Cafe Apartment Ho Chi Minh: Nguyen Hue Guide 2026

If you are planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, there is one spot you absolutely cannot miss. Located right in the heart of District 1, the famous Cafe Apartment on Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a dream destination for coffee lovers, culture seekers, and vintage enthusiasts alike.

This historic building has been creatively transformed into a vertical playground of indie boutiques, trendy local cafes, and the world-renowned % Arabica coffee shop. Let’s dive into how to make the most of your visit!

Nguyen Hue Walking Street & City Hall Plaza

Think of Nguyen Hue Walking Street as Saigon’s vibrant answer to Times Square or a grand European plaza. On Saturday and Sunday evenings, this massive boulevard transforms into a pedestrian-only zone, closed to all vehicular traffic.

It is a favorite gathering spot for locals—families, friends, and young couples alike—who come out to stroll, catch street performances, and enjoy the cool evening breeze. With seasonal events, lively buskers, and local snack vendors lining the plaza, the energy here is absolutely contagious.

One of the most striking sights on the street is the beautifully lit historic building at the northern end of the plaza. Today, it serves as the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Headquarters, but its history runs much deeper.

Built in the early 1900s during the French colonial era, this architectural masterpiece showcases a stunning French Renaissance style. While it is beautiful during the day, it truly comes alive at night when the facade is illuminated with brilliant golden lights, making it a prime spot for photography.

Standing proudly in front of the building is the monumental statue of President Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of modern Vietnam. It is one of the city's most iconic landmarks and a must-visit photo spot for travelers from all over the world.

The plaza gets incredibly crowded with tourists and locals vying for the perfect shot in front of the statue, so you might have to get creative with your camera angles or settle for a quick, fun selfie before moving on!

The Cafe Apartment: Saigon's Trendiest Creative Hub

Right on the walking street sits the legendary Cafe Apartment. This mid-century apartment block has been repurposed into a vertical maze of stylish lifestyle boutiques, local designer shops, and highly Instagrammable cafes.

While there is an elevator in the building, it gets very crowded and requires a small cash fee of about 3,000 VND (roughly $0.12 USD) to use. We highly recommend skipping the elevator and taking the stairs instead. Walking up allows you to discover hidden gems on every single floor that you would otherwise miss!

Among the many incredible spots inside, you will find the world-famous % Arabica. Sipping a perfectly crafted iced latte while looking out over the sprawling walking street below is an absolute must-do experience. It is the ultimate spot to people-watch and soak in the vibrant energy of Saigon.

Must-Try Street Food: Banh Trang Nuong (Vietnamese Pizza)

As you explore Nguyen Hue Walking Street, you will spot local street vendors carrying traditional baskets or pushing small carts loaded with colorful ingredients.

If you see a cart with these specific ingredients, stop immediately and order one! This is the setup for Banh Trang Nuong, also known as "Vietnamese Pizza."

While this popular street snack originally comes from the mountain town of Da Lat, the versions made by vendors in District 1 are incredibly crispy, savory, and arguably even better! A single serving will set you back only 25,000 to 30,000 VND (about $1.00 to $1.20 USD).

To make it, the vendor grills a thin sheet of rice paper over hot coals until it is crispy, then brushes it with quail eggs, green onions, minced pork, creamy cheese, and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise. It is rolled up hot and served in a paper sleeve. It is crispy, creamy, sweet, and savory all at once—a flavor explosion that you will crave long after your trip is over!