Fang Wang
What's Inside
Midnight in Shanghai. The Bund towers glitter, but I’m not there. My clients? They’re stuck in a 45-minute taxi line at the South Bund. Forget the glossy postcards — here’s the real Shanghai nightlife.
I’ve been guiding travelers through this city for over a decade. Most guides tell you to hit The Bund Bar and then club at M1NT. But that’s the tourist route — crowded, overpriced, and honestly, tired. The best nights happen where locals go: tucked-away speakeasies, small jazz bars, and late-night food streets you’d never find on Google Maps.
Here is my no-BS guide to skipping the queues, handling the payment nightmare (yes, cash is still king in some places), and seeing the real Shanghai after dark in under three hours.
Where to Party in Shanghai: Best Nightlife Areas
Shanghai nightlife isn't one-size-fits-all. Each district has its own vibe. Let me break down the key areas and what to expect.
| Area | Vibe | Best For | Average Spend (per person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Former French Concession | Chic, hidden bars, tree-lined streets | Cocktails, wine bars, date night | 200–400 RMB |
| Jing’an | Trendy clubs, rooftop terraces | Dancing, socializing, craft beer | 150–350 RMB |
| Lujiazui (Pudong) | Glitzy skyline views, high-end lounges | Impressive views, splurge | 300–800 RMB |
| Yuyuan / Old City | Traditional, touristy, but fun | Night markets, street food, quick drink | 50–150 RMB |
Personal pick: The French Concession. I always start my groups at Speak Low (518 Fuxing Middle Road, 2nd floor – look for the unmarked door). It’s a speakeasy with a secret entrance behind a bookshelf. Enter through the barbershop on the ground floor. Expect 120 RMB cocktails that rival NYC's best. No reservation needed before 10pm on weekdays; weekends book up, so call ahead.
If you want dancing, head to Arkham in Jing’an (168 Julu Road). It's a live music venue that turns into a club late. Cover charge 100–150 RMB. Bring cash – their card machine often "breaks" on busy nights. Yes, I’ve had clients stranded without cash. Learn from their mistake.
How to Experience Shanghai Nightlife Like a Local
Locals don’t do the Bund at midnight. They start late – dinner around 7pm, then drinks at 9pm, then clubbing at 11pm or later. Here’s my insider step-by-step:
- Start with dinner at a xiaolongbao joint – but not Din Tai Fung. Go to Jia Jia Tang Bao (331 Huanghe Road). It closes at 8pm, so go early. Portions are small, lines are long, but it’s the real deal. Cash only, under 50 RMB.
- Move to a hidden bar – my go-to is Laundry Co. (721 Nanjing Xi Road, enter through the laundromat). Try their smoked old fashioned. Around 110 RMB.
- Late-night snack at a food street – Yunnan Road Food Street is open until 2am. Grilled skewers (chuanr) are 5 RMB each. Don’t ask for beef – mutton is king here.
- End at a club or karaoke – KTV (karaoke) is a local nightlife staple. Try Party World in Jing’an. Private rooms, BYOB allowed, no cover. Minimum charge about 200 RMB per person for a few hours.
Crucial tip: Download WeChat Pay or Alipay before you go. Even though I said some places are cash-only, many are moving to digital. But as a foreigner, linking your card can fail. Solution: ask a hotel concierge to help you top up using their account. I've done this dozens of times.
What to Wear and What to Avoid
Shanghai nightlife dress code is smarter than you think. No flip-flops, no gym wear (even in cheap clubs). For men: dark jeans and a collared shirt work everywhere. For women: a nice dress or chic separates. Heels are fine but bring flats if you’re planning to walk a lot – many streets are cobbled in Old City.
What to avoid? Tourist traps. I see visitors paying 80 RMB for a Tsingtao on the Bund terrace at Bar Rouge (7/F, 18 Zhongshan East 1st Road). The view is great, but the drink prices are a joke. A better alternative: Flair Rooftop at the Ritz-Carlton (Shanghai IFC, Pudong). Drinks are 130 RMB, but the view of the Bund skyline is unobstructed and less crowded.
Another pro tip: Do not take a taxi from a club after 1am near Bund – it’s a 40-minute wait. Instead, walk 10 minutes to a nearby metro station (still running until 10:30pm? No, metro stops at around 10:30pm. So use Didi (Chinese Uber). The app works in English. Pay with credit card if you link it, but cash works too.
How Much Does a Night Out in Shanghai Cost?
Here’s a realistic budget split:
| Item | Budget (RMB) | Mid-Range (RMB) | Splurge (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinks (2 cocktails + 2 beers) | 150 | 300 | 600 |
| Cover charge | 0–50 | 100–150 | 200+ |
| Late-night food | 30 | 80 | 200 |
| Transport (Didi roundtrip) | 40 | 80 | 150 |
Total: You can have a great night for around 250 RMB ($35 USD) if you stick to budget spots. Splurging on a rooftop view and nice dinner? Expect 800–1000 RMB.
Best Rooftop Bars with a View
Shanghai’s skyline is legendary. Here are the best rooftops where you actually get a seat and decent service:
- The Nest (4/F, 22 Zhongshan Dong 1st Road) – Great cocktails, less crowded than Bar Rouge. Try the lychee martini. 130 RMB.
- M on the Bund (7/F, 20 Guangdong Road) – Not cheap (200+ for a drink) but the view of Pudong is unbeatable. Book a table on the terrace.
- Sir Elly's (50/F, Peninsula Hotel, 32 Zhongshan Dong 1st Road) – Dress code enforced. Sky-high prices (250+), but champagne and view are top-tier.
Warning: Many rooftop bars require a reservation for non-hotel guests. Use the hotel’s website or call. I’ve seen couples turned away at Sir Elly’s because they didn’t book. Don’t be that couple.
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