Peter MokoenaThere’s a reason why the best bars in the world become more than just places to grab a drink — they turn into destinations, cultural landmarks, and the stuff of travel bucket lists. These bars aren’t simply about pouring liquor; they’re about creating an experience that lingers long after the last sip.
Whether it’s a hidden speakeasy with a secret entrance, a rooftop with panoramic city views, or a legendary institution where bartenders know your name, each one on this list blends creativity, atmosphere, and impeccable service.
Top 50 Bars in the World
1. Sips – Barcelona, Spain
Sips has taken the cocktail world by storm with its bold creativity and immersive experience. Located in the heart of Barcelona, this bar blurs the line between a laboratory and a lounge, with drinks presented like pieces of art. Guests rave about the avant-garde cocktails — such as their famed “Primordial” — and the warm, unpretentious atmosphere. Despite its innovative approach, Sips feels inviting rather than intimidating, making it a favorite for both locals and globetrotters.
2. Double Chicken Please – New York City, USA
Part restaurant, part experimental cocktail haven, Double Chicken Please has redefined the bar scene in NYC. Known for its “liquid meals,” cocktails here mimic the flavors of classic dishes, delivering a multi-sensory adventure. With stellar reviews praising its originality and service, it’s no wonder this Lower East Side gem draws a steady crowd of curious drinkers and seasoned cocktail lovers alike.
3. Handshake Speakeasy – Mexico City, Mexico
Behind an unassuming door lies one of Mexico City’s most celebrated speakeasies. Handshake is famed for its meticulously crafted cocktails, plush Art Deco interiors, and the intimate yet lively vibe. Bartenders here are equal parts mixologists and storytellers, ensuring every drink comes with a narrative. Reservations are essential — a testament to its cult following.
4. Paradiso – Barcelona, Spain
Paradiso’s fame comes partly from its theatrical entrance — hidden behind a fridge door in a pastrami shop — and partly from its mind-bending drinks. Regularly featured in the world’s top bar rankings, Paradiso delivers cocktails that combine molecular gastronomy with playful presentation. It’s an Instagram favorite, but also a place where the craftsmanship lives up to the hype.
5. Connaught Bar – London, UK
This legendary hotel bar inside The Connaught has long been a global benchmark for elegance. Its famed Martini Trolley, where drinks are mixed tableside, and its consistently warm hospitality keep it at the top of the industry. Whether you’re there for a pre-dinner drink or a late-night wind-down, Connaught Bar offers a masterclass in timeless luxury.
6. Little Red Door – Paris, France
In the Marais district of Paris, Little Red Door combines French flair with a deeply creative cocktail menu. Known for its concept-driven drinks — often tied to art or philosophy — it’s a bar that encourages conversation as much as sipping. Reviewers consistently highlight the staff’s passion and ability to make every guest feel like a regular.
7. Licorería Limantour – Mexico City, Mexico
As one of Latin America’s most acclaimed bars, Licorería Limantour is a lively, high-energy spot where cocktail tradition meets innovation. The menu features both local ingredients and international inspirations, making it a must for travelers seeking a taste of Mexico City’s nightlife at its finest.
8. Tayēr + Elementary – London, UK
Split into two distinct experiences — the experimental Tayēr and the casual Elementary — this East London venue has something for everyone. Tayēr pushes the envelope with inventive, seasonal drinks, while Elementary serves up approachable classics in a relaxed setting. The duality has earned it high praise from critics and customers alike.
9. Alquímico – Cartagena, Colombia
Set in a beautifully restored colonial mansion, Alquímico is more than just a bar — it’s an experience spread over three themed floors. Known for its sustainability efforts and use of Colombian ingredients, it offers a tropical yet refined drinking adventure. Live music and vibrant energy seal its reputation as one of South America’s finest.
10. Himkok – Oslo, Norway
Himkok doubles as a micro-distillery, producing its own aquavit, gin, and vodka. This Norwegian standout merges Scandi minimalism with a buzzing social scene. Patrons love the mix of house-made spirits, inventive cocktails, and the option to sip them in a hidden cider bar out back.
Perfect — here’s the continuation from #11 to #25, so Part 1 is now complete.
11. Coa – Hong Kong, China
Coa is a tequila and mezcal temple in the heart of Hong Kong, founded by industry legend Jay Khan. Named after the agave harvesting tool, it offers one of the world’s most extensive agave spirit collections. Guests love the warm, laid-back vibe and the educational yet approachable way staff guide them through Mexico’s finest exports. It’s a bar for both serious spirit lovers and curious first-timers.
12. Jigger & Pony – Singapore
Jigger & Pony has become a beacon of Singapore’s cocktail culture, marrying classic recipes with contemporary twists. The menu reads like a glossy magazine, making each drink a visual and sensory delight. Reviewers often praise its consistent quality, hospitable staff, and the way it manages to feel both upscale and welcoming.
13. Katana Kitten – New York City, USA
This playful Japanese-American bar in Manhattan’s West Village is a celebration of fun and flavor. Known for highballs, signature cocktails, and irreverent décor, Katana Kitten brings izakaya energy to the NYC bar scene. Guests adore the mix of precision in drinks and a lively, almost party-like atmosphere.
14. Salmon Guru – Madrid, Spain
Salmon Guru offers a sensory overload — from neon lights and comic book décor to cocktails served in whimsical vessels. But beneath the playful presentation lies serious craftsmanship. Locals and tourists alike flock here for its imaginative creations and consistently great hospitality.
15. BKK Social Club – Bangkok, Thailand
Inside the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, BKK Social Club channels the glamour of 1970s Buenos Aires with tropical sophistication. Known for exceptional service, elegant cocktails, and a beautiful setting, it has quickly gained a reputation as one of Asia’s top luxury bars.
16. Drink Kong – Rome, Italy
Drink Kong is futuristic and moody, with a sci-fi aesthetic that still feels warm. The cocktail menu blends Japanese minimalism with Italian boldness, and the bar’s innovative approach has earned it rave reviews. It’s a true standout in Rome’s evolving nightlife scene.
17. Café La Trova – Miami, USA
Helmed by award-winning bartender Julio Cabrera, Café La Trova blends Cuban heritage with Miami’s modern energy. Guests can expect live music, traditional Cuban cocktails, and a lively social atmosphere. Reviews highlight the authenticity of its drinks and the sense of being transported straight to Havana.
18. Line – Athens, Greece
Line takes a unique approach by focusing on fermentation — from fruit wines to experimental cocktails. Minimalist and modern, it’s become a hotspot for adventurous drinkers seeking something different. Reviewers love its creative menu and the fresh, unexpected flavors it delivers.
19. Baltra Bar – Mexico City, Mexico
Named after one of the Galápagos Islands, Baltra has an intimate, low-key charm that makes it feel like a neighborhood secret. Its weekly-changing cocktail list keeps regulars coming back, while first-timers are drawn to its cozy, living-room vibe. The balance of innovation and comfort is its real magic.
20. Kuma – Tokyo, Japan
Kuma is a small but mighty Tokyo bar known for precision-crafted cocktails and an atmosphere of quiet sophistication. Bartenders here are masters of balance, often incorporating seasonal Japanese ingredients. It’s a haven for those who appreciate understated excellence.
21. Röda Huset – Stockholm, Sweden
Röda Huset (“The Red House”) is a love letter to Nordic ingredients. The drinks are deeply rooted in local flavors — think lingonberry, sea buckthorn, and spruce tips — presented with Scandinavian elegance. It has quickly become a must-visit for both locals and visiting cocktail enthusiasts.
22. Tropic City – Bangkok, Thailand
Tropic City is vibrant, colorful, and unapologetically tropical. Known for rum-heavy concoctions and bold, fruity flavors, it’s the perfect place to escape into a Caribbean-inspired paradise in the middle of Bangkok. Reviewers love the music, energy, and party-like vibe.
