

Explore Shanghai’s best nightlife for foreigners—top bars and nightclubs, best areas, and vibrant streets. See Shanghai bar hours, dress codes & tips on Trip.com.
Where Do Foreigners Party in Shanghai?

Foreigners in Shanghai tend to gather in neighborhoods with international vibes, diverse crowds, and English-friendly venues. Below is a summary of top party areas and key spots:
Neighborhood | Key Bars/Clubs for Foreigners | Vibe & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
The Bund | KEV – The Bund 18, Peace Hotel Jazz Bar | Upscale, skyline views, classic/elegant |
Xintiandi | THE BUNKER by FLASK | Trendy, expat-heavy, industrial/experimental |
Jing’an District | NICE, Sihe | Tech-themed, minimalist, lively local-expat mix |
Huangpu District | MASTER, AKOMA, Speak Low, Sober Company | EDM, speakeasies, art-inspired, diverse crowds |
Xuhui District | Barber Shop | Retro speakeasy, intimate, unique concept |
Top 10 Shanghai Bars & Clubs (for Foreigners)

Each spot offers unique vibes, practical details, and standout experiences—from hidden gems to famous hotspots.
1. MASTER – Immersive EDM Party Hub
A sparkling star in Shanghai’s nightlife, MASTER blends top-tier lighting, sound systems, and international DJs for an immersive electronic music experience.
- Concept: “Pay tribute to masters” with two zones—main dance floor and lounge, plus weekend themed parties (e.g., “Future Universe”).
- Address: 5th Floor, 523 Middle Huaihai Road, Huangpu District
- Minimum Spend (CNY):
- Booth (Weekday): 2,000 | Weekend: 3,000
- Private Room (Weekday): 3,000 | Weekend: 5,000
- Highlights: Signature cocktails, gourmet bites, and lively crowds—ideal for parties or celebrations.
2. AKOMA – Retro-Futuristic Art & Music Venue
A collaboration between Modern Sky and Shigu Shangbo, AKOMA mixes medieval royal oil paintings with electronic/hip-hop beats for a unique contrast.
- Concept: Retro-futuristic style, hosting art exhibitions and brand collaborations (e.g., 2024 Louis Vuitton “Palace Carnival Night”).
- Address: 1F, 101 Shanghai Plaza, 138 Middle Huaihai Road, Huangpu District
- Minimum Spend (CNY):
- V Zone Booth: Weekday 3,000 | Weekend 6,000
- B Zone Booth: Weekday 3,000 | Weekend 8,000
- A Zone Booth: Weekday 5,000 | Weekend 12,000
- K Zone Booth: Weekday 8,000 | Weekend 15,000
- Standing Table: Weekday 1,500 | Weekend: No standing tables
- Private Room: Weekday 8,000 | Weekend 15,000
- SKY BOX: Weekday 30,000 | Weekend 50,000
- Highlights: Live DJ sets, jazz performances, and artistic ambiance.

3. NICE – Tech-Themed “Influencer Hotspot”
Formerly WAN MORE, NICE reopens with a “future technology” theme and Shanghai’s first large mechanical stage installation, “Tree of Life.”
- Concept: Naked-eye 3D visuals by a top Dutch team, creating a dynamic lighting experience.
- Address: Kaikai Plaza, 888 Wanhangdu Road, Jing’an District
- Minimum Spend (CNY):
- Middle Booth: Weekday 5,000 | Weekend 8,000
- Inner Circle Booth: Weekday 4,000 | Weekend 6,000
- Middle Circle Booth: Weekday 3,000 | Weekend 5,000
- Outer Circle Booth: Weekday 2,000 | Weekend 4,000
- Side Booth: Weekday: No minimum | Weekend 2,000
- Highlights: Popular with influencers (often visited by celebrities), high-energy atmosphere.

4. Speak Low – Award-Winning Hidden Speakeasy
A regular on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, Speak Low is led by world-class bartender Shingo Gokan—entry via a secret bookshelf door.
- Concept: Multi-level space with distinct styles—lively 2nd floor (classic/creative cocktails) and elegant 3rd floor (premium drinks).
- Address: 579 Middle Fuxing Road
- Must-Try Drink: “Speak Low” – Bacardi Superior blended with pineapple and matcha.
- Highlights: Low-key luxury, innovative cocktails, and speakeasy charm.

5. Sober Company – “Adventure” Themed Bar Complex
China’s first “bar crawl” concept, with four zones and a hidden VIP space—ranked among Asia’s and World’s 50 Best Bars.
- Concept: Four areas to explore, with tokens needed to unlock the hidden bar.
- Address: INS New Paradise, 109 Yandang Road
- Zones:
- Sober Kissa (Tea/Coffee Cocktails): Casual spot with Hoji Highball, Melon Ramos Fizz.
- Sober Izakaya (Japanese-Western Fusion Food): Sushi hand rolls, fried chicken, with weekend DJs.
- Sober Sakaba (Creative Classics): Reimagined cocktails like Kobe Old Fashioned (garnished with Kobe beef).
- Tipsy (Hidden VIP Bar): By invitation only (collect tokens from other zones) – custom cocktails.
- Highlights: Unique “adventure” experience, award-winning drinks, and fusion cuisine.

6. Barber Shop – Retro Speakeasy with Hair Salon Facade
A playful blend of a traditional barbershop and hidden bar—enter via a secret trigger.
- Concept: Old Shanghai meets modern fashion, with vintage decor and artistry.
- Address: 615 Yongjia Road, Xuhui District
- Must-Try Drink: “Clipper Storm” – vodka with molecular foam layers.
- Highlights: Weekend vintage hairstylists (get a haircut while drinking), mysterious vibe.
7. KEV – The Bund 18 – Rooftop with Stunning Skyline Views
Boasting a 565㎡ panoramic terrace, KEV offers unobstructed views of Lujiazui and the Huangpu River.
- Concept: Futuristic design by top Asian designer Jiang Wei, blending metal, mirrors, and cyberpunk elements.
- Address: 7th Floor, 18 East Zhongshan No.1 Road
- Hours: 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Highlights: Best Bund skyline views, artistic interiors, and upscale ambiance.

