2026 First Time in Hanoi: Must-Visit Old Quarter 36 Streets, Shops, Cafes & Cultural Exploration

Janet2

2026-02-05

Hanoi Old Quarter: The 36 Streets

Stepping onto the cobblestone streets of the Old Quarter, you are immediately greeted by the lakeside breeze, the aroma of coffee, and the scent of traditional street food. This ancient yet vibrant city instantly transports you into the unique world of Vietnamese culture. For first-time visitors to Vietnam, the Hanoi Old Quarter is the best starting point to understand the culture, taste street food, and explore unique boutiques and cafes. This guide will take you deep into the Old Quarter's 36 Streets, covering must-visit shops, popular cafes, surrounding cultural attractions, and practical travel tips to ensure a perfect first trip.

1. First Glimpse of the Old Quarter: Lost in the Time Tunnel of the 36 Streets

Located north of Hoan Kiem Lake, the Hanoi Old Quarter boasts a history of over 1,000 years. Once a hub for commerce, handicrafts, and culture, it now preserves traditional architecture, French colonial tube houses, and countless alleyways filled with unique shops. Walking through the Old Quarter, every street holds a surprise waiting to be discovered.

The Origin of the "36 Streets

The "36 Streets" is not literally just 36 specific streets but a general term for the intricate network of ancient alleyways in the Old Quarter. Historically, each street was named after the specific goods or handicrafts sold there:
Hang Gai Street (Silk Street): Famous for silk products. This is the place to buy an Ao Dai (traditional dress), silk scarves, or fabric. It is recommended to visit in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the sunlight filtering through the street.
Hang Bac Street (Silver Street): Known for exquisite silver craftsmanship. It is the best place to select handmade silver jewelry or ethnic-style accessories. Bargaining is usually required, but shop owners are generally friendly, making for a pleasant shopping experience.
Hang Ma Street (Paper Offerings Street): Sells traditional paper votive offerings and lanterns. It is a popular spot for colorful photos. The lantern lights at dusk are particularly mesmerizing.

Suggested Itinerary

Start our morning by slowly strolling through Hang Gai and Hang Bac streets to experience traditional crafts and enjoy shopping. In the afternoon, head to Hang Ma street for photos and check-ins, then find a cafe to rest.

2. Old Quarter Shop Exploration Guide

The small shops in Hanoi's Old Quarter blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design, making them well worth your time to explore at a leisurely pace.

Traditional Craft Shops

Hang Bac Silver Shops: Watch the process of handmade silver crafting and select rings, necklaces, or earrings. When purchasing, it is recommended to ask about the material and weight to avoid price discrepancies.
Hang Gai Silk Shops: High-quality silk clothing, fabrics, and Ao Dai fittings. When trying on clothes, take a full-body photo to preserve the travel memory.

Creative Design Shops

Arts & Crafts: Shops combining traditional and modern art, selling postcards, handmade stationery, and home decor items.
Coffee Design Shops: Selling local handmade coffee beans, drip filters, and coffee brewing equipment—a paradise for coffee lovers to find collectibles.
Buying Tip: Prices for small items are usually transparent, but you can try bargaining for items in creative shops, especially for larger pieces or handmade goods.

Street Food & Snacks

Classic Eats: Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Pho, and Banh Mi. Go to stalls with crowds; prices range from 20,000–40,000 VND.
Traditional Sweets: Sticky rice cakes, coconut candy, and mung bean pastries. Enjoy them while walking to experience the flavor of the Old Quarter.
Friendly Reminder: Ask for the price or bargain simply before buying. Pay attention to packaging to avoid damage, especially for fragile silver jewelry and handmade sweets.

3. Top Hanoi Cafes & Cultural Experiences

Vietnamese coffee culture has a long history, deeply influenced by French colonialism, creating unique flavors and drinking styles. Cafes in Hanoi are not just about tasting coffee; they are a cultural experience.

Must-Try Coffee Styles

Drip Coffee (Cà Phê Phin): Slowly extracted using a metal drip filter and paired with condensed milk. Sweet, aromatic, and smooth.
Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng): Hot coffee topped with whipped egg yolk foam. Rich and creamy—a Hanoi exclusive.
Coconut Coffee (Cà Phê Dừa): Coffee blended with coconut milk slush. Icy, sweet, and fragrant—perfect for cooling down on a hot afternoon.
Black Coffee (Cà Phê Đen): Pure Vietnamese roasted beans. Strong and bitter, suitable for those who love authentic, robust coffee.

