The Cafe Apartment
Nine floors of independent cafes and boutiques.
4.4 ⭐ (900)
Introduction
The Cafe Apartment (Chung cư 42 Nguyễn Huệ) is a repurposed mid-century apartment block located on Nguyen Hue Walking Street. What was once residential housing for government and military personnel has organically transformed into a vertical complex filled with dozens of independent cafes, boutiques, workshops, and co-working spaces. Its unique character and prime location make it a focal point of the city’s contemporary culture and a hub for young creatives.
The Facade View from Nguyen Hue Street
The most popular activity is viewing and photographing the building's entire facade from the walking street below. At night, the individual shop lights create a memorable and photogenic scene.
Explore the Cafes
Each level houses multiple coffee shops with different themes, from modern and minimalist to vintage and eclectic. Many feature small balconies, which are perfect for watching the activity on the walking street.
Discover Independent Boutiques
Beyond coffee, the building is home to a variety of small shops. Visitors can find locally designed clothing, unique souvenirs, and handmade jewelry.
Take the Stairs
While there's an elevator, taking the stairs allows you to see the building's original architecture and discover smaller, lesser-known shops tucked away in the corridors.
Getting there
From District 1 to The Cafe Apartment (approx. 0.5-2 km):
🚗 Taxi: 5-10 mins | 30,000 - 60,000 VND ~ $1.25 - $2.50 USD
🚘 Ride-Hailing App (Grab/Xanh SM): 5-10 mins | 25,000 - 50,000 VND ~ $1 - $2 USD
🛵 Motorbike: 5 mins
🚶 Walking: 5-20 mins (Highly recommended as it's within walking distance of most central hotels)
⚠️ As the Cafe Apartment is on a pedestrian-only street, vehicles will drop you off at the nearest intersection. Walking is the best way to approach the building and experience the surrounding area.
Hours & Admission
🕗 Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Individual shop hours may vary)
🎫 Ticket prices:
- There is no entrance fee to the building itself.
- An elevator fee of 3,000 VND (~$0.12 USD) is charged for going up, though many cafes and shops will reimburse this fee with a purchase. Using the stairs is free.
🚶 Best time to visit:
- Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience and to explore the shops without crowds. For the best photos of the illuminated facade and a more energetic atmosphere, the early evening is ideal.
⌚ Recommended duration:
- Allow for 1.5 to 2.5 hours to fully explore a few different cafes and shops.
Tips from locals
Local tips
📸 The best photos of the entire building are taken from across Nguyen Hue Walking Street. At night, the lights from all the different shops create a unique checkerboard effect that is very popular.
🎟️ Keep your elevator ticket. If you make a purchase at most of the cafes or shops in the building, they will deduct the 3,000 VND elevator fee from your bill. It’s a small amount, but it’s a nice gesture.
🏬 Don’t just visit the first cafe you see. The building has nine floors, and each one has different shops. It's rewarding to walk up or down a few flights of stairs to see what else is on offer before settling on a spot.
Be aware
⚠️ The building is quite old, and the stairwells are narrow and can be dimly lit in some areas. Watch your step, especially when it's crowded.
🛗 The elevator is old and small, and you'll likely have to wait for it, especially during peak hours. If you are able, taking the stairs is often faster and allows you to see more of the building.
FAQs
Is there an entrance fee for the Cafe Apartment?
No, there is no fee to enter the building itself. However, there is a small fee of 3,000 VND to use the elevator to go up, which is often reimbursed by the shops inside if you make a purchase.
Do I have to take the elevator?
No, you can use the stairs for free. Taking the stairs is a good way to explore each floor and see all the different shops.
Are the cafes expensive?
Prices are generally reasonable and comparable to other cafes in District 1. You can expect to pay around 40,000 - 70,000 VND for a coffee.
What is the best cafe in the building?
There is no single "best" cafe, as it depends on your personal preference. Some popular options include Saigon Oi Cafe, The Letter Cafe, and Boo Coffee. It's best to explore and see which one appeals to you.
Can I visit multiple cafes in one trip?
Yes, many visitors will "cafe hop" between different floors to experience the variety of themes and views.
Is the Cafe Apartment accessible for people with mobility issues?
The building's age, narrow staircases, and small elevator can make it challenging for those with mobility issues. The elevator is old and there can be a wait.
Are there restrooms in the building?
Individual cafes and shops have their own restrooms for customers. There are no public restrooms in the common areas of the building.
What else is there to do besides drink coffee?
You can shop for clothes and accessories in the independent boutiques, get a haircut, or simply enjoy the view from one of the balconies.
Is it better to visit during the day or at night?
Both times offer a different experience. The day is better for a relaxed coffee and shopping, while the night is best for seeing the building lit up and enjoying the lively atmosphere of Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Do the shops in the Cafe Apartment accept credit cards?
Some of the more established shops do, but many of the smaller boutiques and cafes may only accept cash. It is recommended to have some Vietnamese Dong with you.
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