January
17.3°C ~ 63°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Hanoi
Hanoi Old Quarter
A maze of narrow streets, shop-houses and street food, where each lane was once named after a craft.
- Time needed
- From 2 hours
- Entry fee
- Free
- Best months
- Oct – Dec
- Best time
- Morning for food, evening for the night market
Overview
The Old Quarter is the busiest and most atmospheric part of Hanoi. Its narrow streets are known as the “36 streets” because each one was once home to a guild that sold one type of product, such as silk, silver or paper. Many street names still start with “Hang”, which means “goods”.
You can spend a few hours here just walking: past tube-shaped houses, coffee shops, small temples and food stalls. On Friday to Sunday evenings the area around Hang Dao and Dong Xuan Market turns into a night market.
Highlights
- Wander the old guild streets such as Hang Gai and Hang Bac
- Try street food: pho, bun cha and egg coffee
- Browse silk, lacquerware and souvenirs
- Visit the weekend night market from Hang Dao to Dong Xuan Market
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Open all day Weekend night market: Friday – Sunday evenings, about 19:00 – 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free |
| Time needed | 2 – 3 hours |
| Best time of day | Morning for food, evening for the night market |
| Good for | Food lovers, shoppers, photographers, first-timers |
| Accessibility | Narrow, crowded pavements; watch for motorbikes |
| Facilities | Cafes, ATMs, money exchange, many hotels and hostels |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Hanoi by month.
February
18.3°C ~ 65°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
21.7°C ~ 71°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
24.8°C ~ 77°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
27.7°C ~ 82°F
18 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
June
29.6°C ~ 85°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
29.1°C ~ 84°F
20 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
28.4°C ~ 83°F
24 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
27.4°C ~ 81°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
24.8°C ~ 77°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
22.1°C ~ 72°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
December
17.9°C ~ 64°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
From Hanoi centre
The Old Quarter is the centre of Hanoi, about 30 km from Noi Bai Airport (45 to 60 minutes by taxi or Grab). Most visitors walk in from Hoan Kiem Lake, which is on its southern edge.
Tips before you go
- Cross streets slowly and steadily; motorbikes will go around you
- Eat where locals queue, and check prices before you order
- Bargain politely at markets, not in fixed-price shops
- Use Grab for longer rides instead of hailing a taxi
Location
Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
City centre
More attractions in Hanoi
FAQs
Is the Old Quarter safe to walk at night?
Yes, it is busy and well lit. Watch your phone and bag in crowds, and look out for motorbikes on the pavement.
How much time do I need?
Two to three hours is enough for a walk and a meal. Add an evening if you want the night market.
What should I eat here?
Start with pho or bun cha for lunch, then egg coffee and a street snack in the afternoon.