Hanoi, Vietnam's capital is located in the north of the country and is one of the country's top tourist hotspots. It offers French colonial architecture, a rich food culture and a long history. One of the most common sights of Hanoi is the streets full of scooters, bicycles and cars swarming around pedestrians like a school of fish. Then there are the many street vendors and people just out for a stroll and the popular Old Quarter is no exception so walking through this neighbourhood is distinct from a walk in the park. Visitors have no choice but to brave the traffic in the local style, but the experience of exploring the historic area is a must do and truly worthwhile. Many of Hanoi's top attractions are within or near the Old Quarter, including Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Opera House, National Museum of Vietnamese History, Fancy Square, a former Governor General's Mansion of French Indochina, One Pillar Pagoda, Bach Ma Temple, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and Dong Xuan, Hanoi's largest market, to name a few. For lovers of Vietnamese cuisine and food, combine them together and learn from the professionals in one of the many cooking classes around.

Arguably the most popular locality in Hanoi, the Old Quarter is a go-to place which literally has everything for everyone. Hostels start at ~$5, there are plenty of mid-range options from ~$15, and even some plush options in the area. There are many popular attractions within the range of a mile or so. Buses are available to most of those attractions, and the frequency is good too, and prices are a flat VND 7,000 or 8,000 irrespective of the number of stops, although bus stops are at least a quarter mile away for most of the attractions, meaning that one will have to walk a bit. Busses usually run till 10.30pm. There is also a solitary metro which too runs till ~10.30pm. For late-night inter-city travel, there is no option of public transport. There is street food available on many of the streets, there are hotels everywhere from decent ones to fine-dines to posh ones, from local Vietnamese ones to Japanese, and Mexican et al. Do try some of the flavoured breads in various bakeries, I found them really delicious. There will always be a hidden food shop/cafe or two, in the sense, which won't be very discoverable given its location, mostly if it's in a quiet environment or not on the main roads, or not very visible when passing by, and it could turn to be amongst the very best. It's an enjoyable experience to walk around and explore various roads, and shops. Majority of shops start closing down from 10pm, and a significant majority of restaurants/shop are closed by 11pm. When it comes to connectivity to other regions too, this locality wins the race. Many buses to destinations like Ba Be, Mai Chau, and Cao Bang et al depart from places like Opera House, which again is within a mile's radius or so. So is Ga Hanoi, which serves as one of the links to popular tourist destinations like SaPa, HaiPhong, and Ninh Binh et al. And for the safety part. Having walked for some time in the late midnight, and very early morning, the place felt lively mostly ( perhaps it could be because this locality is the city-centre ), and silent at the remaining ( which is obvious too ). It was surprising to see some street food stalls, and also cloth stalls open during such hours. I didn't see any panhandlers or any anti-social elements around. I didn't feel insecure at any point in time walking on these roads, although I will admit that I didn't try any non-main roads at the given point in time. There will be motorbike and car taxi drivers who will ask you where you wanna go, but no one pressed me for using these taxi services. Depending on person to person, one could be approached ( in total I was approached by 4 people separately ) for services behind the curtains, needless to demystify the same, but again a direct 'no' ( twice if not once ) and/or 'not interested', and a continued walk means that such people go back, I didn't face any experience of anyone chasing me or persistently trying to sell whatever services they were offering. Basically, I didn't face any safety concerns, and it was in fact amazing to walk on the streets with cool wind blowing, trees around and watching the local sellers doing their business. Businesses, as I observed, start their schedules from quite early on. There are many spas in the area, many money exchange places ( although most of them will only exc cash by cash, and not card to cash ) ATMs, and tourism agency offices. Most of the businesses accepting cards will charge 3% fees for a card txn. The streets are clean and mostly wide enough but at quite some points, parked with bikes. Also, in several places, the streets are occupied by food hawkers and other small businesses, and this means one has to walk from roads for a stretch of a few meters. A significant majority of streets are well laid, and instances of cracked or uneven flooring are very less. On a number of counts I saw that even in the midnight and early morning with absolutely no traffic, all the cars and trucks respected the signals, which is really worth appreciating. In the peak hours, crossing on some roads can be a bit difficult.

