Two Traveling After One

outdoor adventure

“We lived in the Westlake neighborhood, explored Old Town... For our 22 days in Hanoi, we stayed on Westlake in the Tay Ho neighborhood. We chose Tay Ho intentionally. It's quieter than Old Town, more residential, and felt like a place where we could actually live for a few weeks instead of just visit.”

experience

“We had egg coffee overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.”

restaurant

“We tried Phở Cuốn Hưng Bền where Pho comes rolled like cigars, thin sheets wrapped around beef and herbs, served with a dipping sauce, completely different from traditional faux and absolutely worth trying.”

restaurant

“At Hanoi, 1930 bistro, which is known for their crab spring rolls, we also had stir fried noodles, kung bao chicken with cashews, and a tropical strawberry tea. A more refined Vietnamese dining experience.”

restaurant

“We ate Bún chả at Bún chả Hương Liên We're excited to try the spot where Anthony Bourdain and Obama tried Bún chả. We found this restaurant online and looking forward to this is our 1st Bún chả Grilled pork broth, noodles, herbs, simple and deeply flavorful.”

cafe

“Some mornings we started out at Anderson Nordic Bakery in Tay Ho, green juices, sourdough bread, cinnamon rolls, bagels with feta, and sun-dried tomatoes. It became one of our regular spots and gave us a little taste of home between bowls of faux.”

experience

“From Train Street to temples...”

experience

“Including Tran Quoc Pagoda probably the most photographs stunning right on the water, and Quan Thanh Temple, both historic and peaceful.”

experience

“The Temple of Literature was beautiful, though very busy. Many local families were there taking photos, and it's clearly an important cultural site. Just across the street is a lovely park area with vendors and food stalls that lights up beautifully at night.”

restaurant

“And then there was Gia. Gia is a one star Michelin restaurant and widely considered one of the best restaurants in Hanoi. Reservations are required in advance... We experienced their 12 course tasting menu... It was thoughtful, artistic, beautifully presented, and deeply rooted in Vietnamese ingredients. That meal alone was a significant portion of our food budget, but it was also unforgettable.”

cafe

“We also stopped at Hanoi 1990s on Train Street for egg coffee, and timed it for when the train came through. Sitting there with a cup of egg coffee while the train rolls just inches from the tables is one of the unique Hanoi experiences.”

restaurant

“We grabbed banh mi from Banh Mi Long Hoi pork and pate, and also from banh mi 25, a popular old quarter institution, now with 3 storefronts.”

cafe

“We also loved Cafe Pho Co with multiple floors and a rooftop view of Hoan Kiem Lake, egg coffee, and matcha salted cream.”

restaurant

“We also found a tiny alley spot called Phở Sướng in Old Town, with delicious beef Pho in a no frill setting.”

restaurant

“Another favorite local place was Bun Cha Mai Anh, a small, friendly restaurant that serves only bun cha, affordable, and excellent.”

restaurant

“Azul Condesa was one of our favorite dining experiences in Mexico City, and it’s where we had the chance to try a dish deeply tied to Mexico’s history and culture, Chile en Nogada... it’s a must-try, and Azul Condesa is an excellent spot to experience it.”

cafe

“For breakfast, Ojo de Agua in Condesa became one of our go-to spots. This local café is known for its fresh, health-focused menu and inviting ambiance. Their juices and smoothies are made from the freshest local ingredients, with combinations that are both refreshing and energizing. For something heartier, the shakshuka is a must-try, a flavorful dish of poached eggs in a spiced tomato sauce, served with crusty bread for dipping. And if you’re a matcha fan, their creamy matcha latte is the perfect way to start your day.”

cafe

“Another breakfast spot we fell in love with was Maque, an upscale café located right on Parque México. With its elegant yet relaxed vibe, Maque is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely breakfast while taking in views of the park. The pastries here are absolutely divine, think buttery croissants, flaky almond danishes, and their signature concha, a traditional Mexican sweet bread that melts in your mouth. The menu also features a variety of breakfast dishes, from savory egg plates to chilaquiles, all beautifully prepared and full of flavor. What sets Maque apart is its outdoor seating overlooking Parque México.”

restaurant

“Il Fiorino is a hidden gem for Italian cuisine, offering an unassuming neighborhood vibe paired with truly authentic flavors. This small, family-run spot feels like stepping into a local Italian trattoria, where the focus is on quality ingredients and heartfelt cooking. Their pasta dishes are the highlight here, made fresh and served with rich, flavorful sauces that transport you straight to Italy. From creamy carbonara to classic pomodoro, each dish is perfectly executed and satisfying. The charcuterie boards are another standout, featuring a curated selection of cured meats, cheeses, and artisanal bread that are perfect for sharing.”

