The Ultimate Guide to the Hanoi Old Quarter: What to Do, See, and Eat (2025)

Is the Hanoi Old Quarter worth visiting? Absolutely, it’s the beating heart of the capital and a place where history, culture, and modern life all collide. Wander through narrow streets that have thrived for centuries, each named after the trades once practiced there. You’ll discover vibrant markets, hidden temples, and countless street food stalls serving dishes that define Vietnamese cuisine. From sipping egg coffee in a tucked-away café to bargaining at the night market or simply soaking up the energy of the buzzing sidewalks, every corner of the Old Quarter has a story to tell. This guide will walk you through the top things to do, where to eat and shop, the best hotels, and even how to navigate with ease, so you can experience Hanoi’s most iconic neighborhood like a local.  

1. Where is Hanoi Old Quarter and which streets does it include? 

Hanoi Old Quarter is located in Hoan Kiem District, right in the heart of the city. The area covers about 100 hectares and is made up of 76 streets across 10 wards: Dong Xuan, Hang Dao, Hang Ma, Hang Bo, Hang Bac, Hang Gai, Hang Buom, Hang Bong, Ly Thai To, and Cua Dong. 

The boundaries of the Old Quarter are clearly defined: 

•  North: Hang Dau Street 
•  West: Phung Hung Street 
•  South: Hang Bong, Hang Gai, Cau Go, and Hang Thung Streets 
•  East: Tran Quang Khai and Tran Nhat Duat Streets 

Although there are other old streets scattered in districts like Ba Dinh, Dong Da, and Hai Ba Trung, the Old Quarter in Hoan Kiem is considered the core area with the most distinctive heritage. This is the part officially preserved as the historic Old Quarter of Hanoi. 

2. The Ultimate Checklist: Top Things to Do in the Hanoi Old Quarter 

The Old Quarter offers something for everyone, from food lovers and culture seekers to shoppers and night owls. Here is your complete checklist of unmissable experiences. 

2.1. Eat Everything: The Best Restaurants & Street Food  

2.1.1. Must-try Dishes When Visiting Hanoi 

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a paradise for food lovers, offering flavors that are both authentic and unforgettable. Here are the signature dishes you shouldn’t miss: 

• Pho: A steaming bowl of pho is the ultimate comfort food of Hanoi. Its fragrant broth, soft rice noodles, tender beef or chicken, and fresh herbs create a perfect balance of flavors. Here are some restaurants we would like to recommend to you: 

Pho Khoi Hoi

Address: 50C Hang Vai Street, Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 

Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SM9cvZyX1J3srsBh7  

Price: US$2.2 – US$3.6 

Pho Thin Bo Ho 

Address: 61 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi 

Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VoRVcWCMb54RdjkGA  

Price: US$2 – US$4 

Pho Ganh Hang Chieu 

Address: Crossroad of Hang Chieu and Hang Duong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi 

Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MSFL4R475uC2DTVt9  

Price: US$2 – US$2.4 

• Bun Cha: A Hanoi specialty featuring smoky grilled pork patties and slices, served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a sweet-sour dipping sauce. Messy, fun, and incredibly tasty. Here are some restaurants we would like to recommend to you: 

Bun Cha 41 

Address: 41 Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi 

Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ymJHQPtLeyS3kkVb7  

Price: US$0.8 – US$2 

Bun Cha Ngo 74 

Address: Alley 74 Hang Quat, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi 

Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/93o5WeK2o4snJX3x5  

Price: US$0.8 – US$1.8 

Bun Cha Bat Su 

Address: 23 Bat Su, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi 

Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gYcbmi7yCxjfvLzHA  

Price: US$1.4 – US$3.2 

• Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung): Hanoi’s signature drink made by whipping egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk into a creamy froth, poured over strong Vietnamese coffee. A unique treat often compared to tiramisu in a cup. Here are some restaurants we would like to recommend to you: 

All Day Coffee 

Address: 37 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem 

Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FAywLucgpUAawFSc6  

Price: US$2.6 – US$3 

Cafe Giang 

Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem 

Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/B8HZ59rCuEj7f5A39  

Price: US$1 – US$2 

BlackBird Coffee 

Address: 5 Chan Cam, Hoan Kiem 

Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2f8gPMBfWBkPTTzC9  

Price: US$2.4 – US$2.6 

2.1.2. Recommended Halal Restaurants 

• For Muslim travelers, Hanoi also offers a variety of halal-friendly dining options where you can enjoy both local and international flavors: 

Raza’s Indian Restaurant – Indian Halal Food  

Address: 23 P. Hang Phen, Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 11000  

Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/21g8qc9yWToxjPtz5  

Price: US$7 – US$12 per person 

Halal Banh Mi Raja Express  

Address: Opposite Al Noor Mosque, 29 P. Hang Luoc, Hang Ma, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi  

Direction:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/LobLaY7YHLsvSkvg8  

Price: US$1.6 – US$3 per person 

The Multi-Cuisines Halal Restaurant  

Address: 58-2 Ngo Hang Dau, Truc Bach, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi  

Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sE2a2MpDS77uUSzU7  

Price: US$6 – US$10 per person 

Halal Food Station  

Address: 23 Hang Cot, Hang Ma, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi  

Direction:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/hUD7mzXcxuF7nkKb9  

Price:  US$5 – US$9 per person

2.2. Experience the Buzz: Hanoi Old Quarter Nightlife 

Nightfall in the Old Quarter does not mean winding down. It is the moment when the streets truly come alive. Here is your evening checklist: 

2.2.1. Drinking Fresh Beer in Hanoi Old Quarter’s Ta Hien Street 

Ta Hien Beer Street is the heartbeat of Hanoi Old Quarter nightlife. Every evening the narrow street fills with locals and travelers sitting on tiny stools, sharing glasses of bia hoi fresh draft beer that is light, cheap, and refreshing. The air buzzes with chatter, laughter, and music while street vendors serve tasty snacks to pair with your drink. It is crowded, noisy, and full of energy, an authentic slice of Hanoi Old Quarter you should not miss. In addition to bia hoi, you can also find craft beer here, offering a richer and more diverse flavor for those who want to try something different.  

2.2.2. Enjoying Rooftop Bars with Hanoi Old Quarter Views  

For a more refined night, sip cocktails while admiring the sparkling skyline of Hanoi Old Quarter. From above, the lantern-lit streets and glowing Hoan Kiem Lake create a vibrant yet romantic view, offering the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring. Popular rooftop bars include: 

• Solar Sky Bar  

Address: 41 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem  

Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DXgXZftayKuphT388  

Price: US$3.5 – US$8 per person  

• Cloud Sky Bar  

Address: JM Marvel Hotel, 16 Hang Da, Hoan Kiem  

Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6AMb7r8CHJSv7eKa6  

Price: US$2.4 – US$6 per person 

• Skyline Hanoi 

Address: 38 Gia Ngu, Hoan Kiem 

Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gdhQvchVs4eQB6nA7  

Price: US$3.6 – US$8 per person 

2.2.3. Watching the Water Puppet Show in Hanoi Old Quarter  

A must-see cultural experience in the heart of Hanoi Old Quarter, the water puppet show brings Vietnamese folk tales to life on a shimmering water stage. Colorful puppets glide and dance to the rhythm of live traditional music, drums, and folk instruments, creating a magical performance that has captivated audiences for centuries.  

• Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem (near Hoan Kiem Lake) 
• Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fja6LZZEmE8suajm8  
• Showtimes: Multiple daily shows from 3:00 PM to 9:15 PM; Sunday also at 9:30 AM 
• Price: $4 – $8 for adults, $2.4 for children under 1.2 m