Log in
Travel

Hanoi among best cities for architecture lovers

While beaches and mountains offer great sceneries and escape from everyday life, some people are just drawn to cities and their buildings.

Hanoi has been named among best cities to visit if you love architecture, according to a list released by Conde Nast Traveler, a UK travel magazine.
 
Hanoi Opera House.
Hanoi Opera House.
"The French colonization of 19th-century Vietnam left a lasting style of architecture in the country. In Hanoi alone, examples are found in the St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the Presidential Palace and the Hanoi Opera House," Condo Nast Traveler wrote.
Familiarly called by the locals as “The Big Church” and located near Hoan Kiem lake, the St. Joseph’s Cathedral was built in 1886 with the architectural style described as resembling Notre Dame de Paris. The cathedral is the representative evidence of the French colonial architecture.
The Presidential Palace Hanoi, constructed in 1900 by French architect Auguste Henri Vildieu, was intended to be Ho Chi Minh’s official residence but the Vietnamese leader had opted for a traditional Vietnamese stilt-house instead. The three-storey, mustard yellow building features 30 rooms built in colonial French architectural style, an orchard, carp pond, and a 91-meter long boulevard surrounded by lush gardens.
Meanwhile, the Hanoi Opera House was erected by the French colonial administration between 1901 and 1911. An essential part of Hanoi’s thounsand-year-old history, it is without doubt one of the most famous cultural and architectural monuments of Hanoi. The Hanoi Opera house is the unique combination of traditional Greek architecture and Opera de Paris to become one of the most attracted site for incredible cultural activities.
Athens in Greece tops the list, followed by Hanoi in Vietnam, Miami in Florida, Barcelona in Spain, Chandigarh in India, Florence in Italy, Istanbul in Turkey.
Hanoi is expected to welcome more than 14.3 million visitors in the first half of 2019, a 9.5% increase from the same period last year, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Key heritage sites in Hanoi’s Old Quarter temporarily closed

Key heritage sites in Hanoi’s Old Quarter temporarily closed

Hanoi will temporarily close three important heritage sites in the Old Quarter for restoration.

Vietnam tops list of ASEAN destinations for South Korean tourists

Vietnam tops list of ASEAN destinations for South Korean tourists

Tourism cooperation between ASEAN and South Korea has made significant strides, reflected in the growing flow of tourist exchanges.

Hanoi unveils magical “Tran Vu Bell” night tour at sacred temple

Hanoi unveils magical “Tran Vu Bell” night tour at sacred temple

Hanoi’s night tourism scene welcomes a new highlight with the “Tran Vu Bell” tour — a 90-minute cultural experience set at the historic Quan Thanh Temple, blending sacred rituals and live folk performances.

Status-befitting makeover envisioned for iconic Hoan Kiem Lake area

Status-befitting makeover envisioned for iconic Hoan Kiem Lake area

The redevelopment of Hoan Kiem Lake and its surrounding area is expected to provide more recreational space, enhance the cultural and historical significance of the iconic lake, and unlock Hanoi's tourism potential.

Five-star hotels in Hanoi offer discounts for big holiday this month

Five-star hotels in Hanoi offer discounts for big holiday this month

Locals and visitors to Hanoi can enjoy a luxurious holiday in the heart of the city at affordable prices by taking advantage of exclusive offers at highly-rated lodgings.

Vietnam tourism video series launched on 2025 P4G Summit

Vietnam tourism video series launched on 2025 P4G Summit

Vivid clips themed Vietnam tourism aim to highlight the country’s image as a safe, friendly, and attractive tourism destination.

Hanoi amongst popular travel destinations for Reunification Holiday

Hanoi amongst popular travel destinations for Reunification Holiday

Coastal resorts and culturally rich cities are Vietnamese tourists' leading the search trends for the holiday that will take place at the end of April.

Hanoi Tourism Gift Festival 2025 celebrates culture and creativity

Hanoi Tourism Gift Festival 2025 celebrates culture and creativity

The Hanoi Tourism Gift Festival 2025 invites locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves in a vibrant showcase of culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship.