Best Party Hostels
in Shanghai

Shanghai Hidden Garden Youth Hostel

Shanghai’s nightlife doesn’t follow the usual backpacker playbook, but that’s what makes it interesting. Shanghai Hidden Garden Youth Hostel is in French Concession, which puts it at the start of that circuit. M1NT on 318 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu. A rooftop club with a shark tank and strict door policy. TAXX on 177 Jiangning Road, Jing’an is the fallback option if the first place is packed. The on-site bar handles pre-drinks before the city takes over. At €10 a night and rated 8.4. Rated 8.4, which is adequate. Not the city's best, but not the worst either.

Shanghai Blue Mountain

Shanghai Blue Mountain has a rooftop terrace, which distinguishes it in a city where most budget options don't. M1NT on 318 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu. A rooftop club with a shark tank and strict door policy. TAXX on 177 Jiangning Road, Jing’an is the fallback option if the first place is packed. The on-site bar handles pre-drinks before the city takes over. At €10 a night. No rating available in current data.

Dayin International Youth Hostel

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.

French Concession

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**.

Jing’an

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.

Bund

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**.

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.