Aptly called the “Paris of the East”, Shanghai is a cosmopolitan city with a huge selection of bars, clubs, lounges, and restaurants. Whether you're looking for an upscale wine bar, a place to meet expats, a bouncing dance club, brunch, or something more specific, Shanghai has you covered.
Funk A Deli
Funk A Deli is a big, popular bar with expats. It's a good place for dinner, brunch, drinks, and atmosphere. Guests will find a long list of drinks including wines and cocktails, and quality Italian food. Funk A deli is perfect for relaxed brunches or after work dinner and drinks with a relaxed ambiance.
VUE Bar
As you might imagine, VUE Bar is a high-end establishment, and the atmosphere and prices reflect as much. You will have a great view of the Bund while you sip professionally made cocktails. Expect a cover-fee of about 100 CNY that will include a drink. This is the place to take someone you want to impress.
Dada
Dada is a dive bar and club that features local DJs Thursdays-Saturdays. The atmosphere is less pretentious than a lot of the high-end places, and the crowd is mostly younger Chinese and expats. Prices are moderate-to-low with various drink specials.
Bar Rouge
The gorgeous view of the Bund greets you at this rooftop bar and lounge. On weekdays come for a relaxed vibe to have a drink or two. This is one of the city's iconic bars, and on weekends it gets packed, so make reservations if you want a table. Unfortunately, it's become more of a tourist destination than a place where locals hang out, but it's definitely still worth a visit. Bar Rouge serves a mix of beer/wine, champaign, and cocktails.
Speak Low
Not so secret anymore, Speak Low used to be accessible only by telling the doorman you were looking for it and then going through a hidden entrance. Although it's pretty crowded these days, this bar is a must-go if you are visiting Shanghai. Speak Low focuses on unique and strong cocktails primarily, and has been listed as one of the world's top 50 bars.
Revolucion Cocktail Shanghai
Good food, good cocktails, and a good vibe all add up to make Revolucion Cocktail Shanghai a great all-around experience. Come for quality specialty cocktails as well as Latin/Western food, stay for the great atmosphere and music with a Cuban flair.
Flair Bar
Boasting the highest rooftop venue in Shanghai, Flair Bar offers a luxurious view of the city that is second to none with a chic, stylish atmosphere. With contemporary and décor and architecture, and amazing service, Flair offers a high-end experience at the top of the city. Flair serves food, cocktails, beer, and wine- come for dinner and watch the sun go down and the lights come on.
CJW Jazz Bar/CJW Jueshi Pub
CJW stands for cigars, jazz, and wine...what's more to ask? For those looking for something outside the normal bar/lounge circuit, CJW offers something different in a Shanghai bar. Primarily serving whiskeys, wine, and beer, you will pay a little extra for the atmosphere and the view, but it's worth it to experience one of the last hole-in-the-wall jazz bars in Shanghai. You can also listen to live soul, funk, and blues at CJW.
The Tipsy Fiddler Irish Pub
Live music, Western food, a good beer selection, and a homey vibe make this bar a nice hang-out spot for locals, tourists, and expats alike. The Tipsy Fiddler feels like a slice of home for many from the UK. You won't find a more appropriate place to have a pint in Shanghai.
Riink
Those looking for a bit nightlife off the beaten path should look no further. Riink is a roller bar. Have a drink, skate around the floor (yes, it's shaped like a skating rink), or just take it all in from a seat. Riinks beers, cocktails, neon lighting and unique theme make this bar a one-of-a-kind experience.