Shanghai’s vibrant nightlife scene offers an exhilarating experience for visitors. From intimate speakeasies to trendy hotspots, the city’s bars in the Old French Concession and along The Bund promise a captivating evening. Knowledgeable guides navigate this dynamic landscape, introducing guests to unique atmospheres and complimentary welcome drinks. The tour culminates atop the 33rd floor of Vue Bar, where breathtaking views of the city skyline set the stage for an unforgettable night. With an array of venues catering to diverse tastes, there’s something to pique the interest of any nightlife enthusiast. But to truly take in Shanghai’s after-dark allure, further exploration is required.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Drinking Tours In Shanghai.

Good To Know

Shanghai Nightlife: Bars in The Bund and Old French Concession - Good To Know

  • Explore a guided nightlife tour that highlights vibrant bars in Shanghai’s Old French Concession and The Bund, with complimentary drinks at most venues.
  • Experience the panoramic views and lively atmosphere of Vue Bar on the 33rd floor, featuring a whirlpool bath and live music performances.
  • Discover the unique ambiance and architectural charm of the Old French Concession, with stops at speakeasy-style, industrial chic, and vintage-inspired bars.
  • Enjoy a tailored experience that caters to individual preferences, with the option to bypass lines at venues due to the guide’s local connections.
  • Adhere to the smart casual dress code and minimum age requirement of 18 to blend in with the nightlife scene.

Overview of the Tour

Shanghai Nightlife: Bars in The Bund and Old French Concession - Overview of the Tour

The Shanghai nightlife tour is a private guided experience that showcases the city’s vibrant after-dark scene.

Visitors will explore bars in the Old French Concession and along The Bund (Waitan), with a complimentary drink at most venues.

The tour also includes entrance to the renowned M1NT nightclub, though it’s closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.

Based on 10 reviews, 100% of travelers recommend this experience.

The tour starts at 8:00 PM from a centrally located hotel in downtown Shanghai, and transportation is provided throughout the evening.

Meeting Point and Start Time

Shanghai Nightlife: Bars in The Bund and Old French Concession - Meeting Point and Start Time

The meeting point for the Shanghai nightlife tour is a centrally located hotel in the downtown area of the city.

The tour begins at 8:00 PM, allowing participants to experience the vibrant nightlife Shanghai has to offer.

The itinerary includes:

  • Visiting popular venues like Cobra Lily, The Refinery, and Devils Share Bar in the Old French Concession.
  • Continuing to Vue Bar on the 33rd floor of a skyscraper on The Bund, featuring an open-air terrace and whirlpool bath.
  • Exploring M1NT nightclub, which is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, with an alternative nightclub visited on those days.
  • Enjoying a complimentary drink at most venues included in the tour.

Venues in the Old French Concession

Shanghai Nightlife: Bars in The Bund and Old French Concession - Venues in the Old French Concession

A key component of the Shanghai nightlife tour is the visit to popular venues located in the city’s historic Old French Concession district. The tour takes guests to bars like Cobra Lily, The Refinery, and Devils Share Bar, each offering a unique ambiance and drinking experience. Travelers can enjoy a complimentary welcome drink at these establishments as they soak in the lively atmosphere and architectural charm of the neighborhood.

Venue Atmosphere Offerings
Cobra Lily Intimate, speakeasy-style Craft cocktails, live music
The Refinery Trendy, industrial chic Curated wine list, small plates
Devils Share Bar Cozy, vintage-inspired Extensive whiskey selection, billiards

Visiting Vue Bar on The Bund

Continuing their nightlife exploration, the tour group ascends to the 33rd floor of a towering skyscraper overlooking The Bund.

At Vue Bar, they’re greeted by an open-air terrace with stunning views of the Huangpu River and the iconic Pudong skyline.

The bar features:

  • A whirlpool bath for relaxing with a drink
  • Live music performances that set the mood
  • An extensive cocktail menu featuring local and international spirits
  • VIP sections for a more exclusive experience

The group takes in the panoramic vistas as they sip their complimentary drinks, seeing Shanghai’s vibrant nightlife culture.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This Shanghai nightlife tour includes a complimentary drink at each bar visited, except for M1NT nightclub.

