Aside from its rich cultural heritage and fascinating ancient houses, Hanoi is also known for its vibrant nightlife.
So if you’re looking for a lively club to blow off some steam after work, or simply want to relax and enjoy a unique cocktail, here are 8 bars in Hanoi to check out.
Image adapted from: Nê.Cocktailbar
Nestled in the outer edge of the Hanoi Old Quarter, Nê Cocktail Bar is a speakeasy bar that captures the hearts of visitors with its cozy ambiance and delicious cocktails.
Behind the façade illuminated by lanterns, the interior is a small but warm, welcoming space with a brightly lit bar, red brick wall, and an assemblage of chairs, sofas, and low wooden tables. Intentionally dimmed lights and soft music playing in the background make this an ideal place to enjoy a delicious cocktail and relax.
The Phở cocktail
Image credit: @mantalkfood
And speaking of cocktails, Nê boasts quite an extensive selection of those, many of which incorporate local flavors to both fascinate first-time customers and keep regulars coming back for more.
The Phở cocktail (VND190,000, ~USD8.21), for instance, combines gin and Cointreau with phở spices such as cinnamon, star anise, lime, and chili for a delightful sip. The making of the drink is a treat to the eyes as well, as you can see the mixture being lit on fire and filtered through 3 layers of cups.
Image credit: @thuanleee
But if you have already tried a Phở cocktail at other bars around the Hanoi Old Quarter – as the drink has practically become a staple that defines a good cocktail bar over the years – Nê also has plenty of other offerings to pique your interest.
Try the Ô Mai cocktail (VND170,000, ~USD7.34) featuring gin, brandy, ginger, apple syrup, and lime for a taste that resemblance ô mai – dried fruits marinated in sugar and spices that Vietnamese people like to eat for snacks.
Address: 3B Tống Duy Tân Str., Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 7.30PM-2AM, Daily
Telephone: 0988842974
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Image credit: 1900
In stark contrast to the laid-back vibe of Nê is 1900 Le Théâtre, a lively urban hotspot that always attracts an energetic crowd. If you are in the mood for a party with loud music and plenty of dancing and drinking, you’d feel right at home here.
Built on the venue that was once a 1900s theater, 1900 has an eclectic design that combines both rustic and chic elements. Here, you can spot replicas of electric poles and street signs – a sight typical of an old Hanoi street corner – next to a spacious neon-lit dance floor.
Image credit: Manh Nguyen
The spirited atmosphere seems to bring out the talky side of people too – you can start a conversation with a complete stranger simply by raising your drink and proposing a toast. This is the perfect place to mingle and make new friends.
Image credit: @linhturmeric
Recently reopened after it was temporarily closed and turned into a sports playground for staff, the club normally has an entrance fee of VND100,000 (~USD4.31) during weekdays and VND150,000 (~USD6.48) during weekends, which already includes a drink. However, it also holds special events featuring the appearance of celebrities regularly, in which case entrance fees may vary. We’d recommend following its Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the upcoming events.
Address: 8B Tạ Hiện Str., Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 9PM till late
Telephone: 0911111900
Facebook
Image credit: The Anh Vu
Yet another must-visit destination for cocktail lovers is Jigger Cocktail & Wine Bar, a stylish bar boasting two floors with wooden parquet, funky décor, and comfy sofas that offer plenty of intimate seating.
Image credit: Jigger Cocktail & Wine Bar
Drinks here are also hailed as one of the best in town, with signatures categorized into different themes that reflect the innovative touches that Jigger has added to traditional cocktails. Under the “tea” section of the menu, for instance, you’ll find the Earl-Grey Marteani (VND250,000, ~USD10.79), a delightful twist on the popular Martini featuring gin infused with Earl Grey tea.
Image credit: Jigger Cocktail & Wine Bar
Meanwhile, the Princess Jasmine (VND250,000, ~USD10.79) found under the “flower” section improves upon your usual Gin & Tonic by adding jasmine extract, giving the drink a pleasant fragrance that lingers on the tip of your tongue.
Image credit: Jigger Cocktail & Wine Bar
Entertainment-wise, Jigger features regular live music and DJ performances that span across different genres, from jazz to acoustic pop.
Address: 59 Nam Ngư Str., Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 6.30PM-2AM, Daily
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Image credit: Gallery Bespoke Cocktail Bar
As Jigger’s sister bar that was opened only a year ago, Gallery Bespoke Cocktail Bar sports a similar chic vibe with timber floors, raw brick walls, and comfy leather sofas. The highlight of the décor, though, is dozens of framed art pieces along the walls, making the venue look like an art gallery.
Image credit: Lin Jasmine Kim
But what truly makes Gallery stand out is the drinking experience. Here, you can order a bottle of whisky, gin, rum, or vodka, and have the bartender create your very own drink with it, tailored to suit your every demand – a unique experience seldom seen in any bar in Hanoi.
