10 Must-Visit Cocktail Bars for the World Traveler!
When traveling to a new destination, one thing my partner and I are always on the search for is the top cocktail bars to pop in for a drink… or two! We love a cocktail bar with a hip, swanky vibe with delicious and unique craft cocktails, and we have discovered so many fantastic gems on our travels. The following list features the top cocktail bars that you won’t want to miss. Whether you stop in for aperitif or nightcap, these cocktails are a must to add to your next trip itinerary!
Paradiso is a cocktail bar like none other. When traveling to Barcelona we happily discovered it is the cocktail bar mecca of the world so you will see Barcelona pop up several times on this list, but Paradiso is at the top! Paradiso will not only stimulate your taste buds, it will get all of your senses going with it’s unique and over the top drink presentations and mixologists with moves that will keep you entertained all night. Not only was one of my drinks served in a seashell in a smoking treasure chest, and my partner’s drink would change colors where he touched it, they even have one drink that you have to put on an Oculus headset when you are served your drink as part of your virtual cocktail experience. Now don’t worry, this bar isn’t all gimmicks. With the some of the top mixologists in the city, these drinks are quite tasty as well.
Reservation Requirements: Paradiso does not take reservations. You can wait in line at the front door for a spot or there is a QR code at the front door to enter an online queue.
2. Tales & Spirits - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tales and Spirits is a totally hip cocktail bar located in Amsterdam that we have visited on multiple trips. The experience starts with the menu which is filled with pop culture illustrations and descriptions for which their cocktails are themed. This bar also has fantastic drink presentations served in unique drinking vessels such as a book or the famous General Lee from the Duke’s of Hazard. Also, the mixologists have to be some of the best in the world. Don’t see a drink that is calling to you on the menu. Don’t worry. Just tell your server what type of spirits you prefer, if you like your drink sweet, tart, bitter, etc., and the mixologists will shake you up your perfect cocktail. I did this a few times there and each time my drink was spot on!
Reservation Requirements: Tales & Spirits does not take reservations. It is first come first serve. Tip: This cocktail bar is not very big, so I recommend going early if you can.
3. Dr. Stavinksky - Barcelona, Spain
I know, I know… Barcelona again, but I had to. I absolutely loved this place. The drink concoctions were so unique with unusual pairings of ingredients. The descriptions sound out there but the ingredients come together to create the most delicious cocktails that will delight your tastebuds. I thought I was taking a risk when I ordered a spicy tequila drink with cheddar cheese infused tequila, but it was one of the best drinks I’ve ever had. We were actually late for our dinner reservation because I had to have a second. If you visit Barcelona, this cocktail bar is a must to add to your list!
Reservation Requirements: Dr. Stavinsky does not take reservations. There is often a line at the door, so I recommend getting there early before the line gets long.
4. Bar Hemingway - Paris, France
Bar Hemingway is located in the Ritz hotel in Paris. This cocktail bar is the one of most romantic intimate spots to enjoy your favorite cocktail with your love where every drink served to a lady is served with a real rose. They say Paris is for lovers after all. Whether you are in the mood for one of Bar Hemingway’s specialty cocktails or a traditional favorite, you will not be disappointed because their cocktails are mixed to perfection! The name and decor of the bar show tribute to Ernest Hemingway who would always frequent the Ritz while in Paris. One thing to be aware of is there is a no pictures policy in Bar Hemingway. This isn’t a bad thing as a cocktail at the Bar Hemingway is a moment you will want to relish in so put that phone away and just be quick if you sneak that pic of your rose accompanied cocktail!
Reservation Requirements: Bar Hemingway does take reservations. There are only 25 seats in this bar so you will want to make you make reservations.
5. The Rivoli Bar - London, England
The Rivoli Bar is located in The Ritz hotel in Mayfair London. This cocktail bar is luxurious and classy so be prepared to enjoy a spectacular ambience while you sip your five star cocktail. They have unique specialty drinks while also mastering the traditional favorites, and champagne is freely flowing all around the room. There is a dress code so be mindful to not dress too casual for this night out. Dress to impress and enjoy the decadence of The Rivoli Bar!
