The arrival of patio season signals a brief but vibrant period when Shanghai’s weather turns warm and inviting, just after winter and before the onset of the rainy season known locally as the plum rains. To make the most of this fleeting window, here’s a curated guide to the city’s premier rooftop bars and terraces, perfect for enjoying the outdoors in style and comfort.
Embracing the Outdoors: Shanghai’s Top Rooftop Venues
Photo courtesy of The Langham Shanghai
One of the standout spots is Al Fresco at The Langham Shanghai Xintiandi. This open-air terrace offers a cozy yet lively atmosphere where guests can soak up the summer sun while observing the bustling street scene below. Pairing a chilled beer with a selection of delicious appetizers makes for an ideal summer outing.
Operating hours: Daily from 11am to 10pm
View the full listing for Al Fresco
Chic City Views at Café Gray Deluxe
Photo via Dianping
Located within the Heart Condominium, Café Gray Deluxe boasts an expansive outdoor terrace overlooking Nanjing Xi Lu. The venue is renowned for its sophisticated ambiance, especially during the 5-8pm champagne happy hour, where bottles are half-price-an excellent opportunity to indulge in bubbly while enjoying the city’s skyline.
Operating hours: Daily from 6:30am to 12:30am
View the full listing for Café Gray Deluxe
Calypso Terrace Lounge: Mediterranean Flavors in the Heart of Shanghai
Photo courtesy of Jing An Shangri-La
The Calypso Terrace Lounge is designed for al fresco dining, featuring a modern, retractable glass structure that opens up during warmer months. Surrounded by lush greenery, it exudes a fresh, vibrant vibe. The menu offers authentic Mediterranean cuisine, including Neapolitan-style pizzas, Italian burrata, and house-made pastas, complemented by a tasting selection of 24 wines.
Operating hours: Daily from 11:30am to 10pm
View the full listing for Calypso
Luxurious Riverside Dining at The Cathay Room
Photo courtesy of the Fairmont Peace Resort
The Cathay Room terrace offers an exclusive experience with personalized service, including a dedicated butler and sommelier. Overlooking the iconic Bund, this venue is perfect for a luxurious brunch featuring seasonal ingredients, fresh seafood, foie gras, charcuterie, and cheese. It’s an ideal spot for a refined outdoor dining experience.
Operating hours: Daily from 2-5pm and 6-9:30pm
View the full listing for The Cathay Room
Flair: A Rooftop Reimagined
Photo courtesy of Flair
After a major renovation, Flair at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai Pudong has reopened its expansive rooftop, offering panoramic views of the city’s skyline. The venue serves Southeast Asian cuisine and casual drinks, making it a perfect spot for relaxed evenings with a stunning backdrop.
Operating hours: Daily from 5:30pm to midnight
View the full listing for Flair
Casual Italian Vibes at Frasca
Photo courtesy of Frasca
Situated near Nanjing Xi Lu, Frasca offers a relaxed, semi-enclosed terrace where guests can enjoy authentic Italian dishes in a tranquil setting. This contemporary eatery combines a cozy atmosphere with high-quality cuisine, perfect for a casual yet refined outdoor meal.
Operating hours: Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 2:30pm and 6-10pm; Saturday & Sunday from 11:30am to 3pm and 6-10pm
View the full listing for Frasca
The Kitchen Deck: A Modern Outdoor Dining Experience
Photo courtesy of The Kitchen Desk
Located within W Shanghai – The Bund, The Kitchen Desk offers a bright, airy environment reminiscent of a summer retreat, with floor-to-ceiling windows and lush greenery. As the weather warms, guests can transition to the spacious outdoor patio, available from morning until late evening, for a relaxed dining experience.
Operating hours: Daily from 6:30am to 10:30pm
View the full listing for The Kitchen Desk
Italian Elegance at LAGO
Photo via Dianping
The flagship restaurant at MGM Shanghai’s Bellagio, LAGO specializes in innovative Italian cuisine served in a stylish lounge with a terrace overlooking Suzhou Creek. From brunch to late-night cocktails, the venue offers spectacular views of the city’s iconic towers, including The Pearl and Shanghai Tower.
