January
17.4°C ~ 63°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
A neo-Gothic cathedral from the French era, at the heart of the Old Quarter's western edge.
- Location
- Hanoi
- Time needed
- 20 – 40 min
- Entry fee
- Free
- Best months
- Oct – Dec
Overview
St. Joseph's Cathedral is a neo-Gothic church completed in 1886, in the early years of French rule. Its twin towers and dark stone facade look quite European, and it is one of the oldest buildings from the colonial period in Hanoi. The square in front is a favourite place to sit with a coffee or street snacks.
Inside you find a long nave with stained glass. The interior is usually open for Mass, and at other times the gate may be closed, so many visitors enjoy the exterior and the streets around it, which are full of small cafes and shops. Dress modestly if you go in.
Highlights
- See the neo-Gothic facade and towers
- Look at the stained glass inside during Mass
- Sit in the square with a coffee
- Browse the cafes and shops on Nha Chung Street
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Interior mainly open during Mass; check the notice at the gate |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free |
| Time needed | 20 – 40 min |
| Best time of day | Morning or early evening |
| Good for | Architecture lovers, photographers |
| Accessibility | Flat square in front; a few steps inside |
| Facilities | Cafes in 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 western edge of the Old Quarter, about a 5 – 10 minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.
- St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Tips before you go
- Check Mass times if you want to go inside
- Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered
- Keep quiet during services
- Visit in the early evening, when the square comes alive
Location
Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
More attractions in Hanoi
FAQs
Can I go inside?
Usually during Mass. Check the notice at the gate.
Is it free?
Yes.
When was it built?
It was completed in 1886.
Destination guideHanoi travel guideNorth Vietnam · 24 attractions