Hanoi's Old Quarter is the dense maze of alleyways north of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and the district where most travellers stay. Here, affordable accommodations, street food stalls, and cafés are tightly packed, and the street network has largely been preserved as it evolved over centuries.Locally, the district is known as "36 Gassen" (36 Streets), named after the guilds that once worked here. Many street names begin with "Hàng" (meaning 'goods') and still reveal what was traded there, such as Hàng Bạc after the silversmiths. Most of the narrow shop-houses with sloping tiled roofs date from the 18th and 19th centuries.In the north of the district lies Đồng Xuân Market, dating from the French colonial era, and hidden among the houses is the Bạch Mã Temple. The best way to explore the Old Quarter is on foot.
Sights in Old Town (Phố cổ)
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Market
1Đồng Xuân Market
The Old Town's largest market originated during the French colonial era, after two smaller markets had been demolished for its construction. In the hall and surrounding alleyways, wholesale trade is primarily conducted, from textiles to household goods.
This almost 40-year-old eatery in the old town is known for its eel dishes, such as glass noodles with crispy fried eel. Since 2025, it has been featured with a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide.