Operating hours: Monday to Thursday from 5:30pm to 10:30pm; Friday from 2:30pm to midnight; Saturday & Sunday from 11:30am to midnight
View the full listing for LAGO
Sky-High Cocktails at Ôpartment’s Opus Bar
Photo by Sophie Steiner / That’s
Perched on the sixth floor of Ôpartment Shanghai, Opus is a sophisticated bar offering sweeping views of the Bund and Folk’s Square Park through floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s the perfect place to unwind with expertly crafted cocktails, complemented by live DJ sets every weekend, creating a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere.
Operating hours: Daily from 6pm to 2am
Location: Ôpartment Shanghai Boutique Condominium, 90 Xizang Zhong Lu, near Beihai Lu
Rooftop Elegance at The Shanghai EDITION
Photo courtesy of The Shanghai EDITION
The ROOF at The Shanghai EDITION is a sleek, stylish outdoor lounge that offers an intimate setting for casual drinks with breathtaking city views. Its modern design and relaxed vibe make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Operating hours: Daily from 2:30pm to 4:30pm and 5pm to midnight
View the full listing for ROOF at The Shanghai EDITION
Exclusive Rooftop Dining at Sir Elly’s
Photo courtesy of The Peninsula Shanghai
Known for its luxurious ambiance, Sir Elly’s terrace offers unparalleled views of the Bund and Pudong skyline. It’s the perfect setting for romantic evenings or impressive gatherings, with classic cocktails served in a sophisticated rooftop environment.
Operating hours: Daily from 5pm to midnight
View the full listing for Sir Elly’s
Terrace 8: A Hidden Urban Oasis
Perched on the 8th floor of The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Terrace 8 offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle. Overlooking the historic Shanghai Exhibition Centre, this outdoor rooftop combines elegant design with a relaxed atmosphere. Reservations are recommended for this sought-after venue.
Operating hours: Thursday and Friday from 5:30pm to 10:30pm; Saturday from 2:30pm to 10:30pm; Sunday from 2:30pm to 8pm
Address: 8/F, Portman Ritz-Carlton, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Xikang Lu
La Terrazza at Bulgari Resort: An Italian Riviera Escape
Photo courtesy of La Terrazza at Bulgari Resort Shanghai
Perched 48 floors above the city, La Terrazza at Bulgari Resort Shanghai offers a luxurious rooftop experience inspired by the Italian Riviera. Teak decking, plush armchairs, and private cabanas create an exclusive oasis with sweeping views of the skyline, perfect for intimate gatherings or special occasions.
Operating hours: Daily from 5pm to 1am
View the full listing for La Terrazza
Top-Tier Cocktails with a View at Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund
Photo courtesy of Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund
TOPS at Banyan Tree offers expertly crafted cocktails paired with panoramic views of the Bund and Pudong skyline. The modern decor and relaxed ambiance make it an ideal outdoor spot for unwinding with friends while enjoying the city’s iconic sights.
Operating hours: Daily from 2:30pm to 10pm
View the full listing for TOPS
Vibrant Nightlife at Moist Bar, W Shanghai – The Bund
Photo courtesy of Moist Bar, W Shanghai – The Bund
This lively venue is renowned for its Latin-inspired tapas and cocktails, with a sprawling view over Pudong. Weekends are packed with themed events, from music and dance to fashion and food pop-ups, making it a hotspot for nightlife enthusiasts.
Operating hours: Monday to Thursday from 6pm until late; Friday & Saturday from 5pm to 1am; Sunday from 5pm until late
View the full listing for Moist Bar
The Zuk Bar: A Slice of Thai Paradise in the City
Photo via Dianping
Escape to a lush, tropical setting at The ZUK Bar‘s garden terrace, where greenery surrounds you and a curated drink menu awaits. This contemporary spot is perfect for enjoying cocktails, Mediterranean bites, and a tranquil atmosphere right in the heart of Shanghai.
Operating hours: Daily from 12pm to midnight
View the full listing for The Zuk Bar
Discover More Rooftop Gems
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[Cover photo courtesy of TOPS at Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund]