But of course, as with anything tailor-made, ordering a bespoke cocktail means you have to be very specific with what you want, so for the more casual drinkers, we’d recommend simply trying out one of Gallery’s signature cocktails.
Image credit: @gallery.bespokecocktailbar
Not that you’d be lacking options doing so, as the bar’s signature menu boasts a whopping 24 drinks to choose from. They’re clearly categorized into sections based on their taste – from sweet and creamy to light and delicate – to help you make your choice.
The Adam’s Apple (VND230,000, ~USD9.93), which combines Calvados with the sweetness of apple and a touch of spicy ginger, gets a recommendation from us.
Address: 95 Phùng Hưng Str., Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi|
Opening hours: 6.30PM-2AM, Daily
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Image credit: @tipsylady.hn
Occupying the 3rd and 4th floor of a common shophouse in the Hanoi Old Quarter and accessible only via a staircase in the back, Mad Botanist is one of those hidden gems that unaware passers-by can easily walk past not knowing what they’re missing out on.
Image credit: @blilk
The interior designs place a strong emphasis on dark colors to create a sophisticated vibe, with polished wooden floors and walls and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Meanwhile, the upper floor has both indoor and outdoor seating that allow for a magnificent view of the St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a major landmark of Hanoi.
Image credit: @tipsylady.hn
Touted as the first speakeasy-style gin bar in Hanoi, Mad Botanist offers a whopping 100 variations of gin and tonic featuring gin from well-known international brands mixed with local herbs and homemade tonic. The Kim Chi (VND160,000, ~USD6.91) with sour rosemary-infused gin is worth a try.
Address: 45 Lý Quốc Sư Str., Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 5PM-12AM, Daily
Telephone: 02422464123
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Image credit: Văn Phú Bùi
When you’ve had enough of the busy atmosphere of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, retreat to Standing Bar next to the Trúc Bạch Lake north of the city to catch a refreshing breeze.
Image credit: Standing Bar
The place is far from what you’d call spacious, but despite the name, there are plenty of tables and chairs to sit at here. The second floor is especially lovely with an outdoor space adorned with hanging flower pots where you can look out to the lake.
Image adapted from: Standing Bar
Standing is also known for its extensive selection of craft beer from local breweries, with nearly 20 types of beer offered on tap that change regularly.
The Platinum Pale Ale (VND70,000, ~USD3.02) is one of the bestsellers thanks to its refreshing fruity taste, but you can follow the bar’s Facebook page to see if it has something new and special in store.
Address: 170 Trấn Vũ Str., Ba Đình District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 4PM-12AM, Daily
Telephone: 02432668057
Facebook
Image credit: Lang Thang
A café by day and bar by night, Lang Thang is where you go to experience a simpler, more endearingly local experience compared to the luxurious lounges found in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
The place is a humble one-story building facing a relatively quiet street, but everything here has been taken care of with much love and attention to detail, from the cute hand-drawn menus to the war-time trunks that serve as makeshift tables outside.
Image credit: Lang Thang
And while not boasting flashy signature cocktails as some other bars in this list, Lang Thang does have all the classics such as Long Island Ice Tea and Mojito for you to sip on. Again, you can rest assured that your drinks will be made with care, and they come at very reasonable prices ranging between VND60,000 (~USD2.59) to VND80,000 (~USD3.45).
Image credit: Janka Komendová
As the bar opens from 2PM all the way until midnight, it is a good place to spend a quiet afternoon with a book, or to visit during the evening for a livelier ambiance.
Image credit: Dameyon Travels
Address: 8B Lạc Chính Str., Ba Đình District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 2PM-12AM, Daily
Telephone: 084 859 0895
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Despite its rather unconventional location in a more residential area of Hanoi away from tourist attractions and nightlife hotspots, Ete Resto Bar is still a friendly place favored by both locals and expats. This simple, unpretentious bar has no flashy décor, but its homey vibe makes it a great place to chill and have a casual conversation with friends. On the second floor, you can find a balcony looking out to the streets.
Image credit: @cloudy_sv
The drinks here, while again nothing out of the ordinary, are also well-made and not too expensive. A traditional Margarita, for instance, is only VND80,000 (~USD3.45).
Image credit: @jjhyun_1228
Aside from alcoholic beverages, Ete also has a surprisingly broad menu of bar snacks, among which the burger (VND160,000, ~USD6.90) is one of the most popular orders thanks to its well-seasoned meat and juicy cheese. The dish is accompanied by large cut fries for a filling meal.
Address: 95 Giang Văn Minh Str., Ba Đình District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 9AM-12AM, Daily
Telephone: 0976751331
Facebook
Bars in Hanoi come in all shapes and sizes, from chic lounges with innovative cocktails, lively clubs for a wild party, to casual pubs to grab a drink after work, there is always something for everyone.
For more things to do in Hanoi, check out:
Cover image adapted from Manh Nguyen, @tipsylady.hn, @gallery.bespokecocktailbar and Jigger Cocktail & Wine Bar
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