Old Quarter
Tried and true favorites and must-sees in the Old Quarter (just 10 mins from Chín Chim).
Some of the best pizza in the world! Developed by a world-renowned Japanese chef, this is a must-visit if you're craving pizza.
41 locals recommend
Pizza 4P's Tràng Tiền
43 Tràng TiềnSome of the best pizza in the world! Developed by a world-renowned Japanese chef, this is a must-visit if you're craving pizza.
For the best views of the Cathedral, walk through the cafe and head to the top floor.
22 locals recommend
Mad Botanist - The Gin Specialist
45 Lý Quốc SưFor the best views of the Cathedral, walk through the cafe and head to the top floor.
This is a uniquely Hanoian dish. The restaurant is family-owned and has been here forever. They only serve chả cá (turmeric, grilled fish) and have worked for generations to perfect the recipe. A must-try when you're in Hanoi.
61 locals recommend
Chả Cá Thăng Long
30 Đường ThànhThis is a uniquely Hanoian dish. The restaurant is family-owned and has been here forever. They only serve chả cá (turmeric, grilled fish) and have worked for generations to perfect the recipe. A must-try when you're in Hanoi.
My personal favorite Vietnamese dessert. Order the "caramen thập cẩm" Near Đông Xuân market and the weekend night market.
Chè Xoan
29 Phố Hàng GiấyMy personal favorite Vietnamese dessert. Order the "caramen thập cẩm" Near Đông Xuân market and the weekend night market.
Wholesale market that is especially fun to visit during the night market on the weekends.
147 locals recommend
Dong Xuan Market
Wholesale market that is especially fun to visit during the night market on the weekends.
Visit while you can! Rumor has it that all the newly-opened cafes will be closed by the government in the near future.
28 locals recommend
Hanoi Street Train
5 Trần PhúVisit while you can! Rumor has it that all the newly-opened cafes will be closed by the government in the near future.
The street around the lake is closed to motor traffic Friday through Sunday, turning the area into a fun walking street. Walk down Hang Giay and try your luck at bargaining for brand-name knock-offs.
513 locals recommend
Hoàn Kiếm Lake
The street around the lake is closed to motor traffic Friday through Sunday, turning the area into a fun walking street. Walk down Hang Giay and try your luck at bargaining for brand-name knock-offs.
Polite & Co
5b Ng. Báo KhánhUnique, upscale atmosphere with amazing mixed drinks.
Bánh Mì 25
25 Hàng CáA favorite amongst travellers for a bánh mì sandwich
Hidden down an alley between a couple silk shops, this beautiful cafe offers amazing views of Hoan Kiem lake. Order an egg coffee downstairs and head to the roof to grab a table.
Old Town Garden Café
11 Hàng GaiHidden down an alley between a couple silk shops, this beautiful cafe offers amazing views of Hoan Kiem lake. Order an egg coffee downstairs and head to the roof to grab a table.
Another hidden gem for egg coffee or any traditional Vietnamese coffee. Near where you pick up the buses to Sa Pa.
Năng Cafe
379A Đường Hoàng Hoa ThámAnother hidden gem for egg coffee or any traditional Vietnamese coffee. Near where you pick up the buses to Sa Pa.
Bún Bò Nam Bộ Bách Phương
73-75 Hàng ĐiếuBun Cha 로컬
41 Cửa ĐôngPull up a plastic stool! This is my favorite spot for some bún chả.
Cafe Đinh
13 Đinh Tiên HoàngFood scene
home38
A favorite local spot for English, Canadian, and American breakfast.
3 Chị Em serves an awesome "Cơm Binh Dân"—a standard Vietnamese, rice buffet lunch. Ask for a plate of rice and choose as many accompaniments as you'd like. They have vegetarian options, smoothies, and vegetarian bún chả, too.
Quán Phở 3 Chị Em (3 Sisters)
11 Đặng Thai Mai3 Chị Em serves an awesome "Cơm Binh Dân"—a standard Vietnamese, rice buffet lunch. Ask for a plate of rice and choose as many accompaniments as you'd like. They have vegetarian options, smoothies, and vegetarian bún chả, too.
BAO WOW
12 Đặng Thai MaiA short walk from Chin Chim and a great place to try local staples like phở and mì xào.
