Hanoi's pedestrian zones: Vibrant spaces and unique cultural hubs

Hanoi, the cultural and political heart of Vietnam, is much more than a witness to the country's thousand-year-old history. Today, the capital stands out with a dynamic network of pedestrian streets that welcome millions of visitors each year. These streets, now symbols of the city's vitality, offer residents and tourists an open space where they can enjoy street art performances and savor authentic culinary specialties. For travelers seeking an authentic experience and culture lovers, Hanoi's pedestrian zones are a must-visit destination, where every corner reveals a vibrant facet of the soul of this fascinating city.

Discovering the four key pedestrian zones of Hanoi

Hanoi currently boasts four dynamic pedestrian areas: the Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street, the Trinh Cong Son Street, the zone around Son Tay Old Citadel, and the Ngu Xa Village zone. Each of these areas has unique characteristics, making them attractive nightlife spots for both locals and tourists.

Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street

Inaugurated in 2016, the pedestrian area around Hoan Kiem Lake is the first and most famous of Hanoi's pedestrian streets. Spanning along the lake, this zone is open every weekend, from Friday evening to Sunday, offering visitors the chance to enjoy fresh air and admire the picturesque lake scenery in the heart of the city. Tourists can enjoy traditional music performances, and water puppet shows, and participate in lively street activities like hip-hop performances and folk games.

The Hoan Kiem pedestrian zone is vast and well-connected to other streets in Hanoi's Old Quarter, including Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Thai To, Hang Khay, Le Lai, Le Thach, Trang Tien, Tran Nguyen Han, Dinh Liet, Gia Ngu, and Cau Go. The area is active from 7 p.m. on Friday until midnight on Sunday.

What to Expect in Hoan Kiem Weekend Walking Streets:

The Hoan Kiem pedestrian zone offers much more than just a place for a stroll—it’s a lively scene filled with traditional games and vibrant cultural events.

•    Participate in traditional games: Over the weekend, the pedestrian quarter becomes a gathering spot for those who enjoy playing traditional games such as ô ăn quan (a Vietnamese traditional board game), tug-of-war, jump rope, passing the ball, and badminton. These communal activities are captivating and draw in many young people.

•    Watch street performances: You’ll encounter various groups of performers showcasing different styles, ranging from Latin music to soft melodies and classical concerts.

•    Get your portrait drawn: Near Hoan Kiem Lake, many talented artists offer portrait sketches. You can easily get your portrait done within 20 to 30 minutes.

•    Photography: This zone is ideal for capturing memorable photos, group shots, or even wedding photos near iconic Hanoi landmarks such as The Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple, Trang Tien Ice Cream, and the Old Quarter.

•    Shopping: The Hoan Kiem pedestrian zone is also a true "shopping paradise" for unique souvenirs, with night markets like Hang Ngang and Hang Dao offering a variety of products, from clothing and shoes to jewelry.

Trinh Cong Son Pedestrian Street in Hanoi

Opening in 2018 in the Tay Ho area and named after an iconic songwriter, the Trinh Cong Son pedestrian zone stretches over almost 1 kilometer. Located near Lotus Lake and Tay Ho Water Park, the pedestrian zone extends to part of Alley 431 Au Co and Alley 612 Lac Long Quan in the Tay Ho district, adding another 400 to 500 meters to the experience. The area comes alive on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, offering an ideal retreat for those seeking a musical and artistic ambiance. Visitors can relax to the soothing sounds of lyrical melodies, savor local delicacies like Tay Ho shrimp fritters, and participate in street art activities ranging from acoustic performances to cultural exchanges.

What to discover in the Trinh Cong Son pedestrian zone?

•    Shopping and exploring Tay Ho cuisine: The Trinh Cong Son pedestrian zone features numerous souvenir and local food stalls, allowing visitors to indulge in specialties like shrimp fritters, chè sen (lotus seed sweet soup), bún ốc (snail vermicelli soup), sesame cakes, chè with green beans, black sticky rice, Phu Thuong sticky rice, and bánh mì nem khoai (a Vietnamese dish that combines bread, french fries, and deep fries fermented pork rolls).

•    Cultural spaces: Visitors can also admire reconstructed stands showcasing ancient architecture, evoking a nostalgic and peaceful atmosphere.

•    Musical exchanges: This zone is a meeting place for art lovers, with diverse musical performances and regular events, providing a unique cultural experience.

