The 5 Best Rooftop Bars in Dubai
Going to a bar is one way to have a great time, but going to a rooftop bar just makes the experience more unforgettable.
With so many rooftop bars in Dubai offering amazing views with your drink, it can get hard to choose the perfect spot for a night out with friends
That’s exactly why we’ve tried out some rooftop bars all around the city to give you the best ones. We explain the different factors we considered in choosing them and answer some FAQs about bars in Dubai.
How much does going to rooftop bars cost in Dubai?
Enjoying the nightlife and drinks available at bars can get quite expensive, but you can control your spending if you know the price range of drinks at bars in Dubai.
We’ve compiled the price ranges of the common types of drinks you can find in Dubai’s rooftop bars below.
The Best Rooftop Bars in Dubai
Before we get right into our list of the best rooftop bars in Dubai, here are the criteria we considered in choosing them:
1. SoBe
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Atmosphere | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Beverage Selection | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Combining the effervescence of ’90s Miami neon street art and the grandeur of ’20s art deco, this rooftop bar with a 360-degree view SoBe proves that being timeless means bars don’t have to be devoid of colors.
We arrived in mid-afternoon to catch the sunset, and we instantly knew why a lot of people call it one of the best sundowners spots in Dubai.
The sunset bathes not just the whole rooftop bar but also the whole city, making the view look like it was pulled straight out of a movie.
The maximalist decor and the presentation of the food and drinks really complemented the grandness of the Dubai skyline and SoBe’s approach to the bar experience.
The vibrance of SoBe is also found in its Instagram-ready beverage selection. At first, we were kinda disappointed that it only has the classic all-time favorite cocktails on its menu.
But were blown away when our order arrived at our table because the presentation was so grand and unique that it really was a different experience just by looking at it.
Not only that, we enjoyed how they tasted, and the flavors really prepped us for a great night ahead.
All in all, while it may not be the most sophisticated bar in Dubai, it knows its strength lies in being bold and vibrant.
Those are the two keywords to having a great night out with friends, and that is exactly why SoBe is one of our favorites.
Pros
- Unique and vibrant decor
- Lively ambiance
- Food and drinks tasted and looked great
Cons
- Only serves classic cocktails
Customer Reviews
Will keep coming back
“We were on the terrace having a few drinks and it was a great experience. We had the pleasure of meeting Sara who looked after us wonderfully and made us have a great time. We will certainly come back to enjoy the experience again.” —Andrea Albos, Google Reviews
Great vibes and excellent service!
“It’s such a good vibe when I entered SoBe, we were sitting outside to enjoy the shisha. There was a DJ playing at that time. We were served by Ani. She’s attentive and fast. She explained the food exactly like what we received on the table. The food and the beverage are excellent. SoBe is truly an experience. I would like to come back again to enjoy this place.” —Octavine Christie, Google Reviews
2. TWENTY THREE
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Atmosphere | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Beverage Selection | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Situated in Media City near the Palm Jumeirah, TWENTY THREE is a popular rooftop destination that offers an amazing view of the urban sunset, and the glitzy city lights at night.
This rooftop bar overlooks the Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf on one side, and the city of Dubai on the other.
We love that its location has views of the two sides of the city: the land and the sea — both beautiful in their own right.
We personally recommend getting a table overlooking the coast during the sunset and a table overlooking the city in the evening.
The Arabian-inspired decor perfectly complements the sunset light when it hits the bar, making it glow a subtle orange at a certain point in the afternoon.
It’s very apparent that the bar’s stylist knew how to harness this beautiful lighting feature and give the whole place an almost entirely different look during sunsets.
We also love that it maintains this sense of warmth in its lighting fixtures for when the sun goes down.
The place is accentuated by warm orange lighting that gives it an intimate and cozy atmosphere that more bars fail to do.
As for its selection of drinks, it has a menu full of signature cocktails. But we were disappointed that it does not sell hard liquor by the bottle.
And while the signature cocktails were great, we recommend the Havan rum for those who love their cocktails strong. We really just wanted a bottle to share.
All in all, TWENTY THREE does what bars rarely do successfully, and that is to take into consideration how the view of its rooftop bar affects the atmosphere of the space.
More than just a centerpiece to the rooftop bar, TWENTY THREE makes sunsets work for them to completely shift the atmosphere of the place.
