📅 Updated: 29 July 2026
Hanoi's 36 Old Streets, in Hoan Kiem District, are the most direct way to see how the old city actually lives.
The streets are public, open at all hours and free to walk; allow 2–4 hours on foot;
come on a weekend evening if you want the night market, and start from the north side of Hoan Kiem Lake if it is your first time.
Hanoi Old Quarter hours, location and entrance fees
| Item | Details | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Opening hours | The streets are open 24 hours | Most shops run from morning to late evening; the night market and pedestrian zone follow weekend closures |
| Location | Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi | There is no single entrance — use the north side of Hoan Kiem Lake or the Old East Gate as your reference point |
| Entrance fee | Free on public streets | Bach Ma Temple, heritage houses, performances and guided tours follow the rates posted on site |
| Time needed | 2–4 hours | Allow half a day if you add the night market, coffee and dinner |
Why is it called the 36 Old Streets?
The name comes from the guild streets of old Hanoi, where a single trade clustered on a single street.
Vietnam's national tourism board notes that Hàng Bạc dealt in silver, Hàng Mã is known for ritual and festival goods, and Hàng Gai is still called Silk Street.
Not every street keeps its original trade today, but the narrow tube houses, street food, traditional shopfronts and dense lanes are what give the Old Quarter its character.
- Hàng Mã:The most seasonal street of all — decorations take over before the Mid-Autumn Festival and Lunar New Year.
- Hàng Gai:The place for silk, clothing and souvenirs in one stretch.
- Hàng Bạc:Silver Street, with a clear historical thread and right at the heart of the Old Quarter.
- Old East Gate (Ô Quan Chưởng):One of the few surviving city gates, easy to combine with Dong Xuan Market.
- Where to eat nearby
- Guides to nearby attractions
- Location map
What is the best time of year to visit?
October to December is comfortable, and usually drier than summer;
February to April is cool, with occasional drizzle.
May to September is hot and humid — go in the morning or early evening and plan an indoor break.
Around Lunar New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival and public holidays the decorations are at their best, but crowds, shop hours and road closures all change.
Getting there and how to link it with the rest of Hanoi
From Noi Bai Airport
You can take the airport bus, a Grab, a taxi, or book a private transfer in advance.
With older parents, small children or large suitcases, a pre-booked transfer drops you at your Old Quarter hotel instead of leaving you to drag bags through narrow streets.
Getting around the city
Inside the Old Quarter, walking is by far the best option; Grab or a taxi covers longer hops across the city.
At weekends some roads become pedestrian-only, so pick-up and drop-off points shift with that day's closures.
A good route: north side of Hoan Kiem Lake → Hàng Gai → Hàng Bạc → around Bach Ma Temple → the Old East Gate → Dong Xuan Market.
Where to eat in the Hanoi Old Quarter
Food is everywhere here. These four cover banh mi, bun cha and egg coffee, and all sit on a natural walking route.
Bánh Mì 25
A popular banh mi shop at 25 Hàng Cá — good for breakfast or a quick bite on the move.
Bún Chả Ta
21 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, listed in the Michelin Guide, serving Hanoi-style grilled pork with noodles and fried spring rolls.
Café Giảng
39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân — the stop to make if you want Hanoi's signature egg coffee.
Bún Chả Đắc Kim
1 Hàng Mành, a long-standing Old Quarter choice for bun cha; expect a queue at peak times.
Similar or identical shop names are common in the Old Quarter, so check the street number when navigating or booking a ride, and confirm opening hours on the day.
Hanoi Old Quarter FAQ
No ticket is needed to walk the public streets. Individual heritage sites, performances, guided tours and experiences may charge.
“Thirty-six” refers to the historic idea of guild streets rather than a literal count — today's Old Quarter has considerably more streets than that.
Morning light is soft and the streets are quieter; in the early evening the signs and street lamps come on and everyday life is at its most visible.
Not recommended with large cases. Uneven pavement, crowds and narrow arcades make it slow going — leave bags at your hotel first.
Hanoi Old Quarter location map
Guides to nearby attractions
These sights sit in the same part of Hanoi and are usually visited together — useful if you are still building a northern Vietnam itinerary.
- Best Things to Do in Hanoi Top sights, tickets, transport and 1–2 day itineraries
- Hanoi Old Quarter Half-Day Walking Route How to link Hoan Kiem Lake, the 36 Old Streets and the cathedral
- Hoa Lo Prison Guide Tickets, opening hours and what to see
- Hanoi Train Street Guide Train times, where to stand and safety advice
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Guide Opening hours, dress code and how the queue works
Last updated: 24 August 2026