23. Maybe Sammy – Sydney, Australia
Maybe Sammy has become Australia’s most internationally celebrated cocktail bar. Inspired by 1950s Vegas glamour, it offers playful, theatrical drinks alongside warm, engaging service. It’s a place where every guest feels like part of the show, and the reviews reflect its high-energy charm.
24. Swift – London, UK
Swift is split into two distinct spaces: an upstairs bar for quick, casual drinks and a downstairs lounge for more intimate, slower-paced sipping. Known for its polished service and balanced cocktails, it’s a favorite for Londoners looking for reliability and elegance in one spot.
25. Argo – Hong Kong, China
Argo is a visually stunning hotel bar inside the Four Seasons Hong Kong, known for its forward-thinking approach to ingredients and sustainability. The “innovations menu” often features unexpected elements, while the service remains world-class. Guests consistently describe it as both cutting-edge and welcoming.
26. The SG Club – Tokyo, Japan
The SG Club is a multi-level drinking experience that blends Japanese craftsmanship with global cocktail culture. Each floor offers a different vibe — from casual street-bar energy to elegant sipping lounges. Reviews often highlight the inventive drinks, meticulous attention to detail, and the way the space feels like several great bars rolled into one.
27. Sips – Barcelona, Spain
Sips is sleek, futuristic, and minimal — a contrast to Barcelona’s busier cocktail spots. Co-owned by industry icons Simone Caporale and Marc Álvarez, it’s become known for technical precision and striking presentations. Guests praise the service and the feeling that each drink is a work of art without losing approachability.
28. Florería Atlántico – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hidden beneath a flower shop, Florería Atlántico is part speakeasy, part cultural treasure. Its cocktails celebrate Argentina’s immigrant history, weaving together flavors from Italy, Spain, and beyond. Reviewers love the warmth of the staff and the balance between theatrical flair and heartfelt storytelling in every drink.
29. Attaboy – New York City, USA
Attaboy has no menu — guests simply tell the bartender what flavors they like, and a custom cocktail appears. This personalized approach, combined with its speakeasy feel, keeps regulars coming back. Reviews often mention how every visit feels unique, even for seasoned cocktail drinkers.
30. Scarfes Bar – London, UK
Set inside the Rosewood Hotel, Scarfes Bar combines old-world elegance with contemporary cocktail mastery. Named after British artist Gerald Scarfe, the space is filled with caricatures, live jazz, and plush armchairs. Guests praise it for its atmosphere — refined but not pretentious — and consistently excellent drinks.
31. Little Red Door – Paris, France
This Parisian favorite has made a name for itself through creative menus that often explore big themes, from sustainability to cultural connections. Drinks are both thoughtful and visually striking. Visitors love its cozy intimacy, passionate bartenders, and ability to make high-concept cocktails feel approachable.
32. Kwānt – London, UK
Kwānt blends tropical escapism with London sophistication. Beneath its exotic décor lies serious cocktail craftsmanship, with a menu that ranges from bright and refreshing to complex and spirit-forward. Reviews highlight the immersive atmosphere and flawless execution.
33. Bar Benfiddich – Tokyo, Japan
A temple of Japanese bartending, Bar Benfiddich is led by Hiroyasu Kayama, who often grows and distills his own ingredients. It’s an intimate space where guests are taken on a deeply personal flavor journey. Reviews speak of it as both a cocktail bar and a small-scale laboratory of taste.
34. Alquímico – Cartagena, Colombia
Alquímico is spread over three floors, each with its own unique menu and vibe. A champion of Colombian ingredients and sustainability, it has become an icon of South America’s cocktail scene. Visitors rave about its energy — part nightclub, part cultural celebration.
35. Himkok – Oslo, Norway
Himkok is part bar, part distillery, and entirely dedicated to Nordic innovation. Cocktails highlight Scandinavian botanicals, while the in-house spirits give drinks a unique local signature. Guests love the sense of discovery, with multiple themed spaces to explore.