Pros
- Has views of the coast and the city
- Great place for viewing the sunset
- Arabian-inspired decor
- Warm and intimate atmosphere
- Signature cocktails
Cons
- Doesn’t sell liquor by the bottle
Customer Reviews
Breathtaking view
“23 is a beautiful experience. The rooftop seats are genuinely breathtaking at night. The lights and view are magical. Service is really good especially Som he was really catering to the needs of everyone. Prices are reasonable especially for the happy hour. Definitely recommend it.” —Batoul Daou, Google Reviews
Excellent service
“Our waiter Minda provided exceptional and professional service, one of the best I had so far in Dubai! Most times, he was even faster than I could think and brought my drink without me even calling him. I wholeheartedly recommend this place and this ladies night event!” —Romana Zorkic, Google Reviews
3. Estrellas Rooftop Lounge
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Location | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Atmosphere | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Beverage Selection | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
A hotspot for both the wealthy residents of the city and the tourists that come in through cruise ships, Estrellas Rooftop Lounge is one of the best rooftop bars on the northeast side of the city.
The bar has a view of Port Rashid itself and its numerous ships docking through the day, and to the east, the Dubai creek sneaks its way through the city.
We love how the water shapes the views because it has such a calming effect that plays a huge role in helping customers unwind.
However, if you’re looking for more iconic views of the city, then it’s best to stick to the southwest side of the bar.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for an oasis that’s very much like the city of Dubai, Estrellas Rooftop Lounge becomes a perfect romantic getaway at dusk.
The orb lighting that reflects off the mirrored surface of the bar’s infinity pool reflects the city lights bouncing off of the waters of the Gulf.
And once the sun goes down, a DJ comes in to play some of the latest tracks to bring up the energy and get the party started.
We love the whole sophisticated casualness of the space. We found it very easy to relax and let our hair down while still feeling luxurious.
Speaking of luxury, the bar has a great range of cocktails that fits all kinds of flavor profiles, from rich and strong simple cocktails to fruity and refreshing ones.
We recommend the 1947 and Passion Fruit Mix if you’re going there during the daytime because of how perfectly refreshing it is for the Arabian heat.
Sadly, just like TWENTY THREE, this bar doesn’t sell liquor by the bottle, which would have been a nice option to have.
Pros
- Has views of the coast and the Dubai Creek
- Romantic and casually sophisticated atmosphere
- Serves a wide range of cocktails
Cons
- Doesn’t have views of iconic landmarks
- Doesn’t sell liquor by the bottle
Customer Reviews
Best winter night destination
“Cozy ambience with a friendly bunch of staff and an amazing repertoire of food and drinks options. We went there around 11 pm for a late night sheesha and mocktails. The sheesha was perfect and so were the drinks. Best time to visit would be during the winter, since it’s really warm even at 11 in the night.” —Narayan Mahadevan, Google Reviews
Excellent vibes all around!
“The Estrella’s Rooftop Lounge is the best place to enjoy yourself in Dubai with your friends & family. The staff is very professional & interact with the customers always to fulfill their requirements. The atmosphere was awesome with a great DJ. Nice view from the top. You can also find some deals (special days) on drinks & food… Estrella’s Rooftop is one of my favorite places as it’s been more than 3 years I am regularly going & celebrating my special days. This time I have been to Paradise Pool brunch & had a wonderful experience with lots of delicious Grills & Mojitos.
Overall I will recommend this place to enjoy the time with friends & family.” —Dimple Mehbubani, Google Reviews
4. Treehouse
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Location | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Atmosphere | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Beverage Selection | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
With a view of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai downtown, and the Business Bay skyline, Treehouse has quickly established itself as one of the iconic rooftop bars in the city.
Probably one of our favorite views from a rooftop bar, the sheer number of iconic landmarks and neighborhoods we enjoyed from our table is definitely unbeatable.
Another great thing about this bar is that it’s in the middle of the busier parts of the city, yet being on the rooftop felt like we were so far from the hustle and bustle of the streets below.
We also love the whole metropolitan vibe of the place. It reminded us of New York rooftop brunch spots with wooden patio floors.
The furnishings were very cozy and comfortable, a mixture of luxury and homeliness in its design.
The potted plants added a nice contrast to the surrounding building, softening the harsh lines and angles of the city.
However, the place can get quite warm though, so that was a challenge that we had to work around since we didn’t want to sweat too much on our outfits.
That was quickly fixed when we moved to its airconditioned glasshouse after the sunset and enjoyed this chic rustic vibe with the fairy lights and a chill set from the DJ.
As for its drinks, we were amazed at the amazing amount of hand-picked creative cocktails it has that we’re sure you won’t find anywhere else.
We also love that it sells hard liquor by the shot. Still not by the bottle, but it was good enough to get the party going.
The MediterrAsian gourmet dishes it serves also perfectly complement its unique cocktails.
