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Hanoi has enough bars and clubs to keep you busy. They range from low-key drinking venues to more pleasant spots with extensive wine lists to raucous places where loud house music and cheap drinks keep dancers on the floor. Because many ventures are short-lived—Hanoi's nightclubs are curiously prone to electrical fires and other mysterious disasters—it is wise to call ahead when possible. For something a bit more casual, head to one of the cafés or bars in Old Quarter, where rooftop lounges, cocktail bars, and the popular bia hoi beer corner cluster about in a historical setting. Upscale hotels tend to have swanky bars of their own with live jazz to accompany a dry martini. For a mellow vibe and drinks with a view, you can go to waterfront bars near West Lake. Head into town early for happy hour since most joints close by midnight.
Ne is famous for its signature cocktails. The bartenders are professional and they take presentation seriously, so grab a seat at the bar for the full experience. The pho cocktail does not disappoint, and the blues and jazz will go on as long as customers keep up the orders.
At Standing Bar you’ll find a tempting selection of beers and ciders with which to wash down elaborate beer snacks, including smoked sausage, goat's cheese croquettes, and sun-dried tuna. The west-facing lakeside setting shines at sunset, and the second story plays host to comedy nights and live music.
Owned and operated by the late journalist and raconteur Nguyen Qui Duc, this Hanoi institution is now in its fourth incarnation near the Opera House. Expect a bohemian crowd, an eclectic music policy, and a decent selection of wine. Mr Duc, who passed away in 2023, also organized regular music nights, and the inheritors are keen to continue his legacy.
One of the only clubs in Hanoi's Old Quarter, 1900 Le Theater has multiple stages, bars, and eccentric decor. There is generally a cover price and often live music or a DJ. Be forewarned, there is no customer limit so the dance floor is often jam-packed. If it’s a night out you’re looking for, it’s best to reserve a table and pay for bottle service.
This club is owned by one of Hanoi's best-known jazz musicians, Quyen Van Minh. Live jazz performed by both foreign and local musicians, including Minh's son, are the big draws here. Music starts at around 9 pm each night.
Sister bar to Standing Bar, The Bottle Shop serves a dizzying array of bottled craft beers from Vietnam and beyond. There are a couple of pub benches at the front and a cozy beer yard out back that's popular with expats, especially on warm weekend afternoons.
The beer alone is worth the trip but it’s the employees that make this bar truly special. They are passionate not only about the beer, but about customer service as well. There are always 8 to 10 beers on tap, but the brewers have created more than 50 different varieties since they opened. The pho beer has a taste profile similar to that of a spiced Christmas ale back home, and the bar is big enough to host your whole party.
On a small street close to the Opera House is Kumquat Tree, one of Hanoi's first speakeasy bars. You'll need a not-so-secret code (the security guard will tell you what it is) to get into this ambient space offering on-point cocktails and regular DJ nights.
Hanoi is becoming somewhat of a cocktail bar hub, as demonstrated by Leo's, which opened in 2020. The bar is small, cozy, packed with locals, and boasts a balcony overlooking the Old Quarter. There is occasional live music, too. It's wise to make a booking on the weekend.
Hanoi is not a nightlife hub, but if you are looking for unreconstructed late-night fun then this is the place to go. Inside things are smoky, hot, and sweaty, but there's fresh air on the outside terrace and a river close by. Expect young backpackers on pub crawls and hedonistic locals.
The first brewery to open in Vietnam, Pasteur Street has had immense success throughout the country. Serving several styles of craft beer and comfort food, this modern building is located right next to the cathedral. Get a growler of original craft beer and the Nashville hot chicken burger after you find a seat on the outdoor terrace.
A polished and vintage cocktail bar and one of the first of its kind in Hanoi, Polite & Co attracts a crowd of regulars. The watering hole is known for its stylish atmosphere and bartenders, so dress up (a little) and step out. You'll need to book on the weekends.
Rivaling the musical aspect of the famed Water Puppet Theater, but sans the water puppets, this remarkable show blends acting, music, comedy, and storytelling in an hour-long performance. This version of a Chinese opera comprises five acts, and there is English translation between each segment. Check the website or pay the theater a visit to see the performance schedule.
Not to be confused with the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, this venue offers a musical performance focused on traditional Ca Tru ceremonial singing. The hour-long shows take place three times per week at 8 pm on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. During the 20-minute intermission, guests are invited to try out the instruments and enjoy complimentary tea and cakes. By day you can tour Memorial House.
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