Rooftop and high-rise bars

A Shanghai rooftop bar gives you roughly the same view as a ¥180 observation deck, plus a drink, plus somewhere to sit. For many visitors this is the better purchase.

The catch is price — expect ¥120–250 for a cocktail — and reservations, which most of the good places require at weekends.

How they work

Almost all are attached to hotels or commercial towers and most are accessed by a separate lift from the lobby. Some enforce a dress code in practice rather than on paper.

Reserve. Especially Thursday through Saturday, and especially for anything facing the Bund.

Getting value

Arrive during happy hour, which many run from opening until 8pm, and you often get two for the price of one.

The cheapest way to buy a view is often lunch rather than dinner: several daytime venues have smaller covers.

Alternatives

The Shanghai Tower observation deck gives you height for ¥180 with no minimum spend. The ferry gives you the river for two yuan.

And several hotel lobbies have floor-to-ceiling glass looking at the same view for the price of a coffee.

Verdict

Do one. It replaces the observation tower for many people and costs about the same.

Skip it if

You are on a tight budget — there are far better ways to spend ¥200.