The one bar to visit in the world’s best cities, according to Time Out editors

What’s the vibe? Trisha’s has long been the coolest spot in London. Everyone from Anthony Bourdain to Amy Winehouse has visited this late-night sort-of members bar, which is a little bit Goodfellas and a whole lotta Soho. The vibe is ‘Italian-ish’, and this buzzy basement bar is where you’ll find the last legends of Soho – including iconic landlady Trisha Bergonzi. It’s also home to one of the city’s great smoking areas.

When to visit: Tuesday nights are reserved for chaotic karaoke while packed-out Saturdays are reserved for live jazz.

What to drink: Other Soho bars will offer fancy cocktails and master mixologists but at Trisha’s it’s more about who you’re drinking with than what you’re drinking. A bottle of beer will more than do the job.

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What’s the vibe? Why choose between quality cocktails and good music? That’s exactly what Matthieu Biron and Guillaume Quenza thought when they created this gem of a spot, where the mixologist becomes the DJ, and vice versa. At Fréquence there’s a groovy vinyl collection, and a lip-smacking menu of drinks creations all inspired by Japanese flavours. What more do you really need?

When to visit: On a Friday night after 2am, when the vibe seriously heats up around the turntables!

What to drink: The menu changes regularly, but here they work with shochu like no one else! Make sure to give one of those cocktails a try. 

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What’s the vibe? Is it an homage to the motorbike? A stage for live music? A hangout for a beer-friendly bite to eat? The House of the Machines is all of the above, and it’s got a dedicated following of fiercely loyal locals. In the evening, this place is perfect for pre-dinner cocktails. On weekends you’ll find leather-clad bikers meeting for an outride, and revellers getting down to the DJ in the wee hours. But the heart of the space dreamed up by co-founder Paul van der Spuy is just a great bar with character and soul; pouring craft beers, barrel-aged spirits and a collection of damn good cocktails.

When to visit: Honestly, there’s never a bad time to swing by. Daytime sees digital nomads pull in for a coffee or a cold brew. Tuesdays is Songwriters’ Showcase, with an open-mic session. ‘First Thursdays’ (the first Thursday of the month, when local galleries stay open late) is always a vibe, and there’s live music from local musos on weekend nights.

What to drink: The signature Old Fashioned. Negroni is a close second. You won’t regret either.

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What’s the vibe? A red-lit Mexican-American cocktail bar on the Lower East Side from hospitality veteran Ignacio Nacho Jimenez. It’s perpetually packed with happy New Yorkers, with bachata and Latin tunes and conga lines extending well into the evening. 

When to visit: Superbueno is swinging every day of the week, but the party’s at its peak on Fridays and Saturdays – particularly during a balmy summer evening. Just make sure to book ahead.

What to drink: The Green Mango Martini or the Roasted Corn Sour, with charred corn powder over the top.

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What’s the vibe? Inspired by traditional Roman streetside bars, Bar Leone welcomes you into a proper, authentic Italian experience, right in the middle of Hong Kong’s SoHo district. With its cosy ambience, rustic decor, and lively atmosphere, this spot in Central is the perfect location to unwind with friends on a casual, easy-going night out.

When to visit: Arrive before their doors open at 5pm. Due to its popularity (among locals, and also thanks to accolades like the Best Bar in Asia and number 2 on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list) you will probably have to queue, but we promise it’ll be worth it. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by co-founder Lorenzo Antinori and the bar’s friendly staff who’ll ensure you have a great time while enjoying their exceptional drinks. Hungry? Order their signature mortadella sandwich and smoked olives, which pair wonderfully with their lineup of Italian-inspired cocktails. 

What to drink: Don’t miss the Olive Oil Sour. This drink features a splash of Italian extra virgin olive oil, giving it a unique silky mouthfeel and a savoury touch that sets it apart from your classic sweet and sour flavours. 

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What’s the vibe? This ultra-hip but casual bar doesn’t feel very Tokyo – until, that is, you take in the unobstructed view of Tokyo Tower from the open-air terrace. With its cosy living-room vibe, it’s easy to lose track of time here, but it’s worth taking a moment to admire the gorgeous bar counter, made from a 300-year-old piece of reclaimed wood from a Shinto shrine. 

When to visit: Tokyo Confidential’s slogan, ‘pull up, ’fess up’, is about confessing to whatever’s weighing you down, so when you need to escape life’s pressures, this spot is ideal. 

What to drink: Highlights on the 2025 Neko no Densetsu (‘Legend of the Cat’) menu include the Arigato El Gatto, a refreshing mix of mezcal, soju, watermelon and chilli, and the Sore Wa Subarashi, a nostalgic concoction made with Frosties cognac, cacao nibs and coconut and served in a cereal bowl.

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What’s the vibe: At this standout natural wine bar, there are 140 bottles of low-intervention wine on the menu and an energy healer is the sommelier. What more do you need to know? José, one of Madrid’s early champions of natural wine (he kicked things off at Bendito in Mercado de San Fernando), has a knack for making you feel better walking out than you did walking into Cruda. He calls it ‘energetic sommellerie’ – and it shows. From the lighting and the space’s sleek, steel-and-zen aesthetic to the tight, flavour-packed food menu, everything here hums at a higher frequency.

When to visit: Want a seat at the showstopping metal communal table on a weekend? Book ahead. But if you’re after the magic without the hassle, snag a spot on the terrace on a spring or summer weeknight, crack open a bottle with a friend, and let the evening unfold.

What to drink: Over 140 bottles line the walls, plus 30 by-the-glass options if you’re up for a guided tour through the world of natural wine. Expect a one-of-a-kind tasting trip across Europe – from pét-nats to juicy reds to skin-contact stunners.

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What’s the vibe? Inspired by the NYC Subway, Uptown will feel just like the whacky  urban vibe of the Big Apple, but without leaving Palermo’s porteño neighborhood. To enter this subterranean bar, you’ll walk through a train station corridor adorned with metro tiles, graffiti, and advertisements and even pass through a subway turnstile and a train carriage before arriving at your final destination. It’s hands-down one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city.

When to visit: Around 10pm for cocktails and dancing. 

What to drink: ‘The Juicy’ cocktail with Cognac Hennessy, sparkling rosé wine, clarified green apple, and Angostura bitters, inspired by The Notorious B.I.G.

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What’s the vibe? Reka:Bar in Bukit Damansara is a post-modern cocktail bar serving up fun, inventive flavours. The nods to futurist architecture are clear: a gleaming, copper-clad pathway opens up to a stone bar lit by the glow of blue, with a ‘chemistry lab’ at its heart. It’s unexpected, almost akin to a spaceship cantina, but also intimate and inviting. Grab a stool by the bar or get cosy on the banquettes.

When to visit? It’s the first stop on your best-of-Bukit Damansara bar tour, which includes JungleBird, Rakh, and Here & Now.

What to drink? Dusun 2.0 is a blend of tuak (traditional rice wine from Sarawak), tempoyak (fermented durian), and jackfruit soy milk. Expect a kick from bird’s eye chilli distillate and tequila – it’s Malaysia in a cocktail. 

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​​What’s the vibe? Sultry and sophisticated. An intimate basement bar in the ever-trendy Stockbridge, you could quite easily walk past Skua – though once you’re in, you’ll want to stay until close. The staff are real pros and the impeccable cocktail menu makes use of homemade liquors, syrups and fermentations with a ‘no to low waste’ philosophy, packed with surprising pairings which work very, very well.

When to visit: On a Friday, after work. It helps that it is open late (for Edinburgh, that is), and with its neon signage and painted black walls where they write the (fantastic) daily food menu up in chalk, it has a proper late-night feel.

What to drink: A Kim’s Chi for a tastebud-tickling savoury tipple, with hints of mescal and Ancho Reyes chile liquor. 

What’s the vibe? A cosy, dimly-lit cocoon nestled in a 1920s Neo-Renaissance building that’s perfect for old-world cocktail classics and sophisticated snacks.

When to visit: Your best bet for getting a table at this perennially popular 30-seater is to clock off early from work and pop in at around 4pm. Stay as long as you like; any night of the week, you’ll be made very welcome.

What to drink: Apollo Inn’s refreshing Picon Bierre is a one-way ticket to summer in France, but you can also never go wrong with the Gibson Martini.

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What’s the vibe? There are plenty of up-market cocktail bars in Amsterdam, but mark my words: come summer, it doesn’t get better than Hannekes Boom, a buzzing outdoor pub-vibe bar right on the river. Like, so on the river that you can rent a boat right there and then – and you’ll likely see one or two float up next to you, order in a round of beers from the bar and drink them from their boat. It’s a fun, lively spot that’s perfect for starting off your night with a big group.

When to visit: If it wasn’t clear already, this is a summer spot. Rows of multicoloured tables, dogs, cold pints, surrounded by low-hanging trees, bunting and fairy lights. It opens at 11am, and stays open till 1am on weeknights and 3am on weekends, so your night can start or end here – or simply pitch up in the day and never go anywhere else. You can order by QR code when things get messy.

What to drink: Dutch craft beer is a-plenty here: sours, stouts, pilsners and all the rest of it. Jupiler is the local drink of choice – it’s cheap, and comes in XL pitcher size for sharing – and it goes down rather well with a ridiculously huge portion of Hannekes Boom’s nachos. Not a beer person? The Hannekes Spritz is worth a go too.

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What’s the vibe? Down an alleyway off Hanoi’s frenetic Hang Ma street, you’ll criss-cross through a neighbour’s drying laundry, ascend a creaking staircase and reach what feels like a lock-in at the Natural History Museum. The Haflington opened back in 2021 and has a timeless charm thanks to the dark brown leather, burnished mahogany, random taxidermy and huge dinosaur skeleton hanging above the bar. 

When to visit: During Hanoi’s golden hour, at around 5pm. Sit under the dinosaur as sunlight filters through the glass-panelled ceiling and throws a dusty spotlight onto the quirky, museum-inspired curiosities. 

What to drink: The ‘Death’ feels fitting, sipped in the shadow of a skeleton. Featuring mango leaf-infused sherry, mezcal and a subtle thrum of cardamom, it’s short, smoky, and assertive, with a pleasing bitterness that lingers.

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What’s the vibe? Bar Mauro is defined best by the elegant and relaxed sense of nostalgia it exudes, and it’s inspired by the Italian aperitivo tradition. The bar is intimate and nods to the Milan bars frequented by the owner’s grandfather, ideal for those who appreciate well-crafted cocktails and a sophisticated but unpretentious atmosphere. 

When to visit: It’s ideal for summer afternoons before 2pm – no one is ever denied a vermouth.  

What to drink: The Maurito with guava and vermouth, obviously.

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What’s the vibe? Perched above a French bistro in Jakarta’s Senopati district, The Cocktail Club is a mixture of mood lighting, art deco flair and plush leather chairs that’ll encourage you to get comfy and linger. Vintage jazz and blues hum in the background as bartenders mix lip-smacking drinks and address you by name by round two. No wonder it was named one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars of 2024.

When to visit? Hit it up during happy hour, from 5pm to 8pm, when the drinks are a little kinder to your wallet and the crowd’s still mellow. It’s spot on for post-work tipples, and if you time it right, you can ride the wave from laid-back lounging to full-on Friday night vibes.

What to drink? Sopi Susu – a clever blend of palm wine, marshmallow, gin, cempedak and cacao.

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What’s the vibe? A purple-hued, disco ball-lit basement bar where hedonism is not only welcome, but encouraged. Plus, there’s live music every night – great news for everyone who likes to boogie. We’ve got a Big Fat Crush on Pleasure Club – so much so, they won Time Out Sydney’s Bar of the Year 2025.

When to visit: Pleasure Club is open until 4am, Wednesday through Sunday. So if you feel like a late-night tipple and a dance, this is the place. But Pleasure Club isn’t just for night owls – they’ve also got a rocking happy hour to get the night started. Say hello, $2 oysters and $12 bone-cold Martinis.

What to drink: Drinks at Pleasure Club are weird, wacky and tinged with nostalgia. I’ve had everything from a Cherry Ripe-inspired cocktail, to one that tasted like a Frosty Fruit, and even a Vegemite Martini. Wanna get out of your usual ‘one Negroni, please’ box? You can do that here.

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What’s the vibe? The Blind Pig is Manila’s original speakeasy, located in an office building in Legazpi, with a small braille sign indicating the entrance. Soft lighting, dark leather seats, brickwork, and glass decor combine to promote a private atmosphere, and it’s become renowned for its craft cocktails and top-tier service. It’s veering away from sensational marketing is intentional, with the aim to simply priding itself on having Manila’s finest quality drinks.  

When to visit? Savour the visit here as your nightcap. The bar is open every day from 6pm to 2am, and once you’re in, you can stay as long as you like. 

What to drink? The aptly named ‘Smokey Old Bastard’ has a perfect blend of whisky, maple syrup, Peychaud’s bitters, and orange smoke. 

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What’s the vibe? This intimate, moodily-lit Prohibition era-style speakeasy has vintage furniture, antique crystal glassware, and posters and signs from the early 20th century, including a 48-star American flag. It draws in all kinds of folk, and is a sister venue to the original Bible Club in Portland, Oregon. 

When to visit: Pretty much whenever you’re able to snag a hard-to-get reservation. Although, since the nearby Dotonbori nightlife district is at its raucous best at weekends, we’d aim for a Saturday evening.

What to drink: Whiskies feature prominently. The Barn Burner, which has burnt hay used to aerate the bottom of the glass, is the go-to tipple for bourbon aficionados, and the B’isco Sour is a Pisco Sour made with a popular locally-made biscuit.

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