Some places have a vibe that’s just different. They’re more than just a spot to grab a drink; they’re an entire experience. We’re talking about bars so unique and creative that stepping inside feels like walking onto a movie set. The atmosphere is everything, transporting you to another world and making any night out feel like a main character moment.

Ready to discover your next favorite spot? We’ve found some of the most unique and cinematic bars around the world. These places are all about incredible themes, wild designs, and unforgettable experiences. Get ready to add these authentic, must-see bars to your travel bucket list.

H.R. Giger Bar – Gruyères, Switzerland

If you’ve ever seen the movie Alien and thought, "I'd love to have a drink inside that spaceship," this is your place. Designed by H.R. Giger, the Swiss artist who created the iconic xenomorph, this bar is a full-on immersive experience. The entire interior is a skeletal structure, with arched vertebrae creating a vaulted ceiling over the whole room.

  • What Makes It Special: It's a trip. You’re sitting in chairs that look like they’re part of an alien skeleton, under arches that feel like a massive ribcage. The level of detail is incredible, making it a must-see for fans of sci-fi, horror, or just truly unique art. It’s an authentic and surreal atmosphere you won't find anywhere else.
  • Location: Château St. Germain, Gruyères, Switzerland.
  • Pro Tip: The bar is located right next to the H.R. Giger Museum, so make a day of it. Gruyères is a beautiful medieval town, but the Giger Bar feels like stepping into another dimension. Go early to get a good seat and soak in all the strange details.

The Wolves – Los Angeles, USA

Step off a busy street in Downtown LA and into the Belle Époque era of Paris. The Wolves is a stunningly restored bar that looks like it was frozen in time. With intricate woodwork, a stained-glass ceiling, and vintage details everywhere, this spot is pure turn-of-the-century elegance.

  • What Makes It Special: It’s all about the craft. The bar not only looks amazing but also takes its drinks seriously. They create their own bitters, tinctures, and vermouths in-house. It’s a sophisticated, cinematic setting for enjoying a perfectly made classic cocktail.
  • Location: 519 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA.
  • Pro Tip: For an even more exclusive experience, try to get a reservation at their "bar within a bar," Le Néant (The Void). It’s a tiny, intimate space in the back where the bartenders craft personalized, multi-course cocktail tasting menus.

The Little Red Door – Paris, France

This award-winning Parisian bar is famous for its creative, concept-driven menus and its unassuming entrance. As the name suggests, you enter through a small red door that adds a touch of mystery and fun to the experience. It’s consistently ranked among the world's best bars for a reason.

  • What Makes It Special: The cocktail menus are works of art. In the past, they’ve based their drink concepts on architecture, farm-to-glass produce, and even languages. The "Flourish" menu, for example, explores how we can create a more sustainable future through food. Each drink tells a story, making it an interactive and thought-provoking experience.
  • Location: 60 Rue Charlot, Paris, France.
  • Pro Tip: This place is popular and small, so expect a line. It’s worth the wait. Go with an open mind and let the bartenders guide you. Their creativity is the star of the show.

Faraday Bar – Antarctica

Yes, you read that right. Located at the Vernadsky Research Base in Antarctica, Faraday Bar is the southernmost bar in the world. It was built by British carpenters and has the cozy, traditional feel of a small pub in the UK, which is a wild contrast to the icy landscape outside.

  • What Makes It Special: It’s the location! Having a drink here means you’re one of the very few people to have ever visited a bar on the Antarctic continent. It’s a tiny, friendly spot where you can hang out with scientists and researchers from the base. They even distill their own vodka.
  • Location: Vernadsky Research Base, Galindez Island, Antarctica.
  • Pro Tip: Getting here is obviously a major expedition, usually part of an Antarctic cruise package. If your tour stops at the base, visiting the bar is a must. Bring cash (US dollars are accepted) and get ready for a story you’ll tell for the rest of your life.

The Old Man – Hong Kong

Inspired by the life and works of author Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man is a tribute to one of history’s great adventurers. The bar itself is sleek and stylish, with a unique I-shaped bar that encourages conversation. The atmosphere is cool, creative, and intimate.

  • What Makes It Special: The cocktails are inspired by Hemingway's novels. Each drink is named after one of his books and uses innovative techniques and ingredients to capture its spirit. A metal strip down the center of the bar is kept chilled to help keep your drink cold—a clever and useful design touch.
  • Location: Lower G/F, 37-39 Aberdeen Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong.
  • Pro Tip: The bar is small and very popular, so it’s best to go on a weeknight or arrive early. Let the bartenders tell you the story behind your drink; it adds another layer to the experience.