January
17.4°C ~ 63°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Hanoi Opera House
A French colonial landmark of 1911, best seen from the outside or at a performance.
- Location
- Hanoi
- Time needed
- 15 – 30 min
- Entry fee
- Free
- Best months
- Oct – Dec
Overview
The Hanoi Opera House was opened in 1911 and is modelled on the Palais Garnier in Paris. It stands at the end of Trang Tien street, in the middle of the French Quarter, and is one of the best-known colonial buildings in the city. Today it hosts concerts, opera and ballet.
Most visitors see the outside and take photos on the plaza. To go in, you need a ticket to a performance or a place on a guided tour, and prices change by show, so check the box office. The plaza is lively in the evening.
Highlights
- The yellow facade and columns
- The plaza and French Quarter streets
- A concert or ballet in the main hall
- Evening lights
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Exterior always visible. Interior only during performances or tours; check the programme. |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free to see from outside Inside: by performance ticket or guided tour only (prices vary by show; check the box office) |
| Time needed | 15 – 30 min outside; 2 hours for a show |
| Best time of day | Evening, when the building is lit |
| Good for | Architecture fans, couples, evening strolls |
| Accessibility | Open plaza outside; steps at the entrance |
| Facilities | Cafes and restaurants on the surrounding streets |
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
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
21.8°C ~ 71°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
25°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
18 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
29.3°C ~ 85°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
28.5°C ~ 83°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
27.5°C ~ 82°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
24.8°C ~ 77°F
14 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
22°C ~ 72°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
December
18°C ~ 64°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
- From Hanoi centre
At the end of Trang Tien street, about 10 minutes on foot from Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Hanoi Opera House
Tips before you go
- Check the programme before you go if you want to see a show
- Dress smartly for performances
- Walk on to Trang Tien for coffee and ice cream
- Book popular shows in advance
Location
Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
More attractions in Hanoi
FAQs
Can I go inside the Opera House?
Only with a ticket to a performance or on a guided tour. The outside is free to see.
How much are tickets?
They vary by show. Check the box office.
When is the best time to see the building?
In the evening, when it is lit up.
Destination guideHanoi travel guideNorth Vietnam · 24 attractions