Bucharest Rooftops: The Best Bars and Restaurants With a View (Honest Takes)

Bucharest has a handful of genuinely good rooftops, bars and restaurants where the view actually justifies the price. Here are the ones I keep going back to.

I’ve always had this thing where I need to see a place from above.

No matter where I travel, I end up looking for rooftops, viewpoints, or anything that gives me a better perspective of the city. It’s the fastest way for me to understand how a place actually feels — not just what it looks like at street level.

Bucharest is no different.

Even though I live here, I still find myself going back to the same rooftop spots, especially around sunset. It’s one of those cities that doesn’t impress you instantly, but once you see it from above, it starts to make more sense.

Some of these places are proper restaurants, others are more casual rooftops, but all of them give you a different angle of the city.

And if you’re into photography (or just like a good view with a drink), these are the spots worth knowing.

If you’re planning your trip, you can also check my full guide on what to do in Bucharest. But for now, here are my favourite places to see Bucharest from above.

Map of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Bucharest

18Lounge

Address: 3-5th Presei Libere Square City Gate South Tower, 18th floor, Bucharest

This used to be my go-to rooftop in Bucharest, and honestly, I still think it’s one of the best views in the city.

Located on the 18th floor, it overlooks Herăstrău Park, the lake, and even the Arc de Triomphe, which already makes it feel a bit different from the usual Old Town rooftops. It’s slightly outside the centre, but that’s also why it feels more relaxed.

I’ve been here multiple times, especially with friends visiting Bucharest for the first time. It’s one of those places that always impresses at first glance.

The space is big, modern, and works well for both lunch and dinner. They also have a lunch menu during the week, which is a good option if you want the view without spending too much.

Now, being completely honest (as always), know that the view is the main reason to come here. The food is good, but not something you’ll remember forever. Usually, service is solid, but not always perfect

Overall, I still recommend it, especially if it’s your first time in Bucharest. It’s one of those “safe choices” that delivers a full experience (view, atmosphere, decent food) without trying too hard to be something it’s not.

As this is not in the centre of Bucharest, if you want to stay closer to the 18th Lounge rooftop, I’d recommend staying at Pullman Bucharest World Trade Center or Hotel Herastru (if you fancy staying in a park).

Linea – Closer to the Moon

Address: Calea Victoriei 17, Bucharest

This is one of the few rooftops in Bucharest that actually feels like a proper rooftop experience, not just a terrace with a view. There’s a restaurant level and, above it, a more casual rooftop area where most people come for drinks, especially around sunset.

The views are genuinely good, and it’s one of those places where everyone gathers in the same corner when the sun starts going down — you’ll see exactly what I mean when you get there.

I’ve been here a bunch of times and often suggest this place when meeting with friends.

In the summer, it’s open and lively, with plenty of space and no real need for reservations. In winter, they switch things up with heated igloos, which makes it feel a bit more like a “destination” spot rather than just a quick stop.

Prices are what you’d expect for the Old Town area — not cheap, but still reasonable compared to other European capitals.

I’d say this is one of the most popular rooftops in the city for a reason: good views, easy vibe, and a slightly trendy crowd. Just don’t expect a super quiet or refined experience — it’s more about the atmosphere than anything else.

BARTINI Rooftop

Address: Constantin Mille Nr 18 T Floor, Bucharest

Bartini is one of those rooftops that feels a bit more social and lively, especially if you’re going with friends or want something more than just a quiet dinner. The views are great, the cocktails are actually well made (which isn’t always guaranteed), and the overall vibe leans towards relaxed but still polished.

It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a few hours without rushing (whether you’re just there for drinks or staying longer for food).

That said, it’s not the most “cosy” rooftop in terms of setup, but if you’re going for atmosphere, good drinks, and a more energetic vibe, it’s definitely one of the better rooftop spots in Bucharest.

Cișmigiu – Bistro La Etaj

Address: 38 Regina Elisabeta Boulevard Hotel Cismigiu – 6th Floor, Bucharest

This is probably one of the most “Instagram-looking” places in Bucharest — but in a softer, more elegant way than the usual trendy spots.

Yes, it leans very feminine (you’ll notice it immediately), but I wouldn’t call it a gimmick anymore. It actually has a cosy, slightly Parisian vibe that works, especially for a slower lunch or dinner.

