The Best Rooftop Bars In Manchester

There’s just something about rooftop drinks, isn’t there? Maybe it’s the skyline views, maybe it’s the cocktails, or maybe it’s the smug little feeling of being above the city while everyone else is dodging buses, pigeons, and slow walkers down below.

Luckily, Manchester rooftop bars come in all shapes and sizes. You’ve got glamorous sky-high spots for special occasions, cosy terraces that feel like hidden gardens, student-friendly suntraps, private party spaces, swanky hotel bars, and relaxed little hideaways where “just one drink” can quickly become your whole afternoon.

So whether you’re after cocktails with a view, a sunny pint, small plates, date-night drinks, or somewhere to impress your mates, here are some of the best rooftop bars in Manchester to check out.

 

 

20 Stories

 

Image: 20 Stories MCR / Facebook.com

When: Monday – Thursday: 12pm-12am, Friday – Saturday: 12pm-1am, Sunday: 12pm-11pm

Where: 1 Hardman Square, M3 3EB, Manchester 

If we’re going to do this, we’re going to do it properly. So to kick things off, we’ve got 20 Stories. If you’re from Manchester and haven’t heard of 20 Stories… you might have been living under a rock. 20 Stories is Manchester’s highest bar sitting 19 stories above ground. Yeah, don’t let the name fool you. Known for their killer cocktails, Instagrammable look, and being one of the best rooftop bars in Manchester, 20 Stories can be pretty addictive. Be warned. 

Find tickets for events at 20 Stories - HERE

 

---

 

YES

Image: YES / Facebook.com

When: Monday – Wednesday: 12pm-12am, Thursday: 12pm-2am, Friday – Saturday: 12pm-4am, Sunday: 2pm-12am

Where: 38 Charles St, M1 7DB, Manchester 

But super flashy bars aren’t for everyone. If you’re after one of the more low-key Manchester rooftop bars, you might fancy YES. Popular with students and other young crowds, YES has multiple floors, including the Pink Room and, of course, one of the best rooftop bars in Manchester. YES doesn't have to best views, but the atmosphere is cracking, and they also sell drop-dead gorgeous pizza by the slice.

 

Find tickets for events at YES - HERE

 

---

 

Brewdog DogHouse

Image: Doghouse Manchester / Facebook.com

When: Monday – Thursday: 12pm-11pm, Friday – Saturday: 12pm-12am, Sunday: 12pm-11pm

Where: 18-20 Fountain St, M2 2AR, Manchester 

 Dog-friendly bar and hotel DogHouse has a proper mint rooftop bar in central Manchester. It’s sheltered and has heaters in case the weather’s playing up, and, as BrewDog owns it, you can rest easy knowing there’ll be great beer, tacos, and chicken wings to keep you and your taste buds happy. 

 

---

 

Terrace NQ

Image: Terrace NQ / Facebook.com

When: Monday – Wednesday: 12pm-1am, Thursday: 12pm-2am, Friday – Saturday: 12pm-3am, Sunday: 12pm-1am

Where: 43 Thomas St, M4 1NA, Manchester 

Long-time favourite Terrace NQ is home to one of the best, cosiest Manchester rooftop bars. With trees, flowers, kegs, and little plants on each table, Terrace naturally has a super homey feel, looking more like a back garden with lots of character. Super relaxed and located in the Northern Quarter (an area popular with younger crowds), any day or night spent at Terrace is chilled and fun by design. 

 

Find tickets for events at Terrace NQ - HERE

 

---

  

Lower Turks Head

Image: Lower Turks Head / Facebook.com

When: Monday – Thursday: 12pm-11pm, Friday – Saturday: 12pm-12am, Sunday: 12pm-10pm

Where: 36 Shudehill, M4 1EZ, Manchester 

Another Northern Quarter delight, the Lower Turks Head doesn’t seem like a venue that would come with a rooftop area, but it does! Admittedly, it is on the smaller side, but it's cosy and great for a catch-up; there are a few plants surrounding it, and there's a heater in case it gets a bit chilly. Set in a traditional pub, it’s perfect for a beer-loving “no frills” type.

 

Find tickets for events at Lower Turks Head - HERE

 

---

 

The Con Club

Image: The Con Club / Facebook.com

When: Monday – Wednesday: 11am-11pm, Thursday: 11am-12am, Friday: 11am-12:30am, Saturday: 10am-12am, Sunday: 10am-11pm

Where: 48 Greenwood St, WA14 1RZ, Altrincham 

Whether you're looking to splash a little cash and celebrate an evening with a fancy bottle of bubbles or relax on a quiet morning with a smoothie, The Con Club can help you out. The bar is lovely and has a stellar reputation, known for having one of the best rooftop bars in Manchester. And when you climb up to the rooftop, you’ll see a tipi, a comfy seating area, some small plants, and heaters because our weather’s about as reliable as a chocolate firefighter. 

 

Find tickets for events at The Con Club - HERE

  

---

 

Big Hands

When: Summer hours: Sunday – Thursday: 3pm-2am, Friday-Saturday: 12pm-3am

Where: 296 Oxford Road, M13 9NS, Manchester

Right in student territory amongst music venues and the theatre, Big Hands has a unique, creative atmosphere and typically attracts a younger crowd. The vibe is super casual, but many of the songs are the kind to get you up and singing after a few too many sangrias. When downstairs gets a bit rowdy, head upstairs to the stripped-down and simple rooftop bar for sun and more good times.

