From a zero-base in the 1990s, Calcutta has developed a flourishing nightlife - with much of it centred round the big hotels, where good-quality nightclubs attract well-heeled locals and tourists, and 24-hour coffee bars do a brisk trade with chaste young couples. The traditional nocturnal activity of eating out is still universally popular, from top-class restaurants down to roadside eateries. For theatre, cinema and nightclub event listings, see the publications 'Calcutta This Fortnight' and 'CalCalling'. Note that Thursday is a dry day in the city, with no alcohol being sold except in the major hotels, and that Kolkata has a 2am curfew imposed throughout the city.

The Tantra (located in the Park Hotel on Park Street), as well as Underground and Shisha, remain the most popular haunts for late-night revellers in Kolkata.