Discover Hanoi’s Cafes: Your 2025 Guide to the City’s Best Coffee Spots

Looking for the perfect café in Hanoi? Our 2025 guide highlights the city’s must-visit coffee spots—from iconic favorites like Note Cafe and 99/81 Coffee to hidden gems and the ultimate places to savor Hanoi’s legendary egg coffee.

1. More Than Just Coffee, It’s a Way of Life

Cafe Hanoi. More Than Just Coffee, It’s a Way of Life

In Hanoi, coffee is far more than a simple caffeine fix—it’s a way of life. The city’s cafes are living spaces where locals and travelers alike linger, chat, work, and soak in the rhythm of Hanoi. Some hide quietly in peaceful alleys, others perch high on bustling rooftops with sweeping city views, and many are nestled inside charming historic buildings. Every cafe has its own personality, atmosphere, and story to tell.

Right now, in the crisp, cool days of October 2025, there’s no better moment to explore this vibrant coffee culture. This guide will take you through the very best cafes Hanoi has to offer—from iconic, must-visit spots to hidden gems waiting to be discovered—so you can experience the city one perfect cup at a time.

2. The Must-Try Drinks: What Coffee Is Hanoi Famous For?

Cafe Hanoi. The Must-Try Drinks: What Coffee Is Hanoi Famous For?

Before you even pick a cafe, it’s worth knowing the drinks that make Hanoi’s coffee scene so special. Each cup tells a story, and tasting them is a must for any visitor.

Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee) – The Undisputed King Hanoi’s most iconic coffee is a true indulgence. Imagine a strong, aromatic Vietnamese coffee topped with a rich, velvety foam made from whipped egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk. The result is a creamy, meringue-like cloud that melts on your tongue—a dessert you can sip, warm and comforting, perfect for a leisurely morning or an afternoon treat.

Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Iced Coffee with Milk) – The National Classic For those who love bold flavors, this iced coffee is a staple. Strong, drip-filtered Vietnamese coffee meets sweet condensed milk, poured over ice for a refreshing pick-me-up. It’s the perfect combination of bitter, sweet, and chilled—an energizing taste of Hanoi you’ll find on nearly every street corner.

Cà Phê Cốt Dừa (Coconut Coffee) – A Modern Favorite If you want something a little different, try coconut coffee. This icy, slushy blend combines creamy coconut milk and rich coffee for a decadent, tropical twist on the classic brew. It’s sweet, smooth, and utterly refreshing, ideal for hot afternoons or when you want to treat yourself while exploring the city.

3. The Cafe-Hopper's Guide: Best Cafes for Every Vibe

Cafe Hanoi. The Cafe-Hopper's Guide: Best Cafes for Every Vibe

Hanoi’s coffee scene is as diverse as the city itself, offering everything from historic hideaways to Instagram-worthy spots with breathtaking views. Whether you’re chasing tradition, a perfect photo, or a unique experience, there’s a cafe for every mood.

3.1. The Icons

Where It All Began For a true taste of Hanoi coffee history, you can’t miss the originals. Café Giang is the birthplace of the legendary egg coffee, tucked away in a quiet alley on Nguyen Huu Huan Street. Its small, intimate space feels like stepping back in time, and sipping an egg coffee here is as much about history as it is about flavor. Nearby, Café Dinh offers another authentic experience, perched on a second-floor balcony overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. Its rustic charm and cozy atmosphere make it the perfect spot to enjoy a creamy egg coffee while watching the city go by.

Café Giang

  • Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
  • Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nuu5teFyzuzTK5us8
  • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Price Range: US$1-3/Beverage (25,000 to 60,000 VND).

Café Dinh

  • Address: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
  • Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ag2C79jTKtVa9nkN7
  • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Price Range: ~US$1/Beverage (20,000 to 35,000 VND).

3.2. For the Perfect Photo

The Most Instagrammable Cafes If your caffeine fix comes with a side of photo ops, Hanoi has plenty of eye-catching options. The Note Cafe Hanoi is an absolute must-see, with walls and ceilings covered in colorful sticky notes left by travelers from around the world. Every corner tells a story, making it a viral sensation and a feast for the eyes. For a spacious, trendy vibe, head to Trill Rooftop Cafe, where the city skyline forms a perfect backdrop for your photos. The outdoor seating and airy layout make it a favorite for travelers looking to capture Hanoi from above.

The Note Cafe

  • Address: 64 Luong Van Can Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JXTUEiV6FWT5Qa1M7
  • Opening Hours: The hours vary slightly between weekdays and weekends.
    • Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
    • Friday: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
    • Saturday & Sunday: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
  • Price Range: US$2-3/Beverage (between 40,000 and 55,000 VND).