Popular Cafe Recommendations

Giang Cafe: The birthplace of Egg Coffee. Hidden in a small alley in the Old Quarter, it serves classic Egg Coffee and Vietnamese desserts. Arrive early to avoid queues as seating is limited.
Cafe Pho Co: Located inside an old building with a view of Hoan Kiem Lake. Highly popular for photos. Best visited in the afternoon; the sunset light is beautiful.
Cong Caphe: Features nostalgic military decor combined with modern design. Their Coconut Coffee is highly recommended. The atmosphere is lively, making it a great place to experience Vietnam's unique coffee culture.
Tranquil Books & Coffee: A hidden book cafe in an alley. Quiet and laid-back, suitable for reading and sipping coffee slowly. Choose a window seat to enjoy natural light and the Old Quarter vibe.

Coffee Culture Tips

Choose a seat by a window or with natural light to photograph your coffee and dessert against the Old Quarter background for an "artsy" shot.
Observe the dripping speed of the Cà Phê Phin to understand how the coffee strength is adjusted.
Try different coffee flavors to feel the difference between Vietnamese coffee and Western coffee.

4. Cultural Attractions Around the Old Quarter

The Hanoi Old Quarter is not just about alleys and cafes; there are several cultural sites worth visiting nearby.

Hoan Kiem Lake (Turtle Lake)

The landmark in the center of Hanoi. Stroll along the lakeside in the early morning or evening to admire the Turtle Tower and watch locals exercising or taking evening walks.

Temple of Literature

The oldest Confucian temple in Vietnam, built in 1070. With exquisite architecture and a rich cultural atmosphere, it is the best place for photos and learning about Vietnamese history.

St. Joseph's Cathedral

A French Gothic building. The square in front often hosts street performances and markets, making it a great spot to capture European-style street scenes.

5. Hanoi Travel Guide: Transport & Safety Tips

Walking: The alleys of the Old Quarter are narrow, so walking is the best way to feel the atmosphere.
Grab or Taxi: Use these for longer distances or after shopping for convenience.
Cash Payment: Most small shops do not accept cards, so prepare small denominations of cash.
Safety: In crowded alleys or markets, keep your belongings secure. Using a crossbody bag is recommended.
Best Time to Visit: October to April offers comfortable temperatures. May to September is the rainy season (mostly short showers) and visitors are fewer, so hotel prices may be better.

6. Food & Cultural Interaction in the Old Quarter

Street Food Exploration: Bring small change to buy snacks and feel the rhythm of life in the Old Quarter. Look out for Pho, Banh Mi, and Fried Spring Rolls.
Cultural Interaction: Chat simply with owners in shops or cafes; many speak English. Learning a few basic Vietnamese greetings like "Xin chào" (Hello) and "Cảm ơn" (Thank you) will make you even more welcome.
Traditional Festivals & Markets: If your trip coincides with a Vietnamese festival, join the street celebrations or markets to understand folk culture and crafts.

7. Conclusion: Leave a Memorable Mark in the Old Quarter

On your first visit to Hanoi's Old Quarter, you will discover that charm is everywhere. Every alley and every cafe holds a story. The coffee culture is deeply rooted—whether it's Drip, Egg, or Coconut Coffee, every flavor is a unique experience. The blend of daily life and tourism allows you to slow down and feel the everyday routine of the Vietnamese people. Walk slowly, taste carefully, and every corner of the Old Quarter will leave a memorable imprint on your journey.

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions or need support, please contact us through the following channels:

Taiwan Customer Service

LINE: Add @Lanytrip (don't forget the @)
Provides real-time support in Chinese / English to help ensure a smooth start to your trip.

Vietnam Customer Service

WhatsApp: +84333708807
After entering Vietnam, customer service mainly communicates via WhatsApp.
We recommend downloading and registering WhatsApp before departure for easier communication.

Explore Now

👇🏼【Complete Vietnam Visa Guide】👇🏼

Make entering Vietnam simple and hassle-free!