Don't know where to go on holiday? Check out these 5 bars in Hanoi!

Bars have long been a familiar entertainment venue for both Vietnamese and foreign visitors. They are not only places to enjoy the culture of drinking or eye-catching cocktails, but also places to appreciate music, relax, and socialize with friends.

Hanoi's bars offer cocktails mostly made with recipes inspired by familiar local drinks, appealing not only to Hanoi residents but also impressing foreign visitors. Recreating the style of bars from the Prohibition era in the United States, Hanoi's bars are often hidden away in small, secluded locations, yet their atmosphere is undeniably enchanting.

Below, let's explore 5 bars worth visiting in Hanoi with Travellive.

Bee'Znees

If you're looking for a bar with a not-too-noisy atmosphere, moderate music, and a place where you can have great conversations with your friends, then Bee'Znees is the ideal destination.

Bee'Znees will deceive you with its appearance as a cozy and sophisticated little library. The bookshelves are arranged like a library, but when you pull one of the books on the right shelf, the entire bookcase transforms into a secret door opening to a small staircase leading to the second floor. As you ascend the small staircase, paintings of famous musicians from the 1920s will transport your emotions back to the architecture, music, and lifestyle of America in the 1920s and 30s.

Bee'Znees constantly reinvents itself with live music nights and engaging interactions between guests and bartenders. Singing a few tunes along with a few glasses of fragrant wine can help soothe everyday worries or the stresses of a long workday.

A classic bar with amazing cocktails, perfect for relaxing alone or on a date. The bartenders are very friendly and incredibly creative with the bar's cocktails. The menu is also unique, with intriguing names like Jack, Queen, King, Ace, Joker… Whether you're wearing a glamorous dress or just casual attire, you'll find a corner that suits you at Bee'Znees.

Opening hours: 7 PM - 12 AM.

Address: 163 Phung Hung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Polite & Co

Polite & Co is known as a traditional bar that was later renovated into an early Hanoi pub. The space is inspired by nightclubs of the early 20th century, with a slightly chaotic yet free-spirited atmosphere. Polite & Co always provides customers with a relaxed and comfortable feeling thanks to its soft yellow lighting and subtle woody scent.

With its wooden ceiling adorned with classic, elegant gentlemen's hats, you might immediately think of Charlie Chaplin. The impressive design is like a gateway back to the golden age of art.

Each drink tells its own story and has its own distinct Hanoi flavor. Beyond the menu, the bar also creates five cocktails using local ingredients, each with a unique flavor and skillful presentation. Among them is The Street Vendor, a cocktail that evokes the atmosphere of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Its gin-based recipe showcases layers of fruit and floral notes, making it a favorite among both Vietnamese and international patrons.

With cocktails, the bartender will mix them according to the weekly theme or to the customer's mood. If you are a bit more traditional, Polite would definitely be a suitable place.

Polite & Co also features live music with soothing jazz tunes, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The diverse drink menu is reasonably priced, giving customers plenty of choices.

Time: 4 PM - 2 AM.

Address: 5B Bao Khanh Alley, Hang Trong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Attic Cocktail & Wine Lab

Despite its prime location on Trang Tien Street, Attic Cocktail & Wine Lab still possesses a mysterious allure that piques the curiosity of many. Located on the third floor of an attic, accessible via a small staircase in a row of apartment buildings on Nguyen Xi Street (a book street), the space offers expansive views of Hanoi's streets. Attic Cocktail & Wine Lab is a fusion of Vietnamese and European styles, with a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere.

Not only does Attic Cocktail & Wine LAB make a strong impression by being located in the attic of an old house, but it also captivates visitors with its unique architecture and interior details, from the tables and chairs to the lighting, all imbued with a modern Western feel. Interspersed with these are ancient brick walls and nostalgic glass panes… This harmonious blend of modern and ancient elements creates an irresistible charm for anyone.

If you're looking for a relaxing atmosphere with refreshing cocktails and soothing music, Attic Cocktail & Wine Lab is definitely the perfect choice.

Opening hours: 6 PM - 2 AM.

Address: 3rd Floor, 46 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Gallery Bespoke Cocktail Bar

Gallery Bespoke Cocktail Bar is designed with inspiration from the luxurious gentlemen's nightclubs of the 1920s. The bar's interior is designed to be elegant yet warm and harmonious.

Nestled within Hanoi's Old Quarter, Gallery Bespoke Cocktail Bar was launched in 2019 by the renowned Jigger Cocktail Bar team. It's a blend of classic bar style and a sophisticated art gallery. At Gallery Bespoke Cocktail Bar, you can enjoy unique cocktails while admiring poetic artwork.

Gallery Bespoke Cocktail Bar boasts a diverse menu of drinks, ranging from signature, classic, and modern cocktails to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Additionally, you can request custom cocktails from the bartenders. Beyond cocktails, the menu also offers a list of bespoke bottles, allowing bartenders to showcase their creativity and add unique flavors.

Gallery also has a separate catalog of spirits distilled in-house using quality ingredients, such as Arabica Coffee Aged Rum with its coffee flavor, or Earl Grey Tea Anejo Rum with its Earl Grey tea aroma, offering unique flavors to diners. Gallery conveys stories of time and culture alongside its cocktails.

Opening hours: 6:30 PM – 2:00 AM.

Address: 95 Phung Hung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao