We all have different opinions on what makes a good bar. For me, my priorities are a chatty mixologist (I love sitting at the bar and watching all the action), moody lighting (I’m very staunchly anti-big light), and a mix of unique and classic concoctions on the menu.
You, however, might disagree, as might your friends or your family.
Luckily for us, Top 500 Bars has pulled together the thoughts of thousands upon thousands of people across the internet to create a definitive list of the best watering holes.
Using opinions from journalists, experts and influencers, plus reviews across social media and search engines, the team created a ranking based on “the wisdom of crowds”.
After all that number crunching, the number one spot went to Bar Leone in Hong Kong.
Co-founded by Lorenzo Antinori, who also owns Montana – which ranked third – the cocktail spot focuses on the classics, with Italian pop culture-themed interiors. Bar Leone has previously claimed the 50 Best top spot twice, including in 2026.
Where are the best bars in Europe?
The best bar in Europe accolade went to HIMKOK, a distillery bar in Oslo, which placed second overall.
Making use of their own aquavit, gin and vodka, the drinks on the menu have been “inspired by Norway’s nature, ingredients, culture and traditions”.
Next up is Line in Greece, which ranked fifth overall, having been named the best bar in Europe by 50 Best back in July.
Located in Athens, Line is known for its fruit wines, which are made and bottled on-site using ingredients from local producers.
Another European spot to make the top 10 is Panda & Sons in Edinburgh, placed seventh.
Hidden behind the façade of a barbershop, the speakeasy-style bar is best known for its use of freezing techniques.
Rounding out the top 10 are Moebius in Milan (ninth) and Paradiso in Barcelona (10th).
Mixologists at the former have more than 300 spirits at their disposal, which they use to create unusual beverages like the pesto martini, while the latter is a speakeasy (this time hidden behind a fridge door in a pastrami bar) with a themed menu that changes yearly.
The top 25 bars in the world
- Bar Leone, Hong Kong
- HIMKOK, Oslo, Norway
- Montana, Hong Kong
- Alquímico, Cartagena, Colombia
- Line, Athens, Greece
- Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City, Mexico
- Panda & Sons, Edinburgh, UK
- Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou, China
- Moebius, Milan, Italy
- Paradiso, Barcelona, Spain
- The Connaught Bar, London, UK
- SIPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Locale Firenze, Florence, Italy
- Angelita, Madrid, Spain
- De Vie, Paris, France
- Jigger & Pony, Singapore
- Bar Us, Bangkok, Thailand
- Danico, Paris, France
- Lyaness, London, UK
- Tres Monos, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- The Cambridge Public House, Paris, France
- Bar Mauro, Mexico City, Mexico
- Exímia, São Paulo, Brazil
- ARGO, Hong Kong
- Lady Bee, Lima, Peru
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