3 reviewed party hostels · from €9.51/night · Hostelworld rated
Shanghai’s nightlife doesn’t follow the usual backpacker playbook, but that’s what makes it interesting. Head to **Nanjing West Road** after dark, where the pavements fill with groups spilling out of cocktail bars and late-night eateries. The street hums until the early hours, especially on weekends when locals and travellers mix in spots like **M1NT** or **Windows Scoreboard**. Hostels here are thin on the ground, but **Le Tour** sits just off the main drag, giving you a five-minute walk to the action without the tourist-markup prices.
The French Concession is where Shanghai’s nightlife gets its reputation. Tree-lined streets hide speakeasies and underground clubs, with **WeFlow Hostel** planted right in the middle. It’s not a party hostel in the traditional sense, but its bar draws a crowd that’s up for anything. If you’re after a proper crawl, the **Shanghai Pub Crawl** runs most Fridays and Saturdays, hitting three bars and a club in one night: no need to plan, just show up and follow the group.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
A youth hostel in Lujiazui area, located in the most central area of Shanghai, it has private bathroom in the rooms, a nice garden, terrace and all kinds of beers and fresh food
Modern social hostel with great common areas and an amazing atmosphere. The hostel features a plant-filled rooftop terrace, perfect for meeting other backpackers. If you are in a mood for a drink, grab a seat in the on-site bar and try some chilled Chinese beer. You can also join the crowd around the pool or foosball table.
Dayin International Youth Hostel is a hidden gem in Shanghai, perfectly situated at the crossroads of Nanjing East Road and People's Square. With its unique design and integration of a light luxury cafe, craft beer hall, and book bar in the lobby, this hostel creates a vibrant and social atmosphere. The affordable drinks in the communal area add to the party vibe, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a lively and fun hostel experience.
Organised nights out with a local guide
A weekly crawl that visits three bars and one club, with free shots and drink discounts at each stop. The crawl starts at **The Camel Bar** on Maoming Road and moves through the French Concession. Expect a mix of backpackers and solo travellers, with a guide leading the way. The crawl runs every Friday and Saturday, starting at 9:30 PM.
How Shanghai's nightlife zones break down
A maze of tree-lined streets, art deco buildings, and hidden bars. **Yongfu Road** and **Wulumuqi Road** are packed with speakeasies, cafés, and boutiques. It’s the heart of Shanghai’s nightlife, but it’s not all clubs: expect quiet courtyards and jazz bars too. The area sits south of Jing’an, with metro stops at **South Shaanxi Road** and **Changshu Road**.
The city’s commercial centre, where skyscrapers loom over late-night eateries and clubs. **Nanjing West Road** is the main drag, with bars spilling onto the pavement. **TAXX** and **M1NT** are here, drawing a mix of locals and expats. The area is well-connected, with metro lines 2 and 7 running through it. It’s busy, but that’s the point.
The waterfront strip where Shanghai’s colonial past meets its futuristic skyline. **Guangdong Road** and **Zhongshan Road** are lined with rooftop bars and high-end clubs. It’s touristy but worth it for the views: especially at night when the skyscrapers light up. The Bund is east of the French Concession, with metro access at **East Nanjing Road**.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
A rooftop club with a shark tank and strict door policy. Expect EDM, hip-hop, and a crowd dressed to impress. Entry is ¥150–200, which includes a drink, but arrive before midnight to avoid a queue. The terrace overlooks the Huangpu River: great for a breather between sets. Dress smart: no trainers or shorts.
Shanghai’s biggest club, spread over three floors. Techno, house, and commercial beats keep the dancefloor packed until 6:00 AM. Entry is ¥100–150, with drinks at ¥60–80. The crowd is a mix of locals and expats, and the sound system is loud enough to rattle your ribs. Pre-book a table if you’re in a group: it’s cheaper than paying at the door.
A bar with a view: literally. The floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Nanjing West Road, and the cocktails (¥60–90) are strong. It’s a good spot for pre-drinks or a chilled night out. Happy hour runs from 6:00–9:00 PM, with 2-for-1 drinks. Gets busy after 10:00 PM, so arrive early for a seat.
A speakeasy hidden behind an unmarked door in the French Concession. The cocktail menu is inventive, with drinks like smoked tea-infused gin (¥90–120). It’s small, so book ahead or arrive before 8:00 PM. The vibe is intimate, with dim lighting and jazz playing in the background. No standing room: this is a sit-down-and-sip kind of place.
A three-floor club in a converted apartment building. Each level has a different vibe: rooftop bar, dancefloor, and lounge area. Entry is ¥80–120, and drinks cost ¥50–70. The crowd is mostly expats and young locals, and the music leans toward house and disco. Open until 4:00 AM, it’s a good alternative if TAXX is too intense.
A Bund staple with a terrace overlooking the skyline. Cocktails are pricey (¥100–150), but the view is worth it. Happy hour runs from 5:00–8:00 PM, with 2-for-1 drinks. The crowd is a mix of tourists and business types: dress up if you want to blend in. Open until 2:00 AM, it’s best for early-night drinks rather than late-night partying.
A guided crawl visiting three bars and one club, with free shots and drink discounts included. The meeting point is usually **The Camel Bar** on Maoming Road, and the crawl starts at 9:30 PM. Tickets cost ¥150–200, and the group is mostly backpackers and solo travellers. No need to plan: just turn up and follow the crowd.