Where to Drink in Shanghai: A Guide to the City 's Best Bars, Clubs, and Live Music Venues
When it comes to nightlife centered around alcohol, Shanghai reigns supreme in China. Whether you're after variety, quality, or sheer style, this city has it all. For those who truly appreciate a good drink, a trip to Shanghai for its bar scene alone might just be worth it.
No matter your preference—savoring a well-crafted cocktail in a quiet lounge, joining a lively crowd for some spirited drinking and conversation, dancing the night away in a high-energy club, or losing yourself in a live music performance—Shanghai’s nightlife offers something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best spots to enjoy Shanghai’s drinking culture, with recommendations across three key categories: bars , nightclubs , and livehouses (live music venues).
Read Next: While you're here, don't miss our guide to Chengdu Nightlife Guide or discover Datang Never Night City Xi’an — two experiences that pair perfectly with this article.
Best Bars in Shanghai: Great Drinks, Bold Concepts, and Award-Winning Bartenders
Chameleon
Highlights : Ever-changing menu, world-class bartenders, creative atmosphere
Chameleon is part cocktail bar, part Western bistro, and fully a passion project by its two legendary co-founders, Eddy and Carson. Both are decorated mixologists in China’s bar scene, known for their impeccable drink craftsmanship.
True to its name, Chameleon constantly evolves—from cocktails and food menus to music and interior decor. Much of the inspiration comes from the owners’ travels, where they explore local food and drink culture and bring it home to Shanghai.
The space is styled like a cozy yet stylish “travel apartment,” with a living room, dining area, lounge, and terrace. While many guests come for the drinks, the fusion cuisine (rooted in French flavors) is also a standout. As Eddy puts it, “Welcome to your new home.”
📍 Address : 5F, 90 South Shaanxi Road
💰 Average cost : ¥270 per person
SUZU BAR Shanghai
Highlights : Ginza roots, award-winning Japanese bartender, fresh fruit cocktails
Among the many "Japanese-style" bars in Shanghai, SUZU stands apart as the real deal. Originally from Tokyo’s Ginza district—home to Japan’s finest bars—SUZU consistently ranks in the top three on Tabelog Japan.
Head bartender Mr. Suzuki trained under Japan’s legendary Martini master, Takao Mori, since 2002 and has won numerous awards. SUZU brings the finesse of Japanese mixology to life, down to every detail: glass temperature, ice cut, stir technique, even how the citrus peel is twisted.
One unique feature is the daily fresh fruit cocktail menu , a staple of true Japanese-style bars but rarely seen in China due to the high cost and prep time. For fans of Japanese bartending, one drink is never enough.
The setting is minimalist and elegant, with most seats arranged around the bar for solo connoisseurs. There are also private booths for dates or business chats. Bonus detail: their coasters change designs regularly—a little delight for detail lovers.
📍 Address : 1F, 301 Huashan Road, MORE Huashan
💰 Average cost : ¥235 per person
Sober Company
Highlights : Ranked #12 on Asia's 50 Best Bars, secret bar entry challenge
Sober Company is as much a drinking experience as it is a destination. Ranked #12 in Asia's 50 Best Bars (2020) and #45 in The World’s 50 Best Bars (2019), it’s known for its "bar quest" setup.
Guests must visit all three floors—Café , Kitchen , and Society —before unlocking access to the hidden bar, Tipsy , where you’ll find exclusive cocktails by a mystery bartender.
📍 Address : 99 Yandang Road
💰 Average cost : ¥375 per person
LAB Whisky & Cocktail
Highlights : Massive whisky selection, creative cocktails, warm industrial-chic space
LAB is a whisky lover’s heaven. The back wall towers with bottles, and the whisky menu alone spans over 10 pages—from classics to rare limited editions and independent bottlings (IBs). Even if whisky isn't your thing, the cocktail menu and bartenders’ flair will keep you entertained.
The bar’s mission is to celebrate the joy of drinking—through the people, the drinks, and the stories they share. Its industrial design is softened with cozy lighting and a fireplace, creating the perfect backdrop for conversations that linger.
📍 Address : 1093 Wuding Road
💰 Average cost : ¥200 per person
Bar Renaissance
Highlights : Vintage charm in Sinan Mansions, creative cocktails, memorable small plates
Tucked away in a historic building without flashy signs, Bar Renaissance opens into a spacious, refined vintage interior. It’s popular, yet the seating is well-spaced for a comfortable, calm vibe.
The cocktail list is both creative and poetic, with signature drinks like “Outlaw” (bold) and “How to Train Your Dragon” (light)—or ask the bartender for a custom blend. The bar’s small plates are also delicious, so no need to leave when you get hungry.
Extra charm: their coasters resemble theater tickets. Feel free to jot down the date and keep one as a souvenir.
📍 Address : Building 6, Lane 523, Middle Fuxing Road
💰 Average cost : ¥180 per person
Beer Auntie (啤酒阿姨)
Highlights : 3,000+ beer selection, casual vibe, local legend
This massive self-serve beer shop features more than 3,000 types of beer lined across three walls. With over 400 square meters of space and seating for 300+, it’s one of Shanghai’s most vibrant and down-to-earth drinking spots.
Even if you know nothing about beer, the friendly, chaotic energy makes it easy to enjoy. Walking through the door feels like you’ve stepped into a party where nobody has work tomorrow.
