Most travelers to Hanoi head straight for the Old Quarter’s busy streets, famous street food, and ancient temples. But for those looking to escape the crowds and discover the city from a new angle, Hanoi has a growing scene of hidden cafés tucked into rooftops and train-side alleyways — offering stunning views, local charm, and unforgettable moments.
If you want to enjoy the city like a local, sipping Vietnamese coffee while watching daily life unfold from above or right beside the tracks, this guide is for you.
1. Trackside Cafés Near Hanoi Train Street
While Hanoi Train Street has become a must-see attraction, many visitors overlook the small cafés lining the tracks, which offer a front-row seat to one of the city’s most thrilling and surreal experiences — a train passing within inches of where people sit, sip, and socialize.
These hidden gems are often run by families who live right next to the railway and have transformed their homes into intimate coffee shops.
Tips for the best experience:
- Check the Hanoi Train Street schedule to time your visit with the next train for a heart-pounding photo opportunity.
- Come early in the morning or around sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
- Order a traditional egg coffee or iced coconut coffee — popular local favorites.
While photography is encouraged, remember to respect the safety rules and local residents, especially now that access is more regulated.
2. Secret Rooftop Cafés with Skyline Views
Hanoi’s skyline is a charming mix of French colonial buildings, old tiled rooftops, lakes, and faraway mountains. While rooftop bars in Hanoi are increasingly popular for sunset cocktails, those looking for something cozier should consider lesser-known rooftop cafés that combine views with a laid-back local vibe.
Here are a few standouts:
The Note Coffee – View of Hoan Kiem Lake
Though it’s small, this colorful café is beloved for its thousands of sticky notes covering the walls, left by travelers from around the world. Head to the upper floors for a peaceful view over Hoan Kiem Lake while journaling or reflecting.
Trill Rooftop Café & Bistro
Located on top of a modern building in Thanh Xuan District, this spacious café offers panoramic views, greenery, and a small pool. It’s a refreshing escape from the Old Quarter and perfect for remote working.
Serein Café & Lounge – Best View of Long Bien Bridge
Perched near the historic Long Bien Bridge, this café offers arguably the best rooftop view of Hanoi’s most iconic railway structure. It’s especially magical at dusk as the sun sets over the Red River.
3. Combine the Experiences for the Perfect Afternoon
Want a full afternoon itinerary? Try this:
- Start at Hanoi Train Street: Time your visit with the train street schedule, enjoy a coffee right beside the tracks, and snap photos of the train roaring by.
- Walk through the Old Quarter: Explore hidden alleys, boutique shops, and historic temples on your way to Hoan Kiem Lake.
- End your day at a rooftop bar: Relax with a cocktail and enjoy the skyline at one of the best rooftop bars in Hanoi. Some even offer live music or acoustic sets after sunset.
While Hanoi’s famous landmarks deserve the spotlight, its hidden cafés and alternative viewpoints offer deeper, more personal travel experiences. Watching a train speed by just inches from your table or sipping coffee as the sun dips behind old rooftops — these are the moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.
So next time you visit Hanoi, go beyond the guidebooks. Explore the city from above — and along the tracks.