Hanoi Old Quarter Free Private Tour (Half Day)

Itinerary

Hanoi Old Quarter, known informally as “Hanoi’s 36 Old Streets”, is a place you definitely can’t miss when exploring the capital city of Vietnam. 

Located in the North-West of Hoan Kiem Lake, this used to be a very bustling and crowded business trading area that had witnessed the ups and downs through the two severe and lengthy wars and the recovery period in Vietnam. Therefore, the Old Quarter not only retains the ancient and mossy beauty of the old Hanoi but also carries the breadth and vitality of Hanoi’s modern life nowadays.

Don’t hesitate, let our friendly, dynamic tour guides from Hanoi e.Buddies accompany you to explore the Old Quarter right away and find out that the true beauty of Hanoi is just around the corner!

Tour information:

• Duration: 4-hour tour (recommended time 8 am or 2 pm)
• Transportation: On foot/Taxi/Bus
• Suitable for: whether you are on a couple/ single/ family trip
• Language: English

Our friendly buddy will pick you up at your hotel, and we will depart immediately. 

Highlights of the Hanoi Old Quarter

1. Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake) – the icon of Hanoi Old Quarter

Being the heart of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is picturesque. The lake’s name is interestingly associated with a legend dating back to the 15th century. Sitting elegantly in the middle of the lake is Turtle Tower, a pride of Hanoians.

Sharing stories with tourists or celebrating tradition in áo dài, Hanoi e.Buddies make every visit to Hoan Kiem Lake unforgettable.

Towards the side is Ngoc Son Temple, a 19th-century pagoda accessible by the beautiful red and wooden footbridge – The Huc bridge.

From The Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, Hanoi e.Buddies brings culture to life with every step and every smile.

2. Ancient house at No. 87 Ma May Street:

This is one of the 14 ancient houses in Hanoi built around the end of the nineteenth century. Moreover, with a total area of 157.6m2, Ma May’s ancient house follows the traditional “tube house” structure with many layers, typical of the architecture of the houses in the Old Quarter at that time. The House will give you an interesting look into the lifestyle and daily activities of ancient Hanoians in the old time. 

Our Hanoi e.Buddies tour guides love bringing travelers to this hidden gem – a living museum of Old Hanoi charm and culture.

3. Ta Hien Street – Beer Street of Hanoi Old Quarter

With only 266 m in length, Ta Hien Street (also known as Beer Street) is a unique place to visit in the Old Quarter. Having a quiet and dreamy beauty in the morning, but when the city lights up, Ta Hien turns into a crowded and exciting beer street where the locals come to try different kinds of beers, and enjoy fantastic street foods while having fun with their friends. The street reflects the lively and hectic beauty of  Hanoi’s nightlife.

Hazel shares a cheerful moment with international guests during the free Old Quarter tour through the city’s historic alleys and cultural hotspots.

4. Bach Ma Temple:

Bach Ma Temple is regarded as a remarkable historical monument associated with the event of King Ly Thai To’s capital relocation. It stands among the Four Guarding Temples of Thang Long Citadel, which were established to form an enclosing boundary of strongholds around the city and deal with potential threats.

Lea and her guest explored one of Hanoi’s most sacred sites during the Old Quarter tour.

5. Dong Xuan Market:

Located in the Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market is the oldest and largest indoor market in Hanoi. With over 100 years of history, it has long been a go-to place for traders across Vietnam. Today, it remains vibrant and diverse. You’ll find everything from souvenirs and clothes to household items and local snacks. Plus, our free student guides will gladly help you navigate, bargain, and shop like a local. Thanks to its lively energy and rich variety, the market offers a unique glimpse into Hanoi’s daily life and cultural heritage.

6. Long Bien Bridge:

Long Bien Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of Hanoians’ determination and resilience. Completed in 1902, it was once among the greatest bridges in the world. However, during decades of war, it was heavily bombed in 1967 and 1972, and several spans were destroyed. Today, the remaining sections still tell stories of that turbulent past. Therefore, the bridge is not only a transport route but also a living historical relic. As you walk along its rusty steel frame, you can truly feel the layers of Hanoi’s history beneath your feet.

Long Bien Bridge at Golden Hour – Shot by Lea from Hanoi e.Buddies

7. Egg Coffee in the Old Quarter tour with Hanoi e.Buddies

Everyone at Hanoi’s humble Cafe Giang, or Cafe Dinh, or even Ban Cong Cafe, however, is after something more than just a caffeine fix. They’ve come for “cà phê trứng,” or egg coffee, a Hanoi specialty in which a creamy, soft, meringue-like egg white foam is perched on dense Vietnamese coffee.

Hanoi e.Buddies tour guides and travelers bonding over Hanoi’s signature drink – a must-try moment in every Old Quarter journey!

8. Trang Tien Ice Cream – legendary ice cream shop

At the iconic Trang Tien Ice Cream, Hanoi e.Buddies tour guides and international travelers share sweet, nostalgic moments together. This legendary ice cream shop, a Hanoi staple since 1958, brings a taste of Hanoian childhood to every cone and popsicle. Whether it’s green rice, chocolate, or coconut flavor, each bite carries the flavor of local tradition and joyful memories. For visitors, it’s not just a treat, it’s a delicious piece of Hanoi’s cultural heritage.

Meanwhile, sharing smiles and Hanoi’s most iconic ice cream with Hanoi e.Buddies, because some flavors stay with you forever.

10. Hanoi Hidden Gems

If you’re eager to explore beyond the usual tourist routes, don’t miss our curated guide to Hanoi’s hidden gems. From secret cafes tucked in quiet alleys to overlooked temples and artist corners, these lesser-known spots offer a more intimate and authentic look at the capital’s charm. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to Hanoi, discovering its hidden side will make your journey even more memorable.

Hope you have a nice Hanoi Old Quarter trip with Hanoi e.Buddies!

Above are our suggested destinations, the tour will end at a cafe or a restaurant is all up to you and the student guides. The final timeline could be customized based on your preference.

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Ready to Explore Hanoi the Local Way?

Join thousands of travelers who’ve discovered Hanoi through the eyes of passionate student guides. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, we’re here to make your journey unforgettable.

Book a Free Hanoi Old Quarter Tour with Hanoi e.Buddies Today and start walking, learning, and connecting – the local way!

Pricing: $0

Include:

– English speaking Student Guide

– Destinations included in the itinerary 

Exclude:

– Personal expenses

– Expenses for entrance fees, food, or transportation during the tour