potential!

1. Eleven Rooftop Bar, Fortitude Valley

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For New York City vibes on a Brisbane budget, head to Eleven. There’s just something about their jaw-dropping views, luxury booths — which are big enough for your whole squad — and specialty cocktail list that will make you feel like you’re sitting above Manhattan instead of busy Ann Street. To complete the experience, order yourself The Bradshaw, which is made from Absolut vanilla vodka, cranberry, blood orange cointreau and topped with flowers.

2. Dandy’s Rooftop Bar, The Fox Hotel, South Brisbane

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If you've ever walked through Southbank at night, you've most likely noticed the colourful lights and non-stop bangers coming from Dandy's Rooftop Bar. Located on top of The Fox Hotel, Dandy's seamlessly flows from laid-back afternoon drinks into a dance party once the sun goes down.

3. Elixir Rooftop Bar, Brisbane CBD

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Like a great catch, Elixir plays hard to get. Its entrance from the street is easy to miss, while its steep, carpeted stairs leading up to the roof are hard enough to navigate while sober. But the payoff is well and truly worth it! This boutique bar is bursting with atmosphere and intimacy, making it the ideal setting to kick off a summer fling.

4. Fitz + Potts, Nundah

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For those who prefer a quiet few in the 'burbs as opposed to a late-night rager, head on down to Fitz + Potts in Nundah. This quirky beer garden — complete with astro-turf and mismatched lounges — is one of Brisbane's only suburban rooftop bars. Its casual vibe and friendly staff will have you feeling right at home while you enjoy their selection of craft beers and boutique wines.

5. Sixteen Antlers, Pullman Hotel, Brisbane CBD

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If you're in the heart of the city, head to Sixteen Antlers. Located on the 16th floor of the Pullman Hotel, the stylish interiors and selection of craft beers and cocktails will make your afternoon feel a little Melbourne-esque.

6. The Terrace Rooftop Bar, Emporium Hotel, Southbank

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Touch the sky at The Terrace, the sophisticated rooftop bar atop the new Emporium Hotel. Its baby blue interior will have you feeling like a diamond in a Tiffany & Co box, while its delicious menu and speciality cocktails will have you dining like an A-lister. Go all out with the teal theme and order yourself one of their blue Ink Gins while you're at it!

7. Sazerac Bar, Four Points by Sheraton, Brisbane CBD

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Welcome to the highest bar in Brisbane! The uber-sleek Sazerac is on the 30th floor of the Sheraton Hotel. It's not actually on the ROOF of the building, but rather in the middle, so it's a great choice if heights make you feel a bit queasy. Plus, you'll still be able admire Brisbane's stunning skyline.

8. Eagles Nest, The Point Hotel, Kangaroo Point

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For an exclusive gem, check out Eagles Nest atop The Point Hotel in Kangaroo Point. Only open Friday and Sunday afternoons from 3 p.m. onwards, this hideaway serves up champagne, craft beers and cocktails. It's the best way to wash down their tapas dishes on offer like their antipasto, arancini balls and cheese platters.

9. Stock Exchange Hotel, Brisbane CBD

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If you're keen for the weekend to start and can't wait until Friday, Stockies is a great place for after-work drinks any day of the week. The skyscrapers surrounding you will have you feeling grounded, while the cold beers and relaxed atmosphere will make you feel sky high.

10. Limes Hotel Rooftop Bar, Fortitude Valley

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If you find it hard to pull yourself away from the Limes Hotel rooftop bar, we don’t blame you. Not only does this joint offer 360 degree views of the city, but it’s also fully equipped with two plunge pools to soak up summer in all its glory. PLUS, on different nights of the week, it also turns into an outdoor cinema. So nab yourself a beanbag and order a Pimms jug before kicking back.

11. Spicers Balfour Hotel, New Farm

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For a bespoke experience that still delivers killer views, check out Spicers. Located in trendy New Farm, this boutique hotel has a small rooftop bar that's open to guests and the public, making it a sweet CBD escape for when you want some peace and quiet without skipping town. They offer a huge selection of wines and even high tea for an extra special afternoon.

12. The Pool Terrace and Bar, Next Hotel, Brisbane CBD

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Overlooking busy Queen Street Mall is The Pool Terrace and Bar. Head up to this resort style haven to rest your feet after shopping up a storm, or make a day of it and fend off the summer heat with their 20 metre infinity pool.

13. Soleil Pool Bar, Rydges Hotel, South Brisbane

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For a swanky poolside sip, the Soleil Pool Bar in the Rydges Hotel is the place to be. Serving up every kind of drink you could imagine, it's the perfect location to grab drinks before enjoying a show at QPAC across the road.

14. Bavarian Bier Cafe, Eagle Street Pier

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Look, a parmi on its own is pretty flawless, but a parmi with a view of the city, brown snake and Story Bridge included? Sign us up. Crack open a cold one with the boys at The Barvarian Bier Cafe and you've got your Sunday afternoon sorted.

15. WET Deck, W Hotel, Fortitude Valley

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Be right back, just chilling inside the freaking ARTWORK that is the WET Deck. This poolside bar inside the W Hotel is just as summery as it is chic. And yes, even the pool tiles mirror that crazy pattern. Order yourself a Sticky Pineapple Punch packed with Barcadi rum, pineapple, passionfruit, lime and rosé for the ultimate summer beverage.

16. Fiume Bar, The Fantauzzo Hotel, Howard Smith Wharves

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Any restaurant along the Howard Smith Wharves will give you stunning views of the Brisbane river. But why stay on the ground level? The Fantauzzo Hotel’s rooftop bar, Fiume, is nestled right near the iconic Story Bridge and gives you an outlook of the skyscrapers that will sparkle just as much as your spritz!

17. Nautilus, Westin Brisbane, Brisbane CBD

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I cannot stress this enough — the Westin's rooftop bar isn't just a rooftop bar, but a SWIM UP BAR. That's right! Every weekend from Friday to Sunday until December 21, The Westin is opening their swim up bar to the public. So grab your togs and book a spot now because this might just be the hottest place in town once summer arrives.

18. Altitude, Fortitude Valley

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Be LITERALLY on top of what's new in Brisbane at Altitude, one of the city’s newest bars. It's just opened above Fortitude Valley's first picture theatre and features cute cabanas and heaps of atmosphere thanks to the fairy lights and leafy greenery. Treat yourself to one of their bold cocktails like their Pink Fizz, made with Beefeater pink gin, rose syrup, fresh lemon and cranberry juice!