Sandwiched between the Opera House sails and the trademark arc of the Harbour Bridge, Opera Bar is the perfect spot to soak up Sydney’s most iconic view. Order a cocktail from the long bar and find a spot in the sun. Bonus points if you stay for sunset. Macquarie St, Sydney, operabar.com.au

Odds are you’re bound to like one of the two premium offerings at scenic waterfront pub, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. Choose between a beach buffet ($169), which includes a seafood feast along with three hours of free-flowing drinks under the striped umbrellas of the Beach Club or the grand feast ($220) which is made up of a three-course sharing-style menu, three hours of premium drinks and a glass of Piper-Heidsieck on arrival, held in the scenic Sunset Room. 1 Military Rd, Watsons Bay. watsonsbayhotel.com.au.

This old-style English pub boasts million dollar views and reasonably priced beers, firmly cementing it as one of Sydney’s favourite watering holes. While it has the best views, the rooftop bar is usually the busiest so consider picking up a drink from one of the lower-level bars on your way up. 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks, theglenmore.com.au

This Pinterest-worthy bar sits right in the centre of Bondi Beach, providing the perfect spot for daytime drinks. It always feels like summer here so make the most of it by ordering a pitcher of Pimms or a round of frosé. Bondi Pavilion, Shop 1, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi, thebucketlistbondi.com

Icebergs pool is one of the most photographed landmarks in Sydney and there’s no better place to soak it all in than the club house deck. While the top level of the building is a fine dining establishment, the club is much more reminiscent of an RSL, offering reasonably priced drinks, a relaxed dress code and of course that million-dollar view. 1 Notts Ave, Bondi, icebergs.com.au

You’ll have to walk up four flights of stairs to get to the rooftop at The Royal but, trust us, it’s worth every step. The space is small and intimate, the city views are spectacular and the drinks list is exceptionally well curated. 237 Glenmore Rd, Paddington, royalhotel.com.au

Justin Hemmes, the man behind Merivale, cemented himself as the master of the beachside venue when he opened this one back in 2014. The rooftop alone has four separate bars and two huge balconies, while the ground floor has a generous central bar, restaurant, pizza bar, coffee cart, ping-pong table and giant scrabble board. Between the view and the amenities, there’s plenty to keep a smile on your face. 169 Dolphin St, Coogee, merivale.com.au/coogeepavilion

Beautiful views and glam interiors combine to make Hacienda one of the best bars in town. While you can order beer, wine and all the usual suspects, the focus here is firmly on cocktails. Try a delicate Agua Bendita or smoky-sweet Don Juancho as you watch life on the harbour unfold below. 61 Macquarie St, Sydney, haciendasydney.com.au

This beachside venue is on to a good thing, pairing ocean vistas with one of the most comprehensive wine lists north of the harbour. Pull up a chair and make your way around the world, sampling everything from a Californian Chardonnay to a Provencal rosé and a Sicilian Nero d’Avola. 8/13 S Steyne, Manly, manlywine.com.au

A semi-secret gem of the eastern suburbs, 18 Footers is an unassuming yacht club with a breathtaking view. You’ll find it right next to the Double Bay ferry terminal, its idyllic deck jutting out enticingly over the water. 77 Bay St, Double Bay, 18footers.com.au