15 rooftops and outdoor terraces in Cardiff to make the most of a summer night out

There's no shortage of fantastic places to drink and dine al fresco style in Cardiff as the city has a great selection of beer gardens, waterside terraces, and swish rooftop bars. There's just something about open-air drinking and dining that gets you in the mood for summer.

From rooftop bars with city views to open terraces where you can bask in the sun there is plenty of choice in Cardiff. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here.

Here's our round-up of some of the best rooftops and terraces in the city right now where you can enjoy a superb summer night out.

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1. The Botanist

The Botanist is known for its fantastic brunch boards and carefully crafted cocktails as well as its beautiful leafy décor and inviting roof terrace. Gather your squad and soak up the sunshine on their swish roof terrace that is the perfect place for a sunset dinner and drinks in the city. Try one of their famous 'hanging kebabs' that are served with properly seasoned chips and follow with a summery Rhubarb Sage Spritz.

Make sure to check out their live music offerings every Friday and Saturday from 8pm to late or perhaps their 'Botanist Bingo' every first Wednesday of the month where you can pop some bubbles and celebrate.

10 Church St, Cardiff

2. Flight Club

Since opening in 2022 Flight Club's terrace has become a firm favourite in the city. You can sit in a vintage circus caravan, pose for photos in a classic red phone box, or enjoy sitting under a heated cover making it a perfect rooftop terrace all year round.

The impressive roof terrace sees fake grass and plenty of greenery as well as a view, if you're tall enough, of St John's Church. While the bar is based around their darts flights there is nothing stopping guests from bypassing the boards and heading straight up to the fourth-floor terrace.

From May 24 the garden is having a summer spritz, with the launch of Flight Club in Bloom. The terrace is expected to be one of the most lively this season with the bar promising "an awesome line-up of summer cocktails, live DJ sets, and roaming saxophone players".

3-4 St Mary Street, Cardiff

3. Laguna Bar and Kitchen

Swanky Laguna bar at the Park Plaza hotel has a hidden outdoor terrace at the back that is a local secret. It's a quiet leafy terrace that offers a tranquil retreat from city life and overlooks a small stream. You can order a round of drinks and feast on bar dishes or treat yourself to delicious traditional afternoon tea.

From May 11 they hotel have upped their summer terrace game and have sparked up the barbecue too. Guests to the terrace can order the barbecue menu which includes classics such as burgers, hot dogs, and chicken thighs. Find out more about the new offering here.

Park Plaza, Greyfriars Rd, Cardiff

4. Brewhouse & Kitchen

This large pub and brewery in Sophia Gardens has two expansive outdoor areas for drinking and dining with one at the front and one at the back. The dining area at the back of the venue is well covered and even has heaters if the Welsh weather suddenly turns. Check out their tasty menu of proper pub classics as well as their signature 'beer can chicken' dish, which is coated in a dry rub and then roasted over a can of Brewhouse & Kitchen American Pale Ale. Make sure to also sample some of their home-brewed signature beer or book one of their awesome beer masterclasses.

Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff

5. Zero Degrees

A city centre secret and real sun trap. Forget the seats outside on Westgate Street and make your way upstairs (where it’s dining guests only) and choose one of the few tables on the tiny rooftop for pizza and beers and a view of the Principality Stadium.

27 Westgate Street, Cardiff

6. Juno Lounge

It’s easy to spend a sunny afternoon on this hip roof patio located above one of Roath’s busiest streets. Juno's colourful roof terrace is a real sun trap in the city and is the perfect place to soak up some sun while feasting on a massive breakfast or sipping an evening cocktail.

14 Wellfield Rd, Cardiff

7. Mocka Lounge

Mill Lane revellers will likely know Mocka Lounge as a swish bar and al fresco-style dining hotspot serving up award-winning cocktails to a thirsty Friday night crowd.

When the sun's out there's no better place in the city than the lively Mill Lane when the outdoor dining area fills up fast, the music turns up, and the whole area takes on a summer party vibe.

While drinking in the sun you might want to fill up on some of their tasty food offerings. Their mouth watering Sunday lunch has recently gone viral on TikTok – who says gravy is just for winter?

