When you're looking for a memorable experience in Seattle, there's something special about heading up to a rooftop. That’s why we have one of the best rooftop spots right here at AMLI Waterfront!

Our rooftop terraces (yes, multiple terraces!) offer up some of the most stunning views in all Seattle. Waterfront Park and the Seattle Great Wheel are, quite literally, right across the street, and the distant peaks of the snow-capped Olympic mountains are just across the calm waters of Elliot Bay. Wanna soak in the views? Look in any direction and you’re sure to catch the picture-perfect scenery that makes Seattle’s skylines, mountains and waters so iconic.

Though we’re partial to our rooftop, we can acknowledge that other rooftops exist in the city, too, and that they’re also pretty darn nice.

Here are some of our favorite rooftop spots in Downtown Seattle, South Lake Union and Belltown, with each offering its own unique perspective on the Emerald City.

Best rooftop spots in Downtown Seattle

Rooftop bars & lounges

The Nest

Perched atop the Thompson Hotel near Pike Place Market, The Nest has earned its reputation as one of Seattle's most exclusive rooftop destinations. And for good reason!

This isn't just a bar, but rather a complete rooftop experience featuring a cocktail lounge and terrace that offers some of the best views in the city, where you'll find breathtaking vistas of Elliott Bay, the downtown skyline and the Olympic Mountain Range stretching out into the distance.

The atmosphere here leans toward the upscale side, with comfortable sofas that practically swallow you when you sit down and a generally swanky vibe that makes you want to dress up a bit more than usual. The Nest serves craft cocktails alongside small plates, making it an ideal spot for a sunset drink or a special celebration, and if you're planning a bachelor party or looking for an impressive date night location, this is the kind of place that delivers on special-occasion atmosphere.

Fog Room

Located on the 16th floor of The Charter Hotel on 2nd Avenue, the Fog Room opened in 2018 and quickly became a downtown favorite. 

The name plays on Seattle's famously overcast skies, but the experience is anything but gloomy, as this sultry rooftop lounge combines a modern-chic atmosphere with practical Seattle considerations — namely, coverage from the rain.

What sets the Fog Room apart is its Argentine-style cuisine paired with shareable plates and craft cocktails. The space offers both indoor and outdoor seating options, and there's a communal fireplace that becomes a natural gathering spot on cooler evenings. The views encompass downtown Seattle's cityscape and Puget Sound, making it a solid choice whether you're entertaining out-of-town guests or just want a reliable rooftop experience any time of year.

ALTITUDE Sky Lounge

The South Lake Union area got a pretty swanky upgrade when ALTITUDE Sky Lounge opened atop the Astra Hotel on Terry Avenue North in 2022. 

This 16th-floor venue is strictly 21+, creating an adult-focused atmosphere that's sleek and modern. The rooftop itself offers panoramic views of the Space Needle, Lake Union and the Seattle skyline — basically hitting all the scenic highlights you'd want from a Seattle rooftop.

The menu features crafted cocktails, a solid wine and beer selection as well as charcuteries and small plates. What makes ALTITUDE particularly appealing for night owls is the weekly live DJ sets that add energy to the space, plus the outdoor terrace that includes cozy fire pits which come in handy during those chilly PNW evenings. What more could you want?

Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails

Tucked away on the 5th floor of the Motif Hotel downtown, Frolik brings a playful energy to Seattle's rooftop scene. While it's not as high up as some other spots, what Frolik lacks in altitude it makes up for in personality, as the space includes both an indoor lounge and a spacious rooftop terrace, creating options regardless of weather.

The menu offers classic American cuisine with modern twists, and the bar program includes some fun touches like "Poppin' Pops," a combination of popsicles and bubbles that's exactly as whimsical as it sounds. 

What really sets Frolik apart are the activities: fire-pit bar tables for conversation, ping-pong tables for some friendly competition, giant Jenga games and even rooftop curling. It's the kind of place where you might come for drinks and end up staying for hours because you're having too much fun to leave!

Smith Tower Observatory & Bar

For a rooftop experience steeped in Seattle history, you can't beat the Smith Tower Observatory & Bar. 

Located on the 35th floor of Smith Tower in Pioneer Square, this venue occupies Seattle's very first skyscraper built in 1914 which, at the time, was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River!

The bar embraces its historical roots with a speakeasy-inspired atmosphere, serving Prohibition-era craft cocktails alongside locally inspired shareable plates. The 360-degree views from the observation deck are spectacular, with the only catch being you need to purchase an admission ticket to access the Observatory level of the building. Once you're up there, though, you can take in the views and even make a wish in the famous "Wishing Chair," a piece of Smith Tower lore that's become a must-do for many visitors!

Firn

Pioneer Square's Populus Hotel just recently added Firn to the neighborhood's ample rooftop options. 

This 6th-floor venue takes a unique approach with a forest-inspired design, a locally sourced food menu and a funky cocktail menu organized by ice types. It's an interesting concept that adds something a little different to the rooftop bar landscape!

Rooftop restaurants

mbar

Located on the 14th floor in South Lake Union, mbar brings Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors to Seattle's rooftop dining scene. The restaurant features Lebanese, Syrian and Persian-inspired dishes, all accompanied by an extensive wine list and signature cocktails. The expansive, airy terrace provides panoramic views of the Space Needle, Seattle skyline, Lake Union and the surrounding mountains that are, essentially, a greatest-hits compilation of Seattle views.

The combination of unique cuisine and spectacular views has made mbar a popular choice for both happy hour gatherings and more formal dinners. Plus, it’s just a few blocks from our luxury South Lake Union apartments!

Mountaineering Club

The Graduate Hotel's 16th-floor Mountaineering Club embraces a Pacific Northwest adventure theme that feels authentically Seattle. 