Son Tay Citadel pedestrian zone

Inaugurated in April 2022, the Son Tay Citadel pedestrian zone spans 820 meters and covers an area of 34,550 square meters, creating a vibrant community atmosphere around this historic fortress. Visitors can immerse themselves in a festive ambiance, complete with sporting events, artistic performances, a flower market, and a space dedicated to plants and animals.

Activities in the Son Tay Citadel pedestrian zone:

The Son Tay Citadel pedestrian zone offers more than just a stroll; it features a range of captivating activities, including:

•    Shopping and tasting local cuisine: Within this zone, game stalls, souvenir shops, and food areas showcase the culinary delights typical of the Doai region. It's the perfect place to find unique souvenirs while savoring delicious dishes.

•    Strolling and admiring ancient architecture: As you enter the citadel grounds, let yourself be enveloped by a peaceful setting adorned with lush trees and gentle rivers. Enjoy a moment of tranquility as you admire the architectural remnants of a fortress over 200 years old.

•    Participating in cultural events: The pedestrian zone frequently hosts cultural shows, sporting events, and themed exhibitions. Whether it's chess competitions, traditional clothing parades, modern dance performances, or celebrations like the SEA Games 31, each visit promises to create lasting memories.

A unique culinary space on Ngu Xa Street

The Ngu Xa night food street stretches approximately 120 meters between Ngu Xa and Nguyen Khac Hieu streets, living up the neighborhood while showcasing artisanal products. This iconic location combines a local products market, demonstrations of traditional craftsmanship from the Ngu Xa foundry, and lively cultural performances on weekends.

Must-visit spots while in Ngu Xa:

•    Truc Bach Lake: Nestled in the heart of this neighborhood, Truc Bach Lake is one of Hanoi's gems. Visitors can relax while admiring the serenity of its waters and enjoying a spacious area that reflects the city's royal history. The gastronomic street is bustling throughout the week, but on weekends, from6 PM on Friday to midnight on Sunday, Ngu Xa and Nguyen Kha Hieu streets are entirely pedestrianized, creating a festive atmosphere for food enthusiasts.

•    Ngu Xa village: This adjacent village is renowned for its foundry craftsmanship, practiced since the 16th century. Visitors can explore workshops and discover ancestral skills, with the opportunity to purchase exquisite bronze items.

•    Reputable gastronomy: Ngu Xa Village is a true culinary paradise, offering local specialties such as phở cuốn, phở chiên phồng, and lẩu riêu cua bắp bò. The small lakeside restaurants are the perfect spot to savor these delights while enjoying a charming view of the lake at dusk.

Suggested itinerary for exploring the pedestrian streets in Hanoi

If you're planning to visit Hanoi and want to fully experience its charming pedestrian streets, here’s a three-day itinerary to explore the most iconic areas:

Day 1: The Pedestrian Zone Around Hoan Kiem Lake

•    Morning: Start your day by exploring the attractions around Hoan Kiem Lake. Visit the famous Ngoc Son Temple and the The Huc Bridge, symbols of the city.

•    Lunch: Take a lunch break at one of the renowned nearby restaurants to savor bún chả, a traditional dish that you shouldn't miss.

•    Afternoon: Participate in street art activities and stroll around the lake. Don’t forget to snap a souvenir photo with the statue of Ly Thai To, a must-see landmark.

•    Evening: End your day by visiting the Dong Xuan Night Market and indulge in a variety of street foods that will delight your taste buds.

Day 2: Trinh Cong Son pedestrian zone and Tay Ho district

•    Morning: Discover the artistic atmosphere of Trinh Cong Son Street and explore the charming Nhat Tan Village, famous for its flowers.

•    Lunch: Treat yourself to local specialties like bánh tôm Hồ Tây and bún ốc at one of the small lakeside restaurants.

•    Afternoon: Enjoy a canoe ride on Tay Ho Lake or engage in folk games in this friendly ambiance.

•    Evening: Attend performances of folk music or contemporary art, a fantastic way to experience Vietnamese culture.

Day 3: The pedestrian zone around Son Tay citadel and the ancient village of Duong Lam

•   Morning: Discover the Son Tay Citadel and visit the Son Tay Museum to learn more about local history.

•   Lunch: Savor traditional dishes from the Duong Lam Ancient Village, such as Mia chicken and bánh tẻ.

•   Afternoon: Join a guided tour in the ancient village, where you can explore the lifestyle and customs of the locals.

•   Evening: Return to Hanoi and conclude your trip with a stroll through this vibrant pedestrian area, enjoying the lively and welcoming atmosphere.

TOLUNHA

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