The 11 best hotel rooftop bars in Washington, D.C. in 2026

The 11 best hotel rooftop bars in Washington, D.C. in 2026

Our ranking: hotel rooftop bars in Washington, D.C.

  1. Vue 4/5
  2. Top of the Gate 4/5
  3. Smoke & Mirrors 4/5 Price level 3 out of 5
  4. Moonraker 4/5 Price level 5 out of 5
  5. Summit 3.5/5 Price level 5 out of 5
  6. CUT Above 3.5/5
  7. The Rooftop at The Graham 3.5/5 Price level 4 out of 5
  8. Ciel Social Club 3.5/5 Price level 4 out of 5
  9. Lucha Rosa 3.5/5
  10. Sly Rooftop 3.5/5
  11. 12 Stories 3.5/5 Price level 4 out of 5

Comparison: hotel rooftop bars in Washington, D.C.

Rank Rooftop Editor's rating Price level Type of venue View
1 Vue 4/5 – Bar, Restaurant, Hotel Exceptional view
2 Top of the Gate 4/5 – Bar, Hotel Exceptional view
3 Smoke & Mirrors 4/5 Price level 3 out of 5 Bar, Restaurant, Hotel Exceptional view
4 Moonraker 4/5 Price level 5 out of 5 Bar, Restaurant, Hotel Panoramic view
5 Summit 3.5/5 Price level 5 out of 5 Bar, Hotel Panoramic view
6 CUT Above 3.5/5 – Bar, Hotel Panoramic view
7 The Rooftop at The Graham 3.5/5 Price level 4 out of 5 Bar, Hotel Panoramic view
8 Ciel Social Club 3.5/5 Price level 4 out of 5 Bar, Restaurant, Hotel Panoramic view
9 Lucha Rosa 3.5/5 – Bar, Hotel Panoramic view
10 Sly Rooftop 3.5/5 – Bar, Restaurant, Hotel Panoramic view
11 12 Stories 3.5/5 Price level 4 out of 5 Bar, Hotel Panoramic view

Editor's rating and price level: see how we select and rate rooftops.

The hotel rooftop bars in Washington, D.C. on the map

Good to know

These rooftops are inside hotels. Many welcome people who are not staying there, but not all of them: some keep access for hotel guests at certain times, in the evening or during private events. Getting up there usually means crossing the lobby and taking a dedicated elevator, sometimes with a check at the door. Smart casual dress is often expected. If you are not a guest, book a table where possible and check the official website for non-resident access, opening hours, which often change with the season, and whether the terrace closes in bad weather.

FAQ: hotel rooftop bars in Washington, D.C.

Which of the hotel rooftop bars in Washington, D.C. is the top rated?

According to our editors' rating, the top rated is Vue, with 4/5.

Which hotel rooftop bars in Washington, D.C. are the most affordable?

The most affordable in this selection is Smoke & Mirrors (price level 3/5).

Which hotel rooftop bars in Washington, D.C. have an exceptional view?

3 have a view our editors rate as exceptional: Vue, Top of the Gate and Smoke & Mirrors.

Is there a dress code at the hotel rooftop bars in Washington, D.C.?

According to our listings, 3 venues in this selection have a dress code: Vue, Ciel Social Club and 12 Stories. Check the required attire on their official websites.