7 locals recommend
Spicy Phở Bay
1a Đặng Thai MaiA short walk from Chin Chim and a great place to try local staples like phở and mì xào.
Fruity Fact
14 Phố Lý Thường Kiệtmmm delicious fruit smoothies and juices. Nice views of the lake, too!
Another great spot for some phở. Did you know phở is actually a breakfast food? Give it a try!
Phở Nhớ -162 Xuân Diệu
162 Đ. Xuân DiệuAnother great spot for some phở. Did you know phở is actually a breakfast food? Give it a try!
Delicious sandwiches, salads, coffee and Western desserts. Try their bánh mì, it's slightly different than what you'll find from the street vendors, but delicious none-the-less.
Hanoi Sandwich House
48 Đường Tây HồDelicious sandwiches, salads, coffee and Western desserts. Try their bánh mì, it's slightly different than what you'll find from the street vendors, but delicious none-the-less.
Yes, it's inside the shopping plaza, but I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Ramen & Butadon Oyama
47 Phan Kế BínhYes, it's inside the shopping plaza, but I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Hey Pelo
32 Từ Hoa Công ChúaWalk through Hey Pelo and open the refrigerator. Trust me.
Bay la Bato Vịnh Cướp Biển
58 Ngõ 52 Đường Tô Ngọc VânBUN CHA BURGER!
Nightlife
A favorite amongst the UK expats—they claim it feels just like their local pubs back home. Plus, it's a short walk from Chín Chim.
The Snug
19 Đặng Thai MaiA favorite amongst the UK expats—they claim it feels just like their local pubs back home. Plus, it's a short walk from Chín Chim.
Open late night, this live-music bar venue hosts local talents playing everything from chill acoustic songs to fun rock sets. Open mic night is every Wednesday. Be sure to let us know if you decide to perform so we can come support!
Fun fact: Years ago, before our co-founder opened Chín Chim, he was a co-founder of HRC! His face is one of the four painted on the wall. Can you guess which is him?
23 locals recommend
Hanoi Rock City
27/52 Đường Tô Ngọc VânOpen late night, this live-music bar venue hosts local talents playing everything from chill acoustic songs to fun rock sets. Open mic night is every Wednesday. Be sure to let us know if you decide to perform so we can come support!
Fun fact: Years ago, before our co-founder opened Chín Chim, he was a co-founder of HRC! His face is one of the four painted on the wall. Can you guess which is him?
MAD Society is a jazzy, 20s-era bar and restaurant that serves Asian fusion dishes and specialty cocktails. Go during the day and relax by the pool (it's never crowded).
MAD Society Restaurant
2 Đường Tây HồMAD Society is a jazzy, 20s-era bar and restaurant that serves Asian fusion dishes and specialty cocktails. Go during the day and relax by the pool (it's never crowded).
You'll find delicious cocktails and a cozy atmosphere in this speakeasy-inspired bar.
Marylbone Cafe & Bar
24A Đường Tô Ngọc VânYou'll find delicious cocktails and a cozy atmosphere in this speakeasy-inspired bar.
Green Mango
18 Ngõ 52 Đường Tô Ngọc VânBEST happy hour in town. Buy-one-get-one starting at 4pm until late.
Everyone should try a bia hơi while they're in Vietnam. This one is distinctly unique as it is its own island on West Lake!
Nhà Hàng Đảo Sen
10 Phố Quảng BáEveryone should try a bia hơi while they're in Vietnam. This one is distinctly unique as it is its own island on West Lake!
Coffee
Our favorite, nearby coffee and beverage shops.
Caffe Doppio
94 Đường Tô Ngọc VânThe best western-style coffees
A short bike ride or a 10 minute walk from Chín Chim, this park-side cafe has views of Westlake and is the perfect spot for a morning nâu dá (Vietnamese iced coffee).
They also serve beer at night. Go for a chill evening people watching.
Cafe Chim
Phố Quảng BáA short bike ride or a 10 minute walk from Chín Chim, this park-side cafe has views of Westlake and is the perfect spot for a morning nâu dá (Vietnamese iced coffee).
They also serve beer at night. Go for a chill evening people watching.
Oriberry Coffee
28 Xuân DiệuNice coffee, good wifi, and great rooftop view.
Not coffee, but just as refreshing. No one here speaks English, but don't let that deter you! Stop by for the coldest coconuts and relaxing views of the lake. Even on the hottest days of the year there's usually a cool breeze here.
