The best bars around the world

From bespoke cocktails to luxe food menus, these bars are a favourite amongst locals and travellers. Sit back and watch the world go by on your next visit to these cultural hubs.

Located on the 36th of Sydney’s iconic Shangri-La hotel, The Blue Horizon Bar has the most jaw dropping views of the world famous harbour. From luxe champagne to fancy cocktails the bar is the perfect place to relax and watch the sun go down.
Source: Instagram @matthewakelly

The bar’s lavish decor pays tribute to the 1920’s Asian scene where all things totally OTT. The leather bar stools, marble tables and velvet carpet mean the bar oozes old school glamour. Boasting the world’s largest gin collection (1,011 bottles), we recommend treating yourself to a G&T, or two, or even three.
Source: Instagram @godsavethepoints

The newest Sydney hotspot is the place where you need to be seen at. Boasting some majorly luxe cocktails and an authentic Mexican food menu (no Tex-Mex here), it’s the perfect place to have after work/weekend drinks with the gang.
Treat yourself to the Millionaire’s Margarita made with all fancy tequila and topped with a gold leaf, you’ll be sure to be feeling like a boss in no time.
Source: Instagram @barpatronbyrockpool

Long Bar at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai serves ultimate old school money vibes, where the dark timbers line the walls and leather armchairs are sprawled across the floor. The cosy bar is the perfect place to relax, between the smooth jazz background music and attentive customer service guests will be feeling zen.
Source: Instagram @hertzmarty

Located on London’s River Thames, Dandelyan is a popular bar with locals and visitors. The bar’s green and millennial pink decor makes it the ideal pit-stop for the perfect Instagram snap.
Open for high tea, cocktails and bites, the cosy bar is fit for any occasion.
Source: Instagram @mondrianldn

Employees Only is a popular speak easy bar, where people can enjoy fine glass of wine and indulge in luxe foods without the bullsh*t of a five star restaurants #SnobCity waiters. Located in New York’s chic West Village it make the ideal environment for people watching – and who doesn’t love a bit of people watching? The ‘Besos Calientes’ cocktail is scores five stars. The refreshing grapefruit beverage makes it the quintessential summer treat.
Source: Instagram @employeesonlyny

Now if you love a good cheese board and a bit of rosé then this is place for you. Located on the edge of the canal, the bar is the venue for the ultimate summer session.
Source: Instagram @laurendunec

This swanky Lebanese bar, is nothing sort of luxurious. Between its high-end decor and impressive cocktail menu it’s the ultimate venue for those wanting to show off their latest luxe fashion purchases, realeasing their inner Blair Waldorf or Chuck Bass. The vodka green almonds cocktail is the perfect savoury concoction. The bar also features an incredible sushi menu. Can we get a hallelujah?
Source: Instagram @thelifestyleofaveggie

Experimental Cocktail Club is British gem you didn’t know existed… until now. Located in central London, the pub is hidden behind a Chinese styled door. Bragging a stellar cocktail menu and an amazing selection of bites, it’s the go-to venue for a relaxing afternoon. Source: Instagram @experimentalcocktailclub

Live music and bespoke cocktails. What more do you want in a bar?. Hidden within the winding streets of Montarme, the cute bar is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy Paris streets. The bar makes up for its small venue with a massive heart offering up quality customer service, where staff greet guests with a grin.
Source: Instagram @erwan

If you only have time to visit one bar, Bar SixtyFive needs to be the one. As the highest terrace bar in New York, it boasts the most incredible 360-degree views of Manhattan. When it comes to cocktails Bar SixtyFive has it all, from a classic gin and tonic to a Staten Island cocktail. There is something for everyone.
Source: Instagram @matthewakelly