Hanoi’s French Quarter is a gorgeous and classy area. It was established during the French colonial period and is famed for its beautiful colonial architecture, spacious boulevards, and tree-lined avenues. The French Quarter is widely regarded as the city’s most upscale and appealing district, offering visitors a more calm and sophisticated atmosphere than the nearby noisy and chaotic Old Quarter.
Aside from the sites, the French Quarter is home to a number of upscale hotels and restaurants serving a variety of Vietnamese and international cuisines.
What is French Quarter?
The French Quarter is a section of town in Hanoi, Vietnam, famed for its beautiful colonial architecture, wide boulevards, and tree-lined alleys. It was founded during the French colonial period and is often regarded as the most polished and stylish district in the city. The French Quarter is home to the Hanoi Opera House, Hoa Lo Prison, National History Museum, Presidential Palace, and Joseph Cathedral. These sites provide visitors a glimpse of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
French Quarter vs Old Quarter
For those wanting a more tranquil and upscale ambiance, the French Quarter is the perfect choice because it is substantially quieter and less frenetic than the Old Quarter, which is only a few blocks away. Contrarily, the Old Quarter is renowned for its bustling streets, narrow alleys, and historic street markets.
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French Quarter – What to visit?
Hanoi Opera House
The theater previously only presented Western-style shows for French officials and affluent Vietnamese. The Hanoi Opera House is one of Hanoi’s cultural hubs today, hosting events on a national and international scale, including art exhibitions, concerts, dance performances, and other activities.
Hoa Lo Prison
Originally used by the French colonists in Indochina to hold political prisoners, Hoa Lo Prison was a jail in Hanoi that was later utilized by North Vietnam to house American POWs during the Vietnam War. It was referred to as the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs during this later time. The prison was destroyed in the 1990s, but the gatehouse is still there and is now a museum.
National History Museum
The National History Museum in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District is on a bucket list of anybody with an interest in Vietnamese history and is located at No. 1 Trang Tien. The museum is home to a diverse collection of antiquities, as well as displays on the political and cultural history of the country and relics dating from antiquity to the present.
Presidential Mansion
The Presidential Palace, which was built during the French colonial period as the official residence of the Governor-General of Indochina, is another prominent landmark in the French Quarter. After Vietnam obtained independence, the palace became the residence of the Vietnamese President. The palace is no longer open to the public and is only used for official government activities. Visitors can, however, appreciate the lovely building and gardens from the outside. The Presidential Palace is located at No. 2 Hung Vuong in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh District.
The Big Church (St. Joseph Cathedral)
Finally, the Joseph Cathedral, often known as the Big Church, is one of Hanoi’s most stunning and iconic structures. It was erected by the French in the late 1800s and is a magnificent example of neo-Gothic architecture. Finally, the Joseph Cathedral, also known as the Big Church, is one of Hanoi’s most beautiful and well-known structures, located in No. 40 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. It was built by the French in the late 1800s and is a spectacular landmark today.
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French Quarter – Where to eat?
Thin Pho
Pho Thin is an absolute must for anyone looking to sample the tastiest pho in Hanoi. This little restaurant provides steamy bowls of pho with succulent cuts of meat and a delicious broth. Pho Thin is located at 13 Lo Duc in Hanoi’s Hai Ba Trung District.
La Chef’s Table
La Table du Chef is a French fine dining restaurant that serves a variety of exquisite meals crafted from the finest ingredients. The restaurant boasts a warm and inviting ambience that is ideal for a romantic evening or a memorable event. La Table du Chef is located at No. 48 Hang Be in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District.
La Terrasse
La Terrasse is an amazing option for those searching for a more relaxed eating experience. In a casual and welcoming ambiance, this restaurant serves a variety of Vietnamese and Western dishes. La Terrasse is located at 21 Nha Tho in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District.
Le Goût de Gia
Le Goût de Gia is a French Quarter hidden gem that serves incredible Vietnamese and French fusion meals.The restaurant has a nice and personal ambience and is housed in a colonial-style building.The address of Le Goût de Gia is No. 1 Ngo Van So, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
San’s Restaurant
San’s Restaurant, which serves a variety of Vietnamese and international dishes, is a popular destination for both residents and tourists. With both indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant has a fashionable and modern ambience. San’s Restaurant is located at 2 Cau Go Alley in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District.
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French Quarter – Hotels Nearby
Sofitel Legend Metropole Ha Noi
The Sofitel Legend Metropole Ha Noi is an opulent hotel in the heart of the French Quarter. The hotel, which was built in 1901, is a wonderful combination of French colonial and Vietnamese architectural styles. It has a variety of attractions, including as various restaurants, a spa, and a swimming pool. The hotel is located at 15 Ngo Quyen in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District.
Capella Hanoi
Capella Hanoi is a boutique hotel located in the French Quarter in a refurbished 18th-century building. A spa, a rooftop bar, and a restaurant serving Vietnamese and foreign cuisine are among the hotel’s exquisite amenities. Capella Hanoi is located at 33 Dao Duy Tu in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District.
San Grand Hotel
San Grand Hotel is perfectly located at No. 02 Cau Go Alley, Hoan Kiem Old Quarter. The hotel offers 54 guestrooms and suites with stunning views of Hanoi’s iconic monuments or the green tree-filled terrace, providing a blend of elegance and Hanoian chic. San Grand Hotel also features a shared lounge, spa, restaurant, and bar.
La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa
The La Sinfona del Rey Hotel & Spa is a magnificent hotel located in the French Quarter in a renovated colonial-style building. The hotel offers a spa, a restaurant providing Vietnamese and foreign cuisine, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city. The address of La Sinfona del Rey Hotel & Spa is No. 2B Van Phuc, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
Hanoi Silk Path Boutique
Silk Path Boutique Hanoi is a lovely hotel in Hanoi’s French Quarter. The hotel has elegant and spacious rooms, as well as a restaurant providing Vietnamese and foreign cuisine, a rooftop bar, and a spa. Silk Path Boutique Hanoi is located in Hang Khay No. 21 in Hoan Kiem District.
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In general, the French Quarter is a must-see attraction for whoever visiting Hanoi. It offers a unique and refined experience that should not be missed, from its gorgeous landmarks to its high-end hotels and restaurants nearby.
