Things To Do In Hanoi Old Quarter
When you think of Hanoi, you automatically think of the Old Quarter.
This ancient neighborhood's millennium-long history began in 1010 B.C.E. when emperor Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu (modern day Ninh Binh) to Thang Long (modern day Hanoi).
From there, various artisans flocked to the city for economic opportunities and brought with them the traditional crafts and skills that we associate even now with Old Quarter.
If you're visiting Vietnam for the first time, Hanoi Old Quarter is probably your first stop--it was mine when I visited last winter.
So, if you're ready to dive into this neighborhood's rich history and modern day attractions, here's the ultimate list of things to do and places to visit in Hanoi Old Quarter!
Where Is Hanoi Old Quarter?
Hanoi Old Quarter is located to the west and north of Hoan Kiem Lake.
According to the Vietnamese Ministry of Construction, the borders of Old Quarter are as such:
Phùng Hưng street to the west
Hàng Đậu street to the north
Trần Quang Khải street and Trần Nhật Duật street to the east
Hàng Bông street to the south
A few of the streets that were historically part of ancient Hanoi lie outside of this region, but the ministry felt that this bordered area represented the city's historical character best.
How To Get To Hanoi Old Quarter
There are three main ways to get from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter.
You can take the public tourist bus, an airline or hotel shuttle, or a private car transfer.
I broke down these different options in a comprehensive article, but as a quick summary, the best and most underrated option is to go by bus.
I found it to be a cheap, clean, and efficient way to get from the airport to city center. The driver was really nice and it was a great way to observe the city at a slower (and more local) pace.
Things To Do In Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi Old Quarter is made up of the most eclectic 36 streets that you will ever see. From ancient imperial temples to charming butter-yellow French colonial homes, it feels like nothing belongs and that's why everything belongs.
I recommend taking 2-3 days to explore Hanoi and allocating the first day to wandering Old Quarter.
So, here are the 14 best things to see and do in Old Quarter.
1. Get Lost In Hanoi's Old Streets
One of my favorite things to do is wander Hanoi's 36 guild streets.
In ancient times, if you needed something new, you would go to a specific street. For example, if you needed a coat for the coming winter, you would visit the fabric street and a tailor would create one custom to your frame.
Over time, these alleys came to be named after the artisanal crafts and trades that were sold there.
Nowadays, the majority of the shops sell modern goods--everything from tourist trinkets to the finest Vietnamese silk--but you can still find a handful that keep to their traditional ways.
Hanoi's streets are packed with things to see and you'll never get sick of exploring. So set your phone down and just get lost in the winding alleys and adorable architecture. You might even find something unique to take home!
Some Guild Streets To Check Out:
Hang Bac Street: silver and gold jewelry
Hang Dao Street: fabrics!
Hang Ma Street: festival goods (votive paper, lanterns, Christmas trinkets + more!)
Hang Buom Street: sweets and jams for Tet (Vietnamese New Year)
2. Pay A Visit To The City's Landmark Attractions
Hanoi's most famous landmarks are scattered all over Old Quarter. Bookmark them in Google Maps beforehand and then make sure to stop by for a few minutes when you happen to pass by.
Here Are Some Noteworthy Landmarks:
Old City Gate: the last remaining gate that marked the boundaries of Thang Long Citadel.
Bach Ma Temple: one of four sacred temples that protect Hanoi. It was built in 1010 B.C.E. and reconstructed in the 18th-19th centuries.
Temple of Literature: ancient temple dedicated to Confucius. I was first built in 1070 B.C.E. and hosted Vietnam's first university (Imperial Academy) until 1779.
Ma May Ancient House: a well-preserved colonial-era home with all its original features and furnishings.
Another option is to take a guided street tour or double-decker bus tour but I prefer exploring on my own because it gives me more time.
3. Hunt For Cool Souvenirs At Dong Xuan Market
Get a taste for local living at Dong Xuan Market.
This huge wholesale market in Hanoi features over 2,100 stalls and 71 kiosks, selling everything from everyday produce to high quality silk, ceramics, and lacquerware. Spend an entire afternoon sifting through hidden treasures and you might find something cool to take home!
4. Spend An Afternoon People Watching At Train Street
Train Street Hanoi is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Old Quarter.
The train tracks run directly between neighborhood buildings and while it's a little claustrophobic, the railways make for dramatic pictures that fare well on Instagram.
Visit Train Street for yourself and watch trains zoom by as you spend an afternoon sipping coffee and people watching at one of the adorable two-story coffee shops in the area.
