Hanoi’s French Quarter provides a peaceful contrast to the chaos of the Old Quarter, offering wide boulevards, a scenic lake, and elegant hotels while still being within walking distance of the city’s historic core. This area not only serves as a haven for travelers looking to escape the crowded streets but also showcases the unique blend of French colonial influences and Vietnamese culture.

A Respite from the Old Quarter’s Bustle

The Old Quarter, known for its dense traffic, street food vendors, and lively tourism scene, remains a top choice for visitors looking to immerse themselves in Hanoi’s energetic atmosphere. However, the narrow streets have struggled to accommodate increasing tourism, leading to restrictions such as a ban on tour buses. Despite these measures, taxis and ride-hailing services continue to congest the area.

For those seeking a balance between Hanoi’s vibrancy and a more relaxed stay, the French Quarter presents an ideal option. With its spacious streets and colonial architecture, the district provides both historical intrigue and a more leisurely pace.

Exploring Hoàn Kiếm Lake

One of the French Quarter’s highlights is Hoàn Kiếm Lake, a tranquil oasis amidst the city’s constant motion. The lake’s iconic Turtle Tower, perched on a small island, and the Ngoc Son Temple at its northern end offer cultural and historical insights. A bright red bridge leads visitors to the temple, where the city’s noise fades into the background.

Morning visitors can witness locals engaging in tai chi, jogging, or Zumba sessions along the lake’s shore, providing a glimpse into daily life in Hanoi. The tree-lined pathways and occasional pop music drifting from exercise groups add to the charm of this urban retreat.

Savoring Hanoi’s Signature Egg Coffee

Vietnam is known for its distinctive coffee culture, and Hanoi’s specialty—egg coffee—was born out of necessity during the 1940s when milk was scarce. Nguyen Van Giang, a bartender at the Grand Metropole Hotel, crafted the drink using whipped egg yolk, honey, and sugar, creating a rich and creamy beverage.

Today, visitors can sample this historic drink at Le Club Bar in the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel or visit Café Dinh, a family-run establishment founded by Giang’s descendants, offering an authentic experience with a view of Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

Luxury Stays in the French Quarter

The French Quarter is home to some of Hanoi’s most prestigious hotels, including the Capella Hanoi, a lavishly designed Art Deco-inspired retreat by architect Bill Bensley. The hotel celebrates opera culture with intricate decorations, memorabilia, and thematic interiors. Guests can enjoy Michelin-recommended dining at Backstage restaurant or partake in local craft activities such as pottery and lacquer painting.

Another iconic stay is the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, a historic landmark dating back to 1901. This hotel has played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s history, hosting key political negotiations and serving as a shelter during wartime. Today, guests can tour the hotel’s wartime bunkers, unwind by the courtyard pool, or enjoy a yoga session on the rooftop terrace.

A Blend of History and Modern Comfort

Hanoi’s French Quarter offers an immersive journey through Vietnam’s colonial past while providing contemporary comforts. Whether strolling along Hoàn Kiếm Lake, indulging in Hanoi’s signature egg coffee, or staying in one of the district’s luxury hotels, visitors can experience a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation in this elegant enclave.

With artificial intelligence (AI) becoming an increasingly popular tool for simplifying travel planning, many travelers are turning to platforms like ChatGPT, Vacay, and GuideGeek to create customized itineraries in seconds. While AI can significantly reduce the time spent researching and booking trips, users are also discovering its limitations, particularly in outdated recommendations and lack of real-time insights.

According to Omio’s 2024 NowNext travel report, 44% of travelers in Europe and the U.S. have expressed interest in using AI for planning trips this year—an increase from 27% in 2023. AI’s appeal lies in its ability to quickly generate itineraries based on user preferences, providing recommendations for activities, accommodations, and budgeting. A survey by American Express also found that Gen Z and millennial travelers particularly appreciate AI’s assistance in managing expenses, finding activities, and even translating languages while abroad.

To test the effectiveness of AI trip planning, a traveler used ChatGPT, Vacay, and GuideGeek to arrange a three-day budget trip to Tallinn, Estonia. The AI tools generated similar itineraries, including classic attractions like Tallinn’s Old Town, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Kadriorg Park, and the Balti Jaam market. The traveler found ChatGPT’s suggestions the most comprehensive and was impressed by how well the AI captured the essence of the city, including visits to Estonia’s oldest cafe, Maiasmokk, and the modern Cafe Reval.

Limitations of AI in Travel Planning

Despite the convenience, the AI-generated trip presented some challenges, particularly regarding restaurant recommendations. Dietary restrictions complicated the process, as the initial suggestions leaned heavily towards traditional Estonian foods like pancakes and elk meat. Refining the search to include more diverse dining options resulted in fewer overall activity recommendations, suggesting that AI struggles with balancing multiple factors simultaneously.

Another major issue was outdated information. Some recommended restaurants, such as Restaurant Vanaema and Juures, were permanently closed, leaving the traveler scrambling for alternative dining options. Other spots, like Cafe Nop, were misrepresented, offering limited menu choices that did not align with the AI descriptions.

This problem extends beyond individual travelers. Travel advisor and writer Coco Tran highlighted that AI tools can lack real-time insights, citing an instance where clients nearly booked a sakura-themed trip to Kyoto without realizing that cherry blossom seasons have shifted due to climate change. She also noted that AI cannot replace the nuanced knowledge gained through years of experience, such as which traditional Japanese inns genuinely welcome foreign guests.

Is AI Worth Using for Travel Planning?

While AI-powered travel planners can be a helpful starting point, experts advise travelers to cross-check AI-generated itineraries with their own research. Double-checking restaurant availability, verifying activity details, and customizing plans based on personal preferences can help avoid inconveniences.

AI may not yet be capable of replacing human expertise, but when used wisely, it can still be a valuable tool for streamlining the travel planning process.

While Barcelona remains one of Spain’s most visited cities, its growing popularity has led to concerns about mass tourism, with protests against overcrowding becoming more frequent. Fortunately, there are plenty of scenic and culturally rich destinations just a short train ride away, offering a chance to escape the crowds while enjoying Spain’s diverse landscapes and heritage.

Here are some of the best day and weekend trips from Barcelona, all accessible via public transport.

Explore Dalí’s Surrealist World in Figueres

Art lovers can take a fast train to Figueres in under an hour to explore the works of surrealist master Salvador Dalí. The Dalí Theatre Museum, home to more than 1,500 of his pieces, is a must-visit for those interested in his unique artistic vision.

For a deeper insight into Dalí’s life, visitors can explore Casa Natal Salvador Dalí, his birthplace, which opened to the public in 2023. Those with extra time can venture to Cadaqués, a picturesque coastal town where Dalí’s summer home in Portlligat is located. The surrounding Cap de Creus Natural Park offers hiking trails through landscapes that inspired his artwork.

Savor Wine and Cava in the Penedès Region

Wine enthusiasts can hop on a 90-minute train ride southwest to the Penedès wine region, known for its stunning vineyards and world-renowned cava production.

The town of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, Spain’s cava capital, offers tours and tastings at historic wineries like Freixenet and Codorníu. For a more immersive experience, visitors can rent an e-bike from Bikemotions, located at Lavern-Subirats station, and cycle through rolling vineyards, stopping at wineries along the way.

Discover Modernista Architecture in Reus

For architecture enthusiasts looking beyond Barcelona’s well-known Modernista buildings, Reus offers a quieter and more affordable alternative. Located two hours by train from Barcelona, the town is the birthplace of Antoni Gaudí, though his architectural influence is not present there.

Instead, Reus boasts stunning works by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, including Casa Navàs with its intricate stained glass and ornate designs, and L’Institut Pere Mata, a hidden gem of Modernist architecture.

Stroll Through the Historic Streets of Girona

Just 38 minutes by high-speed train, Girona is a perfect blend of medieval charm and modern vibrancy. The city’s Barri Vell (old town) features narrow streets, stone staircases, and a stunning Jewish Quarter, offering a glimpse into Spain’s medieval past.

Famous for its Game of Thrones filming locations, Girona remains a peaceful retreat even on weekends. Visitors can enjoy the colorful riverside houses along the Onyar River, explore the imposing Girona Cathedral, and walk along the city’s ancient walls for panoramic views.

Escape to the Pyrenees in Vall de Núria

For those seeking a weekend retreat in nature, Vall de Núria in the Pyrenees is an ideal getaway. A two-hour, 40-minute train ride to Ribes de Freser, followed by a historic rack railway journey, takes visitors over 1,000 meters into a breathtaking valley surrounded by towering peaks.

In winter, the area offers skiing and snowshoeing, while summer brings hiking trails through lush mountain landscapes. Accommodations are available at the sole hotel in Vall de Núria, with additional options in Ribes de Freser.

Hike Through Collserola Natural Park

For a quick escape into nature without leaving the city, Collserola Natural Park is a great option. Located just above Barcelona, it offers numerous hiking trails suitable for all levels.

Easily accessible via public transport, Collserola provides a tranquil retreat from the city, making it perfect for a half-day or full-day hike.

A Sustainable Way to Explore Catalonia

With efficient train connections to these destinations, travelers can enjoy Catalonia’s cultural and natural treasures while minimizing their environmental footprint. Whether seeking art, architecture, wine, or outdoor adventure, these trips offer the perfect escape from Barcelona’s bustling streets.