The Royal Hotel

The rooftop at The Royal Hotel in Paddington is a favourite among pubgoers. After a decent trek up a few flights of stairs, juggling coldies, you're rewarded with an outstanding view of the city, the bays and the harbour — an amazing setting to watch the dusk wash over Sydney.

You can't eat up here, so you'll have to head downstairs to one of the pubs other large spaces — perhaps the main bar or the verandah bar where you can eat on the wrap-around balcony. The menu features traditional pub food at a decent price ($26 steak or $24 pasta).

Either way, get in there early, because the rooftop ain't too big, and it fills up quickly for summer sun downs.