A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hanoi vs. Baltimore for Attractions, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Hanoi or Baltimore?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Baltimore can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a high energy, colorful, and cultural 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.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a colorful, historic, and vibrant 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 and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Baltimore?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hanoi than Baltimore. Hanoi is bigger than Baltimore, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hanoi is well known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake. Baltimore is well known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities.

How is Hanoi different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Baltimore 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Hanoi and Baltimore.

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.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Hanoi or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Hanoi and Baltimore.

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.

Many people head to Baltimore for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Hanoi or Baltimore Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Hanoi is revered around 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.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Baltimore?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Baltimore 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Hanoi or Baltimore Better for Families?

Baltimore is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Hanoi offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Hanoi or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Both Hanoi and Baltimore are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Hanoi or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Baltimore 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Hanoi or Baltimore Better for Students?

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

Hanoi is very popular with students. 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.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Baltimore 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 Baltimore can get you around easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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

Is Hanoi or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Baltimore is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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 Hanoi Worth Visiting? and Is Baltimore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hanoi and Baltimore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hanoi than in Baltimore. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 2-3 days is enough time in Baltimore.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hanoi than Baltimore 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 Hanoi or Baltimore?

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.

In Baltimore, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Hanoi or Baltimore?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baltimore. 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.

Five days in Hanoi or Baltimore?

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.

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

A week in Hanoi or Baltimore?

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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Baltimore, we can see that Baltimore is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hanoi is in Asia and Baltimore is in North America, 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 Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore 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 Hanoi Expensive? and Is Baltimore Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Baltimore?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Baltimore. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Baltimore, 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 Hanoi or Baltimore?

Baltimore 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 Hanoi or Baltimore in the Summer?

Both Baltimore and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hanoi is a little warmer than Baltimore in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Baltimore fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.

Should I visit Hanoi or Baltimore in the Autumn?

Both Baltimore and Hanoi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hanoi is much warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Baltimore averages at about 57°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in October than Baltimore. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Baltimore in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Baltimore. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. In January, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hanoi or Baltimore in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Baltimore. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city.

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

Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi usually gets more rain in April than Baltimore. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) 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 Baltimore and Hanoi