Hectic and busy. Lots of motorcycle traffic. Rule and law of traffic don't apply here. You will just have to daringly cross the street in incoming traffic or else you'll never cross. Motorcyclist will usually go around you. The walk ways are always filled by parked motorcycles or people just sitting and eating. Your senses will be on overdrive. The sound, sights and smell will wake you up. Not for older people where walking is an issue.

All of the restaurants and bars that we visited was so good! There is also a fantastic range of shops to visit and all of the streets specialize either in shoes, clothes, jewellery, silks, bags, coffee etc, which makes shopping really easy. Night Market & Hoan Kiem lake is a must visit on weekends.

Most of the tourists coming to Hanoi will visit Old Quarter. There're lots of delicious local street foods and restaurants in every corner of this place. You can see many small and low houses, and very narrow alleys.

Loved the Old Quarter of Hanoi. So many things to do and see and not enough time! The lake is beautiful, there is plenty of shopping and some pretty spectacular temples. The markets are a must, the range of products for sale is astonishing. Some of them I did not even know what they were! Take some time to explore and get lost a little. A vibrant city with much to offer.

The Old Quarter is really quite a special place. There are so many people everywhere that’s it’s mind boggling ! I can’t imagine how things will be after covid goes away. The architecture here is quite French and the restaurant and bar scenes here are magical. We loved being here and hanging around to soak in the atmosphere.

It is one of the oldest citizen in Hanoi, the name of the roads here are usually related to the products they sell at that road! Amazing experience when exploring this area! 😻🤩

Maybe I was in a different area? I don’t know. I love to travel and experience new and exciting things. I love culture and different life styles. I didn’t see old town as something new to Hanoi, it all kinda just looked the same. Now I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy Hanoi. It was a very different and culturally enlightening experience. What I’m saying is that old quarter isn’t something set apart from Hanoi, it all looked the same.

Street food here are very diverse, mainly about Phở and Bún. I can say some specialties at Pho Co region are: Phở Bát Đàn (49 Bát Đàn street), Bún riêu (14 Hàng Lược street), Bún ngan (you can find it everywhere and the taste is almost the same), bún chả (41 cửa đông street), Chả cá Lang Liêu restaurant (21 Đường Thành street), sticky rice,...... The air was a bit dusty due to impaction from Chinese heavy industry, but still breathable over falls and winter, especially falls in Hanoi when praised as a muse of Hanoi artists. Sceneries are utmost ancient, maintaining by government for historical purpose. So when you come here, you feel like walking in an old trading town from 1920s, everywhere displaying something for sell in an old small kiot, eye catching neon, flashy light at night..

Crazy....Chaotic....Overwhelming....All part of the fun However, a 3 night visit over a weekend, is more than enough, in our opinion, Whilst we can play the haggling game with the best of them, old town has some shady vendors and whilst we found a great jacket on an outside rack with a big sign saying 200K… we ended up having to walk away, after the price miraculously went up to 500K. Being Friday it was the start of the weekend and thus the start of the Hanoi Night Markets! Woo hoo! They more or less close off the street that runs from the lake to the Dong Xuan market and we took a long walk up one side and down the other. (I say more or less - but scooters still sneak through and terrorise shoppers.) generally enjoying the market vibe, we did all our shopping here, the shop owner and vendors were less push. Aalishan Indian Restaurant, just opposite the hotel (gets a special mention) it was dead set brilliant! So yummy - naan bread, mango lassi and some great curries. We were making hugely happy noises as we sat there and enjoyed ourselves immensely. so much so we visited two nights running. Other sights to see Train street (no train… more run on weekends apparently), The Dong Xuan Market (which was chaotic and really more of a wholesale place),. Paper Street (which was chock-a-block with Christmas decorations, Santa's, reindeers and polar bears). We must say we loved the cooler temps able to enjoy old town without melting.