The rugged mountain lodge aesthetic includes heated patio nooks where you can settle in with craft cocktails and elevated campsite-inspired food like truffle mushroom grilled cheese or a wagyu and dungeness dog. Very ski-lodge-esque, but right here in the heart of the city!

The views from here encompass the city skyline, Cascade Mountains and Mount Rainier, providing both urban and natural vistas. They also serve Sunday brunch, offering items like mountain bacon benedict and s'mores pull-apart bread, making it the perfect spot for that weekend getaway without ever really getting away!

Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi

While technically in Bellevue, Ascend Prime is close enough to downtown to merit inclusion, especially given its impressive setup. 

The restaurant features three intimate patios alongside a modern scenic dining room, with each patio nook creating a more intimate feeling despite the grand views.

The full steak and sushi menu means this is a destination for a complete dining experience rather than just drinks and apps, and the panoramic views truly are some of the best you’ll find in town.

Rooftop public spaces & parks

Fourth and Madison Building rooftop garden

One of downtown's best-kept secrets is the public rooftop garden on the 7th floor of the Fourth and Madison Building (formerly the IDX Building). This space serves as a true urban oasis with views of Mt. Rainier and the Space Needle, and the garden wraps around three sides of the building, providing different vantage points and plenty of seating areas.

What makes this spot particularly appealing is that it's completely free to access and includes free Wi-Fi; plus, it’s open from early morning to early evening, making it an ideal lunch spot for downtown workers or anyone looking for a peaceful break in the city. 

To access the deck, enter the building at Third and Madison, take a right through the lobby, follow the hallway to the elevators and take one up to the seventh floor. Voila!

UpGarden P-Patch

The UpGarden represents a different kind of rooftop experience — a thriving community garden sitting atop a parking garage in the Uptown neighborhood! As part of Seattle's P-Patch Community Garden program, this space shows how rooftops can serve practical purposes while still offering impressive views.

The public is welcome to visit during daylight hours, though visitors should remember that the fruits, vegetables and flowers are maintained by individual gardeners and shouldn't be picked. The location provides views of the downtown skyline on one side and Queen Anne hill on the other, with the Space Needle visible at nearly every turn.

Rooftop event spaces & wedding venues

WithinSodo

For those planning larger events, WithinSodo offers one of the most flexible and stunning rooftop spaces in Seattle. 

Located in the southern end of the SoDo district, this renovated warehouse features a 3,000-square-foot rooftop deck with dramatic Seattle skyline views. The venue includes four configurable rooms ranging from 900 to 1,400 square feet each, five bathrooms, a caterer's kitchen and a full-service bar program run by their in-house team. Basically, it’s got whatever you’re looking for!

The space has hosted everything from weddings and anniversaries to gallery openings, brand launches, corporate retreats and more. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces makes it adaptable to Seattle's changeable weather while still taking advantage of those rooftop views.

Olympic Rooftop Pavilion at Stoneburner

Atop Hotel Ballard on Ballard Avenue, the Olympic Rooftop Pavilion offers a stunning private event space ideal for everything from weddings to rehearsal dinners and corporate gatherings. The venue features floor-to-ceiling windows, retractable ceilings and walls and a built-in fireplace, creating an all-season venue with sweeping views of Ballard and the Olympic Mountains.

This all-in-one space also includes a 20-foot skylight and opens to an outdoor patio that works well for cocktail hours, while catering is handled exclusively by Stoneburner restaurant, ensuring food quality matches the impressive setting.

Fisher Pavilion rooftop and Seattle Center venues

What better place to enjoy Seattle’s best rooftop views than from the heart of the city? If you’re going to go big, go big!

Seattle Center offers multiple rooftop event spaces, including the 19,000-square-foot Fisher Pavilion Rooftop plaza that sits at street level above the Fisher Pavilion itself. This massive space provides spectacular views of the International Fountain and Space Needle, and can be rented alone or in combination with the Fisher Pavilion below for maximum flexibility!

Additional event venues

The Perch at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Pioneer Square offers a two-level event venue with an outdoor terrace featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and iconic Seattle views. The space is particularly popular for weddings, with the rooftop terrace serving as a romantic ceremony location.

Fremont Foundry brings urban industrial sophistication to the event scene with a rooftop terrace offering sweeping views of North Seattle. The historic venue spans three levels including the rooftop deck, with full catering provided by Herban Feast using ingredients from their own Fox Hollow Farm.

Block 41 in Belltown occupies a former ice warehouse that's been converted into an industrial-chic event venue. With two separate floors plus a private landscaped courtyard, the space features exposed brick, vintage car decking and can accommodate up to 720 people standing.

Making the most of Seattle's rooftop scene

Seattle's rooftop venues reflect the city's diversity, from historic speakeasies to modern lounges, community gardens and exclusive event spaces. The variety means there's genuinely something for every occasion and budget, whether you're looking for a casual afternoon beer with mountain views, a sophisticated cocktail with Space Needle vistas or a unique venue for your next event, as Downtown Seattle and its adjacent neighborhoods deliver plenty of elevated options.

The key to enjoying these spaces is understanding what each offers, since some require reservations or admission fees, while others welcome walk-ins. Some close during rain, while others provide coverage for year-round enjoyment, and by knowing your options, you can choose the perfect rooftop spot for any Seattle experience you're seeking.

And, at the end of the day, you could always come home to your very own rooftop oasis here at our luxury high rise apartments alongside Elliot Bay in Downtown!

Enjoy!

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Featured photo courtesy AMLI Residential

Second photo by garrett parker on Unsplash

Third photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash

Fourth photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash

Fifth photo by Adam Dillon on Unsplash

Sixth photo courtesy AMLI Residential