Hanoi Nightlife: The 20 Best Bars in Vietnam’s Capital

When you first think of Hanoi, a raging nightlife scene is probably not what comes to mind, and although this busy little city is lacking sky bars and mega clubs, what it does have is a fantastic selection of quirky bars and hole in the wall drinking spots. If big clubs aren’t quite your thing then Hanoi is the place to be! Here is a hefty list of the 20 best places to grab a drink!

**These are 20 popular places for locals and expats, not included are the infamous beer corners and backpacker clubs in the old quarter, which are also a good option, but if you are looking for something a little bit different and unique then these are the spots for you!**

If you are just interested in a certain vibe you can click these different styles below to jump right to them:

Trendy

Rowdy

Chilled

Quirky

Price guide (VND):

$: 10K-50K per drink

$$: 50K-100K per drink

$$$: 100K-250K per drink

Trendy Hanoi Nightlife

These next four bars are oh so hip and happening (as you can tell I’m clearly not! *facepalm*) Head to one of these bars for your next night out or date night!

The Mad Botanist

Located opposite St. Josephs Cathedral and close to Hoan Kiem Lake it is tucked in one of the best corners of Hanoi. They specialize in gin and house a wide variety of different types, as well as gin infusions! The view from the top level is amazing and looks right over the cathedral. The decor is definitely channeling the USA circa 1920 with all those velvet and glitzy touches.

Location: 45 Lý Quốc Sư, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Price range: $$-$$$

Polite and Co.

In the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter in a crumbling building with a very British facade is Polite and Co. Drawing inspiration from 1920’s Gentlemen clubs they specialize in cocktails and whiskey. The interior has very dark wood furnishings, a full bar and candlelight giving it all of those speakeasy vibes.

Location: 5b Ngõ Bảo Khánh, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội,

Price range: $$-$$$

Pasteur Street Brewing Co.

Pasteur Street is one of Hanoi’s best and only tap rooms constantly serving up quality brews. They combine traditional American style brewing techniques with fresh Vietnamese ingredients and flavors. With 12 beers on tap along with seasonal rotations, outdoor and indoor space, along with delicious foods, it is the perfect place to spend a long afternoon in Hanoi!

Location:  1 Ấu Triệu, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

Price range: $$-$$$

Manzi

Manzi is in the gorgeous French Quarter of Hanoi, making it already just the coolest place in town. During the day Manzi doubles as a super chill cafe and transforms at night into a cocktail bar as well as an art space! They do not only host one type of art but rather morph into whatever the community needs it to be. Along with solo shows, they host talks, workshops and musical performances.

Location: 14 Phan Huy Ích, Nguyễn Trung Trực, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Price range: $$

Kumquat Tree

Kumquat Tree is definitely Hanoi’s best-kept secret. In true 1920’s prohibition-era form the only way to gain entry to the bar is to acquire the password which you can get by contacting the bar directly over Facebook! The east meets west decor melds two worlds, uniting over secrecy, a strong drink, and great music.

Location: 1 Nguyễn Khắc Cần, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Price range: $$-$$$

Turtle Lake Brewing

Turtle Lake Brewing is the up and coming favorite for beer drinkers in Hanoi. Gaining popularity fast, this is the spot for an evening or late afternoon brew. They make their own beers in house and serve em’ up on tap. With great views of Tay Ho Lake this is a peaceful escape from the madness of the old quarter!

Location: 105 Quảng Khánh, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội

Price range: $-$$

Related: 11 of Hanoi’s Best Cafes

Rowdy Hanoi Nightlife

Hanoi does have a handful of clubs for when you are feeling like making a night of it, but sometimes you might not know what you are getting yourself into. These four are safe bets for some good music, a crowd and lots of drinks.

 

Sidewalk

Sidewalk is a favorite with the Hanoian expats, providing a multi-level space for hanging out it is a great spot to meet up with friends and stay late. Complete with pool, as well as a stage that hosts different bands, it is the spot on a weekend. They also have a sister bar named Bird Cage, this outdoor venue is just as packed and uber popular on weekend nights. 

Location:  231 Âu Cơ, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nộ

Price range: $-$$

Hanoi Rock City

Hanoi Rock City or rather, HRC is located in a large open space and doubles as an art/music venue. They act as a community space and promote local bands or artists. Check out their facebook page for the latest shows!

Location: 27 Ngõ 399 Âu Cơ, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội

Price range: $-$$

Bia Hoi – Tay Ho

All across Hanoi are the infamous street side beer drinking spots. If you are in the old quarter, most likely the low stools will be taken over by backpackers and the experience will feel more like college than a partaking in a national pastime.

