Spring is here and skies are clear! (At least, we’re hoping for low AQI levels.) Soak up some Vitamin D with a cocktail or canapé in hand at Shanghai’s best al fresco spots. For People Watching: Farine

Courtesy of farine-bakery.com For decadent French pastries on an outdoor patio, Farine is the perfect spot. Munch on a scrumptious banana chocolate tart and watch the world go by. Noted by many as the best baguette in Shanghai, Farine is not a spot to be missed. Bon appétit! 378 Wukang Lu, Bldg 1, near Tai'an Lu 武康路378号1楼, 近泰安路

For Brunch: Ginger by the Park

To enjoy weekend brunch under the shade of Mother Nature, head to Ginger by the Park. Their Asian fusion menu is sure to spice up your typical French toast and eggs brunch fare. Enjoy terrace dining with lush trees as your backdrop. Ahh, the sweet smell of fresh air. 91 Xingguo Lu, near Hunan Lu 兴国路91号, 近湖南路

For Free: IFC Rooftop

Shanghai’s astounding skyscrapers congregate in the financial hub of Lujiazui, and IFC Mall’s rooftop offers a priceless view of them. Instead of paying hundreds of RMB for a fancy skyline meal, BYOB and 打包 a meal for an informal picnic. 8 Century Avenue, IFC Mall, near Lujiazui Huan Lu 世纪大道8号国金中心商场, 近陆家嘴环路

For Bund Views: Bar Rouge

Pick any glitzy high-rise club or bar on Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, and you’ll definitely get some spectacular views. What makes Bar Rouge any different? Well, they’ve been closed down for renovations for the past few months, so their new venue is a must see when they reopen this April. 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Bund 18, 7/F, near Nanjing Dong Lu 中山东一路18号外滩十八号7楼, 近南京东路

For Puxi Views: Roof 325

Courtesy of shanghaiwow.com Puxi buildings are a bit more modest compared to their Pudong counterparts, but no less impressive. Kathleen’s 5 in People’s Park has recently transformed into Rooftop 325, offering a sweeping vista of the Shimao International Plaza and Radisson Hotel. 325 Nanjing Xi Lu, 5/F, near Huangpi Bei Lu 南京西路325号上海美术馆旧址5楼, 近黄陂北路

For Clubbing: The Apartment

Courtesy of smartshanghai.com Modeled after an actual New York-style apartment, The Apartment’s rooftop is also a perfect replica with its chic minimalist design. Equipped with plenty of seating and a bar, it’s the ideal spot to get some fresh air while you’re partying all night long. 47 Yongfu Lu, 3/F, near Fuxing Xi Lu 永福路47号3楼, 近复兴西路

This article was written by Tatiana Bautista. Send an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Photo Credit: