The Best Bars in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Downtown Halifax
Downtown Halifax | Courtesy of Destination Halifax

There’s no doubt about it—Haligonians love to party. With one of the most bars per capita in all of Canada, there’s a bar for every occasion. Check out some of the best that the city has to offer.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Lower Deck

Hit up the Lower Deck for a true taste of Nova Scotia. Whether you’re having a beer on the patio, listening to live music inside, or dancing up a storm upstairs, you’re guaranteed to have a good time.

With a constantly rotating tap menu and a chic industrial décor, Stillwell is one of the coolest spots in town and was voted the best bar in the city in 2016. During the summer months, don’t miss their uber-cool and always busy beer garden on Spring Garden Rd.

The Carleton Music Bar & Grill

One of the city’s most popular live music venues, The Carleton is an excellent place to check out local talent and enjoy a night out. Shows often sell out, so look into getting tickets in advance.

Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub

The always busy Durty Nelly’s is the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights. You may have to brave the lines to get into this Irish bar, but it’s well worth it. It’s an ideal spot to grab a pint, meet new friends, and listen to live music.

Halifax Alehouse

If hitting the dance floor is more your style, you’ll love a night out at the Halifax Alehouse. Open until 3:30 am, this downtown hot spot strikes the perfect balance between a laid-back pub and a late-night bar. Live music and bartenders dressed in old-fashioned barkeep costumes round out the atmosphere.

Highway Man

This Spanish-inspired bar serves up high-quality drinks and tapas and boasts some of the best bartenders in the city. Get to Highway Man early because this small spot fills up fast.

Obladee Wine Bar

Start your night out on a classy note with a trip to Obladee. Their extensive wine list and knowledgeable staff make this a fantastic spot for both wine novices and connoisseurs.

Field Guide

With a focus on local products, Field Guide makes some of the best and most creative cocktails in the city. Their food menu is pretty stellar too, making this a perfect place to enjoy a casual night out.

Lot Six Bar & Restaurant

The gorgeous Lot Six Bar & Restaurant will have you feeling like you’re in Europe rather than Halifax. The glass-ceilinged atrium is an excellent place to enjoy some of their amazing cocktails and killer menu items. Just be sure to make a reservation as the weekends fill up well in advance.

Split Crow Pub

Known as Nova Scotia’s Original Tavern, the original Split Crow opened in 1749 and was the first liquor license granted in the province. Over 250 years later, it continues to be one of the most popular spots in the city and retains a uniquely Nova Scotian vibe. You’re guaranteed to have a good time at this Halifax institution.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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