📍 Address : 1247 South Suzhou Road
💰 Average cost : ¥82 per person
Monkey
Highlights : From club to cocktail bar, hip-hop beats, award-winning female bartender
Once a popular dance club, Monkey has been reimagined as a cocktail bar—though its hip-hop soul remains. Behind the bar is Jackie Lo, Asia’s Bartender of the Year and a standout figure in Hong Kong’s cocktail scene.
Hidden behind a burger shop in the 758 Julu Road complex, Monkey now features both a sleek bar and semi-private lounges. The vibe is upbeat, stylish, and always bumping to a hip-hop beat.
📍 Address : 145 Wuyuan Road
💰 Average cost : ¥94 per person
Nightclubs | Not Just Mindless Partying—Each Spot Has Its Own Vibe
TAXX
Highlights : Shanghai’s most famous nightclub, huge venue, celebrity-backed
TAXX is a name every partygoer in Shanghai knows. Whether it's the original location or the second branch, each venue is massive—able to hold around 3,000 people. It’s more than just a club; it's a fusion of lounge bar, art zone, and indoor concert hall, equipped with world-class sound, lighting, and even 4D holographic projections.
Top 100 DJs often make guest appearances, and the venue frequently hosts indoor music festivals. One unexpected but beloved feature: the restrooms are decked out like a luxury beauty lounge, with free Jo Malone perfume, Guerlain lipsticks, eye shadow palettes, and all the beauty essentials you'd find in a high-end vanity.
Address : 1123 Middle Yan’an Road
Average cost : ¥2,700
Le Baron
Highlights : Chic French-style hip-hop vibe
This is the fifth global location of the iconic Le Baron club founded by French street artist André Saravia. The red velvet interiors and signature eye graffiti on the walls and carpets ooze luxury and underground glam. Known for its top-tier music and cocktails, Le Baron often draws long lines after 11 PM. With black velvet ropes and sharp-dressed security, it has that authentic Parisian edge.
Address : 7F, 20 Donghu Road
Average cost : ¥450
44KW
Highlights : Mainstream meets niche, fashion crowd favorite
44KW is a rising star in Shanghai’s nightlife scene. Unlike most clubs, it features two separate rooms—Room 44 and Room KW—each spinning different styles of music. Room 44 is especially focused on high-quality beats. This club also collaborates with audiovisual artists to turn every night into a sensory art experience. It’s the go-to place for the trendy and creative crowd.
Address : B1, 158 Julu Road
Average cost : ¥260
NINJA
Highlights : Mandarin hip-hop, wild energy
For fans of Chinese rap and hyped-up energy, Club NINJA’s second location is a must. The moment you step inside, you're hit with an electric atmosphere. The playlist is a no-beef zone where rival rap crews like CDC and CSC coexist in musical harmony. With student-friendly prices, it’s perfect for young party lovers—just be prepared to wait in line.
Address : B1, 158 Julu Road
Average cost : ¥100
Livehouses | Music, the Perfect Companion to a Night Out
Modern Sky Lab
Highlights : A fusion of livehouse, cultural shop, café, and craft beer bar
More than just a livehouse, Modern Sky Lab is an art space that brings together everything beloved by Shanghai's creative youth. With professional acoustics, dynamic lighting, and a lineup of top domestic and international artists, it’s always buzzing with energy. Expect trendsetting theme parties, signed vinyls, exclusive merch, and even the occasional celebrity sighting. Whether you're craving coffee or craft beer, the staff here has you covered.
Address : Units 309–310, Moon Bay, Ruihong Tiandi, Ruihong Road
Average cost : ¥200
Yuyintang
Highlights : Old-school vibes from one of Shanghai’s OG livehouses
There’s a line in a New Pants song that goes, “I walked from Gulou to MAO, but still couldn’t find him.” If you know what Gulou MAO is to Beijing, you’ll get what Yuyintang means to Shanghai’s music scene. This small, legendary venue has been around for nearly 20 years, with ticket prices that haven’t changed much since. Beloved by bands and fans alike, Yuyintang lives up to its name—a true "hall of music education" where many local musicians got their start.
Address : 851 Kaixuan Road (Original location since 2007; two newer venues also available)
Average cost : ¥120
EZ5
Highlights : Taiwanese-style livehouse with great vibes
EZ5 brings its classic Taipei flair to Shanghai. Every night features four live acts, many of them seasoned Taiwanese singers who’ve competed in televised talent shows. Expect a multilingual performance—Mandarin, English, and even Taiwanese Hokkien. It’s a cozy place to sip drinks, chat with friends, and soak in good music. No wonder it has a loyal following.
Address : Unit 2, Building 4, Lane 193, North Maoming Road
Average cost : ¥275
JZ Club
Highlights : A jazz landmark in Shanghai, nearly 20 years of heritage
JZ Club spent 13 years on Fuxing West Road before moving to the more spacious Datongfang on Julu Road in 2016. The new venue seats about 300 guests, all facing the stage for an immersive jazz experience. The bar serves a wide range of wines and whiskies—perfect companions for a night of live jazz. Cocktails are available too, but they're not the main draw. If you're into jazz, this local institution is not to be missed.
Address : B1, Datongfang, Julu Road
Average cost : ¥231