Market in Hanoi Old Quarter - Top markets, street food & travel tips

Discovering market in Hanoi Old Quarter - Where Culture Meets Commerce

For centuries, the market in Hanoi Old Quarter has been the lifeblood of the city. Dating back to the days when Hanoi’s “36 streets” were each dedicated to a different craft or trade, markets here were not only places to buy and sell, but also to share stories, traditions, and community spirit. 

Discovering market in Hanoi Old Quarter - Where Culture Meets Commerce

Wandering through a Hanoi Old Quarter market, you’ll find narrow alleys filled with colorful stalls, the sound of bargaining, and the irresistible aroma of Vietnamese street food drifting through the air. Beyond commerce, these markets remain a vital part of local life.  Every corner reflects a unique blend of commerce and culture, where daily life unfolds in a way that has remained authentic for generations.

Famous Market in Hanoi Old Quarter You Shouldn’t Miss

If you only have a short time in Hanoi, the market in Hanoi Old Quarter are unmissable stops that showcase the city’s vibrant life. Each market has its own character, from historic landmarks to lively night-time gatherings, giving you different ways to experience Hanoi’s charm.

Dong Xuan Market - Hanoi’s largest and oldest market

Stepping into Dong Xuan Market feels like entering the beating heart of Hanoi’s trade history. Built by the French in 1889, it has grown into the largest Hanoi Old Quarter market, attracting both locals and travelers. 

Dong Xuan Market - Hanoi’s largest and oldest market

Under its high arched roof, you’ll find an endless maze of stalls selling everything from colorful fabrics, clothing, and accessories to fresh produce, spices, and household goods. The market’s lower floors are alive with the sounds of bargaining, while the upper floors offer souvenirs such as silk scarves, handicrafts, and traditional Vietnamese hats. Early mornings are especially fascinating, when locals shop for their daily essentials, giving you a glimpse into authentic Hanoi life. 

Don’t miss the small food court tucked inside, where you can taste local specialties like bún chả, bún riêu, or fried spring rolls. More than just a shopping spot, Dong Xuan reflects the rhythm of Hanoi itself, busy, vibrant, and full of character.

Hanoi Old Quarter night market - A weekend festival of lights and flavors

Every Friday to Sunday, the Old Quarter transforms after sunset into one of the most lively markets in Hanoi. Stretching nearly three kilometers from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market, the Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market is a weekend-only event that attracts crowds of both locals and tourists. The streets glow with colorful lanterns and neon lights, and the air is filled with music, chatter, and the irresistible smell of sizzling street food. 

Hanoi Old Quarter night market - A weekend festival of lights and flavors

Stalls sell a mix of everything: trendy clothes, handmade jewelry, quirky souvenirs, and toys. But what truly makes this market unmissable is the food scene. You can snack your way through grilled skewers, bánh mì, steamed sticky rice, or even exotic street snacks. Performances by local artists often add to the festive spirit, turning a simple market stroll into a cultural celebration. More than shopping, it’s about immersing yourself in Hanoi’s nightlife, where energy and tradition collide.

Hidden food stalls and local street markets

While Dong Xuan and the Night Market steal the spotlight, the Old Quarter is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Scattered along the side streets and small lanes, these local Hanoi Old Quarter markets offer a more intimate look into daily life. 

Hidden food stalls and local street markets

Here, you’ll see vendors squatting by bamboo baskets filled with fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables, or stalls piled high with tofu, rice noodles, and spices that define Vietnamese cooking. Morning visits are particularly rewarding, as locals shop for breakfast ingredients or grab a quick bowl of steaming phở. 

In these humble corners, you can find some of the most authentic food experiences from bánh cuốn served hot off the steamer to sweet chè desserts in glass cups. While they may not appear in glossy guidebooks, these hidden spots are where the soul of Hanoi truly shines. They show that the market in Hanoi Old Quarter is not just about souvenirs, but about everyday culture lived through food and tradition.

Read more: Hoan Kiem Lake: Complete guide to Hanoi’s iconic landmark

What to buy and eat at Hanoi Old Quarter Market

Exploring a Hanoi Old Quarter market is a feast for all senses, and one of the biggest questions visitors ask is: What should I buy and eat here?

