Delhi Nightlife

One of the swankiest hotel bars in Delhi is 1911 in The Imperial hotel. Named after the year when Delhi was proclaimed the capital of British India, this is neo-colonial drinking at its best, amid opulent surroundings.

A relaxed British pub-like sports bar with upbeat music, friendly bartenders and stick-to-your-ribs bar fare.

A self-proclaimed rastafarian bar, though you're unlikely to hear much reggae. Expect top 40s music, laid-back atmosphere and lively karaoke nights.

A luxury club for people in the mood to party. Great for groups. Based at the upmarket Shangri-La Hotel.

A new-agey dance club with a focus on trippy lighting systems and high-quality audio.

A hookah bar and dance club with chic patrons, good food and great DJs.

Blue Frog is an eclectic bar and music venue – with a nightly DJ, in case you don't like whoever's gigging.

The go-to venue for local live rock shows, this bar feels like a little slice of American culture in the heart of Delhi.

This late-night drinking lair attracts a loyal crowd of musicians, expats and tourists. Chill out to a musical medley, ranging from reggae and raga to soft rock and soul. Its three floors heave at the weekends with energetic dancers and live music but you can always escape the sweaty masses by battling your way to the fourth-floor terrace for a breath of Delhi's sultry night air.

Delhi's concert halls tend to be busy more or less year-round, with the Delhi Symphony Orchestra often performing here. Hindustani music is by far the most popular, but Delhiites also have a keen interest in international music.

This premier performing arts institute is India's national academy for dance, music and drama. Dance aficionados are well catered for in Delhi and a rich mix of classical (including Kathak, Bharatnatyam and Kathakali), folk and tribal dance, as well as ballet, are performed throughout the city, including The India International Centre and Triveni Theatre.

Delhi has a number of innovative theatres, many located just to the north of India Gate. These include Abhimanch Auditorium, which stages experimental theatre.

This venue has two galleries devoted to an indoor theatre, plus fine art and a sculpture park.

Among the ranks of Delhi's 'chatterati', the India International Centre is a political icon and post-independence institution. It is the capital's premier cultural centre and organises music and dance recitals as well as seminars, lectures and film screenings.