Discover the Top 11 Most Famous Old Quarter Cafes in Hanoi

Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital, isn’t just famous for its historical relics; it also captivates visitors with its charming Old Quarter cafes. From quaint, hidden nooks in narrow alleys to modern spaces with a nostalgic touch, these cafes in Hanoi’s Old Quarter are more than just places to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee. They’re gateways to experience the city’s unhurried pace and feel the very soul of the capital. Join Hanoi Larosa Hotel as we explore the top 11 most renowned Old Quarter cafes, where time seems to stand still, allowing you to savor every moment.

1. The Old Quarter Cafes 11 Hàng Gai – Lake View from a Hundred-Year-Old House

• Address: 11 Hang Gai St, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 23:00
• Price Range: 35,000 – 55,000 VND

Nestled deep within a small alley on the bustling Hang Gai Street, Café Phố Cổ (Old Quarter Cafe) is an oasis of tranquility that transports you back in time. As you step through its modest entrance, you’ll be amazed by the ancient charm of this over 100-year-old house. The warm, dark brown of the wood blends with the moss-green patina of time. From the worn wooden tables and chairs, the faded wooden cabinets, to the ceramic flower vases, serene Buddha statues, and hanging lanterns, everything exudes an indescribable nostalgic beauty.

A must-see highlight: The cafe’s rooftop is its “precious gem,” offering panoramic views of the poetic Hoan Kiem Lake. In the midst of Hanoi’s hustle and bustle, finding a spacious balcony corner to sip a rich coffee, gaze at the serene lake, and feel the cool breeze is truly a wonderful experience. This is an ideal destination for those looking to escape the rush, find a quiet moment for themselves, or simply capture romantic memories with loved ones.

Tip: Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times to visit when the sunlight is gentle and the atmosphere is more tranquil.

2. Loading T Cafe – Old French Charm on Chan Cam Street

• Address: 2nd Floor, 8 Chan Cam, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 18:00
• Price Range: 20,000 – 45,000 VND

Loading T Cafe offers a distinct and charming beauty with its classic French colonial architecture. Tucked away on the quiet Chan Cam Street, the cafe catches the eye with its pretty little balcony, vibrant bougainvillea, and delicately twisted iron window frames.

Stepping inside, you’ll feel the warmth and comfort from the bright color palette combined with soft yellow lighting. Small decorative details like an old sewing machine, an antique painting, or a vintage tea set further enhance the nostalgic feel of the space. The balcony at Loading T Cafe is an ideal spot to observe the lively yet poetic pace of the Old Quarter, especially during the late afternoons.

Special Feature: Beyond its beautiful ambiance, Loading T Cafe is known for its diverse menu, ranging from traditional coffee to creatively presented beverages. Their pastries are also highly popular among patrons.

Tip: Try their fruit teas or meticulously decorated drinks for both enjoyment and beautiful “check-in” photos.

3. Giảng Cafe – The “Father” of the Legendary Egg Coffee

• Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 07:00 – 22:00
• Price Range: 25,000 – 50,000 VND

When it comes to Hanoi’s egg coffee, everyone knows Giảng Cafe – the birthplace of this unique beverage, created in the 1940s. Tucked away in a small alley on Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Giảng Cafe maintains a simple, rustic facade, but inside it’s always bustling with customers, especially international tourists curious to taste this legendary flavor.

The cafe’s interior isn’t elaborate; just simple wooden tables and chairs and walls stained yellow by time. But it’s precisely this simplicity that creates a familiar, authentic feeling. At Giảng, you absolutely must try the famous egg coffee – a perfect blend of the slight bitterness of pure Robusta coffee and a rich, sweet, velvety whipped egg cream.

Special Feature: A unique, rich egg coffee flavor that can’t be found anywhere else. Witnessing the meticulous preparation process is also an interesting experience.

Tip: In addition to the traditional hot egg coffee, you can also try iced egg coffee or egg cocoa to experience a different twist.

