Introduction: Why You Need a Bar Bucket List (and a Hangover Cure)
Let’s face it: life is a series of decisions, and the best ones involve a good drink, a better story, and a Wi‑Fi signal strong enough to post that meme‑worthy photo. If you’ve ever scrolled through Reddit’s r/Travel or Instagram’s #cocktailgoals and thought, “I need to be there,” you’re in the right place. This isn’t your grandma’s guide to “nice pubs.” We’re talking about the 50 best bars around the world that will make your Instagram followers jealous, your liver question its life choices, and your wallet wonder why you ever thought “budget travel” was a thing.
Grab a glass, maybe a napkin for that inevitable spill, and let’s dive into a curated list that’s part BuzzFeed listicle, part Wall Street Journal investigative piece, and 100% unapologetically sarcastic. We’ll sprinkle in SEO keywords like best bars 50 world so Google knows we’re not just a meme factory, and we’ll pepper the piece with internal links to dropt.beer/ and a sweet external nod to Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer because every bartender needs a side hustle.
How We Curated This List (Spoiler: We Didn’t Use a Magic 8‑Ball)
First, we consulted the three most reliable sources for bar rankings:
- Travel guides that actually get paid to travel (so they know the best spots).
- Local Instagram influencers who post more drinks than meals.
- Our own questionable taste after a few rounds of IPA.
If you’re wondering why you’ll see a mix of speakeasies, rooftop lounges, and dive bars that smell like a blend of old leather and ambition, it’s because we wanted variety. Also, because we love a good contrast: “Best Bar in Reykjavik” next to “Best Bar in a Neon‑Lit Alley in Bangkok.”
North America: From Manhattan’s Skyline to Mexico’s Tacos & Tequila
- 1. The Aviary – Chicago, USA
Imagine a cocktail that looks like a science experiment. Chef Grant Achatz turned his kitchen into a bar, and the result? Liquid nitrogen fog, edible balloons, and a price tag that screams “I have no children.” If you’re into theatrics and have a credit limit that can handle it, this is your playground.
- 2. Death & Co – New York City, USA
Dark wood, dim lighting, and bartenders who treat mixing drinks like a high‑stakes poker game. The Manhattan they serve is so smooth you’ll consider moving to the city just to be close to the bar. Also, the name alone is a conversation starter for your Tinder dates.
- 3. La Botillería – Mexico City, Mexico
Hidden behind a taco stand, this spot serves mezcal cocktails that taste like a fiesta in your mouth. The décor? A mash‑up of vintage bottles and street art that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Netflix series about a secret speakeasy.
- 4. The Alchemist – Toronto, Canada
Yes, it’s named after a medieval chemistry obsession, but the drinks are modern alchemy. Expect smoke, ice spheres, and a bartender who will whisper, “You’re welcome,” as you sip a gin infused with pine needles.
Need a break from drinking? Check out Make Your Own Beer and craft a brew that you can pretend is as fancy as The Aviary’s nitrogen‑infused creations.
South America: Samba, Sun, and Sipping the Sunset
- 5. Bar Astor – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Perched on a hillside with a view of Copacabana, this bar serves caipirinhas that are practically a love letter to Brazil. The vibe is equal parts beach party and sophisticated lounge—perfect for Instagram stories that need a beach backdrop.
- 6. La Casa del Habano – Buenos Aires, Argentina
While it’s technically a cigar lounge, the cocktails are so good you’ll forget you’re holding a stogie. Their “Malbec Mule” pairs perfectly with a side of tango (or just a side of pretentiousness).
- 7. El Búho – Medellín, Colombia
A rooftop bar that feels like a secret garden. The cocktails incorporate local fruits like lulo and maracuyá, and the night view of the city lights makes you feel like you’re in a music video.
Europe: Old World Charm Meets New Age Mixology
- 8. The Gibson – London, UK
Named after the cocktail that started the garnish revolution, this place is a cocktail museum. The bartenders wear waistcoats and serve drinks that have more layers than a Netflix drama.
- 9. Bar Hemingway – Paris, France
Because if you’re going to drink in Paris, you might as well do it where Ernest Hemingway once pretended to write his next novel. The “Hemingway Daiquiri” here is as brooding as the man himself.
- 10. The Alhambra – Granada, Spain
A bar inside a historic Moorish palace. The sangria is served in a chalice that would make a Roman emperor weep. The view of the Alhambra at night? Worth the extra 20 euros.
- 11. Bar Boulanger – Berlin, Germany
Industrial chic meets craft cocktails. Their “Berliner Weisse” is a sour beer cocktail that will make your taste buds do the techno dance.
If you’re thinking about launching your own bar after being inspired by these European gems, remember you’ll need a solid business plan. Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer can help you turn that dream into a reality—because who doesn’t want a bar that’s as Instagram‑ready as a museum exhibit?
Asia: Neon Lights, Street Food, and Cocktails That Defy Gravity
- 12. High Five – Tokyo, Japan
Located in a former laundromat (yes, really), this bar serves drinks that are as precise as a sushi chef’s knife. The “Sake‑Sour” is a must‑try, and the staff will bow to you—because respect is part of the service.
- 13. The Bamboo Bar – Bangkok, Thailand
Think bamboo, think tropical cocktails, think “I’m definitely not in my country anymore.” Their “Mango Chili Margarita” will set your palate on fire—in a good way.
- 14. Atlas – Singapore
A rooftop bar that offers a 360‑degree view of the city’s skyline. The “Singapore Sling” here is a tribute to the original, but with a dash of local gin that makes it feel fresh.
- 15. Opium – Hong Kong
Luxury meets lounge. The décor screams “I’m rich enough to be here,” while the cocktails are as complex as the Hong Kong stock market.
Australia & Oceania: Beaches, Bush, and Booze
- 16. The Baxter Inn – Sydney, Australia
A hidden speakeasy with a whiskey list that could make a Scotsman weep. The vibe is gritty, the lighting is low, and the cocktails are as smooth as a Bond film.
- 17. The Tiki Bar – Auckland, New Zealand
If you ever wanted to feel like you were on a cheap vacation in the Pacific, this is it. The “Kiwi Mai Tai” is made with local honey and a splash of kiwi puree—because why not?
Africa: Safari Sips and Desert Nights
- 18. The Rooftop – Cape Town, South Africa
Overlooking Table Mountain, this bar serves a “Cape Town Sunset” cocktail that’s basically a liquid postcard. Pair it with a side of braai (South African BBQ) and you’ve got a night to remember.
- 19. The Giraffe – Nairobi, Kenya
Located in a boutique hotel, the cocktails here incorporate local ingredients like baobab fruit and marula. The “Savanna Spritz” is as refreshing as a morning on the savanna.
Middle East: Desert Oasis Meets Modern Mixology
- 20. The Alchemist – Dubai, UAE
Not to be confused with the Toronto version, this Dubai hotspot mixes gold leaf, dates, and premium gin to create drinks that sparkle like the Burj Khalifa at night.
- 21. The Rooftop – Tel Aviv, Israel
A laid‑back bar with a view of the Mediterranean. The “Sabra Spritz” uses local fig liqueur and is perfect for watching the sunset over the sea.
Why “Best Bars 50 World” Is More Than a Google Search
Let’s be real: you could type “best bars 50 world” into Google and get a list of places you’ve never heard of, written by someone who probably never left their couch. This guide is curated by a team that’s traveled, tasted, and occasionally spilled drinks on important documents. We’ve combined data, memes, and a pinch of sarcasm to bring you a list that’s both useful and entertaining.
SEO isn’t just about stuffing keywords; it’s about delivering value that keeps readers on the page longer than a bartender’s “just one more round” pitch. That’s why we’ve included internal links to Contact for any partnership inquiries, and an external resource for those who want to actually sell their own craft brews: Beer distribution marketplace (Dropt.beer). Because if you’re reading this, you probably have a side hustle brewing in your mind.
Quick Reference: The Top 10 Bars (Because Who Has Time for 50?)
- The Aviary – Chicago, USA
- Death & Co – New York City, USA
- Bar Astor – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- The Gibson – London, UK
- High Five – Tokyo, Japan
- The Baxter Inn – Sydney, Australia
- The Rooftop – Cape Town, South Africa
- The Alchemist – Dubai, UAE
- Bar Hemingway – Paris, France
- Atlas – Singapore
If you’re still not convinced, just remember: the world is a big place, and your bar crawl should be bigger. So pack your passport, your favorite cocktail shaker (or just a sturdy cup), and get ready to explore the best bars 50 world have to offer.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Drink, Experience
Travel is more than ticking boxes; it’s about the stories you tell after the night ends. Whether you’re sipping a smoky mezcal in Mexico City, watching the sunrise over a rooftop in Bangkok, or debating the perfect gin‑to‑tonic ratio in Berlin, each bar adds a chapter to your personal saga.
And if you ever find yourself thinking, “I could open a bar like that,” remember there’s a whole ecosystem of resources waiting to help you. From Custom Beer solutions to marketing strategies that make your brand as unforgettable as a flaming cocktail, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to Raise a Glass?
If you’ve survived this marathon of memes, facts, and sarcasm, you’re either a true bar connoisseur or a masochist with a love for long reads. Either way, we’ve got one final ask: share this guide, tag your travel buddy, and let the world know you’ve got the ultimate bar bucket list. And if you’re feeling extra generous, drop us a line at Contact—we love hearing about your epic nights out (or your epic hangovers). Cheers to the next round, the next city, and the next story you’ll tell at 2 a.m. under neon lights. 🍸
