This night-life gem is perched high on the 18th floor of the Bund 18 building and is one of the most popular bars in Shanghai. Spend the evening at this luxurious lounge and you'll be surrounded by the most fashionable people in Shanghai. While the interior is gorgeously decorated with dim lighting and stunningly elaborate bars, it is the terrace that deserves special mention. When you want to take a break from dancing, head outside to relax on a leather sofa and enjoy some spectacular views of The Bund.
Self- proclaimed as the ultimate hot spot, M1NT includes every bit of luxury that can be expected. With excellent dining options and the M1NT club, the venue is bursting with socialites and entrepreneurs alike each day. Head to the restaurant where the Asian style decor will put you at ease or dance the night away to popular beat by famed DJs at the club. Either way, you are sure to have a good time. M1NT is also open to non-members.
Now a Bund classic, the Glamour Bar is an elegant space for an evening cocktail with a date or visitor. Wooden floors, leather chairs, velour ottomans and sparkling deco lamps combine to create a chic and femenine interior, while huge arched windows provide a view over the Huangpu River and the futuristic Pudong area. Besides the view, the other draw is the selection of random live acts and events, from cabaret to book launches, that take place on a semi-regular basis. The Glamour Bar is also home to the annual Shanghai Literary Festival.
A prominent name in Shanghai's growing and prospering jazz scene, the House of Blues & Jazz is a great place to be if you like to spend your evenings listening to soft music in a brilliantly mellow environment. The smiling pictures of Miles Davis, John Coltrane and other legends look down every night, with live 'jazzicians' sharing their tunes with an ever-eager audience. The wooden, dim interiors definitely help set the mood for a blues evening, which you can either share with fellow enthusiasts while drinking the house spirits, or sit by yourself and take in the atmosphere of this lovely jazz and blues space.
Muse is a nightclub that is a bright spot on Shanghai's happening nightlife scene. This club on Yuyao Lu is spread over two floors and boasts a glamorous ambiance that entertains a variety of locals and visitors. Enjoy a drink downstairs to the eclectic sounds of house and trance music as a line-up of international DJs set the tempo of the night. The upper level is dedicated to hip hop, with the latest beats and hits being interrupted with astonishing beat-boxing performances.
This large bar is popular with the upwardly mobile expatriate and local set, and is generally busy all the time. Many people come here for Paulaner's excellent live band, not to mention the authentic German sauerkraut and sausage. Oktoberfest picnic tables on the main floor provide an authentic, if sturdy, feel. Fruhschoppen brunch is great value, served every Sunday. The beers made on location and stored in copper tanks are worth a try, as well as the canned Weissbier.
Largely a sports bar, Hard Day's Night is quite popular among sports fans. Built along the lines of a traditional British bar, it has several screens in most places that provide a good view of games. Their cocktail list like other sports bar is perfect for sports fans. For a sports bar, the food is tremendously good. If you prefer a party of your own, then head to one of the many private booths fitted with television screens. It is very spacious and is spread over three floors. You can also to listen to live music here. Come here for a complete round of entertainment. Call ahead for timings.
Bee Dees is an excellent bar that plays some good music. There is also karaoke nights, where you will get a chance to listen to some soulful music. If you fancy something to drink, then head to the bar and you will be surprised with their vast collection of cocktails. Snacks and other eatables along with drinks are economical. So, a night out at Bee Dees will not be heavy on your pocket. It is an ideal place on a weekend or even on a date as it is not too noisy. Show up, if not for the drinks, then for the good music.
Originally the SUS bar of Siping Lu, SUS2 is the same establishment at this new location on Dingxi Road. An institution of sorts for the music lovers in Shanghai, this bar is undoubtedly most popular for the live music acts it hosts. Chinese rock bands like Three Yellow Chicken and Stegosaurus are a regular feature on the schedules here. A pleasing atmosphere and affordable drinks are the two factors make this bar one of the top venues for experiencing Shanghai's nightlife.
A place frequented by young professionals, Lounge 18 is always buzzing with the most hip crowd in town swinging to the DJ's beats. The atmosphere changes as the day progresses, as it is a quiet place during daytime, but gets wild once the night starts to approach and the crowd starts coming in. The decor is more European than Asian, making the place a comfortable hangout for the Westerners in Shanghai. Local jazz artists like Coco Zhao have graced the stage at Lounge 18. Contact for more details on concerts.
Originally a factory, now converted in a restaurant, Gioiamia is a typical Italian eatery located between the districts of Changning and Jing'an. Their daily buffets are highly popular for the affordable price and delicious varieties. Mouth-watering pizzas, risottos, pastas and other Italian staples are all well-prepared. A few Mediterranean options are also available for those who are not too fond of this popular cuisine. Keep an eye on upcoming offers on special occasions like the National Day of China and other festivals.