My exploration of Hanoi’s Old Quarter became even more enriching thanks to a trishaw ride. Yet, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like if the trishaw uncle could share a bit more about the history as we cycled along. As the trishaw carried me through the labyrinthine streets, I couldn’t help but imagine how much more captivating the experience could be with some historical narration. A brief recording or live commentary from the trishaw uncle would have added an extra layer of depth to the journey. Learning about the significance of the narrow streets, the historical landmarks, and the tales hidden within these alleys could have made the ride truly exceptional. Nonetheless, the ride itself was a delightful glimpse into the Old Quarter’s vibrancy. The sights, sounds, and smells of the streets provided an unforgettable sensory experience. I marveled at the French colonial-style buildings, and I couldn’t resist the temptation to stop and explore the markets and street food vendors. The Old Quarter truly holds an abundance of history, culture, and stories within its bustling lanes. While my trishaw ride was enjoyable, I can’t help but imagine how much more immersive and educational it could be with a touch of history woven into the journey. If you plan to visit the Old Quarter, consider reaching out to local tour providers who offer guided trishaw rides with informative commentary. It might just be the perfect blend of culture, history, and adventure for a deeper understanding of this remarkable part of Hanoi.

Love Hanoi. Great for food, Street shoppings and easy to walk around. Crazy atmosphere. Worth going to a roof top bar and get a perspective of the local environment. Worth checking for 2 to 3 days. I don't think any longer is recommended.

Hanoi Old Quarter is a captivating blend of history and vibrant commerce. The narrow streets are lined with an eclectic mix of shops, from traditional craft stores to modern boutiques. The bra shops and small local vendors add a unique charm, offering a glimpse into both the city's heritage and contemporary lifestyle. Navigating through this bustling quarter is like stepping into a lively tapestry of sights and sounds. The variety of goods, coupled with the friendliness of local vendors, creates a memorable shopping experience. Hanoi Old Quarter is a must-visit for those seeking a

Best zone of hanoi good food and good people like all the country floor dirty

Wonderfull old town. A bit crowded. Recommend to go after 19:00 just for a walk or earlier if you want to visit the museum and other historical buildings

Very very busy with motor bikes. Plenty to do in the area although very untidy with litter. Lake area when road closed is a great atmosphere with street acts. Restaurants are cheap to eat and drink. Paying approx 50p to a £1 for a bottle off beer.

Wild, lit, so fun. Come with a group ready to drink cheap good street beer and get haggled by workers.

(Translated by Google) Wandering on the old streets of Hanoi, enjoying delicious food on the roadside shops, or sneaking into the small alley next to Dong Xuan market. You will have great experiences on the old mossy streets (Original) Lang thang trên những con phố cổ Hà Nội, thưởng thức những món ăn tuyệt ngon trên những quán ven đường, hoặc chui vào con ngõ nhỏ cạnh chợ Đồng Xuân. Bạn sẽ có những trải nghiệm tuyệt vời trên những con phố cổ kính rêu phong

(Translated by Google) Really enjoyed. Come here in the morning and feel nostalgic, and the evening is quite crowded and bustling. Anyone who comes to Hanoi must come here to play once: 33 (Original) Thật sự rất thích. Cứ đến đây buổi sáng là thấy hoài niệm, còn buổi tối lại khá đông đúc, nhộn nhịp. Ai đến Hà Nội thì nhất định phải đến đây chơi một lần :33

The best place to plan Date's with your wife and Family too. The environment is so amazing, night and day its a definite place to visit or resting place after a few hours walk in the lake. A totally place to visit for Tourist / Foreigner in Hanoi.

The old quarter has a lot of charm and we were able to see a lot of the vibrant Vietnamese culture within the quarter. However, crossing the street does become stressful as there are many motorbikes so just be careful. we especially enjoyed the shopping, food and coffee!

The Best and finest Walking Tour exploration with several options for affordable Spending With historical locations near by .. Great Winter Destination

Don't need to introduce much. Hanoi is famous with it's ancient beauty, with many good food on the streets. You have to check price at the beginning, make sure you are happy with the price before to make decision to eat. Good experience to explore for travelling with family and friend. 🙂

A lovely place to hang around. You'd meet lots of people just hanging there. Evening time is the best time to feel the coolness of this place. Definitely a must visit place.

