Nightlife in Udaipur: Best Bars, Clubs, & More

If you're a party person, you're likely to be disappointed by the nightlife in Udaipur. Although the city has evolved in recent years, it still doesn't have a late night culture or nightclubs and, as the saying goes, turns into a pumpkin by midnight. Come 11 p.m. and all of Udaipur's bars are either closed or preparing to close, and the streets empty. Hence, you'll need to be satisfied with a peaceful drink overlooking the lake instead of wildly dancing until dawn. The enchanting atmosphere makes up for it though! Here's where to go.

Bars

Most of Udaipur's bars are located in hotels, with prices based on the category of hotel. At the highest end, you can expect to pay 800 to 1,000 rupees ($10 to $14) plus tax for a drink, which is steep by Indian standards. Economical prices can be found at small standalone local establishments. However, solo females are likely to feel more comfortable sticking to upmarket and touristy places, where it's more customary for women to be seen drinking amid men. In addition, the selection of alcohol will be broader (beyond beer, whiskey and rum)! Some bars do have DJs and dancing on certain nights but the fun is routinely over by midnight there, too.

• Panera Bar: Regal ambience bar at the Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel (where James Bond stayed in the movie "Octopussy") inside the City Palace Complex. Antique furniture, paintings of kings, glittering chandeliers, imported mirrors, and ornate inlay work provide old-world charm. Open until 10:30 p.m.
• Picholi Bar: You'll find more royal vibes at this bar in an erstwhile palace on Jagmandir Island. It's named after Picholi village, the oldest settlement next to Lake Pichola, and is accessible by boat from the City Palace Complex. Sip on fine wines and beers while looking out across to the City Palace. Open until 10:30 p.m.
• Baro Masi: An ideal spot for sunset cocktails on the rooftop of gorgeous Udai Kothi boutique hotel at Hanuman Ghat. Chic Baro Masi opened in 2019 and is said to be the bar Udaipur has been waiting for. It features a glass floor above the hotel swimming pool, great tapas menu, interesting signature cocktails, spectacular lake views, and reasonable prices (300 to 500 rupees for most drinks). Plus, it's open past midnight. Try the Kothi Cup—a tantalizing concoction of guava, tequila, chili pepper, and lime.
• Library Bar: Intimate lounge bar designed like an opulent den at The Leela hotel, offering possibly the finest array of drinks in Udaipur. The comprehensive cocktail menu is divided into classics, contemporaries, martinis, and summer splashes. There are also vintage wines, single-malt whiskies, and cognac. Sit indoors amid fine art and books, or enjoy evening Rajasthani folk music and dance performances outdoors in the courtyard. It's definitely worth splurging on! Open until 11 p.m.
• The Lounge at The Artist House: Fashionable new hangout for creative types in a revamped and converted 80 year-old theater building not far from the Old City. It attracts a hip, youthful crowd and is the best place to party in the city, with DJs on Friday and Saturday nights. There's a bar area beside the swimming pool too. A wide variety of wines and beers is available, in addition to cocktails. Expect to pay 475 rupees upwards for a glass of Indian wine, and 600 rupees upwards for a glass of imported wine. Tax is extra. Open until 11 p.m.
• AmBar: The relaxed open-air rooftop bar at Hotel Rajdarshan in Hathipole overlooks Swaroop Sagar Lake, north of Lake Pichola. Buy one drink and get another free during Sunset Happy Hours. Open until 11:30 p.m.
• Sangria Bar & Rooftop Lounge: On the other side of Swaroop Sagar Lake at Swaroop Vilas boutique hotel, this groovy new open-air bar has an in-house mixologist who crafts tempting cocktails. Open until 11:30 p.m.
• Bougainvillea Terrace by the Lake: A leafy, sleek, spacious architecturally-designed open-air lounge bar at the Lake End Hotel, on the shore of outlying Lake Fateh Sagar. The drinks menu isn't extensive but it has all the necessities, including Negroni cocktails (500 rupees) and single-malts. The bar is spread over two levels and incorporates a sophisticated tapas restaurant. Open until 11 p.m., and midnight on Saturdays.
• Jannat Lounge & Bar: Head to this bar atop Hotel Hilltop Palace, on Ambavgarh Hill, for the
  ultimate sweeping view of Lake Fateh Sagar and the city. It's another superb place for a sundowner, and quite easy on the pocket too. Cocktails cost around 400 rupees. Spirits range from 150 rupees to 500 rupees. Open until midnight.
• Brewz Rock Cafe: Energetic bar in a shopping mall in the city's north. The music is loud, the crowd is young, the beer flows fast, and the dance moves are frenetic. If you're a foreigner, expect to be the center of attention, but you'll feel welcome. Different events are held each night. Open until midnight.
• Hangout The Sports Bar: Has pool and snooker tables in the basement of Hotel Devansh, not far from Brewz. Open until 11 p.m.
• Second House Bar: A cavernous, centrally located local joint that's best suited to men but the drinks are cheap! Ladies and couples will be offered seating in the compact, air-conditioned private room upstairs away from the crowd.
• NotoMoro: Known for "Good Music, Good Food, Good Vibes." This classy, partly outdoor bar is on the rooftop of the upscale Fern Residency hotel in Hiran Magri, about 15 minutes east of Old City. Open until 11 p.m.

