What is the Hue Night Walking Street?
Hue Night Walking Street is a weekend-only pedestrian zone in the heart of the city where traffic is blocked off and the streets come alive with food stalls, street performers, local vendors, and a mix of lively bars and cafés. It’s not a massive night market or party street, but more of a relaxed space where you can walk around, grab a drink, try some local snacks, and enjoy the evening atmosphere.
It’s an easy and safe way to get a feel for Hue nightlife—great for a casual night out without needing to plan much. Whether you’re there to eat, shop, listen to music, or just wander, it offers a light and enjoyable experience in the middle of town.
Nightlife atmosphere
The vibe is lively but not overwhelming. On weekend nights, you’ll find musicians performing along the sidewalks, small crowds gathered around food stalls, and people slowly strolling with snacks or drinks in hand. It’s a great mix of locals, travelers, and expats, and feels more social than touristy.
Bars and pubs spill out onto the street, making it easy to hop from one to the next or grab a table outdoors. Whether you want to sit down with friends or just soak up the atmosphere while walking, it’s a laid-back intro to Hue’s nightlife—without the loud clubs or chaos.
When is it?
Hue Night Walking Street only takes place on weekends:
- Friday to Sunday evenings
- Usually from around 6:00 PM to 10:30–11:00 PM
- There’s no ticket or entry fee—you just show up and join in
While the bars and restaurants are open every night of the week, the pedestrian zone and street market vibe only happen on those weekend nights.
Where is it and How to get there
Location
Hue Night Walking Street stretches across three connected streets: Pham Ngu Lao, Chu Van An, and Vo Thi Sau. Together, they form a compact loop right in the heart of the city’s tourist area. It’s just a short walk from the Perfume River and close to major landmarks like Trang Tien Bridge and Le Loi Street.
Because of its central location, most travelers staying in Hue can reach it easily on foot. Whether you’re at a hotel, guesthouse, or homestay in the city center, chances are you’re just a few minutes away.
Getting there
If you’re staying nearby, walking is the easiest and most enjoyable option—you’ll likely stumble right into it just by exploring the area.
If you’re a bit further out, book a ride via Grab or Xanh SM, the local electric taxi app. Rides from anywhere in central Hue rarely cost more than $2 to $4 USD, and drop-off points are just outside the pedestrian zone.
There’s no vehicle access inside the walking street during event hours (Friday to Sunday evenings), but parking areas are available nearby if you’re arriving by motorbike.
Best bars and pubs along the walking street
One of the great things about Hue Night Walking Street is that it isn’t just a weekend event—the bars and pubs in this area are open every night of the week. So even if you’re not visiting on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, you can still enjoy the lively, walkable nightlife vibe.
What makes this area different from other Vietnamese nightlife spots is the mix. You’ll find well-known bars popular with travelers and expats right next to more local-style beer bars playing loud VinaHouse music. Don’t be shy—you’re welcome in all of them, and hopping between different types of bars is part of the fun. Start with a Huda beer in a place full of locals, then wander over to a rooftop cocktail bar or live music venue.
There are also more bars just outside the official walking street area. For a broader list of great places to check out, visit our full guide to Hue nightlife and best bars.
Here are a few standout bars within or very close to the walking street zone:
DMZ Bar
A Hue nightlife classic and one of the longest-running expat-friendly pubs in town. It has a casual vibe, live music some nights, cold local beer on tap (try Huda), and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Good spot to start or end your night.
Méw Secret
Stylish but laid-back, Méw Secret is known for its rooftop seating, Boho decor, and creative cocktails. It’s less crowded than some of the more mainstream bars and perfect if you’re looking for good drinks, friendly service, and a chill vibe. Great for happy hour or a low-key evening.
OCB Bar
A modern bar with a slightly more upscale feel, OCB has great cocktails, an artsy interior, a pool table, and often live piano music. It’s a favorite among both travelers and locals looking for something a bit more refined but still relaxed.
AURA – Mixology & Karaoke
This is the place to go for beautifully crafted cocktails and unique drinks inspired by Hue’s royal history. The bartenders really know their stuff. You can ask them to surprise you with a custom cocktail or try one of their creative signatures. There’s also a karaoke room if you’re in the mood to sing.
Ta Vet Coffee & Pub
More of a local hangout, this bar is loud, fun, and filled with Vietnamese groups drinking cheap beer and enjoying snacks like fried corn and pork jowl. The music leans heavily into local pop and dance hits, and while the food quality may vary, the energy is real. A great place to get a feel for the more local side of Hue nightlife—especially if you’re open to chatting with strangers.
Local restaurants and street food
Just like the bars in the area, many local restaurants along Hue Night Walking Street are open every day—not just on the weekends. Some of Hue’s most popular spots for local food are right in this neighborhood, making it a great place to grab dinner before or after strolling through the walking street.
