FRENCH QUARTER IN HANOI: 7+ Things MUST DO
The French Quarter in Hanoi embodies a rich, historically layered dimension of Hanoi, showcasing iconic French colonial structures such as the Hanoi Opera House, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and the Presidential Palace. Recognized for its imposing scale, unique architecture, and signature color palette, the French Quarter in Hanoi preserves the grandeur of a significant chapter in the city’s history. This essential guide will reveal all the MUST-DO activities here, providing the necessary information to ensure an unforgettable experience in Vietnam’s capital.
Location Note: The French Quarter in Hanoi Is NOT the Old Quarter
Covering a substantial area, Hanoi’s French Quarter sits just southeast of Hoan Kiem Lake and is a symbol of the city’s serene and refined lifestyle. Although the Old Quarter and the French Quarter in Hanoi sit close to each other (even sounding similar), the two areas offer completely distinct ambiance and experiences. The French Quarter in Hanoi lies primarily to the south and east of Hoan Kiem Lake, while the more chaotic Old Quarter stretches to the north and west. The French Quarter is clearly defined by its broad, organized boulevard and sweeping colonial French-European architecture, while the Old Quarter delivers an authentic Vietnamese charm with narrower streets, consisting of vibrant traditional shophouses and bustling local food stalls.
Tracing the Roots of the French Quarter in Hanoi
The origins of the French Quarter in Hanoi date back to the late 19th century. Meticulously designed for grandeur, it was built to be the administrative and residential hub for the French establishment. Now, this district preserves some of the most significant architectural legacies of the bygone French Indochina era and serves as a poignant reminder of the fierce and heroic resistance by locals to ultimately regain control and sovereignty over Hanoi. Understanding this historical and architectural significance will help gain a new understanding and appreciation of the capital’s history.
Things to do in Hanoi’s French Quarter
Given its profound historical and architectural importance, the French Quarter in Hanoi is now considered an unmissable attraction. There is an abundance of activities for visitors to fully immerse themselves in this culturally and historically rich area of Vietnam’s capital.
Hanoi Opera House
Paying a visit to the Hanoi Opera House is an essential cultural activity to do in the French Quarter. This magnificent 1901 structure is modeled after Paris’s Opéra Garnier and, until this day, still remains as the premier venue for enjoying artistic performances, from classical opera and ballet to Vietnamese folk concerts.
- Recommended show: “115 Years of the Opera House Telling Stories”
- Opening time: 10:00/14:00/16:00/20:00
- Details: The event uses light mapping to showcase the Hanoi Opera House’s 115-year history and Hanoi’s key milestones.
- Ticket price: 480,000 VNĐ (daytime ticket) and 600,000 VNĐ (night-time ticket)
Vietnam National Museum of History
Another essential stop in your visit to the French Quarter in Hanoi is the Vietnam National Museum of History. Housed in a magnificent Indochinese-style building, the museum showcases the country’s most precious historical treasures and artifacts. Visitors can take an unparalleled journey through time, viewing historical highlights like ancient Dong Son drums and stunning Champa sculptures, covering eras from prehistory to the 1945 revolution.
- Opening Time: Tuesday – Sunday (8:00 AM – 12:00 and 13:30 – 17:00).
- Ticket price: 40,000 VNĐ (~ $1.5 USD) for adults
Hoa Lo Prison Relic
Visiting Hoa Lo Prison Relic is also a crucial and somber historical activity. While only a small section of the original structure remains, the site serves as a powerful museum highlighting the indomitable Vietnamese spirit and the horrid crimes committed by the French colonial government. Visitors can explore the carefully curated exhibits that provide a poignant and often disturbing look at the locals’ real political struggles and immense resilience when incarcerated by the French colonial Government
- Opening Time: Daily (8:00 – 17:00).
- Ticket Price: Adults: 30,000 VNĐ (~ $1 USD)
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
For religious visitors who want to maintain their routine, a visit to St. Joseph’s Cathedral is an absolute necessity if you are in Hanoi’s French Quarter. As the city’s oldest church with striking similarity to Notre Dame in Paris, the Cathedral has a profound connection to Hanoi’s religious history. People can stroll around the area to admire the weathered, serene stone exterior that contrasts with the nearby bustling life of locals. You can also visit the Cathedral during mass hours to witness the vibrant local Catholic community in action.
- Opening Time: Exterior viewing is unrestricted; interior generally open outside of Mass hours.
- Ticket Price: Free entrance (donations are welcome).
