A Shanghai nightlife guide: 10 great bars in the former French Concession
21.07.2023 - 08:25
/ roughguides.com
The former French Concession in Puxi, Shanghai, is one of the city’s most beautiful areas. With many streets shrouded by overhanging trees it can seem like a world away from the manic bustle that characterizes rest of the place and its 22 million inhabitants.
Established in 1849 and handed over in 1943, many of the original French-style buildings survive, making the area a relaxing place for a breezy walk in the daytime. It has also become a fantastic nightspot, with some of the best bars in Shanghai offering more underground alternatives to the flashy riverside venues on the Bund or the enormous super-clubs.
You could spend a month exploring the bars in just this area, but in our Shanghai nightlife guide, we've chosen the top ten places you shouldn’t miss.
As far as nightclubs go The Shelter is somewhat unique, being based on the site of a disused bomb shelter (hence the name). It’s underground by nature as well as in the literal sense, having garnered a reputation strong enough to attract some of the global dance music scene’s most credible cult acts. The drinks are cheap, it’s always rammed at weekends and it’s open until the sun comes up, making it a must-visit location for night owls.
Address: 5 Yongfu Lu, near Fuxing Xi Lu
This small upstairs bar gets its name and vague decor theme from the retro video game emulator customers can play in the bar for free. But this is no nerd-fest: local hipsters flock to Arcade for its reasonably priced cocktails and air of relaxed cool (as well as its invariably pounding dance music), making it the perfect pre-club drinking haven.
Address: Second Floor, 57 Fuxing Xi Lu, near Yongfu Lu
The Senator is Shanghai's answer to the American speakeasy bar. Head barman David Schroeder, an ex-US cop, has gained a reputation as making some of the finest cocktails in the area – his Old Fashioned will blow the ears off the side of your head. Despite the fine cocktails the place has become so popular with young locals that most nights it resembles an enjoyably raucous and friendly pub.
Address: 98 Wuyuan Lu, near Wulumuqi Zhong Lu
© Arina P Habich/Shutterstock
There aren’t many frills to be found at The Chalet – a relaxed boozer loosely based on the decor of a Swiss mountain cottage. It feels more like a fun British bar though, with surprisingly good pub grub on offer, indie rock on the stereo and a fun mix of locals and expats getting drunk. Go there on a Tuesday night for the «happy hour» that runs until 3am, closing with most drinks around half price. The crowds it attracts make it feel like a Saturday.
Address: 385 Yongjia Lu, near Taiyuan Lu
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