Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a captivating destination that offers a perfect blend of ancient charm and modern vibrancy. As a first-time visitor, choosing the right area to stay can make all the difference in your experience. From the bustling streets of the Old Quarter to the serene shores of West Lake, each neighborhood has its own unique character and sights.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Hanoi 🔝
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
- ✨ 5-Star: JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi
- 🏨 4-Star: Meritel Hanoi ● Hanoi Calista Hotel
- 🛏️ 3-Star: La Renta Hotel & Spa ● The West Hotel & Spa
- 💸 Cheap: Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel
- 🏢 Apartment: VNAHOMES APARTHOTEL
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Sheraton Hanoi Hotel ● Elegant Suites Westlake
- 🏩 For Couples: Solaria Hanoi Hotel
Whether you’re seeking history, culture, delicious street food, or a tranquil escape, Hanoi has something for every traveler. So, let’s dive in and discover the best places to stay in Hanoi for an unforgettable first-time visit!
Quick Guide to the Best Areas in Hanoi 📋
- 🔥 For the First Time: Hoan Kiem (Old Quarter)
- 💃🏻 For Nightlife: Tay Ho
- 💰 For a Budget Stay: Cau Giay
- 🕊 For a Quiet Stay: Ba Dinh
- 🛍️ For Shopping: Hai Ba Trung
- 🌟 For Local Vibe: Dong Da
1. Hoan Kiem District (Hanoi Old Quarter) – Best Place to Stay in Hanoi for the First Time 🔥
🏮 Vibrant heart: If you want to immerse yourself in the heart of Hanoi, look no further than Hoan Kiem, also known as the Old Town. This historic neighborhood boasts a labyrinth of narrow streets, colonial architecture, and bustling markets that will transport you back in time. The soul of the city can be found here, where the energy is palpable and there’s always something new to discover.
🌳 Lakeside charm: The centerpiece of Hoan Kiem is the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene oasis amidst the city. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake, cross the iconic red bridge, and visit the charming Ngoc Son Temple on a small island.
- Must-see sights in Hoan Kiem:
- Hoan Kiem Lake – a tranquil lake with a legendary turtle tower in the center
- Ngoc Son Temple – a beautiful temple on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake
- St. Joseph’s Cathedral – a stunning neo-Gothic cathedral from the French colonial era
- Dong Xuan Market – a massive indoor market selling everything from food to souvenirs
- Bach Ma Temple – one of the oldest temples in Hanoi, dedicated to a legendary horse
🚶♂️ Easily walkable: One of the great things about staying in Hoan Kiem is that it’s easily walkable. You can explore the narrow alleyways, stumble upon hidden temples, and discover charming cafes all on foot. Plus, with numerous hotels and hostels in the area, you’ll never be far from your accommodation. Just be prepared for some lively chaos as you navigate the streets!
Best Hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter 🏩
⭐ Best hotels in Old Quarter
- Hanoi La Siesta Classic Ma May: Charming hotel in the Old Quarter with elegant rooms and attentive staff in the heart of the Old Quarter.
- Meritel Hanoi: Modern and stylish hotel with spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and stunning city views.
- Hanoi Tirant Hotel: Luxurious hotel offering a blend of classic and contemporary style, tastefully decorated rooms, and a delightful breakfast buffet.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Hanoi HM Hotel: Excellent value for money with cozy, clean rooms and friendly staff in a prime Old Quarter location.
- Hanoi Hotel & Spa: Budget-friendly hotel with well-maintained rooms and a relaxing spa.
- Luxury Old Quarter Hotel: Affordable comfort with clean, well-appointed rooms in an ideal location for exploring the Old Quarter.
🛏️ Hostels
- Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel: Fantastic choice for budget travelers, offering clean and comfortable dorm rooms, sociable common areas, and a stunning rooftop terrace.
- Bông Hà Nội Hostel: Welcoming and helpful staff, modern facilities, and a perfect location in the heart of the Old Quarter.
- Khai Homestay: Cozy, home-like atmosphere with friendly hosts, clean and comfortable rooms, and a shared kitchen for meeting other travelers.
2. Ba Dinh District (Hanoi French Quarter) – Best Area to Stay in Hanoi for a Quiet Visit 🕊
🏛️ Historical hub: Stepping into Ba Dinh District, also known as the French Quarter, feels like traveling back in time to Hanoi’s colonial past. This elegant neighborhood is a treasure trove of historical and cultural landmarks, showcasing the city’s rich heritage. From the iconic Presidential Palace to the somber Hoa Lo Prison, Ba Dinh offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s history.
🌳 Tranquil atmosphere: Unlike the chaos of the Old Quarter, Ba Dinh District has a more tranquil atmosphere. Wide, tree-lined boulevards and grand colonial mansions create a sense of spaciousness and grandeur. The slower pace of life here makes it the perfect place to escape the hustle of central Hanoi and immerse yourself in the city’s cultural tapestry.
🏰 Must-see sights in Ba Dinh District:
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – the resting place of Vietnam’s beloved leader
- Presidential Palace – a stunning example of French colonial architecture
- One Pillar Pagoda – an iconic 11th-century Buddhist temple
- Vietnam Military History Museum – showcasing the country’s military past
- Hoa Lo Prison – a somber reminder of Vietnam’s struggle for independence
🚶♀️ Easy to explore: Ba Dinh District is a pleasure to explore on foot, with most of its main sights within walking distance of each other. The wide sidewalks and relatively calm traffic make it a breeze to navigate, allowing you to soak up the neighborhood’s charm at your own pace. And with plenty of shady trees and benches along the way, you’ll always find a spot to rest and people-watch.
Best Hotels in Hanoi’s French Quarter 🏩
⭐ Best hotels in Ba Dinh District
- Somerset Hoa Binh Hanoi: An apartment-style hotel featuring fully-equipped kitchens and flat-screen cable TVs in the apartments.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Hanoi Marvellous Hotel & Spa: Budget-friendly hotel with cozy, well-maintained rooms, exceptional staff, and a relaxing spa.
🛏️ Best Hostels
- Hanoi Backpackers Hostel: Great choice for budget-conscious travelers, with clean and comfortable dorm rooms, sociable common areas, and a rooftop bar with city views.
3. Tay Ho (Hanoi West Lake) – One of the Best Places to Stay in Hanoi for Nightlife 💃🏻
🌊 Lakeside serenity: If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe with a touch of sophistication, Tay Ho District, also known as the West Lake area, is the perfect place for you. This upscale neighborhood is centered around the city’s largest freshwater lake, offering a serene escape from the bustling city center. With its picturesque lakeside promenades, trendy cafes, and high-end restaurants, Tay Ho is a favorite among expats and well-heeled locals alike.
🌇 Nightlife hotspot: While Tay Ho may exude a more relaxed atmosphere during the day, it truly comes alive at night. The area boasts some of Hanoi’s most vibrant and stylish nightlife venues, from chic rooftop bars to pulsing nightclubs. Whether you’re in the mood for a craft cocktail with a view or want to dance the night away, Tay Ho has something for everyone.
🍸 Top nightlife spots in Tay Ho District:
- Savage – a trendy club with international DJs and a rooftop bar
- Whiskey Mystics and Men – a speakeasy-style bar with creative cocktails
- The Republic – a stylish lounge with live music and lake views
- Turtle Lake Brewing Company – a microbrewery with outdoor seating
- The Drunken Duck – a popular pub with a lively atmosphere
🚶♀️ Peaceful walks: One of the best things about staying in Tay Ho is the opportunity to enjoy peaceful walks around the lake. The 17-kilometer lakeside path is perfect for a morning jog, an evening stroll, or a leisurely bike ride. Along the way, you’ll pass by charming cafes, lush gardens, and historic sites like the Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Vietnam.
Best Hanoi Hotels in Tay Ho District 🏩
⭐ Top hotels in Tay Ho:
- Elegant Suites Westlake: Spacious apartments with kitchens, free WiFi and parking near West Lake.
- Fraser Suites Hanoi: Luxurious serviced apartments with modern amenities in Tay Ho district.
- Diamond Westlake Suites: Family apartments with kitchenettes, pool, gym near West Lake.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Pearl West Lake Apart & Spa: Affordable apartments with kitchenettes, spa, pool, free airport shuttle.
- Crescendo Urban Stay: Budget hotel with restaurant and free WiFi in city center.
- Crescendo Studio & Cafe: Cozy budget studios with kitchenettes in Old Quarter.
🛏️ Best Hostels
- The Euphoria Hanoi: Highly-rated hostel with bar, lounge, free WiFi in central location.
- Moon West Lake Serviced Apartment: Budget serviced apartments with kitchenettes, pool, free airport shuttle.