restaurant

“Deigo Ramen in Condesa is a must-visit for ramen lovers, offering an authentic Japanese dining experience right in the heart of Mexico City. With three locations across the city, this spot brings the flavors and atmosphere of a Tokyo ramen shop to the vibrant streets of Condesa. As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by a simple, no-frills setup. Ordering is part of the fun, choose your ramen and sides from the vending machine at the entrance. The ramen here is exceptional, with rich, flavorful broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and a variety of toppings to customize your bowl.”

restaurant

“For a taste of the southern United States in Mexico City, Pinche Gringo BBQ delivers big, bold flavors with a side of fun. This self-service spot has mastered the art of barbecue, offering everything from smoky brisket and ribs to pulled pork sandwiches, all served in a casual, outdoor patio setting that’s perfect for kicking back with friends. And let’s talk about the name, “Pinche Gringo” is a cheeky play on words that translates loosely to “damn gringo,” a humorous nod to its American-style BBQ roots in the heart of Mexico. The barbecue itself is the real star. Perfectly smoked meats, tender and flavorful, are paired with classic southern sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, and cornbread.”

restaurant

“Mendl Delicatessen quickly became another one of our go-to spots for breakfast and lunch in Mexico City. This charming deli brings classic flavors with a modern touch, making it a standout for anyone craving hearty sandwiches or a sweet treat to start the day. Their corned beef sandwiches are the star of the menu, piled high with tender, flavorf”

restaurant

“Michelin-starred experiences at Quintonil and Pujol”

restaurant

“Michelin-starred experiences at Quintonil and Pujol”

bar

“trendy rooftops like Samos Ritz Carlton Mexico City”

cafe

“Cafe Nin is described as a trendy coffee shop located in the Roma neighborhood.”

cafe

“Cafe Toscano offers great views and opportunities for people watching in Roma Norte.”

restaurant

“La Lachuguita is listed as one of the must-try street food finds.”

restaurant

“Tacos El Greco is highlighted for its 'al pastor perfection' and as a top street food find.”

cafe

“Churreria El Moro is mentioned among the essential street food finds.”

restaurant

“we spotted Crepes Barcelona on our way out and joined the line This stall offers both sweet and savory options made to order by the chef the Crepes come in cardboard sleeves making them perfect for walking snack... We decided on the Nutella crepe”

cafe

“Our other favorites for brunch in this neighborhood are Billy's brunch as well as brunch and Cake we love them both”

restaurant

“ending our day with a delicious Tapas at La flauta... we head to La flauta a Charming tapas bar that has delighted locals and visitors for years get ready to savor the tradition traditional Catalan flavors in a cozy and authentic setting... We ordered a number of their most popular dishes their signature potatoes bravas crispy potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce and a creamy aioli blistered shishito Peppers grilled peppers in olive oil with coarse salt pasta carbonara... prawn skewers with calamari... steak Roquefort... tomato bread... steak foie gras... we had churros creme brulee and our favorite bread chocolate and salt”

shopping

“followed by a visit to the iconic Mercado de la bocarea for a scrumptious lunch... This open-air Market has been serving the community since 1217... the market is known for its Technicolor fruit smoothies stalls for cured meats and other Delicacies and eateries... we navigate through the bustling aisles to find some stalls where we can indulge in the flavors of Barcelona our first stop is at one of the Stalls with giant thighs of Jamon Iberico... we couldn't resist trying to the famous seafood paella prepared right in front of us”

restaurant

“today we are going to take you to one of our favorites Lilo a popular spot for Yummy dishes whose motto is B and eat different... the menu here offers diverse options including some vegan dishes they have a lot of options for specialty coffees and smoothies as well as bottomless mimosas... I chose exciting which is three poached eggs with avocado on a Turkish yogurt with garlic chili and chive sauce served with plenty of toasted bread Dan ordered the clubhouse a waffle sandwich stuffed with Danish cheese fluffy eggs vegan coriander mayonnaise tomatoes and bathed in mango and Agaves syrup we wanted to share something sweet so we also ordered the Nutella pancakes”

restaurant

“Our other favorites for brunch in this neighborhood are Billy's brunch as well as brunch and Cake we love them both”

day trip

“And our 3-day Ha Long & Bai Tu Long Bay cruise add-on. After leaving Hanoi, we continued on to Ha Long Bay for a cruise.”

day trip

“Hanoi Entertainment – Temples, Museums & Ninh Binh”