8. Peace Hotel Jazz Bar – Timeless Old Shanghai Charm
Famous for its vintage elegance and the world’s oldest senior jazz band (average age 75, Guinness World Record holder).
- Concept: 1930s Shanghai nostalgia, with redwood bars and crystal chandeliers.
- Address: 1st Floor, Peace Hotel, 20 East Nanjing Road, Huangpu District
- Highlights: Classic jazz performances, old-world glamour—perfect for experiencing Shanghai’s golden age.
9. THE BUNKER by FLASK – Military-Themed Industrial Bar
Part of the Flask Group, this bar recreates a military bunker with raw industrial decor.
- Concept: Spacious concrete interiors, iron seating, and searchlights—rustic and bold.
- Address: 2nd Floor, 22 Lane 181 Taicang Road, Xintiandi North Block
- Highlights: Experimental cocktails, large private room for groups/parties, lively atmosphere.

10. Sihe (Four Harmony) – Oriental Wabi-Sabi Bar
Created by a renowned Beijing team, Sihe blends Eastern aesthetics with minimalist wabi-sabi style.
- Concept: Outer Bistro area (casual dining) and inner lab-style bar—plus a hidden “Langfang” space (16 people max, advance booking required).
- Address: 4th Floor, 17 North Xiangyang Road, Jing’an District
- Highlights: Unique Oriental-inspired drinks, intimate setting, and creative fusion experiences.
Dress Code for Shanghai Bar & Club

Dress codes vary by venue, but these guidelines simplify packing.
Upscale Clubs & Rooftops (MASTER, AKOMA, KEV)
Smart casual is required—think button-down shirts, dresses, tailored pants, and leather shoes. Avoid sportswear, flip-flops, sneakers (unless designer), hoodies, or casual tees, as rules are stricter on weekends, especially for VIP areas.
Speakeasies & Intimate Bars (Speak Low, Sober Company)
Neat casual or smart casual works—jeans with a blouse, polo shirts, or loafers. There are no strict bans, but avoid messy attire (dirty sneakers, wrinkled loungewear) to fit the ambiance.
Themed & Industrial Bars (THE BUNKER, NICE)
Casual-chic is fine—dark jeans, graphic tees, boots, or jackets. Restrictions are minimal; just skip swimwear or sleepwear, and embrace edgier styles for industrial-themed spots.
Retro & Jazz Bars (Peace Hotel Jazz Bar)
Classic smart casual aligns with the old-world glamour—dresses, men’s suits, or vintage-inspired outfits. Avoid shorts or flip-flops to match the timeless vibe.
Shanghai Bar Hours & General Costs

Plan your night with clear timing and budget expectations. It is just general info for ref:
Shanghai Bar Opening Hours
- Clubs (MASTER, AKOMA) open 9:00 PM – 4:00 AM, with peak hours 11:00 PM – 2:00 AM.
- Bars and speakeasies (Speak Low, Sober Company) run 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM (closing earlier on weekdays).
- Rooftop bars (KEV) open 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM, with sunset views best 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
- Jazz bars (Peace Hotel) operate 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM, with live music starting at 8:00 PM.
Shanghai Bar General Costs (CNY)
- Local beer costs 30–60, imported beer 50–100, and cocktails 80–180 (premium speakeasies 150–300).
- Wine by the glass is 100–200. Booth minimum spends range from 2,000–8,000 at mid-range clubs to 3,000–50,000 at upscale venues (weekends higher).
- Speakeasies usually have no minimum, while clubs charge 100–300 CNY cover (weekends only, with 1 free drink).
Is Shanghai Safe to Go Out at Night?
Yes, Shanghai is generally very safe for nighttime outings—even for foreigners traveling alone.
- Most nightlife hubs (The Bund, Xintiandi, Jing’an) are well-lit, crowded, and patrolled by security or police.
- Street crime is rare, and public transport (subways, taxis, ride-hailing apps like Didi) runs late (subways until ~11:30 PM, taxis 24/7) for easy travel back to accommodations.
- Locals and staff are usually helpful if you need directions or assistance—English is widely spoken in tourist/nightlife areas.
- Tip: Stick to busy, well-known areas (avoid isolated back alleys) and keep valuables secure, as you would in any major city.
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FAQs about Shanghai Bar
Is Shanghai good for nightlife?
Yes—Shanghai’s nightlife is one of Asia’s most dynamic, with options for every preference: luxury rooftops, underground speakeasies, retro jazz clubs, and high-energy EDM venues. It’s foreigner-friendly, with English support and international crowds.Is there a bar street in Shanghai?
While Shanghai doesn’t have a single “bar street,” neighborhoods like Xintiandi, The Bund, and Middle Huaihai Road are packed with clustered bars and clubs. These areas offer walkable, vibrant nightlife hubs with diverse options.Is it safe to go out at night in Shanghai?
Yes, Shanghai is very safe for nighttime outings. Most nightlife areas are well-lit, crowded, and patrolled. Street crime is rare, and 24/7 taxis/ride-hailing apps make travel easy. Stick to busy areas and keep valuables secure for peace of mind.Where should I stay for Shanghai nightlife?
Stay near The Bund (upscale clubs), Xintiandi (expat-friendly bars), or Jing’an District (balanced convenience). These areas are walkable to venues and well-connected by subway.




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