In Hanoi's old quarter, streets come alive, A symphony of sights, where cultures thrive. As I stroll amidst the bustling crowd, The street food culture speaks aloud. Aromatic pho wafts through the air, Sizzling banh mi, flavors to ensnare. I taste the sweet nuoc cham's embrace, A dance of spices on my tongue takes place. From steaming bowls to crispy treats, Each bite a memory, a joy that repeats. Sitting on tiny stools, laughter and cheer, In this culinary wonderland, I steer. Egg coffee's warmth, a sweet embrace, I savor each moment, this enchanting place. In the old quarter's heart, I find my part, A dance of flavors, a journey to start.

It was a very nice weather during winter to strolling around Old Quarter area. There’s a beautiful church here, also many cafe’s, store to buy merchandise, spa and massage, and even Puppet show. The buildings here very beautiful and looks historical. Every spot was meaningful and worth a shot.

We had a walkabout around the blocks n i was quite attracted to a number of things ie: where they have dinner by the street on small stools n tables, the night market, the traffic where everyone zig-zag their way thru, though di not get the opportunity to really sit down n enjoy the view @ life. Nevertheless it was quite an experience

Vibrant part of the city. Love it! Staying here you are within walking distance of many attractions.

Lots of things to explore in Old Quarters. We walked around Old Quarters for several hours, shop at weekend market, shoe Street and many street food. Temperature was 13 Deg C.

Very busy and hectic place to stay. I enjoyed Halong Bay and Ninh Binh more than Hanoi. Food is lovely. Bun cha is overrated. Pho and spring rolls are good.

Great place for walking, watching, drinking anything and eating everything. An incredible cultural experience.

Amazing place. Great ambiance. After dark this place is LIT... The vacant streets turn into shopping extravaganza and full of lights. Pubs are great food is great..

I love this area, there is so much going on lots of shops, cafes, bars and places to eat. Every Saturday the road is blocked off for a different event each week! Very family friendly and fun

Visited night market, had sugarcane juice and sausage. Overall good experience.

Always something happening here. A million shops and a million motorcycles

Amazing place, lots of people, nice atmosphere, friendly people

Charming place to explore! Best to just spend a day wandering around the area; getting lost in the small streets and alleys; and discovering temples, cafes, and food places in the process.

Old Quarter is the place to visit in Hanoi if your looking for practically anything. Most people visit to score a bargain in clothing, jewellery, bags and shoes but you'll find a lot of other products if you look hard enough. It contains some great pubs and restaurants and many cafes with endless choices of foods and great Vietnamese dishes. The streets are bustling with tourists from all over the world of course, scooters everywhere. Best bring a local map or GPS to navigate the many streets as it's easy to find yourself passing the same stores. Old Quarter is a unique and wonderful experience which will overload your senses in smells, sights and sounds.

Must see while in Hanoi. Great for shopping and to find some hidden gems is a bonus. Lots of variety, one can spend many hours strolling through. Also some streets are closed to all transport except walking making it a more relaxing easy stroll. Highly recommend 😁👍 ..

Super cool and fun area. Main spot for all the tourist. Beautiful Architecture from he old French colonial times mixed with the traditional Vietnamese architecture. Every time I come to Hanoi, which has been 4 times already, I always stay in this area. All the good businesses and restaurants and bars. Perfect. Mix of international and local stuff. Pretty much the downtown and where every thing happens. Can't wait to come back!

Hanoi old Quarter, no side walk, people everywhere starting @ 05:00 am so bussy on the street. I took a video, so enjoy it..!!

Harmony in chaos! Everything, everywhere.. almost all at once! I love it!

Lovely place to stroll around early in the morning where you can find cheap stuffs and a variety of authentic Vietnamese food around .

Lovely place. Full of nostalgia for me for it reminded me of Old Singapore that I grew up in. People were friendly and even with language problem at times we manage to communicate easily.