Reservation Requirements: The Rivoli Bar requires reservations.
6. The Clumsies - Athens, Greece
The Clumsies is a super hip cocktail bar located in Athens. While there are lots of bars where you can enjoy a drink with a view of the Acropolis, none of them have cocktails quite like The Clumsies. Similar to some of the cocktail bars I mentioned earlier on the list, The Clumsies has a whole menu of unique concoctions in a menu called Happy Accidents. The menu is filled with playful illustrations that play off the names of the cocktails which are themed anywhere from from Alice and Wonderland to David Bowie! Similar to the cocktail I ordered at Dr. Stavinsky in Barcelona, the cocktail I sipped at The Clumsies was also infused with cheddar cheese. Apparently I have a thing for cheddar cheese cocktails and I’ll proudly tell you to not knock it until you try it! I actually loved my cocktail so much we tried to go back a second day, but unfortunately it was the weekend and the bar was so crowded there was no place to sit. The Clumsies is a must stop on your next trip to Athens!
Reservation Requirements: The Clumsies does not require reservations.
7. Carousel Bar & Lounge - New Orleans, USA
The Carousel Bar & Lounge is located in the Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street right in the heart of New Orleans. What makes this cocktail bar so unique is the bar is an actual working carousel. Now don’t worry, the carousel spins very slowly so you won’t get dizzy. Any dizziness is more likely the result of your cocktail! Be aware that there are only so many seats at the carousel, so your best shot of getting a seat is if you go during the day or wait patiently. If you can’t get a seat at the carousel, don’t sweat it. The cocktail bars around the bar are also fun to sit at because you get a better view of the full carousel and can watch it spin. The Carousel Bar & Lounge has a fantastic cocktail menu and prepares delicious cocktails, so if you are ready for a more upscale experience than what Bourbon Street has to offer, make sure to hop on the carousel at The Carousel Bar & Lounge!
Reservation Requirements: The Carousel Bar & Lounge does not require reservations.
8. Hemingway Gin & Cocktail Bar - Barcelona, Spain
Not surprising that we have a second cocktail bar named after Ernest Hemingway on our list as we know he loved his spirits, and I’m sure this cocktail bar would make Hemingway himself proud. On par with the other cocktail bars in Barcelona, the drinks and presentations at Hemingway Gin & Cocktail were world class! Whether your cocktail is served by a cute french bulldog or in Hemingway’s head, the mixologists at this cocktail bar are on point and the taste will live up to the fabulous presentation. Also, the drink called Mother of Dragons was served in a flaming golden dragon egg so Game of Thrones lovers can eat their heart out with that one. This place is small, but you must try to get a seat at this bar for a late night libation served like no other!
Reservation Requirements: Hemingway Gin & Cocktail Bar does not require reservations.
9. Boca Grande - Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
The funny thing about the time I traveled to Lake Lucerne was that I thought I was going to a quaint little village in Switzerland, when in reality it was a this awesome historic city with a fantastic cocktail scene I was so pleasantly surprised to discover. Boca Grande was at the top of my list for the Lake Lucerne cocktail scene with its swanky ambience and delicious cocktails. The photo of my cocktail above was large enough for two, and while I find overly large cocktails typically poor quality, that was not the case with this one. This was so delicious, my husband was lucky I shared!
Reservation Requirements: Boca Grande does not require reservations.
10. Le Crystal Bar - Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Le Crystal Bar located in the Hotel Hermitage in Monte-Carlo is located right next to the famous Monte-Carlo Casino. As Monte Carlo is known for its glitz and glamor, this cocktail bar lives up to the reputation. Elegant and Luxurious, this cocktail bar is the perfect spot to sip a first-class martini while catching a glimpse of the rich and famous!
Reservation Requirements: Le Crystal Bar does not require reservations.