To order, point to the sign where it says dừa lạnh (zoo-a lang if you want to try to pronounce it)—this means "cold coconut"—and hold up on your fingers how many you want.
Quán Xanh Già
Not coffee, but just as refreshing. No one here speaks English, but don't let that deter you! Stop by for the coldest coconuts and relaxing views of the lake. Even on the hottest days of the year there's usually a cool breeze here.
To order, point to the sign where it says dừa lạnh (zoo-a lang if you want to try to pronounce it)—this means "cold coconut"—and hold up on your fingers how many you want.
Try the coconut coffee or bac xiu if your a coffee drinker. If you're not, get the mango smoothie! And sit on the balcony upstairs to marvel at the historic lake where John McCain crash-landed during the Vietnam-American war.
28 locals recommend
Cong Caphe
54 Hàng ĐiếuTry the coconut coffee or bac xiu if your a coffee drinker. If you're not, get the mango smoothie! And sit on the balcony upstairs to marvel at the historic lake where John McCain crash-landed during the Vietnam-American war.
Missing home?
So many travelers visit SE Asia for long periods of time. Take a break and return to the familiar (even just for a little bit).
Catch all the latest releases (in English!) just down the street! CGV is a deluxe cinema that will only set you back $5 USD per person.
CGV
59 Xuân DiệuCatch all the latest releases (in English!) just down the street! CGV is a deluxe cinema that will only set you back $5 USD per person.
Chops Tay Ho
4 Quảng AnReally good burgers, local craft beer, and fries
home38
A favorite local spot for English, Canadian, and American breakfast.
Head to Saint Honore for some of the best French pastries that will satisfy your sweet-tooth. They also have lovely breads, coffee, and 3-course meals.
18 locals recommend
Saint-Honoré Hanoi
5 Xuân DiệuHead to Saint Honore for some of the best French pastries that will satisfy your sweet-tooth. They also have lovely breads, coffee, and 3-course meals.
Taco Non La
89 Đường Tô Ngọc VânBuild-your-own tacos, burritos, nachos, and salads.
I mean, this list wouldn't be complete if we didn't have Starbucks on here. BUT we do recommend trying some of the delicious, local coffee before turning to your favorite, go-to morning drink.
11 locals recommend
Starbucks Somerset
I mean, this list wouldn't be complete if we didn't have Starbucks on here. BUT we do recommend trying some of the delicious, local coffee before turning to your favorite, go-to morning drink.
Villa Eatalia serves mimosas for brunch and some of the best, stone-baked pizza in the area.
Villa Eatalia
26 Phố Quảng BáVilla Eatalia serves mimosas for brunch and some of the best, stone-baked pizza in the area.
Salt n' Lime
So 33 Ng. 12 Đ. Đặng Thai MaiConvenience
Left something at home? Want a late-night snack? Need more water? Here are some nearby convenience/grocery stores.
This import grocer carries almost any food you miss from home. And they accept credit card.
23 locals recommend
L's Place
63 Lý Thường KiệtThis import grocer carries almost any food you miss from home. And they accept credit card.
Carries Western and local snacks, drinks, and beer. And has first-aid and toiletry products.
105 locals recommend
Circle K VietNam
1 Đường Tây HồCarries Western and local snacks, drinks, and beer. And has first-aid and toiletry products.
There's a Vinmart on almost every street in Hanoi. They carry local and Western snacks, drinks, and even sell produce, as well as toiletry products.
34 locals recommend
Vinmart+
B20 P. Nghĩa TânThere's a Vinmart on almost every street in Hanoi. They carry local and Western snacks, drinks, and even sell produce, as well as toiletry products.
Sightseeing
We don't want to reiterate all the spots the guidebooks will tell you about. Here are some of our favorite, lesser-known (but just as insta-worthy) stops.
Need a massage? Most Expats will tell you this is their favorite place. And they don't charge an arm and a leg.
6 locals recommend
Yakushi Center
28 Xuân DiệuNeed a massage? Most Expats will tell you this is their favorite place. And they don't charge an arm and a leg.
This place is special because they hire an entirely handicapped staff. Most masseuses are blind, but they give some of the best massages in Hanoi and they are very attentive.
We recommend the herbal bath (~$5 USD) and the 60-minute Dao Massage (~ $14 USD).
Dao's Care
No 351 Hoàng Hoa ThámThis place is special because they hire an entirely handicapped staff. Most masseuses are blind, but they give some of the best massages in Hanoi and they are very attentive.
We recommend the herbal bath (~$5 USD) and the 60-minute Dao Massage (~ $14 USD).
Great place to treat yourself to a mani-pedi! The staff are perfectionists. They sit you in comfy chairs and you can order tea or other beverages to enjoy during your service. A gel manicure is around $5 USD.
Nail Kitchen 1
62 Đ. Âu CơGreat place to treat yourself to a mani-pedi! The staff are perfectionists. They sit you in comfy chairs and you can order tea or other beverages to enjoy during your service. A gel manicure is around $5 USD.
Another favorite photo spot amongst the locals. This enormous garden is meticulously cared for with beautiful flower arrangements and landscapes. You'll want to take a photo in every corner.
8 locals recommend
West Lake Flower Valley
Ngã 3 Phố Nhật ChiêuAnother favorite photo spot amongst the locals. This enormous garden is meticulously cared for with beautiful flower arrangements and landscapes. You'll want to take a photo in every corner.
Open mainly at night, Chợ Hoa is a wholesale flower market. Ask Lauren to take you when she replaces the lobby flowers :)
21 locals recommend
Quang An Flower Market
42B Đ. Âu CơOpen mainly at night, Chợ Hoa is a wholesale flower market. Ask Lauren to take you when she replaces the lobby flowers :)
Borrow a bicycle and take the two-minute ride to the banks of Westlake. A perfect spot to watch the sunset.
Hang around after the sun crosses the horizon and experience the dating scene of the locals–many young couples or groups of friends gather at the steps that lead into the water (there are several nearby) and sit on bamboo mats enjoying beer, fresh coconuts, sunflower seeds, and each others' company.
Or if you're a morning person, take a ride around the entire lake! It's about a 10km ride and takes a little over an hour to complete. The road hugs the bank around the entire perimeter of the lake. Just follow the teal fence.
249 locals recommend
West Lake
D8, 14 Thụy KhuêBorrow a bicycle and take the two-minute ride to the banks of Westlake. A perfect spot to watch the sunset.
Hang around after the sun crosses the horizon and experience the dating scene of the locals–many young couples or groups of friends gather at the steps that lead into the water (there are several nearby) and sit on bamboo mats enjoying beer, fresh coconuts, sunflower seeds, and each others' company.
Or if you're a morning person, take a ride around the entire lake! It's about a 10km ride and takes a little over an hour to complete. The road hugs the bank around the entire perimeter of the lake. Just follow the teal fence.
Lovely during the day or night, the Twin Dragons are an easy bicycle ride from Chín Chim. On the weekends, it's a popular evening hangout—especially among families—vendors sell ice cream, cotton candy, and balloons.
Westlake's Twin Dragons
45 5 Nguyễn Thị ThậpLovely during the day or night, the Twin Dragons are an easy bicycle ride from Chín Chim. On the weekends, it's a popular evening hangout—especially among families—vendors sell ice cream, cotton candy, and balloons.
Rent a swan boat and paddle around this historic lake where John McCain crash-landed during the Vietnam-American war.
Bến Thuyền - Hồ Trúc Bạch
103A4 Phố Trấn VũRent a swan boat and paddle around this historic lake where John McCain crash-landed during the Vietnam-American war.
A beautiful pagoda on the south side of Westlake. If you get lucky, there are some amazing sunsets that can be witnessed from this vantage point.
92 locals recommend
Chùa Trấn Quốc - Thanh Niên
Đường Thanh NiênA beautiful pagoda on the south side of Westlake. If you get lucky, there are some amazing sunsets that can be witnessed from this vantage point.
Make your stomach spin as you observe Hanoi from above on the glass-floor observation overhang. Check the weather before you head here; if it's raining or there's too much fog, it will be difficult to see.
Lotte Observation Deck
54 Phố Liễu GiaiMake your stomach spin as you observe Hanoi from above on the glass-floor observation overhang. Check the weather before you head here; if it's raining or there's too much fog, it will be difficult to see.