Emma Exploring

In each new city I go to, I love to find 3 key things: the best backstreets to wander; the best bakery/patisserie; and the best place to watch the sunset. Of course there’s plenty of other things I love to find when exploring but these 3 things are the icing on the cake and always have me skipping in delight around the world.

In Shanghai, I was faced with a seemingly endless list of choices of where was best to watch the sunset. Should I go classic Shanghai and just stand by the waters edge and brace the crowds? Should I watch up high from the Pearl Tower? Or maybe even watch from a boat on the Bund…? Although I did go up the Pearl Tower (a disappointing and infuriating trip but that’s a tale for another day) I was besotted with the idea of watching the sunset from a rooftop, without the elbow pushing and throng of selfie-sticks.

After a quick google of rooftop options, I decided Sir Elly’s Terrace at The Peninsula sounded like the best of the bunch. I’m not a girl who does things by half-measure! And I really did make a great choice; the view from Sir Elly’s on the 14th floor is honestly breathtaking.

Of course, you are obliged to buy a drink up there (sorry, it’s not a free pit-stop) but honestly, even at The Peninsula’s prices, I couldn’t complain because I loved the Sir Elly’s atmosphere and set-up. (Top tip: if you go but are still counting the pennies like me, just buy a drink and skip on the food. The bowl of nuts/nibbles is complimentary 😉 ). There was a classy vibe with chilled music playing in the background, the staff were friendly, the chairs were cosy and of course, the views were beautiful. I could have happily stayed up there for several hours just soaking in the peace and thanking my lucky stars that I was watching the lights of one of the world’s greatest cities.

Depending on what kind of atmosphere you prefer, Sir Elly’s also has an in-house DJ every evening from 7pm, except Sundays and Mondays, and is said to be one of the most trendy alfresco bars in Shanghai to party at. You also don’t need to make a reservation in advance, unlike most bars, and the dress code is smart-casual 🙂 Make sure you check out Sir Elly’s Terrace at least once! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Whilst at Sir Elly’s, I befriended a lovely American lady, called Anna. She too was there alone and was in the city on business. After asking if I wouldn’t mind taking her photo, we got chatting for a while over her pot of tea, which she was kind enough to share with me. Anna is a professor at NYU and runs her own business which tutors and coaches young women in the fields of science and helps empower them to pursue careers in the field. She was a definite inspiration! Check out her website here.

Do you have a favourite sunset spot in Shanghai? What’s your favourite skyline in the world? Let me know in the comments below!