- Luck Apart 8: Budget hostel with dorms/privates, free WiFi near Hoan Kiem Lake.
4. Hai Ba Trung District – Best Neighbourhood in Hanoi to Stay for Shopping 🛍️
🛍️ Shopping paradise: Shopaholics will be in heaven in Hai Ba Trung District, with its endless array of shopping options. The area is home to several large shopping malls, including the iconic Vincom Center, where you can find everything from high-end fashion to electronics. For a more local shopping experience, head to the Thanh Cong Market, where you can browse stalls selling fresh produce, clothing, and household goods.
- Notable places in Hai Ba Trung District:
- Vincom Center – a modern shopping mall with a wide range of stores and restaurants
- Thong Nhat Park – a large park with a lake, walking paths, and recreational facilities
- Thanh Cong Market – a bustling local market selling fresh produce, clothing, and more
- Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts – showcasing Vietnamese art from ancient times to the present
- Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural – the world’s longest ceramic mosaic, depicting scenes from Vietnamese history
🚌 Well-connected: One of the great things about staying in Hai Ba Trung District is its excellent public transportation connections. The area is served by several bus routes, making it easy to get around the city. The district is also home to the Giap Bat Bus Station, a major transportation hub with connections to destinations throughout Vietnam. Whether you’re exploring Hanoi or venturing further afield, Hai Ba Trung is a convenient base.
Best Hotels in Hanoi? 🏩
⭐ Top hotels in Hai Ba Trung:
- Nesta Boutique Hotel Hanoi: Upscale hotel with dining options, business center, and free WiFi, located near Vincom Centre and Old Quarter.
- Midori Boutique Hotel: Centrally located modern hotel offering elegant rooms with free WiFi, satellite TV, and private bathrooms with bathtubs.
- Emerald Hotel: 4-star accommodation with free bikes, lounge, restaurant, hot tub, and car rental near Trang Tien Plaza.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Park Side Hotel: Affordable hotel with modern rooms, free WiFi, and located a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter.
- Santa Hanoi Hotel: Budget-friendly hotel with clean rooms, friendly staff, and excellent location for exploring Hanoi.
🛏️ Best Hostels
- Daisy's Stay: Cozy hostel offering dorms and private rooms with free WiFi, located near Old Quarter.
- Alley Homestay Ha Noi: Affordable homestay with dorms and private rooms, featuring a shared lounge and kitchen in the Old Quarter area.
- BlackPink Apartments: Budget apartments with kitchenettes, free WiFi.
5. Dong Da District – Where to Stay in the Capital City of Vietnam for a Local Vibe 🌟
🏡 Authentic charm: If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the authentic charm of Hanoi, this is the perfect place to stay. This residential neighborhood offers a glimpse into the daily lives of locals, with its narrow alleyways, traditional markets, and hidden temples. From the early morning sounds of motorbikes and street vendors to the evening chatter of families gathering in local parks, this area is a true reflection of the city’s spirit. Staying in this part of the city allows you to experience the real Hanoi, away from the bustling Old Quarter and the more upscale French Quarter.
🎓 Cultural treasures: This district is home to several important cultural and historical sites, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich heritage. The most notable of these is the Temple of Literature, a complex dedicated to Confucius and the country’s first university. Just a short walk from the Temple of Literature, you’ll find the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, showcasing the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. This engaging museum is a great place to learn about the country’s cultural tapestry and is a favorite among visitors to Hanoi.
- Notable places:
– Temple of Literature – a 11th-century Confucian temple and Vietnam’s first national university, a true icon of the city’s rich cultural heritage
– Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – an engaging museum showcasing the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, a must-visit for those interested in the country’s cultural diversity
– Dong Da Lake – a scenic lake surrounded by walking paths and local restaurants, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic with a view
– Dong Da Market – a bustling local market selling fresh produce, clothing, and household goods, offering a glimpse into daily life in the capital city of Vietnam
– Van Mieu Park – a lovely park adjacent to the Temple of Literature, perfect for a peaceful stroll or a break from exploring the city’s many sights
Where to Stay in Hanoi? 🏩
⭐ Best hotels:
- Nesta Hotel & Spa: 5-star hotel with free bikes, private parking, restaurant, bar, and terrace located 1.9 km from Vietnam Fine Arts Museum.
- Nesta Grand Hao Nam: Upscale 5-star apartment complex with express check-in/out, fitness center, free WiFi/bikes, restaurant, and 24-hour front desk near sights.
