The 10 Best Bars & Nightlife in Shanghai

A tiny, beloved basement bar on Yongfu Lu that has been a cornerstone of Shanghai's indie bar scene for years. The cocktails are inventive and affordable, the music is eclectic, and the crowd is a genuine mix of creative locals and in-the-know expats. The space is very small so expect to stand and get cosy with strangers — that's part of the charm. Cash-friendly and refreshingly unpretentious.

Shingo Gokan's four-floor speakeasy hidden behind a bar-tools shop on Fuxing Road, and one of Asia's most awarded cocktail bars. The drinks genuinely earn the hype. Find the secret door, climb the floors, and reserve ahead for the quieter upper levels.

A multi-level bar concept on Yuyuan Road that spans a coffee shop, wine bar, and cocktail lounge across different floors — each with its own distinct mood. The cocktails are creative and ingredient-driven, often incorporating Chinese botanicals and spirits. It's a local favourite that manages to feel both trendy and genuinely welcoming. Can get very crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, so arrive early or book ahead.

A multi-floor bar and live music venue near the Bund's northern end that has become a genuine hub for Shanghai's underground music and creative scene. The cocktails are affordable and decent, but the real draw is the programming — live jazz, electronic sets, and art events fill the calendar. The crowd is young, local, and genuinely cool without being exclusionary. Worth checking their WeChat for upcoming events before visiting.

A lively neighbourhood bar on Wulumuqi Lu with a strong focus on natural wine, craft beer, and a rotating selection of small plates that punch above their weight. The playlist leans towards funk, soul, and hip-hop, and the crowd is a relaxed mix of locals and long-term residents who treat it as a second living room. It's the kind of place where you go for one drink and stay for four. Can get smoky inside — the pavement tables are a good alternative.

A sophisticated speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked inside a heritage shikumen building on Fumin Lu, run by a team with serious bartending credentials. The menu is built around bespoke and classic cocktails executed with precision, and the intimate setting rewards conversation. It's one of the few bars in Shanghai where the bartenders will genuinely engage with your preferences to craft something personal. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Perched on the third floor of Three on the Bund, this intimate cocktail bar offers some of the most refined drinks in the city alongside sweeping Bund views. The seasonal cocktail menu is thoughtfully constructed and the whisky selection is exceptional. Service is polished without being stiff. Expect a wait on weekends and dress smartly — the door can be selective.

A handsome recreation of the 1911 Shanghai Club's legendary 34-meter bar, now inside the Waldorf Astoria on the Bund. Great for a jazz-scored cocktail and history, but it's a pricey hotel bar, not a local secret. Come for the room and the setting.

A rooftop bar above the Xintiandi area with a retractable roof and sweeping skyline views that make it one of the most visually impressive drinking spots in the city. The cocktail list is solid if not groundbreaking, and the food menu holds up well enough to make it a dinner destination. Best visited at sunset for the full effect. Prices are high and the vibe skews towards a well-heeled international crowd.

Perched on the 58th floor of the Ritz-Carlton Pudong, Flair offers arguably the most dramatic view of the Bund and Puxi skyline available from any bar in the city. The outdoor terrace is genuinely spectacular and the cocktails are well-made if conventionally priced for a hotel rooftop. It's undeniably tourist-facing but the view justifies the trip at least once. Book a terrace table well in advance, especially in summer.