1-2 Mill Ln, Cardiff

8. The Pen & Wig

Situated in the heart of the city centre the award-winning Pen & Wig has a large and busy beer garden that is wildly popular with everyone from local students to city centre workers. It's got a great selection of benches in its dog-friendly urban outdoor area as well as sheltered seats if it rains.

This reasonably-priced pub is a great place for outdoor drinking in the city centre that won't break the bank. The pub has a brilliant choice of ales from local breweries and beyond as well as ciders, wines, and Welsh spirits.

Try their 'signature sharing platter' which boasts freshly-baked mini Camembert and toasted garlic bread with red onion chutney, southern-fried chicken goujons with chipotle mayo, crispy chicken wings with Sriracha sauce, and lightly dusted squid with tartare sauce.

1 Park Grove, Cardiff

9. Pontcanna Inn

The Pontacanna Inn is another lovely terraced drinking establishment in Cathedral Road. This revamped venue has two fantastic terraces, one at the front and one at the rear of the pub, and also offers boutique B&B accommodation.

The back terrace has had a recent overhaul now undoubtedly making it one of the biggest in the city. Previously an empty car park the pub has converted it to a huge outdoor space, with covers when needed, and can now hold up to 270 seats and double that standing.

The space can also be hired for private functions and there are a range of craft beers, real ales, cider, wines, cocktails and spirits. It's known as a great place to watch live sports on their 65in TVs with your mates.

36 Cathedral Road

10. Lab 22

It may have been voted one of the best bars in the UK but what most won't realise is that the decorated venue has a tiny heated terrace right in the middle of the city centre. Sip on carefully-crafted award-winning cocktails in luxurious surroundings. Book a table with your mates and prepared to be wowed with their daring mixology. Their premium cocktails change on a regular basis so you never know what kind of shaken and stirred delights you may encounter on your next visit.

22 Caroline Street, Cardiff

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11. Jacob's Market, Cardiff

The collector’s haven at the end of St Mary Street (just past the railway bridge) sells everything from war medals and antique silver to vintage clothes and furniture but not everyone knows its roof opens onto a bar with an impressive view of the city. It’s been used for weddings and open-air cinema events and is a quirky, urban hideaway in the city. The space really comes to life in the summer where they host jazz events, wine clubs, DJs, and even yoga. It's the perfect hidden hideaway for a tipple.

West Canal Wharf, Cardiff

12. Robin Hood

If you have spent any time in Pontcanna over the last few decades you'll know that The Robin Hood back beer garden is the place to be in the summer months – or all year round in fact with its sturdy covering.

While in many senses it's your traditional crisps and beer boozer in the summer its pizza oven in the garden produces some of the best pub grub in the city. Beware though – the garden gets busy on summer weekends so grab your table early.

16 Severn Grove, Pontcanna, CF11 9EN

13. The Heathcock

The Heathcock in Llandaff has a reputation for excellent food and a welcoming and cosy, neighbourhood pub aesthetic. They also have a delightful sunny terrace where you can enjoy some lovely local ales in the sunshine. Their garden is quickly becoming one of the best on the outskirts of the city – and why not enjoy some of the gems of their celebrated kitchen? You can read all about the Heathcock, which is considered one of Wales' best pubs, here.

58-60 Bridge St, Cardiff

14. Heaney's

Heaneys in Pontcanna may be best known for being one of Wales' best restaurants serving up outstanding food but on a sunny day its terrace is worth a pre-dinner pitstop. Just in front of the main dining area the sun-trap terrace plays host to a handful of tables where guests can enjoy a crisp tipple or some nibbles.

It has been more than five years since Heaney's opened and in that time Irish chef Tommy Heaney has made quite the name for himself in the city. You can read our most recent catch up with him here.

6-10 Romilly Crescent

15. The Dock

For those venturing to Cardiff Bay looking for the sun The Dock is worth a visit. There are two outdoor terraces, both offering lovely views across the water, and inside you'll find expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that offer superb views as you dine. Their waterside terrace area is especially popular in the summer months so settle in for the day if you manage to find a pew.