When the walking street is active (Friday to Sunday evenings), street food stalls pop up throughout the area. These are mostly casual vendors selling grilled snacks, Hue specialties, and quick bites to enjoy while walking. You won’t see the same selection on weekdays, but the restaurants are always there, ready to serve up authentic Hue cuisine.
Recommended street food to try
On weekend nights, the walking street turns into a lively food zone with plenty of small vendors selling:
- Grilled skewers (meat, seafood, tofu, sausages)
- Bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes with toppings)
- Bánh khoái (Hue-style crispy pancakes)
- Nem lụi (grilled pork skewers with rice paper)
- Sweet snacks and fresh juices
Everything is affordable and made for snacking while you walk. The best time to go is around 7–9 PM, when the area is most lively and most stalls are open.
Best restaurants
Here are a few traveler-favorite restaurants located right in or around the walking street. These places serve both local and international travelers and offer reliable, delicious food with friendly service.
Madam Thu – Taste of Hue
This is a top pick for sampling Hue’s traditional dishes in a clean, friendly setting. They offer tasting plates if you want to try a bit of everything, or go for the Bun Bo Hue, Banh Beo, or shrimp in passionfruit sauce. It’s tourist-friendly but still feels local, and the staff are known for being helpful and kind.
Zucca Restaurant
A great option if you’re looking for a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes. Their pizza is surprisingly good, and the local specialties are well-prepared too. The team is very welcoming—often adding little extras like free fruit or beer—and the casual setting makes it a nice place to relax away from the busier spots.
Maison Trang
Tucked away from the noise but close to the walking street, Maison Trang is a great choice for a more refined meal. The set menus are excellent value and showcase Hue’s royal cuisine with care and attention to detail. It’s calm, authentic, and a bit of a hidden gem—ideal for travelers looking for quality local food, including vegetarian options.
What to buy – souvenirs & shopping
Hue Night Walking Street is mainly about food, drinks, and social life—but mixed in between the bars, pubs, and street food stalls, you’ll also find a handful of vendors selling souvenirs. It’s not a full-scale market, but the small souvenir stalls scattered throughout the area give the walking street a bit of a night market feel.
You’ll see stalls selling handmade crafts, T-shirts, hats, simple jewelry, toys, and other fun trinkets. It’s not the place for serious shopping, but perfect for browsing while you walk around with a drink in hand. The souvenir shops blend in well with the rest of the street vibe, making the area feel lively without being overly commercial.
If you’re looking for a slightly more focused night market, take a short walk toward the Perfume River near Trang Tien Bridge. Along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street, especially on weekends, you’ll find more stalls set up with similar items. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, the riverside walk is worth it for the atmosphere alone.
Local tips for visiting Hue Night Walking Street
To make the most of your visit to Hue Night Walking Street, here are some practical tips based on real traveler experiences. Whether you’re there for food, drinks, or just a stroll, these pointers can help you enjoy it like a local.
Combine with a Perfume River walk
The walking street is just a few minutes from the Perfume River, so it’s easy to combine with an evening stroll. Walk along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street, visit the nearby night market, and enjoy the view of Trang Tien Bridge lit up at night.
Come after dinner
Unless you’re planning to eat dinner in the area, there’s no need to arrive too early. Things get more lively around 7 PM, when most food stalls are open, more people are out, and the atmosphere feels more vibrant.
Bring small cash
While many restaurants and bars accept card payments, most street food stalls and souvenir vendors do not. It’s best to bring some small notes (in VND) for snacks, drinks, or quick purchases.
Open even with light rain
The walking street stays open even in light rain. You might see fewer stalls, but most bars and restaurants have indoor seating, so you can still enjoy the evening—and have plenty of places to duck into if the weather changes.
Family-friendly
Hue Night Walking Street is safe and not too wild, making it a suitable evening activity for families with kids. Some bars play loud music, but many spots are quieter and open-air. You can easily walk around, grab snacks, and enjoy the energy without needing to participate in the drinking scene.
Is it worth visiting – even outside weekends?
During the weekend (Friday–Sunday)
Yes—if you’re in Hue on a weekend, the night walking street is worth visiting for at least one evening. It’s not a major attraction, but it’s a fun and low-effort way to experience Hue nightlife. Even if you’re not into bars or loud music, just walking through the area offers good people-watching, light street food, and a bit of local buzz. There are also plenty of quieter places to sit, eat, or enjoy a drink.
Outside the weekend
While the walking street itself only operates on weekends, this area is still worth visiting on weekdays. Many of Hue’s best restaurants and bars are located here, and the streets remain walkable, even if open to traffic. It won’t have the same energy, but it’s still a nice area to explore for dinner, drinks, or a relaxed evening out.