Head to Nhà Hàng Bia Hơi 68 for a great view of the lake along with a large traditional Bia Hoi feel. This large Bia Hoi is always packed with locals throwing back one (or seven) too many 10 cent beers. The food is good as well – order a Mi Xào (stir-fried noodles) while you have a few!

Location: 92 Tây Hồ, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội

Price range: $

Savage

Savage is a classic Hanoi favorite! This night club feels like something straight out of LA, from the decor to the exclusive red room, Savage is the perfect late night spot on weekends where the music is loud, and the place is packed!

Location: 112 Xuân Diệu, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội

Price range: $$-$$$

Related: 5 of Hanoi’s Best Brunches

Chilled Hanoi Nightlife

These next bars are for people seeking out a more chill nightlife scene!

Nê Cocktail Bar

Ne is your classic small smokey speakeasy. The mix and match decor only adds more charm to the place. Where house infused gins are popular and made to order cocktails are norm it’s definitely one of the best places in the city for a late night drink!

Location: 3B Tống Duy Tân, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Price range: $$

Tadioto

Owned by the renowned local author and art patron Nguyen Qui Duc, who has expertly curated Tadioto into the perfect place for a quiet drink. The different elements of Tadioto, from the dusty lanterns to the concrete walls and bold paintings make it one of those spaces that you kinda just feel more mysterious, and intriguing by just existing in! Also the ramen is hands down the best bowl in Hanoi!

Location: 24 Tông Đản, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Price range: $-$$

Standing Bar

With local craft brews, Spanish tapas and a view of Truc Bach lake it’s no wonder Standing Bar is a favorite amongst drinkers in Hanoi. Local comedy, art or music nights are also held here on the second level, where yes there is seating. Contrary to its name, there are seats and even tables – no worries!

Location: 170 Trấn Vũ, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Price range: $$-$$$

Xofa

Xofa — pronounced sofa is a full restaurant and bar, disguised as a beautiful courtyard garden/living room. Serving up all three meals along with 24-hour service you will come for the food but stay for the ambiance! On a gorgeous day, this is the perfect place to come for lunch and then never leave. 

Location: 14, Tống Duy Tân, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 10000

Price range: $$

Related: The Complete 72 Hour Guide to Hanoi

Quirky Hanoi Nightlife

With unique touches that mimic the vibes of this one of a kind city, these are a few colorful spots you won’t want to miss!

Bar Betta

This local hang out is full of 70’s inspired, mismatched furniture and jazzy vibes. The interconnected rooms create a small maze of interesting things to look at and places to relax. The rooftop terrace makes for the perfect meet-up spot, not to mention the cheap drinks which are always a plus!

Location: 34 Cao Bá Quát, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Price range: $-$$

Red River Tea Room

This hidden spot is a located lakeside with a beautiful outdoor patio, board games and just is overall a super inviting place. Also, the house turned casual pub doubles as a home for one of Hanoi’s friendliest sausage dogs who will definitely join you for your drink. Head here for a great selection of wines, craft beers, and whiskey along with some very delicious English Pies or a rotating pop-up kitchen.

Location: 19 Ngõ 1 – Âu Cơ, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội

Price range: $-$$

The Unicorn Pub

Most well known for its eclectic furnishings and unconventional cocktails to match, Unicorn Bar is as its name suggests – one of a kind! A fan favorite is the Pho cocktail but they have a wide range of different concoctions to suit the adventurous drinker!

Location: 2a Hàng Than, Nguyễn Trung Trực, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Price range: $$

DOT

Dot may take the prize for world’s smallest bar! With no inside seating, drinkers will sit on small chairs right on the sidewalk, with little tables and an awesome lake view. When it is busy, service is often slow but drinks are top notch and mixed by a bartender who knows what they are doing! It is definitely one of the most unique drinking experiences in Hanoi!

Location: 66 Trấn Vũ, Quán Thánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Price range: $

Ray Quan

Ray Quan is about as hidden as it gets, located out of sight down the railroad tracks. What makes this place extra unique is the fact that you can watch the train go by just feet away from where you are sitting! The peeling paint and piled beer cartons only add to its rustic character. Ray Quan specializes in traditional Vietnamese rice wine but also have a regular selection of Vietnamese beers.

Location: 48 Lê Duẩn, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hà Nội

Price range: $-$$

That rounds out the 20 best bars which help shape Hanoi’s vibrant nightlife.  Have you been to all of them? Let me know if you have any more that should be on the list! **Edit – DEN Bar has closed permanently bringing this list to 19 of Hanoi’s best bars. Currently vetting new bars to add 🙂 

 

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