Discover the world’s top 8 amazing bars that are worth a visit. From rooftop bars with stunning city views to hidden speakeasies with secret entrances, our expertly curated list will take you on a global tour of the best drinking destinations.
Get insider tips on each bar’s signature drinks, atmosphere, and unique features that make them stand out. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just looking for a memorable night out, our guide has something for everyone. Start planning your next bar-hopping adventure now!
Paradiso – Barcelona
Hidden behind a fake pastrami shop door in the El Born district of Barcelona, Paradiso is an oasis for lovers of creative cocktails and stylish speakeasies. It has recently been crowned the best bar in Europe by The World’s 50 Best, celebrating its highest recognition ever.
The venue’s Dali-esque curved wooden bar is as dramatic as the drink it serves. Its drinks do not look or taste like anything else – think the supercool Martini made with a gin mix that’s’supercooled’ and served in an iceberg and a sharing milk punch called On Fire that features smoked milk, bourbon, and tahini.
The menu is a mind-boggling exploration of human history, with drinks inspired by the evolution of life on Earth. The Fleming cocktail, for example, uses a mushroom spore rim to represent penicillin. Meanwhile, the Camp Nou is made with a syrup of dill, thyme, and coriander. A menu of tapas complements the drinks. Luckily, the bar is open late, so you can finish your meal and keep the party going after dinner.
Sips – Barcelona
The Catalan capital is no stranger to hip watering holes, from cava joints and neighborhood cafes to wine bars and classic cocktail specialists. However, a new self-styled ‘drinking house’ – Sips – has been receiving much intrigue from locals, thanks to the international renown of its bartenders Simone Caporale and Marc Alvarez.
The pair’s vision for Sips is to blur the lines between haute-couture and pret-a-porter, a disruptive cocktail experience that evolves with every sip. Their cocktails display incredible artistry, and they work closely with local Barcelona artists on the unusual hand-blown glassware used to adorn the walls.
Despite their hifalutin concept, Sips’ bartenders are unafraid to be playful and have fun with their creations. Their Olfactory Chamber, for example, features an egg-shaped glass atop a stand where leaves and herbs are suspended in the liquid.
While Sips is a must-visit on your Barcelona bucket list, this is not the only high-concept bar crowned among the World’s best. The city is also home to an eclectic tavern-like drinking den, a hidden gem called Two Schmucks, which does excellent cocktails mixed by tattooed guys who ooze unself-conscious cool.
Double Chicken Please – New York
If you are looking for a place to get inventive, creative cocktails that do not turn your stomach into giant blueberries, look no further than Double Chicken Please in New York. This bar is ranked #6 in the World’s 50 Best Bars, pushing boundaries and shaking up the cocktail scene.
The Lower East Side restaurant & bar is inspired by the exploration and experimentation of traditional drinks and dishes in the spirit of hacking design. The front room serves up the excellent chicken sandwich and fast-paced tap cocktails like the #1 (tequila, white cranberry, lavender, cacao, amaro).
However, what sets the bar is its back bar. Here, co-founders GN Chan and Faye Chen transform familiar dishes into liquid masterpieces that challenge the palate and your mind.
In addition to their slick back bar, the team also has a mobile cart that comes out in the front of the restaurant Fridays through Sundays. The cart features perfectly cooked fried chicken, cold noodles, and Waldorf salads. The cart’s menu is designed to complement the bar’s drinks and is reasonably priced, making it an excellent spot for a quick dinner with your friends.
Little Red Door – Paris
Little Red Door is a bar that has been on the World’s 50 Best Bars list for a decade. It is located in the trendy Marais area of Paris and has a cozy, speakeasy feel.
Little Red Door’s ambiance is warm and inviting, with exposed brick walls and flickering candles. It is an excellent spot for people who enjoy good cocktails, and the staff is friendly and attentive.
