There’s something magical about Beijing from rooftops — the city lights, the ancient rooftops stretching toward the horizon, and a cool breeze after a hot summer day. Whether you want a romantic sunset spot, a craft beer with friends, or a quiet coffee overlooking the hutongs.
Here are 5 of the best rooftops and terraces in Beijing:
1. Toast at The Orchid – Mediterranean Views Over the Hutongs
Neighborhood: Baochao Hutong / Gulou
Tucked inside a boutique hotel in Baochao Hutong, Toast’s rooftop is one of Beijing’s most beloved. The hutong rooftops stretch to the horizon, and in spring, magnolia trees bloom below.
Can’t handle Beijing summer heat? They also have an indoor terrace with large windows that open up — AC and a view at the same time.
What to expect: Mediterranean-inspired mezze, great brunch, and a quiet, romantic vibe. Owner-run, deeply personal, and full of cats wandering around.
2. Slowboat Shichahai – Craft Beer, Burgers & Lake Sunsets
Neighborhood: Shichahai
Slowboat’s Shichahai location has a third-floor terrace overlooking Qianhai Lake — and people literally fight for seats. From here, you can see the Drum Tower, the Bell Tower, and the willow trees lining the water.
Founded in 2011 as a pilot brewery in the mountains outside Beijing, Slowboat now has five locations across the city and has won Beijing Burger Cup six times.
What to expect: Craft beer, award-winning burgers, and a lively pub atmosphere. The terrace gets packed — especially at sunset.
Hours: Sunday-Monday 11 AM – midnight; Friday-Saturday 11 AM – 2 AM
3. Overtone (弦外之音) – Scottish Craft Beer with a Beijing View
Neighborhood: Beixinqiao
Overtone is originally from Glasgow, Scotland, founded by a Chinese entrepreneur. In the UK, they’re considered one of the top 10 breweries in the “new wave” of British craft beer, specializing in NEIPAs.
Their Beixinqiao taproom opened in 2024 and has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. The rooftop deck is perfect for warm evenings — craft beer, good food, and the buzz of Dongsi below.
What to expect: 16 craft brews on tap, rotating seasonals, and seriously good burgers. They grabbed a top spot in Beijing’s Burger Cup.
Want to work up an appetite before hitting the rooftops? Join our Hutong Bike Tour — we start right at Overtone, pedal through the hutongs, then bring you back to Overtone for sunset drinks. 🚲🍻
4. Cafe by Alba – A Slice of Paris in the Hutongs
Neighborhood: Gulou / Nanluoguxiang
Cafe by Alba is exactly the kind of place you’d expect to find on a tree-lined Parisian street — but it’s in the middle of Beijing’s hutongs. The brick-red entrance, moss-green velvet cushions, and terrazzo floors create a light French chic vibe.
Upstairs, a small terrace overlooks the rooftops of Gulou — perfect for a quiet afternoon coffee or a sunset spritzer.
What to expect: Coffee, cakes, light bites, and cocktails. Relaxed, feminine, and very Instagrammable.
5. Luxe Lounge – Egyptian Glamour with a CBD Skyline
Neighborhood: Sanlitun
Luxe Lounge is a vibe shift. Housed on the 13th floor of Heng’an Mansion, this Egyptian-themed rooftop bar transports you to another world — colorful mosaic tiles, hieroglyphics, a sphinx water feature, and sunset views over the CBD.
The space is large and sprawling, with different seating areas scattered across the terrace. Perfect for groups who want to dress up and feel fancy without the stuffiness.
What to expect: Cocktails, Western food (pasta, steak, salads), and a late-night party energy.
1️⃣ Do I need to make a reservation for rooftop bars in Beijing?
Yes, for popular rooftops like Toast at The Orchid, reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. For Slowboat Shichahai and Overtone, reservations are not required but expect longer wait times on Friday and Saturday nights.
2️⃣ Can I pay with a foreign credit card at these rooftop bars in Beijing? Most prefer Alipay or WeChat Pay (link your foreign card before you go). Cash works everywhere.
3️⃣ Which one of these Beijing rooftops is best for sunset? Toast at The Orchid (hutong views) and Slowboat Shichahai (lake + tower views) are both stunning. Luxe Lounge for CBD skyline.
4️⃣ Are these Beijingrooftops open in winter? Most close or move indoors during winter (November–March). Toast has an indoor terrace with large windows — best of both worlds.
5️⃣ Can I bring my dog to these rooftops in Beijing?
Sadly only Overtone allows pets, and only in their indoor area ;(
✨You’re reading a blog from Our Beijing ✨ We design authentic adventures for travelers who want to dive deeper — cycling through hutongs, tasting Beijing’s favorite snacks, and hiking the wild, unrestored Great Wall.
