AIRA Sky Bar & Lounge – AIRA Boutique Hanoi

AIRA Sky Bar & Lounge takes up the 10th and 11th floors of AIRA Boutique Hanoi, a hotel on Tran Phu Street on the western edge of the old city, between the Old Quarter and Ba Dinh. Unlike the lake-facing bars further east, its view runs the other way: over the Hanoi Flag Tower and the lit-up National Assembly building, with the newer towers of the west side on the horizon.

The roof is split between an outdoor terrace and a covered area, around 120 seats in all, with a round bar under a domed canopy, birdcage-style seating pods, plenty of greenery and lounge corners. Bartenders mix signature cocktails alongside a wine list, and the food runs from charcuterie and fruit platters to Vietnamese dishes and East-meets-West plates.

It opens daily from 4.30pm to 11pm. There is live instrumental and jazz music from Friday to Sunday, and dress is casual. Tables can be booked through the hotel, which is a good idea at the weekend.