Hanoi · Nightlife

The junction of Tạ Hiện and Lương Ngọc Quyến in the Old Quarter, where bars put stools straight onto the road and sell draught bia hơi by the glass. Fills from late afternoon, loudest Friday and Saturday, and the cheapest night out in the city.

Jazz room at 1A Tràng Tiền beside the Opera House, with live sets every night from 9pm to about 11:15pm and a cover of 100,000 to 150,000 VND per person. Book on 094 598 6336 if you want a table near the stage.

From Friday evening until late Sunday the streets around Hoàn Kiếm Lake and part of the Old Quarter close to traffic and fill with food stalls, buskers and children's games. Free, best after dark, and the one time you can walk the Old Quarter without dodging scooters.

The French colonial theatre at 1 Tràng Tiền, completed in 1911, programming symphony concerts, ballet, opera and touring productions; the building alone justifies a ticket. The online calendar is badly out of date, so ring the box office on 024 3933 0113 or ask at the door.

Water puppetry on a flooded stage with a live traditional orchestra, at 7b Đinh Tiên Hoàng on the east side of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Short shows run through the afternoon and evening and sell out in high season. Its old web address now serves unrelated content, so book at the box office rather than online.