Top Attractions to Visit on Hanoi Downtown Tours

Discovering Hanoi’s Iconic Streets in Hanoi Downtown

Hanoi 36 Streets – The Heart of the Old Quarter

• Silver Street Hanoi (Hang Bac Street)
  • Address: Hang Bac Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
  • What to Expect: For hundreds of years, Hang Bac has been the heart of Hanoi’s silver industry and is known for its high-quality silver jewelry and excellent workmanship. View master craftsmen at work making delicate silver jewellery and objects at old silverware shops.
  • Insider Tip: For a real, local experience, try the Phuc Kien Silver Shop (No 58 Hang Bac Street), one of the area’s oldest.
• Hang Ma Street – A World of Colorful Paper Crafts
  • Address: Hang Ma Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
  • What to Expect: A street lined up with colorful paper lanterns, decorations, and holiday items. Great for cultural celebrations such as Mid-Autumn and Lunar New Year.
  • Insider Tip: Go during the Mid-Autumn Festival for the most colorful show. Don’t overlook the iconic Luu Hien Shop (No. 66 Hang Ma Street) for traditional paper masks.
• Hang Dao Street – The Silk Paradise
  • Address: Hang Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
  • What to Expect: Renowned for its high-quality silk, fabric, and tailor shops. If you’re on the hunt for silk scarves, embroidered dresses, or custom ao dai, you’re in luck.
  • Insider Tip: Be sure to stop by Lan Silk (45 Hang Dao Street) for high-quality Vietnamese silk at a great price.
• Ma May Street – A Step Back in Time
  • Address: Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
  • What to Expect: A street that remains a historic place in Hanoi, it houses old Hanoi architecture and lifestyle at Ma May’s Ancient House (No. 87 Ma May Street).
  • Insider Tip: Ma May Ancient House is open daily between 8:00 am to 8:00 pm and will cost you 10,000 VND to enter.

Hang Ma Street (Sours: sanhotelseries)

Pro Tip for Exploring the Hanoi 36 Streets:

• Navigate with an Hanoi Map Online or a Hanoi Tourist Map PDF.
• Beginning in Hoan Kiem Lake, pound the pavement and dive into the streets.
• Go in the early morning for a calm walk, or in the evening to soak up the atmosphere.

Street Art in Hanoi: The Hidden Creative Scene

Phung Hung Street – The Most Famous Street Art Spot

• Address: Phung Hung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• What to Expect: Phung Hung Street is an area adorned with colorful murals showcasing classic Hanoi scenes, including old markets and trams, and everyday happenings in the Old Quarter.
• Best Time to Visit: Early in the morning, around 7:00-9:00 AM, when you can take photos without the crowds.
• Recommended Photos: Photograph Hanoi’s street wall art to capture the nostalgic feel of the murals on the old tram walls and the chaos of the market scenes.
• Must-See Murals:
  • The Old Tram of Hanoi: A homage to the city’s old tram system.
  • The Red Ao Dai: Mural commemorating the legacy of traditional Vietnamese culture.

Phung Hung Street (Sours: travelhanoi)

Additional Street Art Locations in Hanoi Downtown:

• Hang Buom Street: Famed for its graffiti art that melds Vietnamese tradition with contemporary creativity.
  • Address: Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
  • Insider Tip: Don’t forget to check out the well-known “Vietnamese Phoenix” mural created by a Vietnamese artist, Nguyen The Son.
• Ngo Quyen Street – Where Creativity Shines
  • Address: Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
  • What to Expect: A blend of some traditional and modern street art with everything from Vietnamese legends to new school.
  • Insider Tip: Check out the vibrant “Hanoi Dreams” mural for an Instagram-worthy snap.
• Phuc Tan Wall Murals – A Hidden Gem by the Red River
  
  • Address: Phuc Tan Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
  • What to Expect: In this urban art project, a once-overlooked riverside space was converted into a gallery bursting with color.
  • Insider Tip: Stroll along the riverbank to view murals depicting Hanoi’s history and its riverside life.

Hang Buom Street (Sours: xuanlam)

Tips for Exploring Street Art in Hanoi Downtown:

• Be sure to have a fully charged camera or smartphone for some amazing pictures.
• Navigate these secret gems easily with a Hanoi Offline Map.
• Respect the art — no touching the murals or defacing them.

Top Historical and Cultural Attractions in Hanoi Downtown

Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword)

Nestled at the heart of Hanoi Downtown, Hoan Kiem Lake is more than just a scenic site, it’s an iconic treasure. The name “Lake of the Restored Sword" refers to this story of King Le Loi, who was given a magic sword by the Dragon King. After taking it into battle to repel invaders, the king returned the sword to a sacred turtle in the lake, and the legend was born.

