Bishkek Nightlife
The other day, some clients asked about the Bishkek Nightlife.
I’m not sure what they had in mind … and although we are sometimes asked questions on this topic, not many tourists would put “nightlife” at the top of the list of Bishkek’s particular attraction.
On the other hand, Bishkek does have its fair share of bars and discos, nightclubs and casinos. Many of the restaurants also play music, (sometimes provided by a live band), and have dance floors. Although many have set opening hours, others may open in the evening and work through until the last customer leaves. Unfortunately, they don’t all work every night of the week, (Apple, for example, doesn’t work on Mondays), so it might be a case of trying to phone them and checking to avoid a wasted journey.
Now, I have to admit that I am not exactly a “nightowl” and, although I may sometimes join some friends for an evening on the town, it’s not often that I can be seen tripping the light fantastic, or to boogie the night away. (Does the use of those two phrases give my age away? – If so, it won’t be the only time in this postcard).
So, it is a good job that the clients asked some of my staff, and not me, for some recommendations. They know a lot better than I do. In fact, even if they had asked me, I would probably have had to rely heavily on the recommendations of others, (friends and ex-pats, former clients – and, of course, the younger members of our staff).
The situation is further complicated by the fact that there are frequent changes, as establishments change owners/names, etc. Many of the places that I have visited in the course of my sixteen years here, have either changed hands or closed down, (I hope and trust that this had nothing to do with my visit). In fact, to be honest, there’s only one or two of the current top nightspots in the city that I have visited.
I often say that there is a “something for everyone” in Kyrgyzstan; the only things we are lacking are a zoo, (although there is a small one in Karakol) and a volcano. That is probably true when it comes to nightlife as well.
A standard “disco” type club, for example, might be Gloss. It’s not all disco, however, as some of the clubs feature live music and other forms of entertainment as well as Disco music. (I’m going to show my age again and point out that I usually find it good, enjoyable … but too loud.)
There are several clubs, for example, that specialize in Rock music … particularly the classic venues Tequilla Blues and Zeppelin. Most nights the Promzone club on the outskirts of town also features rock music, although it also features a Jazz night in the middle of the week. Promzone is very popular and lively, especially at the weekends … but, whereas the other two are pretty central, Promzone is in one of the outlying districts and can be quite difficult to find if you’ve never been before. So, it requires transport and, (here, I speak from experience), it is a good idea to check with the driver that he really knows where it is before you settle down in the vehicle.
In fact, Promzone is not alone in this respect. Although many clubs can be found in the city centre, there are quite a few in the outlying districts as well.
Then again, for those who like music from the 70′s and 80′s, there is Retro Metro, which also holds special “Foam Nights” (!). Although from that specific period, the music played will include a selection of both Western and “Sovietskiy”, (i.e. in Russian), songs.
For those interested in Latin music, there is Monarch, also on the southern part of town.
There are even a number of gay clubs, but they tend to be restricted entry, (using face control), or else attract a “mixed” crowd.
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You’ll have gathered that I can’t really give any recommendations as to any particular nightclub to visit. Not only do I not enough experience, (one again, it’s not really my scene – and, any, it’s a question of taste; each person has a different taste in music), but then, that wasn’t my aim in writing this postcard. What I wanted to do was to show that there is a vibrant and extensive nightlife available in Bishkek for those who seek it, and there is probably “something for everyone”.
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Bishkek