The best outdoor bars in Beijing

The city's prime spots to sip a drink in the open air

Make the most of the warmer weather by taking in the views and the fresh air with a drink in hand. Whether you fancy the cosy atmosphere of a hutong courtyard or want somewhere to take in the breathtaking views of Beijing from above, there's a bar for you. Here's our pick of the best spots for al fresco drinking in Beijing.

Sanlitun

Buona Bocca

Set just off Xindong Lu on a small street connecting the back side of Sanlitun’s bar street to the more residential enclave of Xingfucun, what Buona Bocca lacks in vista and kerb appeal, it makes up for with a rather remarkable interior design and covered patio. This chic Italian wine bar and aperitivo hangout has a great wine list and plenty of cocktails.

1F, Building 4, Shoukai Bojun Xingfu Sancun Sixiang, Xingdong Lu, Chaoyang district

Miles Rong Bar

The undeniable benefit of enjoying cocktails at Rong is the expansive terrace. Sanlitun’s rooftop space is limited, but here the removed locale gives it the feel of a less hectic neighbourhood – insulated by embassies and the Sanlitun DRC – with plenty of space to lounge in a booth. Have an old fashioned or a strawberry cooler.

2F, 4-5 Sanlitun Dongsanjie, Chaoyang district

InfraRouge

Tapping into the chic gastrolounge vibes that Bar Rouge, its sister bar in Shanghai, is famed for, this sleek split-level venue combines people-watching with date-night perfect views across Taikoo Li. 

3-5F, N8, Taikoo Li North, Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district

Unico

Unico sits atop the Topwin Centre, and although it's only on the fifth floor, its south-facing rooftop views are still pretty lit, especially at night. Floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the urban vista, but what's especially smashing about this joint is that the views within the bar are also stylish to a T. 

5F, Topwin Centre, 1 Sanlitun Nan Lu, Chaoyang district

Gulou

Great Leap Brewing Original #6

The original gangster of Beijing's craft breweries, this location is in a shady, peaceful hutong courtyard. Don't miss the Honey Ma Gold.

6 Doujiao Hutong, off Di'anmenwai Dajie, Dongcheng district

Café Zarah

The hip Gulou café has a beautiful courtyard space in the back, which leads up to a serene, second-storey terrace ideal for lazy summer socialising and late-night tipples. Happy hour runs from 6 to 9pm, Monday to Friday, featuring 30RMB cocktails and wine.

46 Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng district

CBD

Migas Mercado

Migas Mercado is, like everything these days, in China World Mall, offering the requisite awesome views of the surrounding urban vista. It is also something of a vista in itself, being totally freakin' huge – the sprawling terrace bar itself seems to go on for miles.

Seventh Floor, China World Mall, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang district

Mei Bar

The party palace at the Rosewood is the new destination for Beijing's young and wealthy set and has, you guessed it, spectacular views of the CCTV building and CBD skyline.

5F, Jing Guang Centre, Chaoyang Beijie, Hujialou, Chaoyang district

Liangmaqiao

Arrow Factory Brewing

Even before you consider the reliably tasty brews, central location and gorgeous rooftop terrace, Arrow Factory Brewing's Liangmahe location is worth stopping by for the food alone. Head there for a lazy beer over the summer months.

Liangmahe Nan Lu, Chaoyang district

Great Leap Brewing #45 Brewpub

Great Leap's Liangmaqiao digs have a sizable outdoor space that's perfect for a summer beer. Or five.

45-1 Xinyuan Jie, Chaoyang district

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