Transportation and a local guide are also provided. However, any additional food, drinks, or gratuities are excluded from the tour price.

Travelers should also note that the tour is available with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

With a minimum age requirement of 18 and a smart casual dress code, this nightlife tour is accessible to most travelers visiting Shanghai.

The inclusions and exclusions provide a clear understanding of what’s covered in the overall tour package.

Ratings and Feedback

Shanghai Nightlife: Bars in The Bund and Old French Concession - Ratings and Feedback

Travelers highly recommend the Shanghai nightlife tour, with an overall rating of 5.0 based on 10 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights include:

  • Tailored experiences that cater to individual preferences
  • Bypassing lines at venues due to the guide’s connections
  • A mix of high-end and local bars, offering a well-rounded experience
  • The guide’s extensive knowledge of Shanghai’s nightlife scene

Travelers appreciated the unique nightlife experience and the opportunity to explore bars in the Old French Concession and along The Bund, featuring stunning views of the city skyline.

The tour’s inclusions, such as complimentary drinks, transportation, and a local guide, further enhance the value for visitors.

Age and Dress Code Requirements

The Shanghai nightlife tour has a minimum age requirement of 18 years, ensuring that participants are of legal drinking age. A smart casual dress code is recommended, allowing visitors to blend in with the chic and sophisticated atmosphere of the bars and clubs. The dress code helps maintain an upscale ambiance and ensures a comfortable experience for all guests.

Dress Code Suggestions Appropriate Inappropriate
Top Button-down shirt, blouse, polo Tank tops, graphic tees
Bottom Slacks, khakis, dress pants Ripped jeans, shorts
Footwear Dress shoes, loafers, clean sneakers Flip-flops, athletic shoes

Accessibility and Participation

The Shanghai nightlife tour is accessible via public transportation, making it convenient for travelers to reach the meeting point and explore the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Most travelers can participate in the experience, as it caters to a wide range of interests and abilities.

The tour includes:

  • Complimentary transportation to and from the various venues
  • Assistance from a knowledgeable local guide to navigate the nightlife scene
  • Accessibility features for those with mobility challenges
  • Flexibility in the itinerary to accommodate individual preferences and needs

Whether you’re looking for a high-energy night out or a more relaxed exploration of Shanghai’s bars, this nightlife tour provides an inclusive and memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Specific Type of Drink at Each Bar?

Yes, you can request specific drink preferences at each bar. The tour includes one complimentary drink at most venues, so you can customize your experience by ordering your preferred cocktail, wine, or beer.

Does the Tour Guide Speak English Fluently?

The tour guide speaks English fluently. They are able to communicate effectively with English-speaking travelers and provide them with a personalized nightlife experience by arranging special access and complimentary drinks at the selected bars.

Are There Any Breaks or Free Time During the Tour?

The tour includes visits to several bars, with a complimentary drink at each venue. However, there doesn’t appear to be any scheduled breaks or free time during the tour. The focus is on experiencing Shanghai’s vibrant nightlife.

Can I Add Additional Stops to the Itinerary?

Yes, the tour allows for customized experiences. Travelers can coordinate with the local guide to add additional stops to the itinerary, subject to availability and timing. The tour is designed to be flexible to accommodate personal preferences.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Nightclubs?

Photography is generally allowed inside the nightclubs visited during the tour, but visitors should check with their guide or venue staff for any specific restrictions. Flash photography may be prohibited to maintain the desired ambiance.

Sum Up

Shanghai’s vibrant nightlife tour offers an exhilarating experience, showcasing the city’s eclectic bar scene. From intimate speakeasies to trendy hotspots, the tour culminates at the breathtaking Vue Bar, providing unparalleled views of the dynamic city. With a knowledgeable guide, visitors can explore the diverse nightlife of the Old French Concession and The Bund, making for an unforgettable evening.