Hanoi's Old Quarter, also known as "phố cổ Hà Nội," is an enchanting and vibrant district that beautifully captures the essence of Vietnam's rich cultural heritage. Stepping into this historic quarter feels like journeying back in time, with its narrow winding streets, old architecture, and bustling markets. The Old Quarter's charm lies in its seamless blend of traditional and modern elements. One can find age-old temples and pagodas alongside trendy cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries. The lively atmosphere and friendly locals create a welcoming environment for visitors from all walks of life. Exploring the streets, each named after the goods once sold there, is an adventure in itself. From silk and ceramics to jewelry and street food, the variety of goods available is astounding. Don't miss the chance to savor the flavors of Hanoi's street cuisine, with delectable dishes like phở, bún chả, and bánh mì waiting to tantalize your taste buds. One highlight of the Old Quarter is the Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene oasis amidst the hustle and bustle. The Ngoc Son Temple on an islet within the lake is a picturesque spot that adds to the area's tranquility. While the Old Quarter exudes charm, it can get crowded and chaotic, especially during peak hours. However, this only adds to the authentic experience of being immersed in the heart of Hanoi's daily life. Overall, the Hanoi Old Quarter is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable cultural experience. Its history, architecture, cuisine, and lively ambiance make it a place that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul.

Very interesting if you have a cool summer night above the city

The Old Quarter is a definite place to visit...the history and charm of the street sellers who continue to haggle but it is fun...we took a rickshaw ride around and he showed us some great places to come back to.The rickshaws are the best way to travel and this way you are helping them earn a little extra instead of the greedy taxi drivers but make sure to write down even on you hand the price he quotes you say for an hour and you agree on that as sometimes they try to get more at the end and if you are travelling with a companion make sure you are quoted pet ride not per person...have fun..a Fantastic place and don't forget to visit the section where the train comes in.

Busy streets, nostalgic aged buildings, interesting street vendors.

Recommended spot to go both day and night (night better). Be sure to stay safe as the train approaches. Very touristy but still a must go. Get a coffee and enjoy.

(Translated by Google) Gentle people, charming scenery. Suitable for walking and sightseeing. (Original) Con người hoà nhã , phong cảnh hữu tình . Phù hợp đi bộ ngắm cảnh .

(Translated by Google) Hanoi symbol. 5 stars too (Original) Biểu tượng Hà Nội. 5 sao luôn

(Translated by Google) I have a lot of memories, which ones are lost, which ones are working together, renting a belt selling point 37 Hang Ngang. (Original) Tớ co nhiều kỉ niệm,nào là lạc đường,nào là cùng cộng tác,thuê 1 điểm bán phụ kiện thắt lưng 37 Hàng Ngang.Rồi quay live chạy chương trình giới thiệu Gold Moon Villa 1 & 2

(Translated by Google) Love this place! (Original) Thích cái chất nơi nầy !

(Translated by Google) Pretty (Original) Đẹp

(Translated by Google) The old town is beautiful (Original) Phố cổ rất đẹp

(Translated by Google) Food court, shopping with many products! (Original) Khu ăn uống, mua sắm với nhiều sản phẩm!

(Translated by Google) Bustling with fun, imprints of old Hanoi. (Original) Nhộn nhịp đông vui, dấu ấn Hà Nội xưa.

(Translated by Google) Crowded, bustling. (Original) Đông đúc, nhộn nhịp.

(Translated by Google) The place that makes you feel like you are in Vietnam, the place where you will be right. Never stop, go now. (Original) Vietnam da oldugunu sana hissettiren yer, haklin arasina karisacagin yer. Hic durma hemen git.

(Translated by Google) Absent than before, but still very crowded. Still carrying the cultural style of Hanoi, but I still cannot consume the kind of buzzing and unconscious driving here. (Original) Vắng hơn trước nhưng vẫn rất đông. Vẫn mang phong cách văn hóa của Hà nội nhưng mình vẫn ko thể tiêu thụ được kiểu bấm còi loạn và chạy xe thiếu ý thức ở đây.

(Translated by Google) Hanoi's ancient beauty And when the two cameramen met. (Original) Nét đẹp cổ kính hà nội Và khi 2 kẻ quay film gặp nhau.

Ok

(Translated by Google) Nice and friendly plentiful goods and delicious cheap food (Original) Đẹp và thân thiện hàng hóa phong phú và đồ ăn uống rất ngon rẻ

(Translated by Google) Beautiful and nostalgic (Original) Đẹp và hoài cổ

(Translated by Google) All Vietnamese people should not be as crowded as before (Original) Toàn người việt nam nên ko đông như trước

(Translated by Google) Bustling fun (Original) Nhộn nhịp vui vẻ

(Translated by Google) The nightlife point is very ok (Original) Điểm vui chơi về đêm rất ok

(Translated by Google) Hanoi is beautiful with its beauty. Street room culture scene. Only a few street corners still have an old culture of littering on the street. The situation of encroaching on road corridors for sales ... parking ... (Original) Hà Nội đẹp với vẻ vẻeng của nó. Đường phố phòng cảnh văn hoá. Chỉ đôi góc phố nào đó vẫn còn cổ cì văn hoá vứt rác bừa bãi ngoài đường. Tình trạng lấn chiếm hành lang đường bộ để bán hàng ...trông xe...

