On the town
The choice of bars and clubs in Shanghai these days is bewildering. You can make it easier for yourself by heading to the Maoming South or Tongren bar streets, or alternatively to Hengshan Road, where there is a good mix of bars and restaurants. But bear in mind that some of the ever-shifting top picks are scattered around town.
Bar Rouge
Bund18, 7/F
18Zhongshan Dong Yi Road
63391199
Rouge is one of Shanghai's best early evening destinations, but it's also recommended for a night cap later. With fabulous views of the Bund and the futuristic Pudong skyline, Rouge is a favourite with newcomers and old-timers alike.
Blue Frog
88Tongren Road
64270320
There are four branches of the Blue Frog now, with the original on the Maoming Road bar strip (206-7 Maoming South Road) still going strong. But the branch on the newer Tongren Road bar strip is a good place to dip gently into Shanghai's nightlife - light, unpretentious, friendly and with good street views, it is an effortless success.
Mint
333Tongren Road
62479666
At Mint you get the best of both worlds, with alfresco seating in the warmer months for evening get-togethers and serious house music later in the evening. With its no-frills, speakeasy decor, Mint is a welcome relief compared to the more style-conscious, snootier club venues elsewhere.
B:lo
4Xiangshan Road, near Sinan Road
53820838
A much acclaimed new arrival, B:lo is a dark, basement, clubby space with purple curtains and unfinished walls. If it is quiet, head upstairs to Madam Zung, either to chill out in the lounge or to party.
O'Malley's
42Taojiang Road, near Wulumuqi Road
64370667
Sports, Guinness, expat fare, O'Malley's is for the most part a predictable formula, until you throw in the garden seating and the French Concession villa. It is actually the latter that makes it worth the visit - but don't tell the guys watching football at the bar.
Manifesto
748Julu Road (near Fumin Road)
62899108
This lounge makes a quiet, unostentatious alternative to some of the Maoming South Road and Tongren Road expat hangouts. It is a good place to have a quiet drink on a week night.
Arch
439Wukang Road (near Huaihai Road)
64660807
Arch is both a cafe and a bar. It will be too arty for some, but for others just what they were looking for in Shanghai. The creation of Yale-educated, Taiwanese architect Leslie Chen, Arch has evolved from an in-the-know alternative hangout to more of a mainstream place to drop in for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks. Check out the 'multimedia room' basement, which sees screenings and other happenings on a regular basis.
Peace Hotel Bar
20Nanjing East Road
63216888
Okay, it is the ultimate cliche - Shanghai's cooler denizens would not be seen dead here - but if you are new to Shanghai check out the bar's antiquated jazz band and recall how two decades ago this was as daring as Shanghai got.