Souvenirs and handicrafts

Souvenirs and handicrafts

Markets in the Old Quarter are perfect for picking up authentic Vietnamese crafts. You’ll find handwoven scarves, embroidered tablecloths, bamboo baskets, and beautiful lacquerware. Many stalls also sell Đông Hồ folk paintings and small ceramic pieces from nearby Bat Trang village, perfect gifts that carry cultural meaning. 

Prices usually start low, but bargaining is expected, so smile and negotiate politely. Buying these items supports local artisans and ensures you take home something truly unique, not mass-produced souvenirs.

Clothing and Accessories

If shopping is your passion, the market in Hanoi Old Quarter is a paradise. Dong Xuan Market, in particular, has entire sections devoted to fabrics, ready-to-wear clothes, and accessories. You can browse through ao dai-inspired outfits, modern street fashion, and handbags at reasonable prices. Some stalls even offer tailoring services if you want custom-made pieces. Don’t forget the jewelry counters from silver bangles to beaded necklaces, they make elegant yet affordable keepsakes.

Street food delights

Food is the soul of every Hanoi Old Quarter market

Food is the soul of every Hanoi Old Quarter market. Follow the aromas of sizzling skewers, freshly fried spring rolls, and steaming bowls of noodles. Must-try dishes include phở (beef noodle soup), bún chả (grilled pork with noodles), bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls), and nem rán (fried spring rolls). Many vendors cook right in front of you, giving a street-side theater feel to every meal. Prices are budget-friendly, so you can sample multiple dishes in one visit.

Sweet Treats and Drinks

No market experience is complete without dessert. Look out for chè - sweet soups made with beans, coconut, or sticky rice served cold or warm depending on the season. Fresh tropical fruits like mango, longan, or custard apple are sold by weight and are irresistibly sweet. 

For a refreshing drink, order a glass of sugarcane juice pressed on the spot or the famous iced lemon tea that locals sip while people-watching. And if you’re curious, don’t miss egg coffee often sold near market areas, this is Hanoi’s signature drink.

Read more: Top 10+ Best breakfast in Hanoi Old Quarter: Pho, banh mi, bun thang & more

Best tips for visiting market in Hanoi Old Quarter like a local

Exploring a market in Hanoi Old Quarter can feel overwhelming at first the crowds, the noise, the endless rows of stalls. But with the right tips, you’ll not only shop smarter but also experience the market like a true Hanoian.

• Choose the Right Time to Visit:  Early mornings are perfect if you want to see locals shopping for fresh produce or enjoy a quiet bowl of phở before the crowds arrive. Late afternoons and evenings, especially at the weekend night market, bring out the vibrant street food culture and festive atmosphere. 
• Master the Art of Bargaining: Bargaining is expected in almost every Hanoi Old Quarter market, but it should be done with respect and a smile. Start by offering about 60-70% of the asking price, then work your way up. Vendors are used to negotiating, and many enjoy the friendly exchange. If you’re not sure, watch how locals interact before trying yourself. 
• Stay Alert and Travel Light: Like any busy market around the world, these areas can get crowded, especially at night. Keep your valuables secure and carry small cash for easier transactions.
• Explore Beyond the Main Streets:   Don’t just stick to the busiest lanes, wander into side alleys where smaller stalls and hidden food vendors await. These tucked-away corners often offer more authentic prices, fewer tourists, and dishes locals truly love. You might stumble upon a family-run stall selling homemade bánh cuốn or chè that isn’t listed in any guidebook. 

Exploring the vibrant markets in Hanoi Old Quarter is the highlight of any trip to the capital from browsing traditional crafts at Dong Xuan to tasting street food at the weekend night market. To enjoy this experience to the fullest, it’s important to have a place to stay that offers both convenience and comfort.

Located just 10 minutes from the Old Quarter, Tonkin Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa gives you the best of both worlds. Its central yet tranquil setting means you can easily reach Hanoi’s most famous landmarks like Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, or the French Quarter, while still retreating each evening to a peaceful haven away from the city buzz. 

Book your stay now and let your Old Quarter journey be both exciting and serene

Guests are welcomed with spacious, elegantly designed rooms, authentic Vietnamese dining at GạoTa Restaurant, and complete relaxation at L’iên Spa. Add to that the warm, attentive service, and every moment of your stay feels effortless.

Book your stay now and let your Old Quarter journey be both exciting and serene.