4. Đinh Cafe – Enjoy Egg Coffee with a Hoan Kiem Lake View

• Address: 2nd Floor, 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 07:00 – 22:00
• Price Range: 30,000 – 70,000 VND

Another “elder statesman” in Hanoi’s egg coffee scene, Dinh Cafe boasts a prime location on the second floor of an old French house, offering patrons a cozy space and a beautiful view of the Old Quarter and the sparkling Hoan Kiem Lake.

The cafe’s ambiance is deeply marked by time, with old wooden tables and chairs, dark-painted walls, and soft yellow lighting. Sipping a delicious egg coffee while watching people pass by and the serene blue lake is a relaxing experience sought by many. Dinh’s egg coffee is prepared according to a traditional family recipe, maintaining its characteristic rich and sweet flavor.

Special Feature: Enjoying the famous egg coffee while admiring Hoan Kiem Lake from above is an irresistible combination.

Tip: Choose a seat by the window for the best view, especially in the evening when the Old Quarter lights up.

5. Nola Cafe & Bar – A Green Oasis in the Heart of the Old Quarter

• Address: 89 Ma May, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 10:00 – 23:30
• Price Range: 25,000 – 55,000 VND

Hidden in a small alley on bustling Ma May Street, Nola Cafe & Bar opens up to a surprisingly delightful space. Stepping through a narrow entrance, you’ll discover a large, secret garden created by connecting 5-6 old houses, with a spacious open-air courtyard as its centerpiece.

Every corner at Nola is meticulously decorated with unique wall paintings, antique furniture, and impressive chandeliers, creating a space that is both classic and artistic. This isn’t just a cafe; it’s an ideal place to relax, study, work, or simply find a peaceful spot for photos amidst the lively Old Quarter.

Special Feature: A lush, spacious green space with a unique open-air courtyard, offering a relaxing and close-to-nature feel.

Tip: Nola is suitable for social gatherings or for those seeking a quiet environment for work or reading.

6. The Note Coffee – The “Strangest Cafe in the World”

• Address: 64 Luong Van Can, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 22:30 (Mon-Fri), 07:00 – 23:00 (Sat-Sun)
• Price Range: 30,000 – 55,000 VND

With its walls and furniture covered in thousands of colorful sticky notes, The Note Coffee is truly a unique and emotional cafe. Located in a prime spot near Hoan Kiem Lake, the cafe offers a small but cozy space where you can sip on signature egg coffee while reading messages, wishes, and memories left by customers from all over the world. 

Writing a note and sticking it on the wall is also a fun experience at The Note Coffee, contributing to the cafe’s special “wall of memories.”

Special Feature: A unique space adorned with colorful sticky notes, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.

Tip: Take your time to read the interesting notes and don’t forget to leave your own mark here.

7. Hanoi House – A Glimpse of Old Hanoi on Ly Quoc Su Street

• Address: 2nd Floor, 47A Ly Quoc Su, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 09:00 – 00:30
• Price Range: 30,000 – 55,000 VND

Perched on a quiet small floor amidst the bustling Ly Quoc Su Street, Hanoi House offers a rustic, intimate ambiance that enchants both Hanoians and international tourists. The cafe is simply decorated with warm wooden furniture and windows overlooking the ancient St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the peaceful Au Trieu Street.

Natural light floods the space during the day, creating a relaxing feel. In the evening, soft yellow lights bring a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. Hanoi House is an ideal destination to fully experience the beauty of old Hanoi, especially on holidays or weekends when the atmosphere becomes livelier yet still retains its characteristic charm.

Special Feature: A quiet space with a beautiful view of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, imbued with French colonial architectural charm.

Tip: Hanoi House is suitable for quiet conversations or simply for those looking for a spot to gaze at Hanoi from above.

8. Rêu Speakeasy Coffee – A Journey into Classical European Ambiance

• Address: 11 Trang Thi, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 09:30 – 17:00
• Price Range: 45,000 – 65,000 VND

Rêu Speakeasy Coffee impresses right from its unique entrance, a red brick tunnel leading into a space with a strong classical European flair. The cafe is divided into two areas: an indoor section exuding warmth and elegance, and an outdoor garden with a glass ceiling that welcomes natural light.

A distinctive feature of the cafe is its unique moss-covered wall, combined with lush greenery, paintings, and Western classical decorative items like old rotary phones and pendulum clocks. Details such as raw brick walls and an ancient well create a distinctive atmosphere rarely found in Hanoi. Rêu Speakeasy Coffee is a must-visit for those who appreciate a blend of nostalgia and sophisticated elegance.

Special Feature: A unique space with a brick tunnel entrance, mossy walls, and a classical European style.

Tip: Explore every small corner of the cafe to appreciate the meticulous decoration and choose one of their special beverages.

9. Ban Cong Old Quarter Cafe – The Romantic Beauty of Ancient French Architecture

• Address: 2 Dinh Liet, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 07:00 – 23:00
• Price Range: 50,000 – 75,000 VND

Located within a charming over 100-year-old French villa right in the heart of the Old Quarter, Ban Cong (Balcony) offers a romantic and classic beauty. From its pale yellow walls and exquisite tiled floors to its winding wooden staircase, every detail evokes a sense of elegant and poetic old Hanoi.

The special highlight of the cafe is its lush green balcony area with vibrant bougainvillea, where you can sip your coffee while watching the bustling traffic at the intersection below. Inside, the cafe is a cozy space filled with nostalgic furniture like a pendulum clock, a record player, and old paintings

Special Feature: A lush green balcony with vibrant bougainvillea and a romantic classical French architectural ambiance.

Tip: Ban Cong is an ideal spot for romantic dates or for anyone who loves antique spaces and wants to find a “chill” corner in the Old Quarter.

10. Vintage 1976 Cafe – Finding Peace on Dinh Le Book Street

• Address: 19 Dinh Le, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 22:30
• Price Range: 35,000 – 50,000 VND

Located on the famous Dinh Le Book Street, Vintage 1976 Cafe offers a tranquil and relaxing space amidst the bustling Old Quarter. With a simple yet refined design, the cafe provides an airy and light atmosphere with a dominant white color scheme combined with warm wooden furniture.

From its large windows, you can watch book lovers strolling along the street, feeling the slow pace of life and the simple beauty of the thousand-year-old capital. Vintage 1976 Cafe is an ideal stop after exploring the Old Quarter or simply for those seeking a quiet space to read and enjoy coffee.

Special Feature: A quiet, relaxing space on Dinh Le Book Street, perfect for book lovers.Tip: Choose a seat near the window to enjoy your coffee while observing the unique atmosphere of the book street.

11. Café Nhĩ – An “Ancient Pillar” of Hanoi Coffee with Traditional Flavor

• Address: 2 Hang Ca, Hang Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening Hours: 07:00 – 22:00
• Price Range: From 20,000 VND

Tucked away modestly on Hang Ca Street, Café Nhĩ is one of Hanoi’s “four pillars” of old coffee, known for its simple, rustic style and distinctive traditional coffee flavor. The cafe maintains a unique brewing method: filtered coffee is pre-brewed in a ceramic pot, then poured into a cup, frothed with sugar or milk before ice is added.

The coffee at Nhĩ is rich and strong, with a very distinct flavor that’s hard to forget. The cafe’s space is simple and unassuming, mostly filled with old wooden tables and chairs, but this very simplicity creates an authentic, intimate feel, reminiscent of old Hanoi. Special Feature: Rich traditional coffee flavor and a unique brewing method.Tip: Try the traditional iced black coffee to fully experience the authentic “old Hanoi coffee” taste.

Discover Ancient Hanoi and Stay at Hanoi La Rosa Hotel

After hours of exploring the contemplative beauty and savoring the unique coffee flavors of the Old Quarter, Hanoi La Rosa Hotel will be your ideal retreat, offering comfort and convenience.

Strategically located in the city center, Hanoi La Rosa Hotel not only provides easy access to these famous cafes but also serves as a wonderful place to relax after a long day of discovering the capital. With its modern, cozy design and attentive service, Hanoi La Rosa Hotel promises to deliver a memorable experience during your trip to Hanoi. Come and feel the difference!

Hanoi La Rosa HotelContact for Reservations:

• Phone: +84 243 747 1155
• Email: info@hanoilarosahotel.com
• Website: www.hanoilarosahotel.com
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• Address: 36 Nguyen Khuyen, Hanoi, Vietnam.