Kolkata (Calcutta) Nightlife
Kolkata is a big, sophisticated city with a nightlife scene offering a broad array of evening entertainment, from the swish to the sleazy.
There are many bars in restaurants around Park Street, good for a few drinks albeit in slightly boozy all-male environments (lone women should exercise caution), and a few trendy clubs in upmarket hotels, but little in between. Unlike Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru (Bangalore), Kolkata is short on a middle ground of mainstream pubs popular with a mix of people, but there is a slowly growing number and variety of venues.
Most nightclubs have a mix of music styles, with variations of reggae, blues, disco, hip hop, trance, Hindi pop and remixed bhangra (Punjabi dance music). Dress code for hotel nightclubs is strictly smart casual; single males are often denied entry unless they are staying at the hotel in which the nightclub is located.
Check local listings in The Telegraph and The Times of India. Cal Calling, a handy monthly booklet with listings of exhibitions, retail outlets, bars, restaurants and more, is available from some of the more upmarket hotels, or you can buy it in the West Bengal Tourism Centre. Alternatively, visit Justdial Entertainment (http://www.justdial.com/entertainment/events/Kolkata) for information on upcoming events.
Bars in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Bakstage
A haven for music lovers, Bakstage is Kolkata’s quintessential rock bar, complete with walls covered in vinyl discs and cassettes and seat covers depicting everybody’s favorite musos. With rocking good vibes and an extensive drinks menu, the place is usually packed.
Address: , Kolkata, Sector V, Salt Lake City, 700091Telephone: +91 98 8375 3337
The Junction
Located in the glamorous Taj Bengal hotel, the Junction is a railway-inspired watering hole. A celebration of old-fashioned charm, the bar makes the perfect setting for an intimate conversation. Connoisseurs will be pleased to know that the venue’s menu features some of the finest single malts and smooth liqueurs in the city.
Address: , Kolkata, Sector V, Salt Lake City, 700027Telephone: +91 33 6612 3939
Website: https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-bengal-kolkata/restaurants/the-junction-bar
The Park
This hotel nightspot has a great selection of drinking and dancing venues: Someplace Else, an English-style pub with different live music every night, Tantra, a very stylish lounge bar and club, and Roxy, which is a classy cocktail bar boasting a fantastic beverage list as well as cigars to puff on.
Address: , 17 Park Street, Kolkata, 700016Telephone: +91 33 2249 9000
Website: http://www.theparkhotels.com
Clubs in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Roxy
Embodying the glamour of the 60s is Roxy, a swish venue that is a part of the smart Park Hotel and comes complete with exposed brick walls, mood lighting and one of the best dance floors in the city. Add an extensive cocktail and wine list, plus quality DJs, and you’re well set for a night out.
Address: , Park Hotel, 17 Park Street, Kolkata (Calcutta), 700016Telephone: +91 98 8335 1887
Website: http://www.theparkhotels.com
Tollygunge Club
The city has a strong history of 'club culture' - of the private members' variety, that is, rather than dancing. The Tollygunge Club is one of such establishments, and Kolkata's most famous. Visitors who wish to stay here get a temporary club membership, and others may sometimes be allowed in unaccompanied by a member.
Address: , 120 Deshapran Sasmal Road, Kolkata, 700033Telephone: +91 33 2473 5954
Website: http://tollygungeclub.org
UG Reincarnated
Both a pioneer and a veteran on Kolkata’s club circuit, UG Reincarnated (formerly the Underground) underwent an extensive revamp in 2015. Some of the highlights of the ultra modern venue include 3D laser lights, a 40-foot long bar, and a private lounge offering the utmost privacy behind a virtual laser screen curtain. The club is located in Hotel Hindusthan International.
Address: , Kolkata, 235/1 AJC Bose Road, 700020Telephone: +91 85 0946 1251
Website: http://liveinstyle.com
Live music in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Academy of Fine Arts
The Academy stages many performances of regional Indian live music throughout the week. As well as being an excellent art gallery, it's a great place to get immersed in traditional music and song.
Address: , 2 Cathedral Road, Kolkata, 700020Telephone: +91 33 2223 7096
Calcutta School of Music
Western music of many genres, from classical to jazz, is regularly performed here. Many of the concerts are staged by the students themselves, and there is a regular programme, primarily on Friday evenings.
Address: , Kolkata, 6B Sunny Park, 700019Telephone: +91 33 2461 5375
Website: http://www.calmusic.org
Someplace Else
The Park Hotel's rock music venue is Kolkata's prime site for contemporary live music, with the top local bands appearing on a regular basis. If it's guitars and drums that excite you, this is the venue to visit.
Address: , Park Hotel, 17 Park Street, Kolkata,Telephone: +91 33 2249 9000
Website: http://www.theparkhotels.com