- Notable Event: Weekend and Christmas Mass times draw large crowds; check local schedules for service times.
Wander Through the Streets
Moving beyond the major historical sites, just a simple walking tour along the French Quarter in Hanoi is sufficient to embrace the sophisticated soul of this area. Strolling along iconic boulevards like Tràng Tiền or weaving through the beautiful network of Đinh Lễ, Ngô Quyền, Lê Thạch, and Lý Thái Tổ, visitors can fully appreciate the distinctively organized, grand architecture and expansive tree-lined avenues. This leisurely pace allows you to browse local art galleries (in Ngô Quyền street), famous book stores (in Đinh Lễ street), and numerous chic cafés at every corner.
Notable locations:
- Lâm Bookstore: a big local book shop that sells a wide selection of English books for an affordable price, perfect to grab something to read when sitting at beautiful local cafés.
- Vietnam Fine Arts Association’s gallery: a government gallery showcasing artworks and exhibitions. Here you can admire the great artistic works of local artists with diverse styles that help illustrate the cultural diversity of Vietnam.
Trang Tien Plaza
And after all that, Trang Tien Plaza offers the perfect opportunity for upscale shopping and relaxation. This iconic, high-end destination is the ultimate spot for luxury retail therapy, featuring world-renowned designer brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Bvlgari… catering to a luxurious clientele. Beyond its selection of luxury goods, the Plaza also has a premium cinema with Lounge seating.
- Opening Time: Generally 9:30 – 22:00 (varies by day).
- Notable Event: Features seasonal displays and exhibitions from top international fashion houses. Daily showings of movies (10:00 – 00:00)
Dine at renowned local locations
Cuisine is also an indispensable element of the experience in the French Quarter. Visitors must savor local street flavors like Kem Tràng Tiền and Bún đậu Hàng Khay, indulge in seasonal delicacies such as Cốm (green sticky rice), an authentic autumn specialty, to fully immerse yourself in the local flavors and atmosphere of the French Quarter in Hanoi. For upscale dining, the area boasts renowned establishments such as Pizza 4P’s Tràng Tiền, Pane e Vino, La Badiane (a Michelin selection), offering a sophisticated culinary contrast that provide you with diverse types of cuisines and tastes.
Kem Tràng Tiền
Description: Iconic, classic Hanoi ice cream since 1958
Price: Very affordable (8,000 – 15,000 VNĐ/stick)
Opening Time: 8:00 – 22:00
Bún đậu Hang Khay
Description: Traditional vermicelli and fried tofu platter
Price: Affordable (30,000 – 50,000 VND/serving)
Opening Time: 9:00 – 21:00
Cốm – Green Sticky Rice
Description: Sweet, seasonal green sticky rice (Autumn specialty)
Price: Varies by vendor and weight (100,000 – 150,000 VNĐ/kg)
Opening Time: Seasonal availability (Autumn only)
Pizza 4P’s Tràng Tiền
Description: Artisan Japanese-style pizza; very popular dining experience.
Price: Mid-range to High-end (~600,000 VNĐ per person)
Opening Time: Generally 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pane e Vino
Description: Established Italian fine dining and wine cellar.
Price: High-end (~800,000 VNĐ per person).
Opening Time: Generally 9:00 – 23:00
La Badiane (Michelin Selection)
Description: Exquisite French-Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant setting
Price: Premium/High-end (900,000 VND/ person).
Opening Time: 11:30 – 13:30 and 18:00 – 21:30 (closed on Sunday)
Local Tips for a Visit
To fully elevate your experience in the French Quarter in Hanoi, follow these useful tips.
- What to eat in Hanoi’s French Quarter: trust local wisdom: always follow the crowds, as busy spots often indicate the high-quality of the food and the value you get from the price
- Bring cash for the street restaurants
- Be mindful of the Hanoi Walking Street schedule around Hoan Kiem Lake (from Friday night until midnight on Sunday) to avoid traffic jams
- Wear comfortable footwear and clothes to explore the wide boulevards of the French Quarter in Hanoi and its surrounding historical areas
Where to Stay for All These Beauties – Hanoi Best Boutique Hotels
For a convenient and tranquil stay, visitors can consider Hanoi La Siesta Premium Lakeside. Perfectly situated within Hanoi’s French Quarter, this boutique hotel offers instant access to Hoan Kiem Lake (less than a minute walk), an excellent location for a walking tour around the Quarter. Choosing one of Hanoi best boutique hotels guarantees the perfect balance between the refined calm of the French Quarter in Hanoi and Hanoi’s vibrant heart.