St. Joseph Cathedral

The cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. Designed to mirror Notre-Dame de Paris, it features twin bell towers, pointed arches, and a large stone cross. If you can get inside, the atmosphere shifts instantly from the heat and noise of Hanoi to a cool, silent sanctuary. You’ll find tall stained-glass windows imported from France and a rib-vaulted ceiling that creates a sense of immense height. There is no ticket required, but be mindful of the dress code (cover shoulders and knees) if you plan to enter. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Even if you aren't religious, the cathedral serves as a powerful visual reminder of Vietnam's complex colonial history. It provides a perfect "anchor" for a walking tour of the Old Quarter—start here, then wander into the surrounding alleys for some of the best coffee and Pho in the city.

Very good mood and a symbolic place in the Old Quarter in Hanoi. We took private photos by professional camera man. The vivid cloured Ao Dai clothes can be shown well behind this gray colored cathedral. No entrance fee needed. Inside of the Cathedral there is a beautiful stained glasses.

Even though the travel site's "must-see" list was pretty low-key about it, it was way better than I imagined. The best time to visit is definitely in the evening. When I went in January, I got to experience ① the bells ringing starting around 5:30 PM and ② the moment the lights came on around 6:30 PM. There are also souvenir shops nearby, so you could totally wander around and kill some time before those two key moments. Seeing how the scenery changes at those times would probably make it even more enjoyable, don't you think? If you're short on time, try listening to the bell sound from my video lol

When visiting Hanoi, this is a place you shouldn’t miss. It’s beautiful, has a great atmosphere, and is a popular landmark for photography and sharing travel stories. However, it can be quite crowded with tourists, and the traffic around the area is often busy. Still, it remains a memorable spot that captures the vibrant energy of the city.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi is definitely worth seeing. The architecture is really impressive and makes for great photos. Unfortunately, you can’t go inside, so it’s more of an outside stop. It gets quite busy in the afternoon with lots of people around, but early morning is much quieter and a much nicer time to visit. Overall, a beautiful landmark to stop by if you’re exploring the city.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral is an extremely famous tourist attraction when visiting Hanoi. It is also a place where many Catholic religious activities of the parishioners of the Cathedral Parish and the entire Archdiocese regularly take place. The surrounding area is filled with cafés and shops, and Hoan Kiem Lake is only about a 3-minute walk away. Visitors often take photos, enjoy coffee, or try green rice (cốm) at the cafés across the street while admiring the full view of the cathedral. Even though I’m not Catholic, I highly recommend everyone to visit this place when traveling to Hanoi — it’s truly a destination worth experiencing.

One of the main attractions in the old quarter. Perhaps one of the most photographed sights in Hanoi. I visited in the early morning before the city woke up, at noon with the madness of the crowds and the traffic and at night to see its splendour with all its lights. A most see if you visit Hanoi.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hanoi Beautiful Gothic-style cathedral located right in the heart of Hanoi. The interior is stunning, with colorful stained-glass windows and an impressive altar, creating a solemn yet captivating atmosphere. The area around the cathedral is lively, especially in the evenings. There are many street cafés, tea shops, and snack stalls where you can sit, enjoy a drink, and watch the bustling surroundings. Perfect for sightseeing, taking photos, and soaking in the local vibe. ⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 👍 Pros: Iconic architecture, great photo spots, plenty of nearby food and drink options. 👎 Cons: Often crowded with tourists, can be noisy outside during peak hours.