Rooftop Cafes
Birds eye views and chill, comfortable spaces
One of the greatest things about this city is that it expanded vertically as the population exploded, leaving a ton of great rooftop real estate just chilling out, waiting for some entrepreneurs to open nice evening spots - and they did.
Perhaps not surprisingly, given the crushing heat and the need for young people to have a place to escape to in the evening., most of these rooftop businesses are focused on bar drinks or bistro style offerings. Very few are strictly cafes. But I still found a few for you… don’t worry, I have posts about rooftop bars and rooftop restaurants coming in the future!
Today I have two places with AC (perfect for day working) and two evening places that are open air - and all very very different aesthetics.
Go on - brave the nondescript garage entrances and the dodgy elevators, and discover of the city’s places
If you’re enjoying my content, please remember to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly updates direct to your inbox! If you feel a friend or colleague would enjoy it, please share! It’s free!
Sargon Coffee (Sena Botanic)
Hours: 7am-11pm
Address: 2/42 Cao Thắng, Phường 5, Bàn Cờ (old District 3)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MMTY5duCaH1KhTET8
This lush, cat-filled space is open air and definitely a nighttime destination - and it’s a jewel. It has a rustic, forest-y theme going on from the seating to the plants (of which there are many), and the chairs are comfy. There’s even a bar along the side with high stools, perfect for chilling and watching the city.
Drinks are regular prices but a bit larger than normal, which is a great deal. Watch your head coming from the elevator landing up the stairs!
Tiệm Lưu Coffee
Hours: 8am-10pm
Address: toà nhà Halo, 39 Đinh Công Tráng, Tân Định (old District 1)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SGx5tGbVdUAEqDYf9
While Sargon Coffee gets a bit hot during the daylight hours, this place doesn’t have that problem - along with a great view of the pink church, it’s got AC! The vibes are very homey, with a cottage-like aesthetic that’s not the most comfortable for very extended work sessions but ok for an hour or so.
One drawback here is that the tables tend to be a bit small, due to the space itself being on the smaller side. However, for a rooftop cafe with air conditioning that is pleasant during the day, there’s a certain amount of things I’ll put up with. It’s full of cute decorations and potted plants and the vibes are cozy.
1991 Rooftop Coffee & More
Hours: 4:30-11pm
Address: 37/4 Đinh Công Tráng, Tân Định (old District 1)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wp3ArvE6THTcTGY76
Right around the corner from Tiệm Lưu Coffee is this charming open air rooftop space that is only open at night - the perfect time to savor its rustic decor and occasional live music performances, which are most Saturday nights.
It also boasts some great views as well as a nice menu, but the real draw is after the sun goes down. Sitting along the railing counter with a drink, a friend, and a breeze is an unbeatable combination. The space has a distinctly relaxed garden vibe and is a great place to catch the sunset.
Sip and Savour Rooftop Cafe
Hours: 8am-10pm
Address: Floors 3 &4, 270 Đ. Lý Thường Kiệt, Phường 14, Diên Hồng (old District 10)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HKQ7qyYyJsyf4hzf7
A modern, two level space that’s got a crisp, clean design, air conditioning, as well as an open air balcony on the top level. I came during the day, drawn by promises of sunlight and AC, and I wasn’t disappointed. The skylights give it an airy feeling, there’s a decent amount of greenery. There are a number of big tables for working, as well as smaller ones and a balcony bar with stools for chit chats with friends.
This is another one of those cafes where you have to enter through a different business - in this case, a bathroom fixture showroom. From there head up to the 3rd floor to order. The balcony and more seating is up on the 4th floor. They’ve got a nice variety of drinks, some baked goods, and a number of smaller meals.
No elevator - get ready to hike up some stairs!
It seems that most rooftop spots are bars/restaurants, while strictly cafe spaces are few and far between. If you’ve got some favorites, please drop ‘em in the comments!
-Ben