Late Night Restaurants

Restaurants in Udaipur typically remain open late, shutting at the time as bars (10:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.). There are many scenic places to dine by the lake or on hotel rooftops. Check out our pick of restaurants in Udaipur for some recommendations. Lower-end restaurants many not have alcohol licenses, so keep that in mind if you'd like to have a drink with your meal. Some touristy restaurants will sneakily serve beer on the side if you ask, but confirm the price beforehand to avoid being overcharged. Sun N Moon Rooftop Cafe is a popular spot for 360-degree city views and craft beer. If you're a traveler who's looking to meet people, the lively rooftop cafe at Zostel backpacker hostel provides beers and banter.

Live Music and Other Shows

• Mic n Munch: Set up to showcase local musicians and artists, there are frequent open mic and live music performances at this homely cafe. Bean bags, board games, and books are also provided. Unfortunately, alcohol isn't available. Open until 11 p.m.
• Brewz Rock Cafe: This place has live music on Thursdays and Saturdays.
• The Lounge at The Artist House: Doubles as a performance space for emerging standup comedians, singers, bands, and poets. It hosts live gigs on Wednesdays.

Events or Activities

Watching a puppet and folk dance performance is one of the most popular things to do in Udaipur. These events are held every evening at two of Udaipur's top museums. The times are 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum, and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bagore ki Haveli (tickets on sale at the venue from 6 p.m. and sell fast).

Festivals

• Udaipur World Music Festival: An annual festival that takes place over three days and multiple venues in February, and presents musicians from India and across the globe. Evening performances start at 7 p.m. at Gandhi Ground near Chetak Circle. The genres are diverse and include rock, folk, and fusion.
• Udaipur Light Festival: A special festival during Diwali that brings the city together for food, live music, and celebrity performances.
• Mewar Festival and Gangaur: The biggest cultural and religious festival of the year in Udaipur. Evening highlights are a boat procession on Lake Pichola, traditional Rajasthani song and dance, and fireworks.

Tips for Going Out in Udaipur

• Wine tends to be particularly costly at bars and restaurants in Udaipur. If budget is an issue, it's better to stick to other types of drinks.
• Taxis are available at night but may charge higher rates between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• After 11 p.m. is an ideal time to experience the silence of the city. Take a walk over Chandpole bridge to see Udaipur beautifully lit up and reflected on the lake.
• The legal drinking age in Udaipur and Rajasthan is 18 (unlike 21 in most other Indian states).
• Tipping isn't compulsory. Some establishments may include a service charge in the bill. Otherwise, tips of 5 to 15 percent are discretionary.
• Goods and services tax on food and alcohol is usually 5 percent. However, it jumps to 18 percent in bars and restaurants on the premises of hotels with room rates above 7,500 rupees per night. Be aware that menu prices commonly exclude tax.
• Bars in Udaipur generally don't have a cover charge.
• Drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited and you'll be fined if caught.