GuruWalk Original

Free tour

Hanoi Free Walking Tour – The Elegance of the French Quarter

4.72

Good(136)

Hanoi

Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Languages: German, English, Spanish and French

Guru: Free Walking Tours Hanoi

PRO

Verified quality

Registered on 2 March 2021

We are a passionate team with a vision of delivering to travellers the best and most exciting experiences in Hanoi. We deliver a platform for professional, fully licenced, tour guides to lead walking and food tours at no upfront cost. Enjoy a quality sightseeing experience whatever your budget. Everyone should be able to enjoy a guided tour for a price they consider appropriate – even free. We believe that all of our representatives offer our unique style of guiding; mixing culture, tradition, history and engaging storytelling, allowing the guides own ability and personality to shine through.

GuruWalk Original

GW Original Free tours are chosen by our staff among the best and are unique tours that you will only find on GuruWalk.

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

Tour Description

Your Free Tour of Hanoi starts at the Fallen Heroes Monument (Tượng Đài Quyết Tử), a memorial to young Vietnamese who gave their lives in the struggle for independence. Meet your guide here and get a quick orientation to Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem area.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Walk around the legendary lake and hear the tale of the magical Golden Turtle that shaped Hanoi’s myth and memory.

Ngoc Son Temple (view from outside)

Admire this lakeside gem and learn about its spiritual role in local life.

Ly Thai To Statue

Stand before the monument honoring the emperor who founded Hanoi nearly 1,000 years ago.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Pass by the city’s most iconic hotel, where colonial elegance meets history—once host to royalty, writers, and even secret wartime bunkers.

Hanoi Opera House

Marvel at this neoclassical jewel built by the French, a stunning slice of Paris in the heart of Vietnam.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Step into the shadow of Hanoi’s neo-Gothic masterpiece that echoes the grandeur of Notre-Dame in Paris.

And more…

From hidden alleys and quiet courtyards to local legends, this walk peels back the layers of Hanoi’s old-world charm.

Why travelers love this tour

A clear storyline that connects history, culture, and daily life.
Insider context you won’t find in guidebooks, shared by a passionate local guide.
A compact route that covers must-see icons plus meaningful hidden corners.

Practical info

Duration: ~3 hours.
This is a free walking tour based on tips—pay what you feel it was worth.
Please share your WhatsApp so your guide can stay in touch before departure.
Ngoc Son Temple is viewed from the outside (no entrance fees required).

At the end of the Free Tour of Hanoi, we will either return to our starting point or finish at one of the charming Egg Coffee shops overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

Our local guides always keep your best interests in mind. Each tour includes Hanoi’s main highlights, but the route may vary depending on what the guide considers best for the group.

Note: The tour lasts approximately 3 hours. Please share your WhatsApp contact so our guide can easily reach you with important updates before the tour.

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

2VJ3+CF Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam

Our guide will be waiting for you wearing a green hat with the Free Walking Tours logo and a visible name tag At the statue of the Fallen Heroes, located opposite The Huc Red Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple.

Outside visit

The Statue of Fallen Heroes

The Statue of the Fallen Heroes is a small but meaningful monument dedicated to young Vietnamese who sacrificed their lives during the First Indochina War. Located just opposite Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Bridge, it honors the spirit of Hanoi’s resistance and is an important reminder of the city’s history. Today, it serves as a peaceful meeting point in the heart of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Outside visit

Ngọc Sơn Temple

At Ngọc Sơn Temple, explore the historic architecture, cross the iconic Húc Bridge, and learn about Vietnamese legends. Enjoy serene views of Hoàn Kiếm Lake and observe local spiritual practices. Capture beautiful photos, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Outside visit

Statue of Ly Thai To – the Founder of Hanoi

he Ly Thai To Statue stands near Hoan Kiem Lake, honoring Emperor Ly Thai To, the founder of Hanoi in 1010. He was the first emperor of the Ly Dynasty and is remembered for moving the capital to Thang Long (today’s Hanoi). The statue is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors, symbolizing the city’s rich history and cultural pride.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).