Unwrapping the city's best rooftop bars
Its beautiful Georgian buildings, tree-lined parks, rolling hills, open sea and famous castle all combine to give Edinburgh its spectacular skyline. Where better to enjoy its stunning vistas at the end of a busy day’s sightseeing than in one of Edinburgh’s rooftop bars? Here, we've collated some of the city's finest.
Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh
As well as serving up immersive experiences, this exciting venue offers cocktails, cuisine and amazing Edinburgh Castle views from its 1820 Rooftop Bar. Guests can take their morning coffee by the vast windows, drop in for meals and refreshments, or enjoy an expertly crafted cocktail in the evening. The Explorer’s Bothy is a whisky themed bar by night, offering the most sought after whiskies from across Scotland, with over 150 special bottles and one of a kind cask editions on offer.
Windows Bar at Harvey Nichols
Located on the fourth floor of this iconic department store, Windows Bar has recently undergone a glamorous refurb. Relax in this spoiling venue and enjoy spectacular views over Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth and far beyond. Its resident bartenders and mixologists will be serving everything from fine wines and spirits to delicious drinks and creative cocktail concoctions.
Chaophraya
Expect floor to ceiling windows framing iconic city views when you visit this superb Thai restaurant, located on the top floor of a building on Castle Street. Tables are lined along the window edge to maximise the spectacular sights over Edinburgh, which takes in the craggy castle and well-healed New Town streets.
Cold Town House
This former church has been transformed into a hugely popular destination in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket area. Set above the streets and boutique shops, this venue includes a great restaurant as well as a pizza and Prosecco bar with its crowning glory – the heated rooftop terrace that sits in the shadow of the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Gaze up at the historic skyline, or down over the Grassmarket and take in the Old Town from this cooler than cool vista.
The Lookout by Gardener’s Cottage
Soar the city from this exciting Calton Hill restaurant, located at one of the city’s most popular viewing points. Vast glass windows take in the remarkable Princes Street sights, and far, far beyond. Created by the team behind the hugely popular Gardeners Cottage, its menus are crafted using the best seasonal ingredients, and are changing all the time.
Rooftop 51
Grab some of the greatest castle vistas from this beautiful rooftop bar in Fountainbridge. Just a short walk to Lothian Road and Haymarket, enjoy cool cocktails outside, or step inside and soak up the lively bar atmosphere.
Luxury Scotland Bars
Our own Luxury Scotland hotels in Edinburgh all offer some great outdoor sundowner locations. On board Fingal, you can enjoy a cocktail from The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar out on the deck.
Nestled on the lawn, The Garden at The Dunstane Houses (pictured above), offers a carefully curated collection of craft gins and whiskies, wines and cocktails accompanied by an Outside Garden Menu.
At The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh, One Square offers a modern take on drinking and dining. You can sit on the terrace and sip a perfectly crafted cocktail.
