Best Rooftop Bars in Charlotte

One of the best parts about moving to Charlotte is the amount of rooftop bars in the city. I’m obsessed with the Queen City’s skyline, and my favorite way to experience these sweeping views is with a handcrafted cocktail or crisp glass of wine in my hand. Here are my favorite rooftop bars in Charlotte, along with some others that you should check out.

Best Rooftop Bars in Charlotte

Aura Rooftop

Uptown

Perched atop the JW Marriott, Aura Rooftop creates a tropical oasis with greenery around the space and botanical-inspired cocktails. The cocktail menu changes seasonally, so you can sip something different throughout the year. Stop by for Regal Vibes happy hour, Monday through Wednesday from 3-6 p.m., for $3 off food items. AuraRooftop.com

Búho Bar

Uptown

Búho Bar’s interior feels like something out “50 Shades of Grey,” with lush seating, dark-colored walls and sultry vibes. Take in panoramic views of Uptown from the 16th floor of the Grand Bohemian Hotel. Admittedly, the cocktails aren’t my favorite, but this is a go-to spot when you want to get dressed up and feel fancy. BuhoBar.com

Fahrenheit Charlotte

Uptown

One of Charlotte’s most popular rooftop bars and restaurants, Fahrenheit Charlotte is situated on the 21st floor of the Hyatt Place Hotel and Skye Condos. Strawberry lemon drops are my must-order drink when I go to Fahrenheit. The rooftop, overlooking Uptown, is the perfect spot for unobstructed photos. ChefRoccoWhalen.com

Merchant & Trade

Uptown

Merchant & Trade is hands down my favorite rooftop bar in Charlotte. From the panoramic views of Uptown, including Truist Field, to the cocktails made with North Carolina spirits and the highly underrated food menu, Merchant & Trade is peak perfection. On the 19th floor of the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, Merchant & Trade has plenty of seating both inside and outside. MerchantAndTrade.com

Novelty House Rooftop

Uptown

Probably the most Instagrammable bar in Charlotte, Novelty House is decked out with flower walls and a plenty of floral décor to snap a few photos by. Even the cocktails, many brightly colored, are photo worthy. Start or end your night here, as Novelty House features a DJ most weekends. NoveltyHouse.com

Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo

Uptown

Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo is Charlotte’s highest rooftop bar, 22 stories high atop the AC Hotel and Residence Inn, offering some of the best views of Uptown. Sip a martini or choose a pour from Nuvole’s extensive spirits list, including two types of absinthe. If you get hungry, this rooftop bar has a full menu of shareable dishes and entrees. Nuvole22.com

The Royal Tot

Belmont (neighborhood)

You may forget you’re in Charlotte when you go to The Royal Tot, a tiki bar in the Belmont neighborhood just outside of Uptown. Rum lovers will have their pick from the largest rum collection in the city. On a warm day, The Royal Tot’s rooftop and a frozen pina colada are the perfect combination. CharlotteRooftopBar.com

More Rooftop Bars in Charlotte