A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bucharest vs. Hanoi for Attractions, Old Town, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Bucharest or Hanoi?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Hanoi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a less touristy, undiscovered, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a historical, fascinating, and high energy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Hanoi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Hanoi?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Hanoi than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Hanoi, Hanoi has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Hanoi is more touristy than Bucharest and is known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake. Bucharest is well known for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Bucharest different from Hanoi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hanoi and Bucharest. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bucharest or Hanoi?

Hanoi is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Hanoi are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

Is the Food Better in Bucharest or Hanoi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hanoi is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hanoi. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Hanoi Better for Nightlife?

Hanoi is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Hanoi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Hanoi Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is renowned for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Hanoi is one of the most recognized in the world. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Hanoi?

Hanoi is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Hanoi make it a world-class shopping destination. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Hanoi Better for Families?

Hanoi is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Hanoi. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Hanoi Better for Couples?

Hanoi is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Hanoi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Hanoi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is renowned for backpackers. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hanoi. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Is Bucharest or Hanoi Better for Students?

Hanoi is well known for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

Many students visit Hanoi. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

Is Bucharest or Hanoi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bucharest is well known for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Bucharest can get you around easily. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Bucharest or Hanoi a more walkable city?

Bucharest and Hanoi both are notable when exploring on foot.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

For even more information, also check out Is Bucharest Worth Visiting? and Is Hanoi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hanoi or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Hanoi?

In either Bucharest or Hanoi, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Hanoi than Bucharest because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bucharest, and 3-5 days is enough time in Hanoi.

Families should spend more time in Hanoi than Bucharest. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hanoi, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Hanoi than Bucharest. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hanoi that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hanoi than Bucharest if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Hanoi.

One day in Bucharest or Hanoi?

In Bucharest, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Hanoi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bucharest. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Hanoi?

Bucharest is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bucharest. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Bucharest or Hanoi?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Bucharest. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hanoi is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Hanoi, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bucharest is in Europe and Hanoi is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest than you might in Hanoi.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bucharest Expensive? and Is Hanoi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Hanoi?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Hanoi, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Bucharest or Hanoi?

Bucharest has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Hanoi in the Summer?

Both Hanoi and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Bucharest is cooler than Hanoi in the summer. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Hanoi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. In July, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Hanoi. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.

Should I visit Bucharest or Hanoi in the Autumn?

Both Hanoi and Bucharest during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.

In the autumn, Bucharest is much colder than Hanoi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bucharest in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Hanoi averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Hanoi. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Bucharest or Hanoi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Hanoi. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's quite cold in Bucharest in the winter. In January, Bucharest is generally much colder than Hanoi. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around -1°C (29°F), and Hanoi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In January, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Hanoi. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bucharest or Hanoi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Hanoi. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year.

Bucharest is much colder than Hanoi in the spring. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Hanoi fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. Bucharest usually gets less rain in April than Hanoi. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Hanoi and Bucharest