Hanoi French Quarter – Experience The Charm Of Hanoi

During the French colonialist, Hanoi was separated into three parts which were the Vietnamese area, the Concession area, and the French area. The French area is also known as Hanoi’s French Quarter.

Located on the south-eastern end of the famous Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi’s French Quarter consists of most governmental buildings, embassies, and affluent residences. As a traveler, this is a place where you can find luxurious residences, hotels, and deluxe restaurants during your time in the capital of Vietnam.

The Hanoi’s French Quarter holds the remnants of French-Indochina architecture left in Hanoi, breathing romance into the busy city.

I. What do people love about Hanoi’s French Quarter?

Hanoi’s French Quarter is a perfect place for sightseeing and exploring plenty of historical landmarks, museums, art galleries, gorgeous fashion boutiques, live music coffees, and bars, along with classical music performances.

1. French Quarter Attraction

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Built-in 1886, St. Joseph’s Cathedral construction resembles the famous cathedral Notre Dame de Paris. This is the oldest building that was constructed during the expansion by the French colonists. The project consists of two towers in the facade, following the Gothic style.

Location:  40 Nha Chung Street or 01 Nha Tho Street
Entrance Fee: No charge

Hanoi Opera House

Hanoi Opera House was built in 1911. It is the biggest theatre in Vietnam then and now. With the cultural sign of Vietnam under French rule. The architecture is typical of French neoclassical featuring Gothic and Mosaic themes on domes and doors with balconies, glass room, shuttered windows, pillars. The theatre has a seating capacity of 600 pax. You need to purchase tickets to enter.

Location: 01 Trang Tien Street
Entrance Fee: Varies.

Hoa Lo Prison

Built by the French in 1896, Hoa Lo Prison can house about 450 prisoners. By the 1930s, prison records indicated that it was close to 2000 inmates. The name “Hoa Lo” means “furnace” or “stove”. Hoa Lo prison nowadays is a symbol of the Vietnamese myriad sacrifice and patriots’ indomitable will for national independence.

Location: 01 Hoa Lo Street
Opening hours: 08:00 am – 17:00 am
Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND

Vietnam National Museum of History

Vietnam National Museum of History is located at the heart of Hanoi and close to many attractions such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple,… The museum is a place to display, preserve and introduce Vietnamese history from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum holds a collection of extremely diverse and invaluable documents, artifacts and many National treasures.

Location: 216 Tran Quang Khai Street
Opening hours: 08:00 am – 12:00 am ; 13:30 pm – 17:00pm
Entrance Fee:
– Adult: 40,000 VND/ per
– Student: 20,000 VND/ per
– Children under 6 years old and disabled people: Free
– Photograph fee: 15,000 – 30,000 VNĐ/ machine.

2. French Quarter Shopping – Trang Tien Plaza

Trang Tien Plaza is located in the center of Hanoi. It was the first luxury shopping center to be built in the capital city. There are more than 200 fashion brands, handbags, footwear, cosmetics and accessories with over 50 leading international brands such as Burberry, Cartier, Rolex, Louis Vuitton,…

Location: 24 Hai Ba Trung Street
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 09:00 am – 21:30 pm
– Saturday, Sunday and Holiday: 09:30 am – 22:00 pm
Entrance Fee: No charge

3. French Quarter Dining

La Terrasse Du Metropole 

La Terrasse Du Métropole belongs to Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi which offers an extensive collection of traditional French and Vietnamese cuisine. This Parisian-style sidewalk cafe features a simple yet elegant setting with iron-framed awning, polished timber deck, vintage ceiling fans and comfortable seating arrangements with Hanoi City center views.

The restaurant offers a wide range of sandwiches, soups, and salads all day as well as premium imported meats and fresh seafood in the evenings.

Location: 15 Ngo Quyen Street

Au Delice & Le Restaurant d’Arthur Hanoi

With a homely setting, Au Delice & Le Restaurant d’Arthur Hanoi is well-known for serving quality French cuisine. The restaurant offers three-course lunch sets from 89,000 VND and dinner which consists of dishes such as stuffed chicken leg with vegetables, chicken breast with curry sauce,  feta cheese salads, Belgian chocolate mousse, and homemade waffles.

Location: 2B Ngo Thi Nham Street
Opening hours: 10:00 am – 22:00 pm

4. French Quarter Nightlife

Tadioto Bar

Established in 2008, in Hanoi, Tadioto Bar is a characterful salon in Hanoi French Quarter that combines a coffee bar with art spaces. With its short-but-sharp selection of both classic and seasonal specialty cocktails and food, Tadioto is highly esteemed by many local and international visitors.

Location: 24B Tong Dan Street
Opening hours: 08:00 am-midnight

Swing Music Lounge

Swing Music Lounge is located near Hoan Kiem lake. It is a trendy and popular venue among the new wealthy class of local Vietnamese. Most of the live performances here are by well-known Vietnamese singers. The venue has been hosting many events with special appearances by Vietnamese celebrities.

Location: 21 Trang Tien Street
Opening hours: 07:00 am – 03:00 am next morning.

II. Hanoi food tour with the World famous food blogger

When exploring the Hanoi French Quarter, you can not miss some famous Hanoi cuisine on the way. With Mr. Vang Cong Tu, an influential food blogger since 2007 along with his partner Mark Lowerson – Aussie expatriate, you can learn about color and texture in many Vietnamese dishes on their Hanoi Street Food tour. They were one of the Tops 20 best food tours around the world listed by the well-known newspaper The Guardian – England. Stroll through some bustling markets like Thanh Ha and Dong Xuan bazaar to sample local treats such as Bun dau and Pho Tiu. Having French-influenced cake in Hang Than Street before ending the tour at a notable and popular coffee shop of Hanoi. This all in one packet only costs you 3 hours.