Old Quarter in Hanoi: Best Things to Do, Food, Shopping & More

The Old Quarter in Hanoi is popular for its 36 streets, which may sound like a bunch of regular street to someone who hasn’t been there but within those 36 streets lies layers of history, art, culture and some of the best places to visit in Vietnam, including a street through which a real train passes, making it one of the most fascinating experiences in Vietnam.

In every nook and corner, you will find street vendors, selling fruits, textiles, utensils, cutlery and what not, and you will definitely love every bit of it. Before we unlayer everything that the 36 streets in Old Quarter in Hanoi offers, let’s have a quick sneak peak.

Overview

• Location: Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Best Time: Early morning for peaceful walk, evenings for night life
• Time Required: Full day
• What to buy: Dry fruits, Silver, Jewellery, silk, coffee.
• Famous For: Train Street, vintage feel, ancient trading.

The Old Quarter is one of the best spots to explore central Hanoi, its close proximity to the Hoan Kiem Lake makes it popular for sightseeing, that is why tourists love visiting the place. You can indulge in the Hoan Kiem Lake walking experience as well.

Why Are The 36 Streets Hanoi Popular?

While roaming around the heart of the city, you may wonder what makes the Old Quarter which consists of 36 streets, popular. That’s a valid question to ask, so here’s why the place has made quite an impression on everyone who has ever paid a visit to this place. 

The Old Quarter in Hanoi is known for its historic street layout, much of which evolved around particular crafts, goods and trading activities. These 17th-century streets have traditionally been home to guilds and groups of artisans who produced or sold similar products. This is why many street names begin with “Hang,” a Vietnamese word for goods or merchandise. For example, Hang Bac was traditionally known for silverwork while Hang Ma became associated with paper offerings and festive decorations. 

So we are hoping, when you hit those streets, you find your perfect “Hang-out” spot. 

Interestingly, the 36 streets does not refer to the number of streets here, rather it's a traditional reference.

How difficult is it to walk in the Old Quarter?

The Old Quarter in Hanoi is absolutely walkable but you need to keep in mind that it may be crowded specially during the weekends and office hours, and traffic can always be there. Some pathways are a little uneven but that is what gives it a vintage touch. The overall experience is not an uncomfortable one, so you need not to worry about it. 

What are some of the notable streets in the Old Quarter?

Even though there are plenty of streets in the Old Quarter, there are some that you shouldn’t miss out on. Here is the list: 

• Hang Bac: A historical street popular for its jewellery and silver crafting.
• Hang Ma: This street is covered with paper offerings and during festivals it gets more vibrant.
• Hang Gai: Hang Gai is the go to street if you are looking for some fine quality Vietnamese silk.
• Hang Dao: You can buy silk and women's accessories from here.
• Hang Bong: Hang Bong is famous for its tailoring services and cotton products. 

Is Hanoi Weekend Night Market worth visiting?

The Night Market in Hanoi is something you shouldn’t miss out on, while you are there. It usually operates on weekends starting from Friday evening, from 6 pm to 11 pm.

You will find plenty of street vendors, stalls selling clothes, jewellery, lip smacking street food and the list goes on. Besides all the stuff that it has to offer, the night market has a very warm and friendly vibe. You will witness the streets come to life at night. The night market starts from Hang Dao street in the Old Quarter to the Dong Xuan Market. 

The opening hours of each shop may vary, and also note that during special events or festivals, the operations may be affected. 

Best Night Spots in Hanoi

If you are looking for one of the best spots to experience the nightlife of Hanoi, then you should definitely hit Ta Hien Beer Street, which is located right in the heart of the Old Quarter. The entire street comes alive in the evening as the vendors begin setting up stools on the street while they serve draft beer with street food on the side.

Is Train Street In The Old Quarter? 

The Train Street in the Old Quarter is one of the most iconic attractions, and probably the most visited street in all over Vietnam. So the idea is that you could be grabbing a bite in the street, and suddenly a train passes by, right next to your chair. How cool is that? You may never have witnessed something like that ever, and that is the beauty of it. 

Since an actual train makes its way through the street, there are certain instructions that need to be followed, which is staying away from the restricted areas to avoid any mishaps. 

What & Where To Eat In The Old Quarter?

The Old Quarter in Hanoi is a great place to explore Vietnamese food including steaming bowls of noodle soup and freshly made bánh mì, sweet treats and the city's famous egg coffee. The busy lanes of the neighborhood are lined with street-food stalls, small family-run restaurants and cafés, making it easy to sample local flavors while sightseeing. 

For Indian travelers, it is a bit trickier to find vegetarian food, as dishes that look meat-free can have fish sauce, meat broths or other animal-based ingredients. If you know what to order, and how to tell them your dietary preferences, it can be much easier to eat in the Old Quarter.

In between sightseeing stops, the Old Quarter has plenty to explore from noodle soups to fresh rolls and sweet desserts:

• Banh mi: Different fillings in a baguette with a crunchy crust. You can ask for a vegetable or tofu option to ensure the sauces and fillings don’t have meat in it.
• Gỏi cuốn/Rice paper roll: Fresh rice-paper rolls with vegetables, herbs and sometimes tofu. Check the dipping sauce, it may contain fish sauce.
• Phở chay: Phở is a Vietnamese soup that consists of rice noodles and beef or chicken. It is a must try.
• Rau muống xào tỏi: Stir-fried water spinach with garlic. See if they add fish sauce or any other non-vegetarian seasoning.
• Bánh trôi: Soft rice dumplings, usually served with sweet ginger syrup or other sweet fillings.
• Egg Coffee Hanoi: Try the signature drink Egg Coffee in Hanoi, and one of the best places to try it in is the Cafe Giang.