Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, boasts a wide variety of options in both music genres and settings when it comes to its live music selections. Live music doesn’t have to be enjoyed in just a bar or a club. You can find cafes and restaurants in Hanoi offering live music as an accompaniment to your food and drinks. With that said, there are places to enjoy live music in Hanoi, even in the daytime. So if you are in search of an entertaining atmosphere to liven up your occasion, read on to find out more about some great places to enjoy live music in Hanoi!
Places to Enjoy Live Music in Hanoi
Hanoi Rock City
Hanoi Rock City main stage
Hanoi Rock City is one of the top premier spots for live music in Hanoi. It is a combination of an outdoor bar and a live music venue. The music here is typically local alternative rock music, but they will occasionally mix things up with open-mike nights, dancing events, and even art exhibitions.
Many emerging local artists are featured at Hanoi Rock City because of their dedication to supporting local and original music. Rock isn’t the only music genre that is played here as local DJs also get their chance to put on live electronic music shows as well.
The upstairs features a large, fully soundproofed room where artists will perform, and the music can be heard even from the outdoor section of the bar through their sound system. The atmosphere of Hanoi Rock City is that of an artsy, urban vibe making it an attractive spot for the younger population. Because it is located in the expat area of Hanoi, it is one of the best places to enjoy live music in Hanoi if you enjoy the international crowd.
Address: 27/52 To Ngoc Van, Quang An, Tay Ho, Hanoi
Phone: +84 97 619 19 43
Circle Coffee
Circle Coffee stage area
Operating from an old French house, the Circle Coffee is a bar with a modern open-spaced interior. The bar is relatively small, but this is a part of its charm of a cozy, hidden spot. Because of its small size, there is a special feeling of intimacy with the performers. Each week, there are different musical themes for live music performance. Sometimes, there will even be a mixture of genres of music, making this spot an oddity when it comes to live music in Hanoi.
Address: 49 Hang Quat, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Phone: +84 98 392 24 52
Binh Minh Jazz Club
Binh Minh Jazz Club live music performance
Located in the Hanoi Old Quarter, Binh Minh Jazz Club is a legendary spot for live music performance amidst the nightlife of Hanoi. The name makes it obvious that this is where you can enjoy jazz music performed by talented local musicians. The establishment was started in 1998 by pioneering Vietnamese jazz musician Quyen Van Minh, who has performed all over the globe.
Walking into the club will give you an intimate and inviting feeling due to its minimalist style interior, warm lighting, and cozy seats. A variety of alcoholic beverages, as well as a selection of western and Vietnamese cuisine, are available to be ordered to compliment your jazz experience. The live jazz performance is scheduled to go live starting at 9:00 PM and ending at 11:30 PM every night. The main act will typically be put on by Quyen Van Minh himself and his students. But on occasion, the club will feature prominent international jazz musicians as well as other aspiring local musicians.
Address: 1 Trang Tien, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Phone: +84 24 3933 6555
The Hanoi Social Club
A relaxed environment during a live music event at The Hanoi Social Club
The Hanoi Social Club is locally famous as a gathering spot for aspiring young artists. First and foremost, it is a cafe that offers vegan and gluten-free options for snacks and refreshments. Most locals will come by during the evening to unwind with coffee, beer, or wine.
Besides that, it is also a hub for artists to convene and exchange ideas. Events like live music by local musicians and performance artist showcases are regularly hosted throughout the week. Occasionally there will even be morning performances on the weekends.
There is certainly a chill and relaxed atmosphere here, and the 1920s colonial villa that housed this establishment adds to its quaint charm. With retro decorations on all three levels, you can see why this cafe is hip with the younger crowds.
Address: 6 Hoi Vu Alley, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Phone: +84 24 3938 2117
Whiskey Mystics and Men Bar (W2M)
Whiskey Mystics and Men Bar (W2M) performing band
The Whiskey Mystics and Men Bar, also known as W2M, is a popular establishment known for its live rock ‘n’ roll covers of classic hits from the 60s and the 70s. There is a rustic vibe here due to its wooden panels wall covering. The atmosphere is that of a classic, smoky, and old-school feel, which goes well with its live music selections.
The bands performing here will mostly be local musicians, and a performance schedule can be found on their Facebook page. The patrons here are usually a good mixture of both Vietnamese locals and ex-pats.
Address: Alley No. 12, Đang Thai Mai, Quang An, Tay Ho, Hanoi
Phone: +84 98 302 90 10
Bar +84
Bar +84 live music performance
Bar +84 probably has the most simplistic atmosphere compared to the rest of the options. This, however, isn’t a negative but rather a feature that makes it stand out from the rest of our recommendations. Because of its relaxed, casual vibe, Bar +84 can be visited at any time at your convenience. It has all the interior details of a bar designed to be a great environment for drinks and live music in Hanoi.
When you visit Bar +84, it could be either a bar, a nightclub, or a restaurant depending on the time that you step into the building. And just like its various forms of establishment, the type of live music here is also a variety of jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, and acoustic depending on the day of the week.
Address: 23 Ngo Van So, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Phone: +84 93 735 84 84
Final Words for Places to Enjoy Live Music in Hanoi
We hope that you were able to find a place for live music in Hanoi that fits your interest from our list of recommendations. Regardless of where you choose to attend a live music event, it will surely be a good time when it comes to Hanoi. Check out our blog for the best live music venues in Ho Chi Minh City to not miss out on any awesome Southern options.