For the best experience, time your visit with the train schedule or if you want something different, you can also book a guided street food tour of the neighborhood.
Hanoi Train Street Schedule:
Weekends: 9:15 AM, 11:20 AM, 3:20 PM, 5:30 PM, 6 PM, 7 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 9 PM, 11 PM
Weekdays: 7 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 10 PM
5. Dive Into Vietnamese Coffee Culture
Vietnam is the second largest exporter of coffee in the world.
The French introduced this crop during their colonial rule and now the beans are very much a part of everyday culture.
I've had some of the best cups of coffee I've ever had, during my travels through the country and if you drink coffee, I highly recommend that you dive in as well.
Try the city's signature Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang or enjoy a classic Vietnamese Coffee with condensed milk (cà phê sữa nóng) at any local cafe.
Best Cafes In Hanoi Old Quarter:
Cafe Giang: the inventor of egg coffee--a thick, creamy, and luxurious beverage with egg yolks whipped into sweet, dark coffee.
Hanoi Coffee Culture: try their salt coffee (cà phê muối)! This drink balances the sweet and savory with a heavy pinch of salt to give classic Vietnamese coffee some depth.
Hanoi Coffee Station: one of the best places to enjoy coconut coffee. This drink blends condensed milk, coconut cream, coffee, and ice into a delicious concoction that is half milk-shake, half coffee.
Vi Anh Coffee: adorable ambient two-story coffee shop with lanterns. For a heavy dose of sweetness, try their creme brulée egg coffee!
Tranquil Artisan Coffee - 08 Nguyen Quang Bich: despite it being a coffee chain, this vibey cafe is one of my favorite places to work from. Great coffee, solid wifi, and a comfortable atmosphere. What else could a remote worker ask for?
6. Decompress At Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is the center of community life in Hanoi.
This peaceful green space offers much reprieve from the chaotic streets of Old Quarter and is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
Relax with a nice cup of ice coffee or enjoy a sweet treat as you zone out over the blue green waters of the lake.
On the weekends, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square (the area around Hoan Kiem Lake) turns into a walking zone where you can party it up with a wide range of entertainment options, music performances, and delicious street food.
7. Watch A Hanoi Water Puppet Show
Water puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese art form that began in the 11th century in the villages around the Red River Delta (aka Hanoi and surrounding areas).
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater preserves this art form by hosting multiple shows a day.
If it's your first time in Hanoi, this is a must-do.
The performances are all based on traditional tales and fables so it's a relatively cheap way to support traditional Vietnamese arts while gaining further insight into some of their values and stories.
All the shows are in Vietnamese but you can rent an audio guide at the theater. I watched the show as it was and found it pretty easy to follow.
The lines for tickets can be quite long so its best to book them in advance.
8. Indulge In A Vietnamese Cooking Class
Hanoi is a huge foodie hub and what better way to understand Vietnamese cuisine than to cook it for yourself?
Learn classic dishes like bun cha, banana flower salad, and spring rolls directly from the locals and take a little bit of Vietnamese culture back with you.
Best Cooking Classes In Hanoi Old Quarter:
Apron Up Cooking Class: start your experience with a trip to the local market and then learn classics like pho bo, bun cha, nem ran, and more.
Rose Kitchen Cooking Class: this small-group class offers free pick-up and teaches you to make four Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful villa.
Hoang's Cooking Class: choose between morning and afternoon cooking sessions with over 6 different main dish options and 3 starter options.
Vegetarian Cooking Class: teaches you to make five different vegetarian Vietnamese dishes including vegetarian bun cha, banh xeo, and pho.
Blue Butterfly Restaurant Cooking Class: vegan Vietnamese cooking class that teaches you to make a seasonal salad, vegan pho, a seasonal spring roll, and che.
9. Relax With A Massage
While this isn't something that you can do exclusively in Hanoi Old Quarter, it's something that I've really come to appreciate in my travels.
If you just got off a long flight or have been walking all day, you should definitely treat yourself to a massage.
They're a lot cheaper than in western countries and the masseuses really know what they're doing!
I usually opt for an aromatic oil massage as it's the best balance between comfort and efficacy but a lot of these spas offer other styles as well (Thai massage, hot stone massage, etc).
You should always read reviews beforehand and book through a platform like Klook because it's a little safer and you know that they're used to communicating with visitors.
Things To Do In Hanoi At Night
10. Check Out The Local Live Music Scene
Hanoi has one of the best live music scenes in Vietnam.
