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

Should you visit Hanoi or Paris?

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 Paris 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 fascinating, high energy, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Hanoi and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Paris?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Hanoi. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, and impressive beauty, while Hanoi attracts visitors for its historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Hanoi and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Hanoi is famous for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Hanoi different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Paris 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 Paris?

Plenty of people visit the terrific sights and museums in both Hanoi and Paris.

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 plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Paris has many famous sights for visitors. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Is Hanoi or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is renowned for its theatre productions. However, Hanoi is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Paris that are not to be missed. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Hanoi is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Paris have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Hanoi has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Hanoi or Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Paris is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Many people head to Hanoi for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Hanoi or Paris Better for Music?

Paris is renowned for its live music scene. However, Hanoi is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Paris Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Hanoi is not a live music destination.

Is Hanoi or Paris Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is terrific for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Hanoi has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Paris?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Paris and Hanoi.

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 people travel to Paris specifically to go shopping. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Is Hanoi or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is renowned for its Christmas activities. However, Hanoi does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Paris is not to be missed. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Hanoi does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Hanoi or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Paris is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris Better for Couples?

Paris is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Paris is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Hanoi is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Is Hanoi or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi and Paris are terrific places to visit 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.

A large number of backpackers visit Paris, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Is Hanoi or Paris Better for Students?

Paris is renowned for students. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Paris is a very popular city for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad 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.

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

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

Paris has a great public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris a more walkable city?

Paris 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.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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 Paris Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paris or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Paris?

Both Hanoi and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Hanoi. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Hanoi 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 Paris.

One day in Hanoi or Paris?

Each neighborhood in Hanoi has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

In Paris, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this beautiful big city 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 Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hanoi or Paris?

Hanoi is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Hanoi has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Paris is a fun place to experience. In Paris, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hanoi or Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the high energy big city of Hanoi. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Paris, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Paris, we can see that Paris 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 Paris is in Europe, 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Paris, 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 Paris?

Paris 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 Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Hanoi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Paris. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 29°C (84°F), and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Paris. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Paris. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Also, most visitors come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Hanoi is much warmer than Paris in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Paris. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Paris in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Paris. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Paris because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Paris can be very cold. In the winter, Hanoi is much warmer than Paris. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hanoi in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Paris averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Paris. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In April, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Paris. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 24°C (75°F), and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In April, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Paris. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.

Typical Weather for Paris and Hanoi