Top 5 Beijing Bars

Beijing is a vibrant city that sets ancient temples against highways and skyscrapers, making it one of the most culturally interesting places in the world. Lots of travelers come for the history and to check out the sights, and then they wonder what there is to do once the sun goes down. Luckily, Beijing has a vibrant nightlife scene, and it has some of the best bars in the world. Locals, expats, and travelers commingle to make for an exciting time, and whether you’re on business, traveling with friends, or looking for a night away from the kids, these top 5 Beijing bars will make sure you have a great time.

Irish Volunteer

Those travelers seeking an Irish pub experience in Beijing will be pleased to know that the city has a surprisingly large number of options, the best of which is the Irish Volunteer. Guinness, as one would expect, flows in large quantities from the taps, and the Irish Volunteer also has an impressive selection of whiskies. What sets the Irish Volunteer apart and makes it one of the top 5 Beijing bars is its friendly atmosphere and fantastic bar food – the chef here is Irish, and he spends his time cooking authentic stews and corned beef sandwiches for guests looking for a true Gaelic experience.

Yin Bar 

Yin Bar, perched atop the roof of the Emperor Hotel, overlooks the Forbidden City and the lights of Tiananmen Square, and would be considered a top 5 Beijing bar for its views alone. But Yin Bar doesn’t just live on hype and the scenery – its chic atmosphere and comfortable patio seating provide a cool place for hip locals to go, and the innovative cocktails from the bar confirm that this is the place to be while you’re in Beijing.

Hard Rock Café Beijing

Tried and true, the Hard Rock Café attracts big name musical talent, and the familiar foods may be just what you need to relax in a foreign country. This top 5 Beijing bar is a favorite amongst locals and travelers alike, so you’ll find a healthy mix of people on any given night. While the Hard Rock Café may not seem like an exotic choice, there’s no doubt that it is regarded as one of the best bars in the city.

Palette Vino

Palette Vino is the place to go for wine lovers, as well as their clueless counterparts. Whether you’re an aficionado or a complete vino novice, Palette Vino has the expertise and the experience to recommend tasty wine and food pairings that you’ll relish. As well as being a top 5 Beijing bar, Palette Vino is also a store, so you’ll be able to purchase a bottle or two of your newfound favorite after it is served to you.

Mao Mao Chong

If you ask your hotel concierge to recommend the top 5 Beijing bars, there’s a good chance that Mao Mao Chong will sit at their top of their list. It is set in a traditional Beijing house, combining rustic architecture with a modern wood bar. You’ll find a varied selection of international beers at reasonable prices, and the cocktails are also top notch. If you get hungry, Mao Mao Chong is well known for its delicious pizzas. For those in your party who opt not to imbibe, this bar has also taken the time to concoct a menu of tasty nonalcoholic choices, as well. Mao Mao Chong isn’t flashy, but its inviting atmosphere and solid beverage selection make it a top 5 Beijing bar.

See Beijing hotels for a place to stay after your night out.