- Hanoi Emotion Hotel: Hotel next to Temple of Literature offering free WiFi and contemporary Vietnamese-styled air-conditioned rooms.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- New Life Apartment Hanoi: Affordable apartments with kitchenettes and free WiFi.
- Mai Hanoi Hotel: Budget hotel with modern rooms, free WiFi, and great location for exploring the city’s sights.
- Libre Homestay: Cozy and reasonably priced homestay with dorms/private rooms and shared kitchen in the Old Quarter area.
🛏️ Best Hostels
- Phong Nghi Nam Dong: Basic hostel offering dormitory beds and private rooms at budget prices.
- Blue Hanoi Inn Luxury: Highly-rated hostel with dorms, privates, bar, shared lounge and free WiFi in a central location.
- Duc Trong Ha Noi Hostel: Affordable hostel with both dorms and private rooms.
6. Cau Giay District – Find the Best Area to Stay on a Budget 💰
🌇 Urban oasis: For those who appreciate modern conveniences and a dynamic atmosphere, Cau Giay District is an excellent choice. This vibrant neighborhood is home to some of the city’s top hotels, including the iconic Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake. Nestled along the shores of the picturesque West Lake, this contemporary hotel offers stunning city views, top-notch amenities, and a serene spa for ultimate relaxation.
- Notable sights in Cau Giay District:
- Indochina Plaza – a modern shopping mall with a variety of shops and entertainment options
- The Garden Shopping Center – another large mall with extensive dining and shopping choices
- Cau Giay Park – a large urban park ideal for jogging, picnics, and outdoor activities
- Quan Hoa Market – a vibrant local market known for fresh produce and street food
🌍 Exploring Hanoi: Cau Giay District is an excellent base for exploring the best of Hanoi. Many of the city’s main tourist attractions, such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum are just a short drive away. The nearby French Quarter is a must-visit for its charming colonial architecture and upscale restaurants, while the Old Quarter offers a glimpse into traditional Hanoi life with its narrow streets and bustling markets. With its prime location and excellent transportation links, Cau Giay makes it easy to discover all that this captivating city has to offer.
Where to Stay in Cau Giay District? 🏩
Here are the top luxury hotels in Cau Giay district of Hanoi organized by category, with booking links:
⭐ Luxury hotels in Cau Giay
- The Bloom Hanoi: Recently renovated aparthotel with a bar, city views, family rooms, kitchens, and an outdoor fireplace located 2.3 km from Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
- Nature Hotel - Tran Thai Tong: 3-star hotel offering a garden, shared lounge, terrace, restaurant, bar, and free WiFi, situated 1.3 km from Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
- 22Land Hotel & Residence: 4-star accommodation with a terrace, free parking, restaurant, bar, babysitting service, and rooms with balconies located 1.4 km from Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Poonsa Serviced Apartment: Affordable serviced apartments with kitchenettes, free WiFi, and located a short walk from attractions in Cau Giay district.
- The Galaxy Home: Budget-friendly hotel with modern rooms, free WiFi, and great location for exploring the city’s sights.
- Luxury Apartment PT: Reasonably priced apartments with kitchenettes, free WiFi, and situated in the Cau Giay area near the city center.
🛏️ Best Hostels
- Soo Hanoi Hostel: Highly-rated hostel offering dorms and private rooms with free WiFi located in the vibrant Cau Giay district.
- Obis Hostel: Budget hostel with both dorms and private rooms, featuring a shared lounge and kitchen near attractions.
- Panda Cau Giay Hostel: Affordable hostel with dormitory beds and private rooms at budget prices in the Cau Giay neighborhood.
FAQs about Visiting Hanoi ❔
Where is the main area in Hanoi?
The main area in Hanoi is the Hoan Kiem District, which is the city center and home to many historical and cultural attractions.
Is Hanoi a walkable city?
While Hanoi may not be the most walkable city due to heavy traffic and limited sidewalks, certain areas like the Old Quarter are more pedestrian-friendly.
What is the most walkable city in Vietnam?
Hanoi, with its pedestrian-friendly streets is considered one of the most walkable cities in Vietnam.
What is the difference between the Old Quarter and the French Quarter in Hanoi?
The Old Quarter is known for its ancient streets, traditional tube houses, and street food, while the French Quarter is characterized by colonial architecture, upscale restaurants, and top hotels.
Which area is the Centre of Hanoi?
The Hoan Kiem District is considered the geographical and historical center of Hanoi.