All in all, the Treehouse offers a rich and iconic bar experience for those looking to have a great time against the backdrop of Dubai’s iconic skyline.
It also pushes beyond that and offers some creatively concocted cocktails and a well-designed space that provided enough space for dancing and conversations.
Pros
- Has views of iconic spots of Dubai
- Centrally located but maintains a distance from the urban noise
- Casual metropolitan atmosphere
- Unique cocktails
Cons
- The place can get warm during the daytime
Customer Reviews
Couldn’t have made a better decision to visit Treehouse
“Had the Saturday brunch here and absolutely loved it. The entrance is via the Taj main entrance. We were given a great welcome drink and taken to our table on the roof terrace. The location is fantastic, and the decor is nice. Our waiters were great all the way through, and provided us with everything we needed all afternoon. The food was stunning, lots and lots and lots of tasty gourmet dishes provided to us which were all high quality. The after session was also fun when everyone mingled together. Thanks for a great day out, I couldn’t have picked a better place to spend a Saturday!” —Neil Aitken, Google Reviews
Best spot for a ladies’ night!
“One of the best places I have been for ladies night! The restaurant has gorgeous view of Dubai skyline with Burj Khalifa in the middle, very nice atmosphere, and friendly staff who seem to know how to take great photos. The ladies night package comes with one small plate so we ordered a few more. Loved the shrimp tempura and salmon cakes. Will definitely come back for more.” —Anita Schneider, Google Reviews
5. The Rooftop Terrace
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Location | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Atmosphere | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Beverage Selection | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
The Rooftop Terrace is one of the most romantic spots in the whole city. Located on the rooftop of One&Only Royal Mirage, this Arabian terrace transports customers into a whole new world of a romantic Emirati getaway.
The rooftop offers a twilight view of the Gulf; a perfect intimate spot for watching the sky turn pink and purple, as boats cross the coast. On the other side, the domed roofs of the hotel complete the immersive Arabian experience.
And while it’s not that spectacular compared to the city skyline, it offers a pretty unique accessory that really drives home the Arabian romance of the bar.
The majlis-style sofas in deep reds surround the place, the perfect choice of sofas for lazing around and getting close to each other.
The flickering candlelight emanates the space, matching the sunsets and the warm lighting fixtures of the domed roofs.
The music is chill and mellow, an appropriate accompaniment to the intimate conversations the rooftop bar intends to happen.
The bar also overlooks the gardens of the Arabian Court, which adds a dimension of luxury and royalty to the experience, making it richer than before.
And while we think The Rooftop Terrace perfects this romantic space, it doesn’t really offer an option for customers to jam along to some more upbeat tunes which some couples prefer.
The bar has some of everyone’s favorites, as well as classic cocktails — we especially loved its version of the Singapore Sling and Pina Colada.
Sadly, the rest of the menu lacks some creativity. It also does not sell alcohol by the bottle.
We get that the bar is supposed to be for relaxation and intimacy, so we also understand the restrained options. We just wish we had something more exciting to choose from.
All in all, The Rooftop Terrace may not be the most exciting choice out there, but it does what it’s supposed to do to perfection.
The romantic views and atmosphere is the perfect setting for great moments that don’t need loud music and a lively crowd. The silence and intimacy The Rooftop Terrace offers are perfect for some great life moments.
Pros
- Has a secluded view of the Gulf
- A view of the hotel’s domed roof completes the Arabian atmosphere
- The furnishings are perfect for a romantic setting
- The bar offers well-done classic cocktails
Cons
- No city skyline view
- Music may be too mellow for some customers
- No creative handpicked cocktails
Customer Reviews
The best ambiance out of all the rooftop bars
“One of my absolute favorite rooftop terrace bar/lounge in the city, for this place, offers one of the best ambiance and views. The place has a beautiful, soothing decor and a magnificent vibe, which I suppose is due to the overall feel of the property itself.
Ideal spot to catch a sunset and also serves as a great spot for a relaxed, quiet drink. They serve an extensive drinks variety and a concise bar food menu, with some Vegetarian selection as well.
The food is decent but the place is more popular for its bar than its culinary offer. A great spot to organize a gathering as well.” —Lalit Ramchandani, Zomato
The perfect spot for lazing around with friends
“Visited this place after dinner with my colleagues. We were given a huge lounge area away from everyone else and hence had our privacy. The sofas were so comfortable that all of us were lazing around and enjoying our drinks.
Great hangout spot!” —What The Foodie, Google Reviews
FAQs about Rooftop Bars in Dubai
We hope this helped you in picking out a bar for your next night out in Dubai. If you’re looking for other ways to celebrate milestones in your life, then check out these articles: