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Viewing Hanoi from above
Quiet, airy, and with expansive views, these are the reasons why many tourists seek out rooftop cafes. From the rooftops to the balconies of buildings of all sizes around West Lake and Hoan Kiem Lake, you'll find many cafes with the best views, such as Avalon Cafe Lounge on Cau Go Street, Illy Cafe on Le Thai To Street, Summit Lounge on Thanh Nien Street, etc. However, if you're looking for a place to enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the mossy, ancient beauty of the Grand Cathedral, Hanoi House is a great option.
Nestled in a small alley, on the second floor of a building on Ly Quoc Su Street, the balcony of Hanoi House captivates anyone passing by the area around the Grand Cathedral. Simply furnished with chairs and ceramic stools as tables, it's quiet enough to enjoy the Hanoi streetscape, and high enough to offer a panoramic view of the cathedral. Then, in that moment of tranquility, you might suddenly hear the distant sound of church bells chiming.
Music playground
Enjoying a cup of coffee and listening to favorite songs is how many people enjoy a relaxing evening. If you're someone who enjoys socializing and international music, you can visit Hanoi Social Club. Although not a purely coffee shop, its simple yet welcoming design, along with weekly music events, makes it a place you shouldn't miss.
The first impression of the cafe is its three-story building with classic French architecture located in Hoi Vu alley. The first floor hosts music parties featuring artists from various countries. The second and third floors offer a quiet space for yourself, bathed in sunlight in the morning and illuminated by warm yellow lights at night. Besides Hanoi Social, there are many other live music cafes in the city center with different musical styles, such as Polygon Cafe on Nui Truc Street for rock music lovers or Cuoi Ngo in Cau Giay for Trinh Cong Son fans. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a space that suits you.
French colonial space
For those who appreciate classic and modern Western architecture, cafes located in old French villas have a unique appeal. At Chuồn Chuồn Cafe on Hội Vũ Street, visitors will feel the classic European style from the entrance gate and steps to the two-story house with its large windows. While the garden space exudes a graceful beauty reflecting the free and unrestrained Western lifestyle, the interior offers diners a warm and elegant atmosphere with dark-colored sofas, wall paintings, and decorative chandeliers.
You can also enjoy the French architectural atmosphere at Bar Betta on Cao Ba Quat Street, Unicorn's Home Café on Ly Thuong Kiet Street... Although housed in charming villas, the different interiors and layouts offer unique experiences for those who appreciate the space.
Old Quarter Coffee
Although I pass through Hang Gai Street every day, unless I pay close attention or a friend recommends it, it's difficult to spot the sign for "Old Quarter Cafe" (in the alley). Following the path leading to the cafe, which resembles a narrow alley, visitors will step into a cool, green courtyard with sunlight illuminating the interior. Interspersed throughout the walls, window sills, and staircases are antique items worn smooth by the passage of time. Sipping a cup of coffee and immersing yourself in the tranquil atmosphere, you'll feel the ancient beauty of a miniature Hanoi right here.
However, the cafes on Hang Gai Street are not the only places where you can relive the nostalgic memories of old Hanoi. There are many other places you can visit, such as Cafe Dinh on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Cafe Giang on Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Cafe Nang on Hang Bac Street, and more.
Art Rendezvous
Avoiding the bustling streets of Hanoi, Manzi chose a house with classic French architecture on the quiet Phan Huy Ich street to create its own unique identity. Besides enjoying drinks, diners can immerse themselves in contemporary art such as installations, exhibitions, and experimental music… With a predominantly white color scheme contrasting with the deep brown of the very Vietnamese wooden tables, you can find a spot outside the cafe where you can let your mind wander among the artworks.
If you are a lover of paintings and photographs, besides Manzi, you can visit Lam Cafe on Nguyen Huu Huan Street or Art Talk Cafe on Quan Su Street to experience the art space.
