Edinburgh has a growing selection of rooftop and terrace bars where you can look out over the city. From these heights, you see Edinburgh Castle, the narrow closes of the Old Town, and the hills that frame the Scottish capital. These places attract people who want to have a drink while taking in views that span across the city. The collection ranges from modern rooftop bars like 1820 Rooftop Bar and Skybar Edinburgh to established venues with outdoor terraces such as Harvey Nichols Forth Floor and Nor Loft. Each spot has its own feel and approach—some focus on cocktails, others on local drinks and food. Many are housed in historic buildings that have been part of Edinburgh for generations, giving them a sense of connection to the city's past. Whether you are visiting Edinburgh for the first time or know the city well, these bars offer different ways to experience familiar landmarks from above. On clear days, when light plays across the rooftops and you can see for miles, these terraces become places where locals and visitors gather to enjoy both the drinks and the view.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Cold Town House sits in a historic building in Edinburgh's city center and serves drinks and snacks on its outdoor terrace. From this vantage point, guests can look out over the city while taking in views of Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, and the surrounding hills. The terrace features arranged seating and lighting, making it a comfortable place to enjoy a drink above the streets below.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The 1820 Rooftop Bar is a bar located on the top floor of a downtown building, offering a wide view over Edinburgh's landmarks and streets. It fits perfectly into this collection of rooftop bars in Edinburgh where guests can enjoy a drink from above while taking in views of the castle, the Old Town and the surrounding hills.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Chaophraya Edinburgh is a Thai restaurant with an upper-level outdoor dining area that offers views over the Scottish capital. It serves traditional Southeast Asian dishes and a selection of drinks, allowing guests to enjoy perspectives of Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town and the surrounding hills while taking in the sights from above.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Doghouse Edinburgh Bar and Terrace is a place where guests can enjoy drinks and food from a large outdoor terrace. This venue serves local craft beers, creative cocktails, and bar food in a relaxed setting that stays open into the evening. As part of the best rooftop bars in Edinburgh, the Doghouse Edinburgh Bar and Terrace offers a spot to take in views over the Scottish capital while enjoying a drink.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Forth Floor Bar in this luxury department store ranks among Edinburgh's best rooftop venues. From the terrace on the top floor, you look out over the city and see Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, and the surrounding hills. You can enjoy modern cuisine, fine wines, and craft cocktails in sophisticated surroundings.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Lamplighters is a traditional Scottish pub located in Edinburgh's historic center, featuring a spacious outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy local ales, whiskies, and pub food. From this rooftop setting, visitors can take in views of the city while experiencing authentic Scottish hospitality and drinking culture.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Nor Loft is a modern bar set high above the city with clear views of Edinburgh's rooftops. As part of a collection of rooftop and terrace bars in the Scottish capital, it offers a vantage point to take in Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town and the surrounding hills from above. The venue serves signature cocktails and premium spirits alongside small plates in a contemporary setting.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Skybar Edinburgh is a high-level bar where you can enjoy drinks and cocktails. From here, you have a complete circular view over the city and its historical landmarks. This bar fits perfectly into the collection of best rooftop bars in Edinburgh, as it allows visitors to enjoy their drinks from above while looking out over the castle, the Old Town, and the surrounding hills.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Lookout by Gardeners Cottage is an elevated outdoor space attached to the Gardeners Cottage restaurant, serving drinks in an open-air setting with views across Edinburgh. From this rooftop bar, guests can enjoy the city from above and take in perspectives of Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town and the surrounding hills.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Edinburgh Gin Distillery at The Arches is a spirit production site with an upper-level tasting area where you can enjoy seasonal cocktails and panoramic views across Edinburgh. It fits naturally into a collection of rooftop bars in the Scottish capital, offering guests the chance to sip drinks from above while looking out toward Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town and the surrounding hills.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Lochrin is a contemporary bar positioned high in Fountainbridge, offering views across Edinburgh and its surroundings. The outdoor terrace is equipped with heating, making it comfortable to enjoy drinks even on cooler evenings. From this venue, you can see Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town spread below you. It is one of the major rooftop bars where guests can experience the city from above.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Sushisamba Edinburgh is a Japanese and Brazilian restaurant located on the tenth floor of a modern building. The outdoor terrace of this venue offers wide views over Calton Hill and the city centre. This restaurant fits perfectly within the collection of major rooftop bars in Edinburgh, as it allows you to enjoy a drink from above while taking in the city's skyline.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The W Lounge Edinburgh occupies the eleventh floor of the W Hotel and offers in this collection of rooftop bars a modern venue for drinks. From here you see the city all around: Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town and the hills beyond. The bar serves creative cocktails in a contemporary setting.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Teuchters is a traditional Scottish venue that stands out among rooftop and terrace bars throughout Edinburgh. It serves local beers and regional cuisine in a garden set on the bank of the Water of Leith with outdoor tables, offering guests a different vantage point over the Scottish landscape.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Blackbird is an independent café-bar in Edinburgh that fits perfectly into the collection of the city's top rooftop and terrace bars. This venue features a hidden garden accessible through a courtyard, where you can enjoy craft drinks and dishes made with local produce. From this secluded retreat, you can experience the rhythm of the Scottish capital in an intimate setting.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Joseph Pearce is a venue with a large outdoor terrace where guests can bring their pets, set in a casual and friendly setting. It fits well within this collection of rooftop bars in Edinburgh that offer views across the Scottish capital.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Beehive Inn is a traditional establishment in the Grassmarket district and part of this collection of rooftop and terrace bars across Edinburgh. From its outdoor terrace, guests can see Edinburgh Castle while enjoying drinks from the open-air tables. The venue combines the character of an established pub with views of the Scottish capital, offering a different perspective on the city from above.