36. Manhattan – Singapore
Manhattan inside the Regent Hotel is a glamorous ode to New York’s golden era of cocktails. Known for its rickhouse of aging spirits and a curated list of classics, it’s equally praised for its service and sophistication.
37. Two Schmucks – Barcelona, Spain
Billing itself as a “five-star dive bar,” Two Schmucks is both high-energy and high-quality. Expect creative drinks served in a setting that feels unpretentious and fun. Reviews often mention the lively crowd and the bartenders’ charisma.
38. Panda & Sons – Edinburgh, Scotland
A hidden gem disguised as a vintage barbershop, Panda & Sons blends whimsy with skill. The menu often includes cutting-edge techniques, but the welcoming service keeps it grounded. Guests love the blend of playfulness and expertise.
39. The Dead Rabbit – New York City, USA
Part Irish pub, part cocktail powerhouse, The Dead Rabbit is known for its multi-level setup and an award-winning mix of Guinness and world-class cocktails. It’s lively, friendly, and consistently in demand.
40. Schumann’s – Munich, Germany
A legendary European bar, Schumann’s is famed for its no-nonsense approach to cocktails and its long history. Regulars and newcomers alike praise the timeless quality and unpretentious service that have kept it at the top for decades.
41. Licorería Limantour – Mexico City, Mexico
One of Latin America’s most celebrated bars, Licorería Limantour is all about vibrant, balanced drinks that showcase Mexican flavors. Guests praise its festive energy and the feeling that it’s always a good night here.
42. Employees Only – New York City, USA
This iconic speakeasy still packs in crowds thanks to its consistent excellence and spirited vibe. Known for its signature cocktails and late-night food, it remains a must-visit for serious drinkers and partygoers alike.
43. Satan’s Whiskers – London, UK
Casual yet serious about cocktails, Satan’s Whiskers changes its menu daily, focusing on fresh ingredients and well-executed classics. Visitors love the laid-back East London feel paired with top-tier drinks.
44. El Copitas – St. Petersburg, Russia
A warm, Mexican-inspired bar in the heart of Russia, El Copitas offers communal seating, mezcal education, and a truly hospitable atmosphere. Guests say it feels like visiting a friend’s home — if your friend were an exceptional bartender.
45. Buck & Breck – Berlin, Germany
This ultra-exclusive bar only seats a handful of guests at a time, ensuring an intimate, tailor-made experience. It’s minimalist in design but maximalist in quality, with each drink crafted to perfection.
46. Baba Au Rum – Athens, Greece
Baba Au Rum has elevated Athens’ cocktail scene with a menu that pays homage to rum’s global heritage. Visitors love the deep knowledge of the staff and the ability to make even the most complex drinks feel effortless.
47. The Clumsies – Athens, Greece
A bright and stylish space, The Clumsies is all about creativity, hospitality, and fun. Known for both its cocktails and its lively daytime atmosphere, it’s a place where locals and tourists happily mix.
48. Coupette – London, UK
Coupette specializes in French-inspired cocktails, particularly calvados and cider creations. Its signature “Champagne Piña Colada” has become a modern classic. Reviewers often highlight the balance between refinement and approachability.
49. Artesian – London, UK
Once crowned the world’s best bar for multiple years, Artesian remains a leader in innovative cocktails served in a luxurious setting. Guests love the theatrical presentation and the attentive service that makes every visit feel special.
50. Angel’s Share – New York City, USA
This Japanese-style speakeasy in NYC’s East Village is famed for its serene atmosphere and elegant cocktails. Long lines are common, but most agree it’s worth the wait for its precision and tranquility in the middle of the city.
Closing Thoughts
From Tokyo’s serene Angel’s Share to Cartagena’s vibrant Alquímico, this list proves that great bars are more than just places to drink — they’re cultural touchstones, creative laboratories, and social hubs. Whether you’re drawn to the quiet mastery of Japanese bartending or the high-energy spirit of Latin America, these 50 destinations capture the very best of the global cocktail scene. Wherever you travel, raising a glass in one of these spots is more than a night out — it’s an experience worth savoring.