Where to Stay in Hanoi: Our Favourite Areas & Hotel
Choosing where to stay in Hanoi can honestly make a huge difference to your experience in the city. Hanoi is vibrant, busy, and full of personality, but each neighborhood offers a slightly different vibe.
During our time exploring the city, we stayed in a couple of different areas and also spent a lot of time wandering through others. Some places felt perfect for first-time visitors, while others were better if you wanted something quieter after a long day of exploring.
If you're planning a trip, here are the areas we personally think are the best places to stay in Hanoi, along with a hotel in each neighborhood that stood out to us.
Old Quarter – Best for First-Time Visitors
If it's your first time in Hanoi, the Old Quarter is hard to beat. This is the heart of the city and where most of the action happens. The streets are busy, chaotic, and full of life — but that’s also what makes the area so special.
You’ll be surrounded by street food stalls, cafés, small shops, and historic buildings. Many of Hanoi’s main attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and the Night Market are all within walking distance.
We loved staying here because everything felt close, and there was always something happening outside the door.
Hotel suggestion:
La Siesta Classic Ma May
A boutique hotel known for its excellent service and great location right in the Old Quarter.
Hoan Kiem Area – Best for Walkability & Views
Just next to the Old Quarter is the Hoan Kiem district, which feels slightly calmer but still central. The area around Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the most beautiful parts of Hanoi, especially in the early morning or evening when locals gather around the water.
Staying here gives you easy access to both the Old Quarter and quieter cafés and restaurants around the lake.
We found this area perfect for evening walks after a full day of sightseeing.
Hotel suggestion:
The Oriental Jade Hotel
A stylish hotel with rooftop views overlooking the city and lake — a great place to relax after exploring.
French Quarter – Best for a More Elegant Stay
If you prefer something a bit more refined and spacious, the French Quarter offers a very different side of Hanoi. Wide boulevards, colonial architecture, and upscale restaurants give the area a more relaxed atmosphere.
It’s also home to the Hanoi Opera House and several luxury hotels.
While it feels calmer than the Old Quarter, it’s still close enough to reach the city’s main attractions within a short walk or taxi ride.
Hotel suggestion:
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
This historic luxury hotel has been welcoming guests for over a century and is one of the most iconic places to stay in the city.
West Lake (Tay Ho) – Best for a Relaxed Atmosphere
After a few days in Hanoi’s busy streets, West Lake felt like a breath of fresh air. This area is much quieter and more residential, with lakeside cafés, walking paths, and a large international dining scene.
It’s especially popular with expats and travelers staying a little longer in the city.
We loved visiting in the evening to watch the sunset over the water — the vibe here feels completely different from the Old Quarter.
Hotel suggestion:
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
The hotel sits partly over the water, which makes it one of the most unique places to stay in Hanoi.
Ba Dinh – Best for Culture & History
If you’re interested in Hanoi’s history and cultural sites, Ba Dinh is a great area to consider. This district is home to several important landmarks including:
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- One Pillar Pagoda
- Temple of Literature
The atmosphere here feels more local and less touristy than the Old Quarter.
It’s a good option if you want to stay somewhere quieter while still being close to major attractions.
Hotel suggestion:
Lotte Hotel Hanoi
Located in a modern skyscraper, this hotel offers incredible panoramic views of the city and a luxurious place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Final Thoughts from Travey Club
Hanoi is one of those cities where the neighborhood you choose can shape your entire experience.
If we had to recommend one area for first-time visitors, it would definitely be the Old Quarter. The energy, street food, and atmosphere make it the perfect introduction to Hanoi.
But if you’re looking for something quieter, places like West Lake or the French Quarter offer a completely different perspective of the city.
Wherever you decide to stay, one thing is certain — Hanoi is a place that quickly leaves an impression, and every neighborhood has its own story to tell.
Travey Club is your personal travel planning partner, dedicated to crafting truly bespoke itineraries shaped around how you travel. We believe every journey is unique—no single template, and no purely AI-generated plan, can fit all travel needs. Rather than booking flights or hotels, we focus on thoughtful, human-led planning for our members, working alongside trusted travel agents who manage reservations. Our itineraries highlight key experiences, while Travey Club brings them together through personalized insight, expertise, and attention to detail—ensuring every trip feels intentional, seamless, and distinctly yours.
Look at our three days Hanoi Itinerary : Travey Club
