The Old Quarter in Hanoi is a captivating neighbourhood, home to a blend of Vietnamese architecture, leafy spaces, time-worn shops and impossibly fresh street food — all easily explored on foot.
At first glance, these 36 streets may seem overwhelming. Don’t worry — constant motion is part of the Old Quarter’s allure. Take a seat at a café and enjoy the lively scene from a comfortable distance. You’ll spot bicycle vendors selling flowers and fruit, old friends gathered over games of draughts, and cooks doing a brisk trade in steaming bowls of phở and bún chả. The more you wander, the more you’ll be rewarded with hidden alleyways, tucked-away pagodas and cosy coffee shops.
Here are some of the best ways to appreciate the Old Quarter’s vibrant atmosphere and secret corners.
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Discover ancient streets
Shops spilling onto pavements, motorbikes weaving through narrow lanes, the aroma of noodles and flowers — the Old Quarter can be a little chaotic. Start your exploration with a cyclo ride on a guided tour through the bustle. Once Hanoi’s main mode of transport, cyclos move at the perfect pace for taking in the street life without having to fret about traffic or directions. After this gentle introduction, pick a few streets to explore on foot.
The 36 guild streets of the Old Quarter were named for the trades and crafts that once flourished here, producing fine goods for the royal court at the nearby Thang Long Citadel. These days, only a few streets still sell their traditional wares. Some, however, have preserved the old ways — ideal for wandering with your camera in hand.
Hàng Bạc (Silver Street), where silversmiths once crafted coins and jewellery for the palace, still hosts jewellers and money changers. Hàng Mã is where locals shop for religious offerings and festive decorations. Hàng Gai, now known as Silk Street, was named after the pinkish dye once sold here. Today, its shops specialise in fabrics and bespoke tailoring. Lãn Ông is a fragrant lane filled with traditional medicines and herbs.
TIP: For many locals, the Old Quarter is the ‘real’ Hanoi. If you befriend someone born here, they’ll likely share fond stories of growing up along these atmospheric streets.
Encounter multiple civilisations
Ô Quan Chưởng Gate is the sole surviving gate of the wall that once encircled the Thang Long Citadel area. The structure you see today was rebuilt in 1817, though its origins date back to 1749. The gate is named after a valiant Vietnamese soldier who defended it during the French assault in 1873, and today it stands as a proud symbol of national resilience.
As you wander the historic centre, look out for the many pagodas built by early traders. The Old Quarter was partly settled by Chinese merchants who made their homes and livelihoods here. To glimpse their world, visit Mã Mây House, a UNESCO-listed heritage home preserved in its original form.
For a moment of calm amid the clamour, slip down the alley off Nhà Thờ to the quiet courtyard of Bà Đá Pagoda. Here stands an ornate Phật Phật statue, regarded as one of Hanoi’s four sacred treasures.
Standing tall since 1886, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is a lasting reminder of French colonial influence in Vietnam. Its striking neo-Gothic façade towers over the surrounding rooftops and narrow streets.
Wherever you wander, you’ll see the distinctive ‘tube houses’ typical of the Old Quarter — narrow at the front but stretching deep and tall, often with small courtyards to let in light. You’ll also notice the Soviet-era apartment blocks lining Hàng Điếu Street. And if you have time, don’t miss the Old Quarter’s most recent sensation: Train Street, where cafés and shops sit beside an active railway line — an irresistible photo spot for visitors and Instagrammers alike.
TIP: Stop by Phố Cổ Rooftop Café for a close-up look at Hanoi’s tube houses and sweeping views over Hoàn Kiếm Lake.
Relax at Hoàn Kiếm Lake
Locals often say “đi một vòng hồ” — “let’s take a stroll around the lake”. The lake, of course, is Hoàn Kiếm. Set in the heart of the city, this tranquil green space is the perfect spot for relaxation, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Just before dawn, joggers circle the tree-lined banks, groups practise tai chi, and friends play shuttlecock or hacky sack. Come evening, couples gather on benches along the water’s edge, sharing green mango and cups of tea.
Take a leisurely walk to admire the red Húc Bridge, the historic Ngọc Sơn Temple and the iconic Turtle Tower. On weekends, Hoàn Kiếm Lake is closed to traffic, transforming into a lively promenade where Hanoians of all ages gather for music, games and people-watching.
TIP: Join the locals and treat yourself to an ice cream on Tràng Tiền Street. An evening stroll around Hoàn Kiếm with an ice cream in hand is a quintessential Hanoi experience.
Eat like a local
The Old Quarter brims with time-honoured eateries and beloved street stalls that have served generations. On Hoàn Kiếm Street, try nộm bò khô — dried beef and papaya salad sprinkled with crunchy peanuts. For dessert, locals swear by Chè Bốn Mùa, famous for its lotus seed and black jelly sweet soup.
If you’re peckish, enjoy a bowl of bún chả at Bún Chả Hương Liên, where President Obama famously dined, or head to Hàng Quạt for a quieter option. Hanoians love lingering in cafés, chatting and people-watching — don’t leave without tasting the original egg coffee at Café Giang. Another local classic is chả cá lá vông, created at Lá Vông Restaurant: grilled fish marinated in turmeric and spices, served with rice noodles, dill and peanuts.
TIP: After dark on weekends, Hàng Đào Street transforms into a buzzing night market, where you can sample adventurous local snacks such as grilled quail, snail meatballs and cured pork sausage.
Hunt for unique finds
The Old Quarter may lack large shopping centres, but it more than makes up for it with vibrant street-level shopping. Hàng Dầu, Lý Quốc Sư, Tạ Hiện and Hàng Da are lined with shops selling clothes, shoes and bags aimed at travellers. For something more curated, visit Vui Studio, browse minimalist boutiques on Chân Cầm Street, or explore the small natural beauty shops along Hội Vũ Street.
If you’re fond of textiles, Tân Mỹ Design showcases exquisite fabrics by Vietnamese designers in a bright, elegant boutique on Hàng Gai. For meaningful souvenirs, visit Collective Memory on Nhà Chung, or pop into Craft House Cathedral nearby for handmade stationery, candles and accessories. For premium lacquerware, head to Hanoia by Hoàn Kiếm Lake.
Experience Hanoi’s nightlife
When night falls, the Old Quarter swaps business for leisure and truly comes alive. There’s something for everyone in these 36 enchanting streets. As the sun sets, take the lift to Diamond Sky Bar for panoramic city views. For expertly mixed cocktails, visit Polite & Co., or sip a fine gin and tonic overlooking St. Joseph’s Cathedral at The Mad Botanist.
Back on the pavement, locals and visitors alike gather on street corners for long meals and endless rounds of bia hơi (fresh beer). This tradition offers a joyful way to experience Hanoi’s social spirit. The most famous spot is Bia Hơi Junction, where crowds spill out onto Tạ Hiện Street, perching on tiny plastic stools and raising glasses under the evening sky. Don’t forget to toast your time in the Old Quarter with a cheerful “một, hai, ba, dô!”
