Discover the World’s Snazziest Cocktail Bars

Take a look at our top pick of chic cocktail bars around the world which range from old-style cosy basement pubs to cutting-edge hotel bars.

Love to visit a decent bar when you travel? Then check out the below list of venues which are the perfect spots to hang out with a refreshing beverage amongst unique surroundings, with stunning views, captivating décor and to-die-for cocktail menus…

The Dead Rabbit, New York
This award-winning cocktail bar actually boasts two quirky venues: its ground floor comprises of a traditional Irish-pub featuring an Irish whiskey menu as well as craft beer and Guinness, and DJs perform here a few nights a week. Then there’s the second floor cocktail parlour, featuring an extensive cocktail menu with creative names that will give you the giggles. Appetizers, salads and sandwiches are served here, and there’s a jazz singer who entertains guests with blues music on selected nights. Very snazzy!

Victoria Bar, Berlin
This smart cocktail bar is set on one of Berlin’s most vibrant streets, offering a vintage theme interior with funky artwork, dark wooden furniture, leather sofas and mirrors. The chic venue features a book-style cocktail menu with retro classics to sample including Prince Charles and the Hemingway Sour. It’s very quirky and charming with nice background music and bar snacks to complement the drinks. You can book a holiday package to Berlin at the Maritim Hotel Berlin, which is located within walking distance to Victoria Bar…

BarChef, Toronto
This stylish bar is co-owned by a Canadian mixologist and accredited sommelier, and it’s often considered as one of the world’s most innovative bars, offering a whole other cocktail bar experience. The atmosphere here is very intimate with dim-lighting, and there are thousands of bitters in jars and bottled cocktails displayed on the shelves. A signature and creative cocktail menu is offered here, and drinks are served in vintage glassware. There’s also a bar snack menu to keep you going as you make your way through the cocktails!

Dandelyan, London
The multi-award winning Dandelyan bar is set on London’s South Bank in the 5-star Mondrian Hotel, offering spectacular views across the River Thames and St. Pauls Cathedral. The bar features art-deco inspired interiors with velour lounge seating, mirrored tables and a green marble bar. There’s a Modern Life of Plants cocktail menu to enjoy here which includes a mix of signature drinks and refined classics. Dandelyan currently holds the titles of Drinks Menu of the Year and Bar of the Year, so it’s definitely worth visiting for a tipple or two!

Manhattan Bar, Singapore
Set in the luxurious Regent Singapore hotel in the heart of the city, Manhattan Bar is a glamorous New-York style lounge featuring opulent décor which comprises of dark leather furnishings, heavy drapes and marble tables. The cocktail menu here features favoured classics, as well as old-age mixes dating back as far as the 1520s, rare whiskies, premium wines and sodas. Complementing the drinks are a delicious range of gourmet bites and desserts. This sure is a fine drinking spot, and if you’re interested in experiencing it, then why not browse our Singapore holiday deals.

Baltra Bar, Mexico City
Baltra Bar is an informal, cosy lounge with intimate low lighting, comfortable sofas and armchairs and soft jazz background music. This hip venue takes its drinks menu very seriously; there are plenty of classic cocktails to choose from, as well as signature mixes, fortified wines and home-brewed beverages, all served in cute glassware with unique garnishes – perfect for photo ops! If you’re peckish, savoury snacks are available. This is one of those special places that you can just sit at and relax all evening.

Little Red Door, Paris
Little Red Door is a cosy little speakeasy bar set within the Marais quarter in Paris. This creative Parisian cocktail bar features comfortable bar stools, soft lighting and exposed brickwork and serves artisan beers, tapas dishes and bar snacks, as well as an original cocktail list based on philosophical values, created in the form of a story book with local artworks. There’s no name labelled on the front of this bar upon entrance – just look out for a little red Alice in wonderland style door to which the bar is named after. Great photo opportunities here!

Bramble Bar & Lounge, Edinburgh
Bramble Bar and Lounge is nestled in Edinburgh’s Queen Street, and you have to climb stairs into the buildings’ basement to get here. This intimate little cocktail bar features understated interiors with low-lighting, white brickwork, leather seating and soft music playing in the background, offering the perfect place for a low-key night out. The original and creative cocktail menu featured here particularly specialises in an array of gins and whiskies, and the quality of these drinks are second to none. Bramble Bar and Lounge is a cocktail lover’s haven.

Speak Low, Shanghai
This sophisticated speakeasy venue was established just a few years back by a renowned Japanese mixologist, contributing to the epic cocktail bar scene in Shanghai. The entrance to this hip venue is very mysterious via a hidden sliding bookshelf at the shopfront of a bar tools shop. Spanning across multiple floors, Speak Low features a range of other secret entrances, unique drinking spaces and drink offerings, from classic cocktails and vibrant spaces to serene, intimate drinking spaces and premium cocktails, and even a Japanese-style whiskey bar. Flights to Shanghai, anyone?