From old-school jazz and blues bars to alternative shows and cover bands, you're bound to find something in its vibrant and diverse music scene that fits your taste.
Some Establishments To Check Out:
Minh Binh Jazz Club: owned by an iconic figure in the Hanoi jazz scene. This intimate establishment has live performances from local and international artists every day of the week.
Purple Blues Bar: located just off the main pub street. Grab a drink and mingle with locals while listening to incredible live rock and blues music.
Ay Lounge: a sophisticated lounge with enticing drinks and attentive service. They have live music every night of the week.
Middle Cafe: a more casual listening experience featuring coffee, beer, and live acoustic performances from local artists rather than your typical music venue.
Photo by Motorbike City Tours
11. Women-Led Hanoi By Night Foodie Motorbike Tour
What's better than getting to experience Hanoi's street food, nightlife, and motorbike culture all while supporting local women?
I did a similar tour in Ho Chi Minh City and it was easily one of the best things I did in Vietnam.
You meet up at a specific destination and then like a motorbiking girl-gang, you all head out to specific foodie destinations on the tour.
Because you're one-on-one for a good amount of time, you're able to have some deep(er) conversations. I loved learning about what it's like as a woman in Vietnam, as well as how the city has changed throughout the years.
I found that it was a stress-free way to explore as a solo female traveler and would definitely do it again in the future.
Five stars across over 1,000 reviews on Viator. I think that speaks for itself.
12. Shop Your Heart Out At Hanoi Night Market
Just because you don't hear influencers raving about night markets in Vietnam, doesn't mean that they're not every bit as exciting and fun as the ones in Thailand or Taiwan.
Hanoi Night Market only opens on the weekends and is always bursting with energy.
Get lost shopping for cute new outfits or souvenirs to take home, and then replenish your energy with delicious street food and a refreshing kumquat tea.
It's a wholesome way to spend a few hours in the evening and is a great nightlife alternative for families and people that don't drink.
How To Find Hanoi Night Market:
The night market runs across Hang Dao Street, Hang Ngang Street and Hang Luoc Street in Hoan Kiem District.
The best time to visit is after 8pm.
13. Sip Cocktails On A Rooftop Bar
If you're looking for a glamorous way to spend your evening in Old Quarter, then definitely check out a rooftop bar!
Hanoi (and Vietnam in general) has a thing for rooftop bars and I can see why.
There's nothing quite like looking out into the horizon and seeing thousands of lights dotting Hanoi's skyline.
The Best Rooftop Bars In Hanoi Old Quarter
Solar Sky Bar: located in the western section of Old Quarter. This rooftop bar is the perfect spot to view the sunset while sipping on flavorful cocktails.
Victor Rooftop Bar: a hotel rooftop bar and restaurant that specializes in Asian fusion cuisine.
Moonlight Sky Bar: 360 views of Hanoi across Hoan Kiem Lake, the Red River and the Old Quarter.
Majesty Sky Bar: craft cocktails and panoramic views of Hanoi's legendary Hoan Kiem Lake.
14. Have A Pint At Hanoi Beer Street
We can't talk about things to do in Hanoi at night without mentioning Beer Street (Ha Tien)!
This famous street is located in the heart of Old Quarter and is pretty hard to miss.
There are pubs and restaurants lining both sides and people seated casually on small stools by the curb.
Order a pint of refreshing Bia Hoi and local snacks like salted peanuts, dried squid, and fresh fruit with chili salt.
What To Eat In Hanoi Old Quarter
There's a whole debate about whether northern Vietnamese or southern Vietnamese food is better, but you can't decide for yourself unless you try some, right?
Hanoi is the culinary capital of the north and famous for dishes that we all know and love like Pho, Bun Cha, and Cha Ca (Turmeric Fish). You can also find some northern specialties like Vit quay 7 vi (7-flavor grilled duck), Banh cuon (Vietnamese steamed rice rolls), and Nam Pia (fermented pork).
Best Pho In Hanoi Old Quarter
Honestly, the best pho spot is the local spot near you.
I bookmarked a bunch for my trip, but didn't end up going to any of them, because the mom and pop shops next door were just too good.
But if you want some concrete suggestions, here are some recs.
Phở Gia Truyền: Michelin Bib Gourmand selected classic beef pho
Phở Gà Nguyệt: tasty chicken pho. Both dry and soupy!
Phở Sướng: one of the oldest pho restaurants in the city
Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su: fresh and flavorful pho. You might have to wait though!
