Long a bolthole for locals and travellers, Finnegan's is awash with Irish insignia, drinks offers and enough ice cold Guinness and beer to help ease away the blistering mayhem outside its doors. With quiz nights, fish and chips and several floors of sports (pool tables and dart boards, plus big TV screens for any live action), it certainly vies for the title of the best Irish pub in Vietnam.

King Pirates Pub has a contemporary pirate themed atmosphere, featuring a selection of rum based drinks which are used to craft a selection of signature cocktail and punches. Tucked away in the old quarter this pub is a great place to chill with friends or simply watch the action of the adjacent street.

Always bustling with locals, expats and visitors keen to try its ice-cold beer and pub grub, Le Pub is a popular joint positioned on the Hoan Kiem Lake at the foot of the Old Quarter that shows plenty of sport on TV. There is also a second branch out at West Lake on Xaun Dieu.

It may not look much, but the Rock & Roll Tavern is one of the longest standing music bars in Hanoi. With open mic nights and a band each Friday, visitors often start with just a beer and end up here all night. Burgers and pizza should stifle any hunger pangs, while live TV sport, pool tables and regular quiz nights fill in any gaps between bands rather nicely.

The Dragonfly has a huge bar and dancefloor, playing house and hip hop, plus an upstairs cocktail and shisha lounge where things are a little more chilled out. There is also table football, pool tables and big-screen TVs for sports events but be warned: it tends to get rammed with backpackers when there are drinks deals on.

One of Hanoi’s dancing hotspots, this small, trendy club boasts DJs pumping out house, trance and electro music late into the night. It often gets very crowded, so be prepared for a bit of a squeeze if you want to hit the dancefloor.

HERO Club is one of the most happening clubs in Hanoi, a favourite of both locals and visitors. With a mix of contemporary English, EDM and local music you’re bound to find something you like. Be warned though, when trying to leave the street taxis outside are incredibly overpriced.

One of the best clubs in Hanoi, this place attracts locals and visitors who want to dance and have a fantastic time. Music wise, expect house, hip-hop and other dance music.

With live performances taking place every evening, it’s hard to go wrong at Minh's Jazz Club. While the array of local and international guest artists are usually very good, the best nights are when the owner, Minh, belts out tracks on the saxophone himself. He also teaches jazz sax at the Hanoi Conservatory.

There are several hotels that host nightly musical performances, but the Cava Lounge bar in Melia Hanoi is picking up something of a reputation as the best of them. Tuck into a selection of tapas and kick back to a host of lively jazz outfits and local bands in a glamorous setting. Located on the third floor, there is an outdoor terrace if things hot up too much.

This easy-to-find live music venue has good views across Hoan Kiem Lake. The deep-red décor, soft lighting and huge sofas make it great for dining ahead of enjoying the live music acts. Popular with both visitors and well-heeled locals, the bartenders create cocktails with a real flourish.