 

Find tickets for events at Big Hands - HERE

 

---

 

South Terrace and Lounge at King Street Townhouse

Photo: King Street Townhouse / Facebook.com

Where: 10 Booth St, M2 4AW, Manchester

Up on the sixth floor of the luxurious King Street Townhouse, you’ll find the South Terrace and Lounge, one of the best rooftop bars in Manchester. Slick, comfortable, heated, and with a canopy, this Manchester rooftop bar creates the perfect backdrop for a catch-up, late-night out, or midday cocktail. The bad news? It’s only available for hire and sometimes available to hotel guests. But the good news is, if you’re planning a party, you know exactly where to book it! 

 

---

 

Atlas Bar

Photo: Atlas Bar / Facebook.com

When: Monday – Thursday: 10am-11pm, Friday – Saturday: 10am-12am, Sunday: 10am-11pm

Where: 376 Deansgate, M3 4LY, Manchester

Twist of lime, pink grapefruit and pink peppercorn, strawberry and kiwi, damson and raspberry - these are just some of the many moreish gins available at Atlas. We might be being a bit cheeky by adding Atlas as its terrace isn’t your typical “rooftop” terrace. But it is perched on top of something (we think that counts), it’s gorgeous, and we wish we were there right now! 

Find tickets for events at Atlas Bar - HERE

  

---

 

SkyLounge At Doubletree

Image: DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Piccadilly / Facebook.com

When: Private hire, check website for more details

Where: 1, Piccadilly, Auburn Street, M1 3DJ, Manchester  

You’ve got an event coming up, it’s a big deal, and you’re keen to impress. You’re after a gorgeous rooftop location that’s private, stylish, and offers fantastic views. The penthouse event space at Doubletree will not disappoint. And when the party's over, and you're ready to wind down, the floor-to-ceiling windows will provide a serene, awe-inspiring view into the busy night. Just imagine what it would look like at night in the rain! 

  

---

 

El Gato Negro

Image: El Gato Negro Tapas / Facebook.com

When: Sunday – Thursday: 12pm-9pm, Friday – Saturday: 12pm-late

Where: 52 King St, M2 4LY, Manchester 

Have you ever had bad patatas bravas? Because we haven't. But if you have, we promise El Gato Negro won’t let you down. This Spanish tapas restaurant has won the Michelin Bib Gourmand award multiple times, an award for food that’s excellent value for money. The food is unreal, they have an extensive drinks menu, and a floor with a retractable roof. If you’re looking to chill with a drink and some nibbles after work, El Gato Negro will never let you down.

Find tickets for events at El Gato Negro - HERE

 

---

 

 

Sora at Malmaison Manchester Deansgate

Image: Malmaison Manchester Deansgate / Facebook.com

When: Wednesday – Thursday: 12pm-12am, Friday – Saturday: 12pm-1am, Sunday: 12pm-12am

Where: 23 Princess St Manchester, Greater Manchester M2 4ER 

Fancy a taste of Japan? Head to Sora. Whether you’re looking to impress on date night or want to try something new, the pan-Asian small plates and robatayaki, otherwise known as Japanese barbecue, will be sure to hit the spot.

The decor is swish, and the food and cocktails are absolutely cracking. Best of all, it overlooks two Manchester landmarks in Albert Square and the Town Hall. You really can’t go wrong with a night here.

 

 

---

 

Claude’s Skyview Bar at Chotto Matte Manchester

When: Thursday: 4pm-12am, Friday: 3pm-2am, Saturday: 12pm-2am, Sunday: 12pm-9pm

Where: No.1, Chotto Matte, St Michaels Building, 36 Jackson's Row, Manchester M2 5WD

If you love tequila but feel like you’ve visited every spot in Manchester, Claude’s Skyview Bar is the place for you. A Mexican-inspired rooftop bar at Chotto Matte, it boasts a menu of over 200 tequilas and mezcals.

But, of course, it’s not all about drinking. You’ll find mouth-watering crispy tostadas and delicious birria sliders on the menu, as well as a lineup of top DJs and performers to keep you entertained as you take in the slick views of Manchester’s St. Michael's complex.

 

Find tickets for events at Claude’s Skyview Bar - HERE

 

---

 

The Nest at Treehouse Hotel Manchester

 

When: Monday – Wednesday: 5pm-12am, Thursday: 5pm-1:30am, Friday: 3pm-1am, Saturday: 12pm-1:30am, Sunday: 12pm-10pm

Where: Blackfriars St, Manchester M3 2EQ 

The Nest just screams style. Perched high above Manchester at Treehouse Hotel Manchester, it offers soft, atmospheric lighting, seasonal cocktails, and a relaxed day-to-night vibe.

Plus, you get to see a 360-degree view of Manchester while sitting at one of the plush chairs by the window. Take a date, a mate or the family and see their faces light up in an instant.

 

---

 

The Beeswing

Image: The Beeswing / Facebook.com

When: Tuesday – Thursday: 4pm-10pm, Friday: 4pm-11pm, Saturday: 1pm-11pm, Sunday: 1pm-8pm

Where: On the terrace at Kampus, 24a Minshull St, Manchester M1 3EF 

Okay, so The Beeswing isn’t the tallest rooftop in the city, but that’s all part of the charm. Hidden away above the leafy gardens of Kampus, it overlooks the industrial-chic neighbourhood and brings a relaxed feel to Manchester’s rooftop scene.

As you’d expect, there’s an absolutely killer list of wines, small plates, spritzes and cocktails. If you’re after a long afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the city, grab a bottle of something crisp and make The Beeswing your go-to.

 

---

 

And there you have it: some of the best rooftop bars in Manchester, from fancy sky-high cocktail spots to chilled terraces, beer gardens, hidden gems, and places that make you forget you’re only a few floors above the chaos.

Whether you’re planning a date, a birthday, a catch-up, a work do, or a sunny afternoon that accidentally turns into a night out, there’s a rooftop bar ready and waiting. Now all we need is a bit of sunshine. No pressure, Manchester. 

 

---

---

 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.