| Area | What you find | To sleep |
|---|---|---|
| Old Quarter | Trade streets, markets, street food, nightlife | Practical and lively, noisy at night |
| French Quarter | Opera House, wide boulevards, museums, upscale hotels | Comfortable, few truly cheap hotels |
| Ba Dinh | Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, leafy streets | Quiet and cultural |
| Tay Ho (West Lake) | Cafes, restaurants, lakeside pagodas | Peaceful, taxi or Grab needed |
| Long Bien and stations | Long Bien Bridge, Hanoi station, night trains | Worth a visit, rarely a base |
Landmarks to know
Hoan Kiem Lake is the zero point. To the north, the Old Quarter is explored on foot. To the south, the French Quarter has St Joseph's Cathedral on the west side of the lake and Hoa Lo Prison. In the west are the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature. In the north is West Lake; in the east, the Long Bien Bridge over the Red River.
Stations and transport
Hanoi's main station is west of the Old Quarter; for night trains, read the station and night trains. For the metro and buses, see metro and bus lines. Distances inside the centre are short, but traffic is dense: Grab is the simplest way to reach Tay Ho.
Where to sleep
For a first stay, stay between Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. Compare Hanoi Old Quarter hotels with free cancellation and read our where-to-stay guide for Hanoi.
FAQ
Which district should I choose in Hanoi for a first visit? The Old Quarter or the streets next to Hoan Kiem Lake, because everything is on foot; Tay Ho if you prefer quiet.
How far is the Old Quarter from West Lake? About 5 km, or 15 to 25 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Can central Hanoi be seen on foot? Yes for the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake; take a taxi or Grab for the Mausoleum, West Lake or the farther museums.
