The Best Rooftop Bars in Shanghai

| © Askar Karimullin / Alamy Stock Photo
Rachel Deason

While its streets are beautiful, Shanghai is best viewed from above. What better way to get a bird’s eye view of the twinkling city lights than with a drink in hand? Shanghai’s rooftop bars were created with just that in mind. Whether the vibe is peak relaxation or high end living, these 10 bars are all about the view.

Bar Rouge

Bar Rouge is the quintessential Shanghai club. Located on the Bund and welcoming some of the cities most fashionable people, the bar also has a huge terrace that offers unbeatable views of the Lujiazui financial district skyline. Dress smart if you expect to get in and remember to have your camera on hand to capture these experiences.

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Daga Brewpub

Daga Brewpub is one of the most unique bars in Shanghai, specializing in craft beers from around China. The vibe is laid back, especially on the wide open rooftop terrace. The views may be less flashy than those of its Bund-side compatriots, but Daga’s rooftop is perfect for summertime day drinking or after work imbibing.

VUE Bar

At the top of the Shanghai Hyatt on the Bund is decadent rooftop bar VUE, which offers views of both sides of the river. Bring your swimwear and get splashy in the hot tub overlooking the Shanghai skyline. Of course, an experience like this costs a pretty penny, but it’s worth shelling out for.

Fat Mama

You won’t find Fat Mama on most Shanghai rooftop bar lists, but it deserves a fair chance. This under the radar pizza place and wine bar has the coziest little rooftop area wicker seating and a vine covered turret that will make you feel like royalty. You wont have to pay royal prices, especially during happy hour.

Captain’s Bar

Captain’s Bar may be located on the Bund, but it is actually one of the cheapest ways to get your drink on in the city. It is located on the roof of popular backpackers haunt Captain Hostel and has excellent views of the British colonial style buildings of the Bund and the skyscrapers on the other side of the river.

Flair

Located at the top of the Ritz Carlton Shanghai Pudong, Flair is so close to the Pearl Tower, patrons can nearly reach out and touch it. Snack on Asian fusion tapas and lounge on one of 132 outdoor seats and feel like the city was built just for you. The terrace offers split level views of the city, and the prices are about as high as the bar itself.

Kartel

Casual French wine bar Kartel is located in the heart of the former French Concession and features one of the largest rooftop terraces in the city, which offers 360 degree panoramic views just about the treetops. The space is perfect for a summertime happy hour and is also great for private events.

The Fellas

In conjunction with popular Bund side Italian restaurant Goodfellas downstairs, the Fellas brings pizza up a notch and throws in wine, beer, and cocktails. The real draw, though, is the wraparound terrace. With comfortable seating and views of the Shanghai skyline, the Fellas is a great place to bring an out of town guest you want to impress.

Char Bar

Offering unobstructed views of the Huangpu River, Char Bar at Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund is a classy affair. As the name suggests, the bar cum restaurant specializes in steak. The establishment promises that its flavors are some of the boldest in Shanghai and claims that the views will impress even the worldliest of travelers.

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