Cathedral

In the photos, St Joseph’s Cathedral looked a bit shabby to me. In reality, however, I was surprised by just how monumental it is. The two massive towers and the tall façade really stand out, especially when you find yourself standing right in front of them. The interior is also well worth a visit, and admission is free. Just make sure to plan your visit to avoid the long midday break. 🏨 A hotel just a few steps from the cathedral: Hanoi…

Gateway

Quan Chuong, also known as Ô Quan Chưởng, is the last surviving gate of Hanoi’s former outer fortifications. It stands on the north-eastern edge of the old quarter and is well worth a quick stop whilst strolling through the surrounding streets. Allow about 5–10 minutes to have a look around and take a few photographs. Accommodation nearby: The Hanoi Little Town Hotel, about a 5–10-minute walk from the gate, is a good choice for exploring this…

Museum, Historic building, Temple

The Temple of Literature is one of the main historical monuments in the wider centre of Hanoi. The complex, also known as Văn Miếu–Quốc Tử Giám, consists of a series of interconnected courtyards, gardens and traditional pavilions. I particularly enjoyed it here because of the pleasant atmosphere and the shade. However, I wasn’t exactly blown away: if you’ve visited the temples in Bangkok or Kyoto, don’t expect the Temple of Literature to offer…

Pagoda, Promenade

Hanoi’s oldest pagoda and, for me, one of the most beautiful places in the city. Tran Quoc stands on a small island on the shores of West Lake, also known as Hồ Tây. I was really looking forward to visiting this place, and I was delighted by the visit. The temple complex itself is small, but I really enjoyed the combination of the pagoda, a stroll along the water’s edge and the evening light. 🏨 Hotel near the pagoda and the lake: Pan Pacific…

Pagoda

A small wooden shrine standing on a single stone pillar is one of Hanoi’s most famous landmarks. It stands in the middle of a small lake and its shape resembles a blooming lotus. Thanks to its location right next to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, you can easily include it in the same walk. 🏨 Looking for accommodation to explore Hanoi? WECOZY on Train Street – check prices and availability – offers spacious, modern apartments with kitchenettes…

Temple, Historic Bridge

The red bridge, The Huc, leading to the green islet is one of the most famous sights in Hanoi. At its end stands Ngoc Son Temple, also known as the Temple of the Jade Mountain. You’ll find it right in the centre on Hoan Kiem Lake, just next to the Old Quarter. 🏨 Hotel tip by the lake: Hanoi La Selva Hotel – check prices and availability – is on Lo Su Street, about 200 metres from Hoan Kiem Lake and a 5-minute walk from the red bridge, The Huc.…

Temple

Bach Ma, also known as the Temple of the White Horse, is a small shrine nestled amongst the houses in Hanoi’s old quarter. It’s a good place to stop off for a short break whilst strolling through the surrounding streets. Allow about 10 minutes for a visit. 🏨 Accommodation near the temple: Hanoi Allure Hotel – prices and availability – is located on the neighbouring Dao Duy Tu Street, just a few minutes’ walk from Bach Ma. A convenient base…

Pagoda

Quan Su is a small Buddhist complex in the centre of Hanoi, just a short walk from Hoa Lo Prison. Allow about 10–15 minutes for a brief tour of the courtyard and the main shrine. 🏨 Accommodation near the pagoda: Somerset Grand Hanoi – check prices and availability – offers spacious self-catering apartments and an outdoor swimming pool. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Quan Su. You can find more tips in the article ‘Where to stay in Hanoi’. …

Fortress

The central part of the Thang Long Citadel is Hanoi’s only site on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Historically, it is a significant site, but I found the visit a little disappointing. The complex struck me as shabby and, in places, somewhat neglected. 🏨 Hotel near the citadel entrance: Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa – prices and availability – is on Tran Phu Street, from where you can walk to the western entrance. It also has an outdoor…

Temple

Quan Thanh Temple stands on the southern edge of West Lake, not far from Tran Quoc Pagoda. Its main attraction is a bronze statue of the god Tran Vu, standing almost four metres tall. I happened to walk past the temple just as it was closing and couldn’t get inside. If you’d like to visit the interior as well, plan your visit before your early evening stroll along the lake. Accommodation tip between the Old Quarter and the lakes: Le Jardin…

Lake, Temple

Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi’s tourist centre and, in my opinion, one of the places you shouldn’t miss when visiting the city. There’s a pleasant tree-lined promenade running alongside the lake, and all around you’ll find cafés, restaurants and modern shops. It’s a very touristy spot, but I still enjoyed it here. I’d recommend coming here for your first stroll around the city and then returning in the evening – the local landmarks are…

Historic Bridge

A rusty steel structure, passing trains and the wide Red River stretching out below you. Long Bien is one of Hanoi’s most distinctive landmarks and can easily be included in a walk through the northern part of the Old Quarter. The bridge is still used for everyday transport. A railway line runs down the centre, motorbikes whizz past on either side, and there are narrow footpaths for pedestrians along the outer edges. It is precisely this…