The best rooftop bars in Manchester

Widely considered to be one of the city's best bars and restaurants, 20 Stories in Spinningfields offers great views from its 19th floor rooftop location. It's an elegant and modern setting with a refined style. Visit for British dishes or come just for drinks. Cocktails and wines from around the world are available here.

Sophisticated cocktail bar Cloud 23 places you high above Deansgate in the heart of the city. Take in panoramic views whilst you sip on photogenic cocktails inspired by a variety of different themes. Themed afternoon teas are available too. It's a sleek venue with big windows so you can take it all in.

Iconic café-bar Atlas Bar has been open for over 20 years and boasts one the city's biggest terraces. It might not be as high as some of the other rooftops out there, but still offers great views of Manchester. The venue serves food all day, has hundreds of gin varieties, and is decked out in a trendy industrial style.

Doghouse is the first hotel from craft beer brand BrewDog. It also has two bars where you can enjoy all your favourite brews. One of the on-site bars is located on the rooftop, offering impressive city views in a casual and contemporary space. In addition to the beers, brunch and pub food like burgers are served.

The Con Club in Altrincham was previously a working men's club but today it's a vibrant brasserie and bar. There are several modern spaces here, including a roof terrace with tall plants and an exclusive tipi. This place has its own microbrewery but is also known for its vibrant cocktails. Food is served all day, with the main menu focusing on fish and seafood.

Luxury hotel King Street Townhouse has a range of facilities for residents and non-residents, including an exclusive rooftop bar offering sweeping city views. In comfortable surroundings you can enjoy clear views of the skyline and get some great photos whilst drinking seasonal and signature cocktails, wine, or non-alcoholic options.

You'll discover four floors of fun at Yes, including a roof terrace where you can enjoy a few drinks like affordable pints and well-crafted cocktails. This buzzy venue also houses spaces for live music, a beer garden, and an indoor bar. Street food is available and there are regular performances from live acts and DJs.

Elegant cocktail bar Sora serves Asian-inspired drinks and snacks. The cocktails use enticing Asian ingredients for authentic flavours. The venue has large windows and outside space so you can take in the impressive city views whilst you relax. This colourful space is enhanced with bold artwork and DJs and live musicians regularly add to the atmosphere.

Terrace NQ gives you a choice of three different roof terraces enhanced with greenery, as well as a sophisticated indoor space with wood panelling and exposed brickwork. Guests can relax here with cocktails and craft beers, plus food is served. DJs regularly provide the soundtrack at this popular venue.

Bustling bar and restaurant Brickhouse Social houses a number of different spaces, including an underground club and events space, plus a rooftop bar. The venue is modern and on-trend with bright interiors. Cocktails, beer, and pizza are all available here, plus you can enjoy a lively themed bottomless brunch that's served on the rooftop.

Open since 2001, Big Hands is a well-established Manchester venue that's especially popular with students and live music fans. This lively venue has a cosy interior as well as a leafy rooftop garden for al fresco drinks. Drinks are known to be affordable here whilst the atmosphere is positive and fun.

More a pub than a bar, The Ape & Apple is still a great venue for rooftop drinking. There's a classic pub interior whilst the contemporary rooftop has attractive views and lots of comfortable places to sit. Locally-brewed beers are a speciality here but traditional pub food is also available.