Must-Visit Spots Around Hoan Kiem Lake:

• Ngoc Son Temple: Situated on a tiny island in the lake, this lovely temple is linked by the characteristic red Huc Bridge.
  • Address: Ngoc Son Temple, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
  • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
  • Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND/person.
    
• The Huc Bridge: This striking red wooden bridge is a walkway to Ngoc Son Temple, which symbolizes the “place where morning sunlight meets light.”
  • Best Time to Visit: Early in the morning or an evening when it’s beautifully lit up for a stroll.
• Thap But (Pen Tower): A stone tower inscribed with the words “Ta Thanh Thien" (Writing on the Blue Sky), which illustrates the importance of literature in Vietnamese culture.
  • Located at: The entrance of Ngoc Son Temple.

Tips for Visiting Hoan Kiem Lake:

• Best Time to Visit: Early (5:00 AM-7:00 AM) for a quiet stroll and to see locals playing tai chi.
• Nearby Attractions: A few minutes walk and you’ll find the happening of Hanoi 36 Streets, see Street Art in Hanoi, or purchase some local handicrafts on Silver Street, Hanoi.

Hoan Kiem Lake (Sours: vietnamtourism)

Hanoi Opera House – A Grand Symbol of Elegance

Why Visit the Hanoi Opera House?

• Architectural Beauty: Classical French design with grand columns and exquisite ceilings, it’s a stunner.
• Cultural Significance: More than just a historical site, it’s one of the main centers of performing arts with ballets, operas, classical concerts, and traditional Vietnamese music being performed here.

How to Experience the Hanoi Opera House:

• Go to a Show: Details on the official site or at the Box Office!
• Guided Tour: Take a tour of the gorgeous interiors, its history, and even get on stage.
• Contact: 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
• Price: Varies depending on the show. Trips are guided and cost about 120,000 VND/person.

Hanoi Opera House (Sours: silkpathhotel)

Thang Long Imperial Citadel (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Must-See Features of Thang Long Imperial Citadel:

• Doan Mon Gate: The main entrance to the royal palace, splendidly preserved in its traditional Vietnamese architectural form.
• The Tower of the Hanoi Flag: A column with a height of 33 meters, which serves as a symbol of the city.
• Archaeological Site: Find ancient foundations, pottery, and other relics from the 7th century.

Visitor Information:

• Address: 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays).
• Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND/person.
• Recommended Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours.
• Tip: Go in the morning to beat the heat, and don’t skip the underground war bunkers from the Vietnam War.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel (Sours: klook)

Temple of Literature (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam)

Top Attractions at the Temple of Literature:

• Khue Van Pavilion: The symbol of Hanoi, an architectural landmark with the shape of a star.
• The Source of Heavenly Clearness: A quiet courtyard with a pool of water and old trees.
• Turtle Steles: Inscribed upon stone tablets that sit on the carapaces of stone turtles—emblems of knowledge and long life.

Visitor Information:

• Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi.
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND/person.
• Best Time to Visit: Early in the morning for a peaceful contemplation.
• Tip: Check out the beautiful souvenir shop that sells calligraphy and traditional Vietnamese bookmarks.

Temple of Literature (Sours: vinpearl)

Bach Ma Temple (White Horse Temple)

Visitor Information:

• Address: 76 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
• Entrance Fee: Free.
• Architectural Highlights: Traditional Vietnamese design, a grand wooden altar, and ancient artifacts.
• Tip: Stop by between the 12th and 13th day of the lunar month when the temple hosts its annual festival.

Bach Ma Temple (Sours: vietnamdiscovery)

Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton) 

Referred to as the “Hanoi Hilton” by American captives during the Vietnam War, Hoa Lo Prison is a chilling but important attraction right in the heart of Hanoi Downtown. Constructed by the French in 1896, it was originally used to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries and, later, American POWs.

What to See at Hoa Lo Prison:

• The French Guillotine: A chilling relic of colonial France.
• Vietnam Revolutionary War & Its Relocated Prison Exhibit: Discover the courageous fight led by Vietnamese POWs.
• American POW Section: View personal items of American prisoners, including the flight suit of U.S. Senator John McCain.

Visitor Information:

• Address: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND/person.
• Night Tour Option: For a more in-depth experience, take the “Sacred Night” tour, learn about the shadowy history of the prison in a dimmer light.

Hoa Lo Prison (Sours: sunwayhotels)

Vibrant Markets and Shopping Streets in Hanoi Downtown

Dong Xuan Market – A Shopping Haven in Hanoi Downtown

A Glimpse into History:

• Initially, the Dong Xuan Market was a wholesale market that traded goods produced in northern provinces. It has developed into a multi-level indoor market with hundreds of stalls that sell everything imaginable.
• The market building is a reflection of the traditional Vietnamese and French styles, and serves as an interesting historical site to visit.

