How is this different from the Old Quarter walking tour?

The French Quarter route follows Hoan Kiem Lake, colonial boulevards, the Opera House, Metropole, and St. Joseph's Cathedral. The Old Quarter walk enters trading streets, wet markets, O Quan Chuong gate, and Long Bien Bridge.

Is the Free Tour of Hanoi really free?

Yes. The walk is free and tip-based — you tip what you feel it was worth at the end. Tips are always optional.

What does the Free Tour of Hanoi cover?

A guided walk between Hoan Kiem Lake, Ly Thai To Statue, the Government Guest House (Tonkin Palace), the Sofitel Legend Metropole, the Hanoi Opera House, and St. Joseph's Cathedral.

What is included in the tour?

A professional English-speaking local guide, local insights on where to eat, drink and explore in Hanoi, and a small-group walking experience. Food, drinks, entrance fees and tips are not included.

Is the tour suitable for a small group?

Yes. The Free Tour of Hanoi runs as a small group for a more personal and engaging walk.

Tours · Free Tour of Hanoi · Second flagship · French Quarter

Hanoi French Quarter Walking Tour

Architecture, history and landmark buildings in Hanoi's French Quarter.

Reserve on WhatsApp Reserve by email

Tip-based public walk · No fixed tour fee · Voluntary tip after the walk

Duration~3 hours
Meeting areaFrench Quarter · Hoan Kiem Lake edge
FormatTip-based walk
Best forTravellers interested in French Quarter architecture, civic landmarks and district history

From the lake into Hanoi's French Quarter.

Known as our Free Tour of Hanoi, this French Quarter walking tour begins beside Hoan Kiem Lake and follows the landmarks that shaped the city's modern identity. The route moves from Ly Thai To Statue and the former Tonkin Palace to the Metropole, Hanoi Opera House, and St. Joseph's Cathedral.

Unlike the Old Quarter walk, which enters market streets, city gates, and the trading life around Dong Xuan, this route focuses on formal boulevards, civic buildings, hotels, and religious architecture from the French colonial era.

Colonial architecture, civic landmarks, and district history
Opera House, Metropole, and St. Joseph's Cathedral on formal boulevards
A clear alternative to the Old Quarter markets and the west-Hanoi City Tour

Route highlights

Moments along the way

Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Bridge on Hoan Kiem Lake
Ly Thai To Statue, founder of Hanoi (1010)
Government Guest House (Tonkin Palace) — French colonial seat in northern Vietnam
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, built in 1901
Hanoi Opera House (1901–1911), French neoclassical architecture
St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi's oldest Catholic church (1886)

Itinerary

How the walk unfolds

The Statue of the Fallen HeroesThis small yet powerful monument commemorates young Vietnamese who sacrificed their lives during the First Indochina War.
This small yet powerful monument commemorates young Vietnamese who sacrificed their lives during the First Indochina War. Set beside Hoan Kiem Lake, it reflects Hanoi's long tradition of resilience and remembrance.
Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc BridgeAdmire the traditional architecture of Ngoc Son Temple and walk across the iconic red Huc Bridge.
Admire the traditional architecture of Ngoc Son Temple and walk across the iconic red Huc Bridge. Learn about the legends linked to Hoan Kiem Lake, observe local spiritual customs, and enjoy calm lakeside views.
Ly Thai To Statue, Founder of HanoiThis statue honors Emperor Ly Thai To, who established Hanoi as the capital in 1010.
This statue honors Emperor Ly Thai To, who established Hanoi as the capital in 1010. As the founder of the Ly Dynasty, he played a defining role in shaping the city's history. The monument is a popular gathering place and a symbol of Hanoi's deep cultural roots and civic pride.
Government Guest House (Tonkin Palace)Once known as Phủ Khâm Sứ, this site served as the administrative center of the French colonial government in northern Vietnam during the…
Once known as Phủ Khâm Sứ, this site served as the administrative center of the French colonial government in northern Vietnam during the early twentieth century. Although much of the original complex has changed, the location remains an important reminder of Hanoi's colonial past.
Sofitel Legend Metropole HanoiBuilt in 1901, this historic five-star hotel is one of the finest examples of French colonial architecture in Hanoi.
Built in 1901, this historic five-star hotel is one of the finest examples of French colonial architecture in Hanoi. Over the years, it has welcomed writers, world leaders, and celebrities, and remains one of the city's most iconic landmarks.
Hanoi Opera HouseConstructed between 1901 and 1911, the Hanoi Opera House is among the city's most recognizable colonial buildings.
Constructed between 1901 and 1911, the Hanoi Opera House is among the city's most recognizable colonial buildings. Inspired by French neoclassical design, it features grand columns, balconies, and domes, and today hosts concerts, ballets, and major cultural events.
St. Joseph's CathedralBuilt in 1886, St.
Built in 1886, St. Joseph's Cathedral is Hanoi's oldest Catholic church and a striking example of neo-Gothic architecture. With its twin bell towers, stained-glass windows, and impressive façade, it remains an active place of worship and one of the most visited landmarks in the Old Quarter.

Included & not included

Included

Local English-speaking guide
Small group walking experience
Insider tips on food, drink & sights

Not included

Food & drinks
Entrance fees (optional sites)
Guide tip (optional)

Meeting & preparation

Before you arrive

Meeting point

Statue of the Fallen Heroes, opposite The Huc Red Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake. Look for the guide's name tag with the red Free Walking Tours logo.

Open in Google Maps

Meeting time

9:00 AM or 2:00 PM

What to bring & know

Wear comfortable shoes for paved boulevards and occasional uneven sidewalks near the lake.
Bring sun protection — much of the route is open air with limited shade on broad streets.
Meet at the Statue of the Fallen Heroes opposite The Huc Bridge; look for the red Free Walking Tours name tag.
Reserve on WhatsApp or by email for the public tip-based group walk.
Read meeting-point preparation and tip-model guides under Explore Hanoi → Planning if this is your first tip-based walk.

Confirm meeting details in your WhatsApp or email booking message. Look for the guide's red Free Walking Tours name tag at the meeting point.

Good to know

How is this different from the Old Quarter walking tour?: The French Quarter route follows Hoan Kiem Lake, colonial boulevards, the Opera House, Metropole, and St. Joseph's Cathedral. The Old Quarter walk enters trading streets, wet markets, O Quan Chuong gate, and Long Bien Bridge.
Is the Free Tour of Hanoi really free?: Yes. The walk is free and tip-based — you tip what you feel it was worth at the end. Tips are always optional.
Where does the Free Tour of Hanoi meet?: At the Statue of the Fallen Heroes, opposite The Huc Red Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake. Look for the guide's name tag with the red Free Walking Tours logo.
What does the Free Tour of Hanoi cover?: A guided walk between Hoan Kiem Lake, Ly Thai To Statue, the Government Guest House (Tonkin Palace), the Sofitel Legend Metropole, the Hanoi Opera House, and St. Joseph's Cathedral.
What is included in the tour?: A professional English-speaking local guide, local insights on where to eat, drink and explore in Hanoi, and a small-group walking experience. Food, drinks, entrance fees and tips are not included.
Is the tour suitable for a small group?: Yes. The Free Tour of Hanoi runs as a small group for a more personal and engaging walk.