Being seen at a rooftop bar is a quintessential activity in DC. Our city is not without its share of great rooftop bars. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot or a place with live music, these bars will have you covered!

After all, it’s hard to beat the view as you sip on your favorite cocktail while listening to music under the stars or on a beautiful day. However, there can be a lot of confusion when choosing which rooftop bar will be right for you. I’ve created this list of the best rooftop bars in DC!

Check out the full list!

Ciel Social Club. Used with permission.

Ciel Social Club

AC Hotel Washington DC Convention Center

601 K Street, Washington, DC 20001

Derived from the French word for the heavens, is a lux penthouse lounge and restaurant atop the modernist AC Hotel. Ciel Social Club

Summit at Conrad. Used with permission.

Summit the Rooftop

Conrad Washington, DC

Rooftop – 11th Floor, 950 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Along with dining options, they have a robust cocktail menu featuring spirits from some of the area’s top distillers. The beer list highlights local and regional brews both on tap and bottled. This year, the wine list showcases a curated selection of options made through sustainable growing and winemaking practices.

A unique feature for the season is the Garden Gastronomy Experience. Our Executive Chef James Kerwin has created a special menu of items focused on showcasing the bounty of the flora from the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Summit at the Rooftop Conrad

Top of the Gate. Used with permission.

Top of the Gate

The Watergate Hotel

2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037

The energetic and sophisticated rooftop lounge at The Watergate Hotel boasts 360-degree views of the Kennedy Center, the Potomac River, the Key and Arlington bridges, the Washington Monument, and the rest of the D.C. skyline. Named one of “The 15 Best Rooftop Bars in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler. Top of the Gate

Takoda Navy Yard. Used with permission.

Takoda Navy Yard

1299 First St SE, Washington, DC 20003

TAKODA Navy Yard is the second location of the popular D.C. hangout, offering the same vibrant bar experience as TAKODA Shaw, this time just a block from Nationals Park. With 150% square footage as in Shaw, there is even more room for you and your friends to enjoy your evening or bottomless brunch with our wide selection of draft beers, fun tap cocktails, and delectable bites from our kitchen. A canopy system on the rooftop provides shade and shelter from the elements, and large, operable windows on the entry-level allow for year-round eating and drinking with an outdoor feel. Takoda Navy Yard

Smoke & Mirrors Rooftop Bar. Used with permission.

Smoke & Mirrors Rooftop Bar

AC Hotel Washington DC Capitol Hill Navy Yard

867 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

Head to the rooftop and enjoy the spectacular views from the 11th floor. Enjoy a well-crafted cocktail and grab a bite from the small plates menu. Smoke & Mirrors Rooftop Bar

The Rooftop at the Graham. Used with permission.

The Rooftop at the Graham

The Graham Georgetown

1075 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington, DC 20007

The Rooftop at the Graham Georgetown features an all-new food menu and reconfigured seating to ensure a safe, clean and relaxing environment. The Rooftop offers the best views in Georgetown and is now operating seven days a week (times subject to change). The Rooftop at the Graham

So, if you’re looking for a new way to enjoy your days in DC, consider hitting one of these rooftop bars. They are great places to kick back with friends or family and relax after a long day.