I’ll quarter is an amazing place to walk around there’s beautiful old buildings lots of colonial architecture. And amazing food on every corner I suggest trying to make my sandwich and an egg coffee. It will change your life.

Really interesting street, take your time to walk it and don't miss the antique store.

(Translated by Google) Many things (Original) Nhiêu đồ

Bia Pho Co is the street where many foreigners come by the evening to have their dinners especially is famous for seafood, pork grills and off course beefs. It is also famous for its night chills of light beers and liquors, an awesome place to chill at night with friends ☺️

A must go see experience. The traffic and noise and smells and the general busyness of this place can be quite an assault on the senses... No place for puchchairs or wheelchairs , in fact pedestrians are a minority and in typical Asia style the footpaths are often blocked by parked vehicles or mopeds... Some amazing hidden gems...

Mist amusing part about Hanoi. I spent 2 weeks there in 2018. Vibrant all day and alive till very late night. Amazing walk around the lake and variety of restaurants and street food and mix between foriegners and locals. If you are visiting Hanoi just find a stay in this part of the town.

(Translated by Google) The road is not fixed, it is circled .... difficult to find and need to upgrade (Original) Máp về đường không cố định đi bị vòng vèo....khó tìm cần nâng cấp chỉnh sửa chuẩn nhất

(Translated by Google) Old town promenade. Night market (Original) Nơi đi dạo phố cổ. Chợ đêm

(Translated by Google) It's great to be here (Original) Thật tuyệt vời khi ở đây

(Translated by Google) Pretty (Original) Đẹp

(Translated by Google) People are friendly, friendly (Original) Người dân vui vẻ, thân thiện

(Translated by Google) Pretty nice for walking around (Original) Khá đẹp để đi dạo phố

We had the tour today with Thuy, and so glad we did it with viet unique tour. Thuy was very informative, upbeat, enganging , and knowledgeable young lady. She made sure we got what we booked for, and not yo mention the lunch was delicious. Thank you so much for a great day, Thuy!

(Translated by Google) The streets are not very clean, many vehicles are circulating in and out of chaos, some without wearing masks. (Original) Đường phố không được sạch sẽ cho lắm, nhiều loại xe lưu thông ngược xuôi hỗn độn, 1 số không đeo khẩu trang.

(Translated by Google) Ok beautiful. I like the atmosphere here (Original) Ok đẹp quá.thích ko khí ở đây

A traditional job of making incense in the villages of Thang Long (Quang Phu Cau, Yen Phu), on the West Bank of Tay Ho district, Hanoi city, in Vietnam. It originates from a Chinese tradition from the 13th century till nowadays.

Hanoi

(Translated by Google) Many delicious dishes, cheap pedestrian goods, easy to buy, but less sanitation, lots of trash and mess (Original) Nhiều món ngon ,hàng hoá phố đi bộ rẻ dễ mua nhưng vệ sinh kém nhiều rác và bừa bộn

(Translated by Google) Hanoi Old Quarter - an attractive tourist destination (Original) Phố cổ Hà Nội - điểm du lịch hấp dẫn

(Translated by Google) Very good (Original) Rat tuyet voi

Great place to walk around

(Translated by Google) The old town has its own characteristics, but the shortcomings are narrow, uncomfortable, Ma May street, shops for people overflowing on the street, inviting visitors to enter, cause loss of aesthetics and the road has become smaller and smaller. (Original) Phố cổ có nét đặc trưng của nó nhưng bất cập là chật hẹp, khó chịu, phố Mã Mây các cửa hàng cho người tràn ra lòng đường mời chài khách vào gây mất mỹ quan và đường đã nhỏ càng thêm chật.