Best Restaurants In Hanoi Old Quarter
Try some of Hanoi's other signature eats with these popular restaurants.
Bun Cha Ta Hanoi: a hidden gem in Hanoi with some of the best Bun Cha (grilled pork meatballs with vermicelli noodles) in town
Cha Ca Thang Long: try Vietnamese grilled turmeric fish at this local restaurant! The prices are on the high side but the fish is tasty and it's a filling meal
Banh Mi 25: popular sandwich shop among foodies. They offer a wide variety of Banh Mi (including vegetarian and vegan options) but if you eat meat, go with their signature spread!
Snail Streetfood: I'm pretty sure this is not actually the name of the restaurant, but this little stall serves some of the most fragrant, delicious sea snails in Old Quarter!
Don Duck Old Quarter Restaurant: soft and juicy duck in all its variations! Duck pho, Peking Duck, hot pot duck, and so much more!
Best Vegetarian Restaurants In Hanoi Old Quarter
I've found that Vietnamese food tends to be pretty plant-heavy but simultaneously, it's pretty hard to go fully vegetarian or vegan because a lot of stocks and sauces are made with animal products.
That being said, because Vietnam is largely a buddhist country, a lot of restaurants will at least have some options.
For Restaurants That Are Strictly Vegetarian Or Vegan, These Are Your Best Bets:
Katze Vegan & Vegetarian: hearty and comforting classic Vietnamese dishes that are suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets
Chayfood: incredibly versatile menu of fully vegan dishes ranging from vegan pho to classic salads
Sente: The Flavour of Lotus: this Michelin-listed vegetarian restaurant serves creative contemporary Vietnamese dishes out of a charming French villa courtyard
Gánh Hà Nội Vietnamese Restaurant & Vegetarian Food: authentic vegetarian Vietnamese dishes including Bun Cha and Banh Xeo
Photo by Buffalo Hostel, Hanoi
Best Hotel In Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi Old Quarter is the best neighborhood for first-time visitors. Luckily, there's a wide range of accommodation types for all travel styles. Here are some of my favorite hotels broken down by budget.
Best Hostels in Hanoi Old Quarter
Buffalo Hostel: my go-to hostel in Hanoi Old Quarter. Beautiful, clean, and safe with incredible amenities (pool, breakfast, laundry). I also booked my Ha Giang Loop Tour with them!
Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel: clean and comfortable with a balcony view of Old Quarter. Also includes a free walking tour!
Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel: one of the most popular hostels in Old Quarter. Clean and accommodating stay!
Photo by LaHomestay Hang Da
Best Apartments/Vacation Homes In Hanoi Old Quarter
LaHomestay Hang Da: huge rooms, city views from all rooms, and access to each room has its own kitchen and mini fridge.
Nha Ngo Gach: newly renovated charming homestay right in the heart of Old Quarter. Make sure to select one of the studios with a kitchenette to make the most of your booking!
Sunny Hanoi Homestay: clean and comfortable homestay with multiple room types.
Photo By Kecho Legacy Hotel Hanoi
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter
Kecho Legacy Hotel Hanoi: hidden gem tucked away in Old Quarter with lavish rooms and a rooftop bar.
The West Hotel and Spa: newly built hotel with sophisticated rooms and a wellness spa. The rooms are huge and overall, this hotel is a great bargain for the price.
Concon House: centrally located modern hotel with city views and comfortable beds. Concon House is consistently a favorite with travelers.
Photo By La Belle Maison
Best Luxury Hotels In Hanoi Old Quarter
La Belle Maison: four-star vintage boutique hotel overlooks the lake and is a luxurious stay for people who value quality and privacy.
San Grand Hotel: luxury hotel with stunning views of Hanoi's Old Quarter from the skybar and its 54 guestrooms and suites.
Hanoi Center Silk Hotel: elegant hotel that blends traditional and modern Vietnamese charm. Spacious rooms with a hotel that overlooks Hoan Kiem Lake.
I usually recommend spending the first two days exploring Hanoi Old Quarter and then heading to French Quarter, and taking some day trips to Halong Bay, Incense Village, or Ninh Binh to fill out the rest of your itinerary.
You can also head into the mountains of northern Vietnam when you're done with the capital. Sapa and Ha Giang are two of the most popular options that blend adventure, nature, and culture, so if those things sound like fun, you should definitely pay them a visit.
I hope that Hanoi Old Quarter is as memorable for you as it was for me and if you want more frequent updates on travel tips in Asia, subscribe to my newsletter!
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