6 Best Nightlife in Kolkata (Calcutta), India

Kolkata's favorite pub is compact and always packed—it hosts nine hours of live music every day. Besides talented and popular local bands playing rock, blues, alternative, and jazz, the venue hosts top international acts frequently. It's a great place to bond with musicians and music lovers—the city is teeming with both.

A popular hangout for young professionals and those on a date, this sheesha (hookah) lounge also serves a Sunday brunch and has a menu of Japanese, Mediterranean and Continental cuisine.

Local professionals congregate in this pub, which has skilled bartenders. Coming from the speakers is a mix of rock, pop, and Bollywood music. Midweek theme nights and special offers on sangria pitchers help pack 'em in.

The Astor Hotel may have fallen out of favor with travelers due to the glitzier and younger competition, but its lounge remains a top draw with party animals. The spacious interior—a rarity in city nightspots—draws a suitably well-heeled crowd that also comes for the food. The spicy glazed prawns, the clay-oven barbecued chicken, and the Caribbean chicken skewers all come recommended. The drinks are less amazing.

Despite newer, younger venues around town, Tantra still draws the hottest crowd to its dance floor. Favored by those in their 20s, Tantra is where film stars and models let their hair down.

Underground is a popular venue, though the crowd gets a bit rambunctious as the evening wears on.