Trill Rooftop Cafe

  • Address: 26th Floor, Hei Tower, 1 Nguy Nhu Kon Tum Street, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
  • Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4WgeQgiFWYV4UT3x7
  • Opening Hours: Hours vary slightly by day.
    • Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM to 10:40 PM.
    • Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 AM to 10:40 PM.
    • Other sources indicate a general time of 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
  • Price Range: US$2-4/Beverage (from 55,000 to 80,000 VND).

3.3. For Breathtaking Views

Rooftops & Balconies Some cafes in Hanoi are all about the view. 99/81 Coffee is a lush, garden-themed rooftop that offers a stunning panorama of St. Joseph’s Cathedral right in the heart of the Hanoi Old Quarter. It’s a serene escape from the busy streets below. Similarly, Serein Cafe provides a grand view of the Long Bien Bridge from a beautifully preserved French colonial building. It’s a peaceful spot to sip coffee while taking in one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks.

99/81 Coffee

Serein Cafe & Lounge

3.4. For a Unique Experience

Themed & Hidden Gems If you’re after something different, Hanoi has cafes that double as experiences. Railway Tuan Cafe gives you a safe and amazing view of the famous Hanoi Train Street from its balcony—just be sure to check if train access is currently running, as it can be intermittent. Another fun concept is the “Hanoi Cafe Building,” where old apartment blocks have been converted into vertical hubs, each floor hosting a quirky cafe or boutique. Exploring these multi-story gems feels like a mini-adventure, as you discover hidden corners and unexpected surprises with every step.

Railway Tuan Cafe

  • Location: The main sections are along Phung Hung Street and Tran Phu Street in the Old Quarter.
  • Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SSRRN3YGSm11fkRS8
  • Price Range: US$3-6/Beverage (between 50,000 and 180,000 VND for a coffee or other beverage).
  • Safety: Always follow the instructions of the cafe owners. When they tell you to move, do so immediately. Do not stand too close to the tracks to take photos as the train passes.

4. FAQ: Your Quick Cafe Questions Answered

Cafe Hanoi. FAQ: Your Quick Cafe Questions Answered

What coffee is Hanoi most famous for?

Hanoi is renowned worldwide for Cà Phê Trứng, or Egg Coffee. This rich, creamy, and slightly sweet coffee has become a symbol of the city’s unique café culture and a must-try for any visitor.

What is the most famous original coffee shop in Hanoi?

If you want the authentic experience, Café Giang is the place to go. It’s where Egg Coffee was first invented, and stepping inside feels like visiting a living piece of Hanoi’s coffee history.

How do I know if a cafe in Hanoi has good reviews?

The easiest way is to check Google Maps ratings. Look for cafes with a 4.5-star rating or higher from hundreds of reviewers. Make sure to read the most recent comments—this will give you the latest feedback on service, drinks, and ambiance.

Which cafes in Hanoi are good for groups?

For bigger gatherings, choose cafes with spacious, multi-level layouts like 99/81 Coffee or Trill Rooftop Cafe. They offer room to chat, relax, and enjoy coffee together. Smaller, hidden gems are perfect for solo travelers or pairs seeking a quieter, more intimate vibe.

What is The Note Cafe?

One of Hanoi’s most unique and photogenic spots, The Note Cafe sits near Hoan Kiem Lake. Visitors write messages on sticky notes and plaster them across walls, ceilings, and furniture, creating a colorful, immersive environment that’s as fun to explore as it is to photograph.

5. More Than a Drink, It's a Destination

Cafe Hanoi. More Than a Drink, It's a Destination

In Hanoi, cafes are far more than just places to grab a cup of coffee—they are living snapshots of the city’s culture. Each one tells a story, from tucked-away alley spots to airy rooftop escapes overlooking historic streets. Visiting Hanoi’s cafes is a journey in itself: you’ll climb winding staircases, wander through hidden nooks, and soak in views that make the perfect backdrop for a quiet moment or a lively conversation.

Take the time to explore, experiment, and savor. Order a coffee you’ve never tried, like the legendary Egg Coffee or a refreshing Coconut Coffee, and let yourself pause while the vibrant energy of Hanoi unfolds around you. Each sip is a small discovery, a chance to connect with the rhythm of the city and its people.

Want to make your Hanoi coffee adventure effortless and stress-free? If you’d rather save time and skip the guesswork, Asia Mystika can craft a personalized tour for you. From guiding you to the best cafes in the Old Quarter to helping you navigate hidden gems and rooftop spots, they make exploring Hanoi’s café scene easy, fun, and unforgettable. Contact Asia Mystika today and let the coffee journey begin!

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