06 must-visit Bars & Pubs in Hanoi’s Old Quarter (Part I)

10 years ago, the exciting atmosphere of bars and pubs in the Western style in Hanoi’s Old Quarter was still something strange to Hanoians. But now, it is an indispensable part in the life style of modern people in the capital who want a familiar place to relax with their friends with cocktails and enjoy music in their different ways. Following are 6 bars and pubs which are impossible to miss each evening.

exciting atmosphere at bars and pubs - Things to do in Hanoi

Exciting atmosphere at Bars and Pubs in Hanoi

Funky B (previously called Funky Buddha) is one of the longtime bars in the old town since 2008. The bar is designed in a modern style and id renovated every year. But the bar is still consistent in its music. If you come early, you can enjoy drinks with Deep electronic House. If you come a little bit later, it is also the time for Funky House Electronic. On week days, guests who love Funky House Progressive music usually come here to relax.

At Funky B - Things to do in Hanoi

At Funky B (Ta Hien Street)

One of the highlights are the events of legendary Buddha Beat which are held monthly with the participation of famous international DJs such as: DJ Jesse Garcia, Born to Funk, The Beatthiefs UK Henry, Fred Jungo (Bed Supperclub BKK Legend). In addition, Funky B has international resident DJs playing weekly on Tuesday and Fridays. DJ Matt Catseli from Pacha Ibiza played for Pacha Ibiza for 15 years and is now a legend here. After moving to Vietnam to live and work, DJ Matt Caseli plays Funky House on Tuesday nights and Big room House Progressive on Friday nights at Funky B from 10pm until close.

In comparison with some other bars in the Old quarter of Hanoi, Funky B is rather large with 2 bars of different style. If you want to chat with friends, you can sit at the bar outside near the entrance to enjoy a cocktail or a soft drink. The bar inside is more suitable for DJ shows in the evening where DJs perform live music in front of you.

Funky B is open from 8pm until late at night. Funky B is at 02 Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem Disctrict, Hanoi.

Polite Pub: Having been in operation in Hanoi since 1995, Polite Pub appeals to visitors with its notable name which is like a warm welcome for guests who expect a Western elegance but still a very friendly space. The owner of the pub has make décor for the pub himself from posters of famous films Casablance, impressive photos of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, to legendary film stars James Dean and Elvis Presley – the king of rock and roll and images of many other celebrities in the world.

Polite Pub at Bao Khanh Street - Things to do in Hanoi

Polite Pub at Bao Khanh Street

In the evenings, Polite Pub plays jazz, later is some lively rock or music on request by guests. If you woul like to listen to live music, you can come here on Friday evenings to listen to Jazz and Saturday evenings to enjoy melodies of sweet Acoustic. In a gentle atmosphere with warm golden light, the sound of music creates a relaxing feeling. Polite provides you with a variety of drinks such as whisky, tequila, fresh beer and beer imported from Holand, Belgium, Mexico and Denmark … and many kinds of colorful cocktail. Especially, the bar often offers customers a Happy hour progam: buy one get one free when drinking Heniken from 5 pm to 6 pm together with a 50% discount on fresh beer.

Polite Pub opens at 4pm from Mondays to Thursdays, at 4.30 on weekends. Polite Pub is at 5B lane Bao Khanh, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Rockstore:

RockStore at Ma May Street - Things to do in Hanoi

RockStore at Ma May Street

Located in the heart of the Old Quarter and only a 10 minute walk to Hoan Kiem Lake, Rockstore bat is one of the bars in Hanoi playing the best rock. Going to a paradise for rock music lovers, young people can enjoy moments of lively entertainment with the best DJ artists in Asia and rock banks, and immerse themselves in exciting events performed here every night.

A private space, which is a favorite place of foreign guests, is the small space on the pavement for those who would like to enjoy a glass of cool beer and explore the bustling lifestyle of people in the old quarter.

You may also find dishes such as burgers, Vietnamese traditional dishes, and Tex-mex, etc. The first floor is the location of a bar with alcoholic beverages such as wine, cocktails, mock-tail and beer. It also sets some salons for guests coming in small groups. If you would like to enjoy some entertainment, you should go to the 2nd floor to relax and play billiards for free. During the day time the bar plays gentle music, in the evening its atmosphere is devoted to rock music with posters of famous rock bands. All these things create an institution of rock music.

On weekday evenings at Rockstore, there are performances by DJs or rock bands playing live music. In addition, Thanh Danang plays here every Tuesday night; Hot Chicks present on Wednesday and Thursday nights and Flashback performs on Sundays. Rockstore also has space for you to hold events.

 

Rockstore opens from 10.30 am until late at night. Rockstore is at 61 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.