The weather in Hanoi can be quite gloomy for long stretches of the year, especially when fog combines with pollution.
This makes clear-sky days something to appreciate fully. One of the best ways to enjoy them is by having a drink at a rooftop bar with a view of the city.
Fortunately, Hanoi offers plenty of great options for this. I’d even say it’s a must-do experience if you’re visiting the city—weather permitting—since it’s hard for non-locals to grasp the immensity of this 8-million-inhabitant city from street level alone.
This article lists spots that we have personally tried and liked.
Please note that these venues were primarily selected for their ability to offer a great “rooftop experience,” which means we gave more weight to the setting than to other factors. For example, if you’re looking for the best cocktails or craft beers in the city, this isn’t the article for you.
Luckily, I’ve covered those topics in dedicated articles:
1. Summit Bar at Pan Pacific
The Pan Pacific (formerly Sofitel Plaza) is a 5-star hotel, and this influences much of the experience you’ll have here, from pricing to service.
I often feel that 5-star venues can be interchangeable, but the Summit Bar has one BIG advantage: the view! For the past 15 years, this has consistently been one of my top choices for watching a sunset in Hanoi.
There are many places offering a high viewpoint of the city, but the Pan Pacific overlooks both West Lake and Truc Bach Lake, which makes it particularly special.
We like:
- The stunning view over both Westlake and Trúc Bạch lake.
Practical Info:
- Address: 1 Đ. Thanh Niên, Trúc Bạch, Hanoi
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1as5jQjVTVsyp3yB8
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesummit.pphan
2. Moonlight Sky Bar
There are plenty of rooftop bars in the Old Quarter, most of them situated on top of 4-star hotels and offering similar atmospheres. This made it hard to choose among them.
After trying a good number of these spots, the one we returned to most often is Moonlight, located on top of La Siesta Classic.
The view is, of course, excellent—otherwise, it wouldn’t have made this list—but what stood out to us was the friendly and professional team, as well as the great value during Happy Hour.
What we like:
- One of the better options among the many choices available in the Old Quarter
- Great value Happy Hour: Buy 1, Get 1 from 5 pm to 8 pm
Practical Info :
- Address: 94 P. Mã Mây, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BXJ9DqsmoqSjJazd8
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moonlightskybar
3. Lighthouse Sky Bar
Lighthouse Sky Bar is another favorite of ours in the Old Quarter, located on the 10th floor of La Siesta Premium Hotel. It’s part of the same group as the previously mentioned La Siesta Classic, meaning you can expect a relatively similar experience.
What we like:
- Spacious and airy design with a great sunset view
- Happy Hour with house wine at 110k and other discounts on beer, cocktails, and mixed drinks, from 5 – 6:30 PM daily
General information:
- Address: 27a Hàng Bè, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ioffkEf6ocbQh5v16
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lighthouseskybar
4. Majesty Restaurant & Sky Bar
One last recommendation if you are looking for Rooftop bars in the Old Quarter.
Majesty Sky Bar offers one of the best views of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, especially at sunset—if you manage to get a prime corner table. Otherwise, the view from other tables is more ordinary, which is why I hesitated before adding this place to our list.
What we like:
- Great view on Hoàn Kiếm Lake from the left corner tables
- Happy Hour: Buy 1 get 1 free on classic cocktails, mixed drinks & beer; Buy 2 get 1 free on Signature Cocktails from 5-9 PM daily
General Information:
- Address: 8th Floor, La Sinfonía Majesty Hotel, 1 Cầu Gỗ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
- Map: https://goo.gl/maps/4U1W6q1HTQuQnwuL8
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MajestySkyBar
5. The Republic
At first glance, this place might seem like an strange addition to this list. It’s true that Republic isn’t technically a rooftop bar—it offers only a nice terrace with a view of West Lake.
The reason I wanted to include Republic is that it provides one of the best Western-style pub experiences in the area.
You’ll find an extensive menu featuring all the comfort food classics, along with multiple beers on tap, including craft options. All major sports events are also broadcast indoors on multiple screens. It’s no surprise that this spot has long been a favorite among the expat community.
What we like:
- The complete package for a Western-style pub experience
- Schnitzel deal on Tuesdays & Wednesdays: A big schnitzel + 1 free beer for 250K
Practical Info:
- Address: 12 P. Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hanoi
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hP9PKtd53mjJ6CMBA
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/therepublicvietnam
6. Sky On 9 Rooftop Bar
For a more “classic” rooftop experience in Tay Ho, Sky on 9 is a safe bet. It offers a 360-degree view of West Lake.
The drink menu is extensive, featuring locally inspired cocktails and craft beers. The venue also seems to host regular events, such as movie nights.
But for us, the real highlight of this place is its generous Happy Hour, perfectly timed to match the sunset.
What we like:
- Buy 1 Get 1 Free on all cocktails and beers from 5 to 7 pm
- One of the best views in the Tay Ho area
Practical Info:
- Address: 134 Từ Hoa Công Chúa, Tây Hồ, Hanoi
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LUBndgzGVC2NFXUd8
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/skyon9.rooftopbar
7. What about the Top of Hanoi?
We initially didn’t plan to include this place on the list located on the top of Lotte Tower (272 meters), as our experience there wasn’t particularly memorable.
It’s true that this is the highest sky bar in the city, but it feels like the place relies heavily on its reputation. That being said, nothing about it is particularly bad, and I wouldn’t call it a tourist trap.
Overall, the Top of Hanoi is still an acceptable option if you’re in the area, and standing on the city’s second tallest building is an experience in itself.
What we like:
- The chance to stand (almost) on top of Hanoi (Landmark72 is the city’s tallest building but doesn’t have a true Sky Bar).
- A better value than the Observation Deck
Practical Info:
- Address: 54 P. Liễu Giai,Ba Đình, Hanoi
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iCURMbwy1nkGmPiS6
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/topofhanoi
Are you looking for more bar recommendations in Vietnam? 🍺🍷🍸
- Top 9 Venues for Craft Beer in Hanoi
- Hanoi’s Best Cocktail Bars: Recommendations from a Local
- 50+ best Happy Hour deals in Hanoi (by district)
- Our Top 8 favorite bars in Thao Dien – HCMC