The bar’s menu is creative, with drinks that are made using homemade ingredients. The head bartender Remy Savage is known for his creativity and for experimenting with different techniques.
In addition to their delicious cocktails, the team also offers a range of whiskey and cordials, which is why it is considered one of the best bars in Paris.
In 2020, Little Red Door launched their ‘Farm to Glass’ method of creating a drink and menu. They work closely with French farmers to source ingredients and create bespoke recipes.
Handshake Speakeasy – Mexico City
Mexico City is one of the World’s top cultural, cuisine, and nightlife destinations. Its bars have a reputation for creative, thoughtful approaches to design, and bartenders are constantly pushing the limits of creativity with their innovative drinks.
Handshake Speakeasy, located in a distinct neighborhood, is the perfect place to sip and watch people walk by. The staff is amiable and will always surprise you with new libations.
The cocktails are inventive and perfectly balanced at a very reasonable price. They are crafted with a lot of thought and love.
In addition to the excellent cocktail menu, you will also find a small selection of craft beers. They are very well-priced and are a must-try while in Mexico City.
Jigger & Pony – Singapore
Jigger & Pony, named after the double-coned measuring device used by bartenders to pour spirits accurately, earned the coveted top spot in this year’s World’s 50 Best Bars awards. Founded by husband and wife duo Indra Kantono and Gan Guoyi, the team’s hospitality approach has earned them a reputation as one of Asia’s most consummate hosts.
The bar in the slick Amara Singapore hotel has recently reopened following a significant renovation. Despite its new look, it remains true to its original identity – serving elevated classics in a convivial setting.
With an extensive new menu, experienced bartenders present thoughtful re-imaginations of classic drinks. From a well-balanced Old Fashioned to an upgraded Supermojito, the new cocktails reflect Jigger & Pony’s ethos of hospitality.
Whether visiting Singapore for the first time or being a frequent visitor, you will enjoy a delightful experience. You will be able to indulge in your favorite cocktails while mingling with friends or enjoying the company of loved ones.
The Clumsies – Athens
Located in a neoclassical building, this bar results from the collaboration between renowned bartenders and co-owners Vasilis Kyritsis and Nikos Bakoulis. The Clumsies has made it to the World’s 50 Best Bars list three times in a row and is a great spot for cocktails, premium spirits, and food all day long.
It attracts a fantastic crowd of all ages and offers an extensive unpretentious menu from breakfast to dinner. The drinks are of high quality, and the service is top-notch.
The Clumsies is the product of a visionary bartender duo who were inspired by the belief that the only way to measure a bartender truly is to judge them not just on how they execute a recipe but also on their ability to connect with customers. This has led to creating a range of unique, exquisite drinks and a special syrup central to each cocktail, capturing the genuine flavors of the dish they are replicating.
The Clumsies is an excellent place for a night out in Athens with its beautiful decor, cozy atmosphere, and fantastic cocktails created by some of the World’s best mixologists. A few rooms are on offer for a more intimate experience, and the bar also hosts a monthly pop-up for tiki-themed cocktails and live music!
Florería Atlántico – Buenos Aires
Hidden away behind a refrigerator door, this Buenos Aires speakeasy bar is a must for cocktail lovers. It regularly ranks as one of the World’s 50 Best Bars and is a liquid homage to the richness of immigration.
A flower shop by day, this basement bar opens one of its doors in the evening to reveal a long, shady speakeasy. Drink lovers gather around the 18-m wooden counter and order signature cocktails.
The recipes at Florera Atlantico are inspired by the multicultural history and immigration that shaped Buenos Aires, with classic cocktails drawn from the Old World and New. These include American cocktails, British gin and genever, Italian Amari, Dutch juniper, Peruvian pisco, Turkish raki, and German beer.
They also serve a selection of wines and local cervezas, which pair well with their seafood. Baby octopus with coal trace or jumbo prawns is two popular dishes. Their menu is divided into five sections, each highlighting a different region.