Located on the top floor of Hotel Cișmigiu, it’s not a skyscraper rooftop, but you still get a nice view over the city, including a direct line towards the Palace of Parliament from the terrace.

What surprised me (and what a lot of people don’t expect) is that the food is actually good.
Not an overwhelming menu, but solid dishes (especially things like duck, soups, or classic comfort food done properly).

The atmosphere is where it really stands out. I find it calm, slightly romantic, and overall a good spot for conversations. Also, it had a good location as it is close to the Old Town but still a bit outside of it if you want to escape the chaos. Don’t worry, it’s within walking distance.

Service is usually friendly and attentive, and overall, the place feels more polished than it might look at first glance online.

I’d recommend it if you want something a bit different from the usual rooftop scene, less about “look at me” and more about actually enjoying the space.

If you want to stay close to the Cismigiu area and (also Bartini or Linea rooftops), under this rooftop is the famous Hotel Cismigiu, which has a great location for exploring the centre of Bucharest.

Aria TNB

Address: Bd. Nicolae Balcescu, 2, Bucharest

Aria TNB is probably one of the most well-known rooftop spots in Bucharest, mostly because of its central location right on top of the National Theatre. The views are great, especially around sunset, but not all tables get the same perspective, so it’s worth keeping that in mind when booking.

The place leans more towards an elegant, slightly upscale vibe, with a mix of international dishes and a setting that feels more “dinner out” than just drinks. From what I’ve seen, the food is generally good and nicely presented, although service and timing can vary depending on how busy it is.

I’d come here if you want a central rooftop with a more polished atmosphere, but not necessarily for the best food or cocktails in the city. It’s more about the setting and location than anything else.

If you want to stay close to Piata Universitatii, where the ARIA rooftop is, then there’s no better place than the Grand Hotel Bucharest.

Nor Sky Casual Restaurant

Address: Str. Barbu Văcărescu 201 Sky Tower, 36th floor, Bucharest

NOR is probably the most well-known rooftop restaurant in Bucharest, and for one simple reason: the view. Sitting on the 36th floor, it gives you a full panoramic perspective over the city, which is something you won’t really get anywhere else.

The space itself is impressive. From the moment you step out of the elevator, it feels like a place designed for special occasions — and that’s exactly how most people use it. Birthdays, dates, celebrations… this is not your casual dinner spot.

That said, I’ll be honest about my experience (and what you’ll likely find in most reviews, too): this place is more about the view than the food.

The dishes look good and are nicely plated, but the portions are small, and the quality can feel inconsistent for the price. Same with the service — sometimes it’s great, sometimes it feels a bit uncoordinated or slow, especially when it’s busy.

I’d personally treat it as a “one-time experience” in Bucharest rather than a place I’d keep going back to for the food.

If you want to stay close to NOR, Courtyard by Marriott Bucharest Floreasca is an excellent choice.

Amethyst Sky Bar

Address: Bulevardul Unirii 47c 12th floor Union Plaza Hotel, Bucharest

If you’re looking for a rooftop in Bucharest that actually feels a bit more put together, this is one of the better options. The views are wide and open, especially at sunset, and the whole place leans more towards that polished, city-night vibe rather than something overly casual.

It’s not just about drinks either — you can have a proper dinner here, and from what I’ve seen, the service is consistently good (which isn’t always the case in Bucharest).

I’d come here for an evening when you want a nice setting, a good cocktail, and a place that feels a bit more “occasion-worthy” without going into full fine dining territory.

If you want to be close to this rooftop, I’d recommend staying at one of these apartments near Bulevardul Unirii.

What’s the best rooftop bar in Bucharest?

There isn’t one.

And that’s kind of the point.

Some places are better for the view, others for the vibe, and a few are actually worth it for the food too. But if you come here expecting one “perfect” rooftop, you’ll probably be disappointed.

I’ve been to most of these more than once, and honestly, the experience changes depending on the time of day, the weather, and even your mood. Sunset helps. A lot.

If you’re coming to Bucharest for the first time, I’d pick 2–3 spots from this list and keep it simple. That’s more than enough to understand how the city feels from above.

For actual food-first recommendations in Bucharest, I have a separate guide (Best restaurants in Bucharest); those are the places where the kitchen, not the view, is the reason to go.

I’ll keep updating this list as I try new places (and as some inevitably get worse or better over time). Bucharest changes fast, and rooftops are no exception.