What to Buy at Dong Xuan Market:

• Souvenirs and Handicrafts: Get some traditional Vietnamese crafts such as lacquerware, silk scarves, ‘non la’ (conical hat,) and bamboo goods.
• Fashion and clothing: Dress your models in beautiful clothes, shoes, and hats,  from hip hop to haute couture and everything in between! A new wardrobe is ready for your fashion show! Major to let them fashion and accessories: your models can see an incredible collection of clothing, shoes, bags, and jewelry at reasonable prices.
• Local Snacks & Specialties:  Enjoy famous Hanoi delicacies including green bean cake (banh dau xanh), lotus seed candies, dried fruits, and herbal teas.
• Textiles: The market is popular for its fabric shops and you can shop for excellent quality silk, brocade, cotton fabric. Ideal for made-to-measure ao dai or Vietnamese dresses.

How to Shop Like a Pro at Dong Xuan Market:

• Bargain and Bargain a Lot: Tourist-oriented prices, the solution is bargaining. Begin by putting in an offer for about 50 percent of the asking price and see how the conversation unfolds.
• Check Out Multiple Floors: The market is in multiple levels with different parts of the market specializing in different goods. The fresh-produce area is on the ground floor, clothing and accessories are upstairs on the first floor, and the floors above are devoted to souvenirs and electronics.
• Cash Is King: Though some vendors will take a credit card, cash is king, especially if you only want to make a small purchase.
• Stay aware of your belongings: Just like any bustling market, keep an eye on your bags and belongings.

Visitor Information:

• Address: Dong Xuan Market, Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Daily).
• Getting There: It’s centrally located in the Hanoi Downtown, so you could simply walk there from the Hoan Kiem Lake, or get yourself a Hanoi District Map for easier walking directions.

Dong Xuan Market (Sours: sunwayhotels)

Night Markets in the Old Quarter – The Heart of Nightlife Hanoi Downtown 

Where to Find Hanoi’s Night Markets:

• Weekend Night Market (Hang Dao – Dong Xuan):
  
  • Where is it: Across from Dong Xuan Market, stretching from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market, smack in the middle of the old Hanoi 36 Streets.
  • Days of Operation: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings (6 pm to 11 pm).
  • What to Get: A thriving market with vibrant market stalls selling attire, jewelry, and souvenirs, as well as delectable street food.
• Ta Hien Street (Beer Street):
  
  • Location: Ta Hien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
  • Highlights: “Beer Street” is jammed with bars and street vendors offering bia hoi (fresh beer) and delicious snacks. Great for a night out with friends.
• Hang Ma Street – A Festive Wonderland:
  • Location: Hang Ma Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
  • What to Expect: A bright market with lots of festive decor, lanterns, and traditional paper crafts. Don’t miss the most entertaining time here on the Mid-Autumn Festival.

What to Buy at the Night Markets:

• Local Handicrafts: Wood carvings, lacquer ware, ceramic figures, and embroidered cloth.
• Souvenirs & Gifts: Keychain, Magnet, Postcard, and more Vietnamese traditional things.
• Clothes and Accessories: Fashion, traditional ao dai (long dress), hats, scarves, and jewellery.
• Street Food: Don’t forget to try Hanoi’s street cuisines such as grilled skewers, banh mi, spring rolls, and fresh fruit smoothies.

Tips for Exploring the Night Markets:

• Get there Early: The night market fills up pretty fast with 6:00 p.m. being the best time to visit.
• Safety: Watch your things and your money.
• Haggle With a Smile: Never hesitate to barter, just be polite.
• Sample the Street Food: Get down with local fare such as banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), pho cuon (fresh spring rolls), and egg coffee.

Navigating the Night Markets:

• Get a Hanoi Map Online or a Hanoi Tourist Map PDF for a closer look at the best routes.
• Begin at Hoan Kiem Lake and head through the choked, narrow streets of the Old Quarter.
• And don’t forget the awesome Street Art in Hanoi, which gives a little flash of colour amongst the night markets.

Night Markets in the Old Quarter (Sours: vietnamairlines)

Conclusion

Hanoi Downtown, a living fabric of history, culture, and energy. With Hanoi 36 Streets, Street Art in Hanoi, and Dong Xuan Market, let us take you on a tour of the most spectacular highlights in this district! Ready to explore? Get your Hanoi Map Online, explore the bright side of the city on small streets, or enjoy Hanoi’s iconic dishes, and let Hanoi Downtown show awesome time. Start your journey now!