Budget · 3-hour walk · Hanoi
The Old Quarter in three hours
The lake and its island temple, the thirty-six guild streets around it, the cathedral and the market.
Hanoi's old quarter is thirty-six streets, each historically selling one trade, and many still do. Crossing the road is the skill to learn in the first ten minutes: walk slowly and predictably and the scooters flow around you. Stopping is what causes accidents.
The route, stop by stop
-
Hoan Kiem Lake
The middle of the city. The roads around it close to traffic at weekends and the whole place fills with families.
20 min here Walk here → -
Ngoc Son Temple
On an island in the lake, reached by a red wooden bridge. Small entry fee and a preserved giant turtle inside.
20 min here Walk here → -
Hanoi Old Quarter
Thirty-six streets named for the guild that worked them. Hang Bac is still silversmiths and Hang Ma is still paper.
40 min here Walk here → -
St Joseph's Cathedral
A neo-Gothic cathedral from 1886, weathered almost black, with the cafes opposite serving egg coffee.
20 min here Walk here → -
Dong Xuan Market
The largest covered market in Hanoi, wholesale on the lower floors and fabric above.
25 min here Walk here →
More in Hanoi
Every walking route in Hanoi, or the full Hanoi guide for where to stay and what a day costs.