Best places to visit in Hanoi Old Quarter

Regarded as the heart of Hanoi, Old Quarter is the liveliest and the most exciting place to visit in Hanoi city, where there are so many amazing things to offer you. From French-colonial and ancient architecture with long history to authentic traditional food and many other interesting attractions.

Located in the northern end of Hoan Kiem lake, Old Quarter is a great place to begin your trip to the north of Vietnam. It is not only the city business’ hub, but it also a major tourist destination that welcomes tens of millions of foreigner visitors from all over the world.

1. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, located along Dinh Tien Hoang Street, comprises 17 short sketches using traditional puppets within a one-hour performance. A Vietnamese orchestra accompanies each story, with musicians playing traditional operatic songs using drums, wooden bells, horns, bamboo flutes and cymbals. Tickets sell out well in advance so it’s worth booking yours as soon as you arrive in town.

Opening Hours: Daily 15:00, 16:10, 17:20, 18:30 & 20:00

Location: 57B, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Tel: +84 43 824 9494

Price Range: VND 100,000

2. Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

These are two popular attractions in Hanoi that any tourists should visit once when travelling to North Vietnam. Taking a stroll around Hoan Kiem lake is a great start if you want to discover this city, especially on weekends when some particular streets are free for walking. You can also find a ton of amazing things in night market there, from cool souvenirs to delicious street foods.

Built from 18th century in Jade Island, central of Hoan Kiem lake, Ngoc Son temple is a historical witness in Vietnam. It is easily accessible this pagoda from the iconic Huc bridge that attracts many photographers thanks to its charming color.

Opening Hours: Daily 07:30 – 17:30 (Ngoc Son Temple)

Location: Hanoi Old Quarter

Price Range: VND 20,000 to enter the temple

3. Saint Joseph Cathedral of Hanoi

Known as the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the city, this church was built about over 120 years ago following the French architecture. With unique features, the church attracts a large number of visitors on a daily basis to see colorful windows glass and religious paintings. While the interior is decorated typically with two main colors: red and yellow, the exterior features Mother Maria statue.

In particular, on Christmas time yearly, the cathedral is decorated beautifully attracting numerous people to visit and check-in.

Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 17:00

Location: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

4. Maison Centrale Hanoi (Hoa Lo Prison)

Built in 1913 with the purpose of keeping Vietnamese revolutionaries and US prisoners of war later, the prison is one of the must-see places of Hanoi. Visiting this prison will give you an understanding of history of war in Vietnam in the past. Nowadays, there is a small part of original prion, the rest was used for building shopping central and hostels.

The prison presents many tools used to torture prison so that you can see the horrors of war.

5. Hanoi Weekend Night Market

The Weekend Night Market in Hanoi is a busy, bustling gathering of stalls and vendors that brings crowds in droves. Taking place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 18:00, the market runs through the Old Quarter, starting from Hang Dao Street and running north to the edge of Dong Xuan Market.

The fashion items on sale won’t turn many heads and the souvenirs can all be found in the surrounding stalls, but there it is a fun environment and the endless food vendors have interesting and exotic things to try. Bartering is normal here and, as with all busy markets, be aware of your belongings. To get more information about Hanoi Night Market, kindly click here.

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