One thing that surprised me about living in Kyrgyzstan was that people enjoy a night out at a club, or drinking at bars. I had an assumption that Kyrgyzstan was more conservative, hence clubbing and drinking were frowned upon. But boy was I wrong!
I attended a university in Canada that had a reputation for being a "party school", so I've had my share of going out clubbing on Fridays. I also spent a few years enjoying the nightlife in Seoul, South Korea. What's interesting about the nightlife in Kyrgyzstan is that I find it combines both aspects of clubbing in the West and the East.
First is that similar to Korea, you don't need to necessarily "pre-drink." Most likely because alcohol especially hard liquor like vodka is relatively cheap in Kyrgyzstan. Back in Canada, I remember my friends and I having to pre-drink because we had no desire to pay 10 CAD a shot.
Second, is similar to Canada, people will start going to the clubs between 11:00 PM to 12:00 AM. However, like Korea, I noticed that people will stay at the clubs in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan until 3:00 AM to 5:00 AM.
The handful of times I did go clubbing in Kyrgyzstan, both in Bishkek and Issyk Kul, I noticed that it's common to go with a group of friends and book a table beforehand. If you are going by yourself, don't worry and just enjoy the nightlife. I'm sure you'll be able to meet others, enjoy the music or just experience what the nightlife culture in Kyrgyzstan is like.
If you're not necessarily looking to go clubbing but want to visit a bar, check out my other blog post: Exploring the Best Bars and Nightlife in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I hope you always stay safe and if you're looking to enjoy the nightlife and go to the best clubs in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, I'll cover them below.
Nightlife in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Attire:
When clubbing in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, I noticed that females dress to impress. I always joke around that Kyrgyz women always have their hair and makeup done before they leave the home. Seriously, Kyrgyz women are really beautiful. Women often wear dresses, skirts, or fashionable tops with stylish pants. Heels are a must to conclude the entire outfit.
For men, I recommend that you wear a smart-casual dress code such as well-fitted jeans or trousers paired with a nice short or a polo. Avoid wearing casual footwear like flip-flops and opt for sneakers.
Transportation:
Luckily, Yandex and taxis are available throughout the evening, even until 6:00 AM. So I recommend you to always have the app downloaded on your phone and call a car when you're ready to leave the club.
Never drink and drive as there is more police control in the evenings, and near the clubs, bars in the early mornings. Here is a list of essential applications you should download: 5 Essential Apps for Your Trip to Kyrgyzstan.
Best Night Clubs in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
1. Suzie Wong
Suzie Wong is one of the most popular clubs located on the street, lined with other clubs, restaurants, and karaoke bars. This club is huge and admission is a bit pricy for Bishkek standards but still affordable for foreigners. That's why I noticed that the people coming to this club are more in their mid 20's and up. We rented a table here and the service was great and depending on the DJ or performer for the night, I noticed that the music was more from Central Asian or Russian artists, rather than American pop. They share their weekend lineup on Instagram so I recommend you to follow them on social media for the latest updates.
2. Bar 12
Bar 12 is an upscale rooftop bar and nightclub located of course, on the 12th floor of a building in the city center. The interior exudes modern elegance with its stylish decor, comfortable seating, and a well-stocked bar that boasts an impressive selection of spirits and cocktails. This is also a sit-down restaurant where you can enjoy a nice meal with your drink. A perfect place for a nice date night.
3. Kipish Bar
Kipish Bar is located on the second floor and is quite small compared to the top two clubs on this list. I would say the audience is younger, but I enjoyed the music here much more since they played American pop music. When I came to Kipish Bar, I was pleasantly surprised to meet a group of foreigners and fellow English speakers.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kipish.bar/?hl=en
4. No Name Bar
A local favorite and is located in the heart of the city is No Name Bar. It's not a club but on weekends, they do have a live DJ and a small area to dance. The cozy establishment has gained a reputation for its unique blend of ambiance and cocktails. Inside, you'll find a warm and inviting atmosphere, characterized by dim lighting, simple décor with tables carved in with guests' names, and a diverse clientele. They have a menu filled with classic cocktails and ones that are special to No Name Bar. They also have a few food options for light bites. They are popular among foreigners so you're bound to make meet other English speakers.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bar_kg/?hl=en
Bishkek never fails to entertain. So, the next time you find yourself in this lively city, don't miss out on its eclectic mix of nightlife scenes. You'll find that every night out in Bishkek is a unique adventure, perfectly blending fun, culture, and excitement.