15 Unmissable Things to Do in Hanoi’s Old Quarter!

Hanoi's Old Quarter means concentration in terms of cultural heritage, with each of its side streets tucking away gastronomic traditions and vibrant markets. Below is a tour to explain the activities you should undertake to make it easy to investigate the rich history and charm of this area.

Stroll along Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the iconic places in Hanoi, right in the heart of bustling streets, but an oasis of silence. It has a promenade lining its edges, hence it's a perfect destination for a leisurely stroll. Picturesque red Huc Bridge leads to the Ngoc Son Temple on a small island and is definitely a model of traditional Vietnamese architecture steeped in legends, including the one about the Golden Turtle.

Visit Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market is the biggest and most famous market in Hanoi, housing an indoor combination of every type of vendor, selling everything from cloth to souvenirs, spices, and fresh products. This is real exploration of the local merchandise and, of course, probably a chance to pick up some unique Vietnamese products with the vibe of a market.

Street Food Tour

For foodies, the real treasure is Hanoi's Old Quarter, which has street food almost everywhere. Take a food-guided tour or hit it yourself, but you need to try at least one or two of a few traditional specialties: bun cha, pho, and banh mi are the best among the street food offers. Many of these street food shops spill onto the sidewalk so you can dine like locals do in the narrow streets of the Old Quarter.

Watch a water puppet show

Within walking distance from Hoan Kiem Lake, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre allows exploration into one of the most unique cultural experiences of your lifetime. The traditional Vietnamese art of the water puppets was done with accompanying live music and storytelling. These are short, accessible, steeped-in-Vietnamese-folklore shows that make the show a cultural highlight not to be missed.

Explore Craft Streets for photo opportunities

Each street in the Old Quarter has something different as a traditional craft, and it covers a gamut from Hang Bac-end to Hang Gai. Spend an afternoon walking down the streets, observing the laborers at work, and taking shots of the old architectural buildings along with street life. Hang Ma is especially noted for its paper crafts and is so vibrantly colored and photogenic.

Go to the Night Market

On weekends, Hang Dao Street turns into a night market beehive, where locals and visitors jostle their way to buy souvenirs, clothes, and food. The night market is extremely famous for variety at its best amidst high energy. During sundown, the real Old Quarter starts to work. Have some street food; enjoy the neon lights and local music to your taste of nightlife in Hanoi.

Relax at a Sidewalk Cafe

Yet the cafes lining the sidewalks in Hanoi's Old Quarter are not bad vantage points through which to look out at the local life across the road with a cup of Vietnamese coffee. Ideal for locals, their menu normally has Vietnamese egg coffee, iced tea, or condensed milk coffee. Take a seat and let the beauty of Hanoi's street life unravel as you sip the coffee.

Visit St. Joseph's Cathedral

With its neo-Gothic architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows, St. Joseph's Cathedral could present itself as one piece of serenity. Dating back to the time of French colonization, it stands to remind one of the mixed architectural influence on the city. The cathedral square is graced with a number of small cafes and is really nice to walk around.

Take a Cyclo Ride

Enjoy a quarter known as the Old Quarter, cyclo-three-wheeled bicycle taxi. Just relax biking on narrow streets and lively alleys to get an intimate view of bustling local culture. A cyclo ride gives you another point of view of the Old Quarter at an easygoing pace that is very easy with great photo opportunities.

Enjoy Trang Tien Ice Cream

One of the most famous local desserts, Trang Tien Ice Cream, is a delicious stop during one's exploration. Many flavors, ranging from traditional vanilla to coconut, are sold on the streets-that is, refreshing and just the right way to experience one of the most favorite desserts in Hanoi.

Cooking Classes in Vietnamese

For hands-on fun in the culinary world, consider taking a cooking class. Most Old Quarter cooking classes involve a market visit for buying ingredients, followed by lessons on how to prepare some of the most iconic dishes in Vietnam. For the true foodie, this is a memory cherished for ages and culturally so Vietnamese-just what you need to take home.

Visit Bach Ma Temple

The Bach Ma Temple is among the most ancient temples of Hanoi and makes available the White Horse deity, thus relieving the people from the busy streets. It dates back to the 11th century and is considered quite important due to its quiet courtyard and intricately designed architectural features; any visit here would thus be considered well spent by those interested in religious history.

Shopping for Souvenirs on Hang Gai Street

It is also called "Silk Street"; Hang Gai is full of all sorts of silk products and traditional craftsmanship. Take a peep at shops selling silk scarves, tailored apparels, and local art; you may be able to bring home a good piece of silk to remind you of Hanoi.

Ta Hien Beer Street - catch the feel of it

Nick-named "Beer Street", Ta Hien is fast becoming one of the most happening quarters in the Old Quarter each evening, with locals and tourists alike meeting for beers and street food. Join the throngs ordering up something cold and soak in the vibe that's always buzzing here at this nightlife.

Cross Long Bien Bridge

Instead, take a quiet moment away from the crowds and walk across Long Bien Bridge, one of the iconic structures of the French colonial era. Taking in the views of the Red River and the cityscape on this bridge, it is just about perfect for a quiet stroll and photo opportunities around sunrise or sunset.

FAQs About Hanoi Old Quarter

Q1: What are the best times to visit the Hanoi Old Quarter?

The Old Quarter is worth visiting all year round, and of course, this place is more attractive in autumn because of the gentle weather and streets.

Q2: Are there any famous street foods to try in the Old Quarter?

Of course, it can include some must-try street food: pho, bun cha, and banh mi, besides egg coffee from the street vendors throughout the Old Quarter.

Q3: Is it easy to navigate the Old Quarter by foot?

Yes, the Old Quarter is highly walkable, and most of the sights are near each other. Walking is often ideal in this city of narrow streets to catch the vibrant local culture.

Q4: Are there any unique shopping places?

Sure! Dong Xuan Market, Hang Gai Street, and the weekend night market are the most visited places for souvenirs, silk products, and handicrafts, including all kinds of special Vietnamese things.

Q5: Where can I experience the local culture in the Old Quarter, Hanoi?

Besides shopping for the local markets and craft streets, watching a water puppet show, taking a cooking lesson, or sipping coffee at a sidewalk café give good ways of cultural interaction.

Q6: How much is a Cyclo ride in the Old Quarters?

A cyclo ride usually goes for about 100,000 to 150,000 VND for a short tour, but best to confirm this with the driver before you start.