Hanoi amongst “Best Cities for Art and Culture”

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi proudly tops Asia and 9th globally among the elite cities for its rich artistic and cultural experiences in Time Out's "The World’s 20 Best Cities for Culture Right Now" introduction.

Old meets new in Hanoi

The ranking is based on 18,500 people's rating of cultural scenes in their hometowns to evaluate the quality and and affordability of their cultural offerings. Only the cities that scored highest in each country made the final selection.

The result is a list of 20 of the most vibrant and dynamic cultural hubs across the globe – places where art, music, and heritage are alive and accessible to residents and visitors.

Time Out portrays Hanoi as a captivating city where "the past is never far from the present." In the heart of the Old Quarter, travelers might stumble upon traditional music performances featuring instruments like the dan day (long-necked lute) and the dan nguyet (moon-shaped lute). Just a few streets away, modern rock concerts light up the night at venues like Hanoi Rock City.

Travel writer Joey Gann highlights the unique charm of Hanoi: “What’s charming about modern, youthful Hanoi is that the past is never far away.” “In the Old Quarter, the group Dong Kinh Co Nhac breathes new life into ancient silk-stringed instruments, while across town at Hanoi Rock City, up-and-coming local bands command packed dancefloors.”

Hanoi’s fashion scene also caught the spotlight. Designers like Kilomet109 and Subtle Le Nguyen are reimagining traditional ethnic textiles and bringing them to the global fashion stage, drawing inspiration from centuries-old silk weaving traditions.

A budget-friendly and welcoming destination

Hanoi stands out as the most affordable city for art and culture on Time Out’s list with 82% of locals praise its accessibility and value.

Beyond its artistic charm, Hanoi's extraordinary street food is one of its strongest attractions for tourists. First-time visitors are often overwhelmed, in the best way possible, by the seemingly endless variety of local dishes and hidden eateries tucked into every corner of the city.

Vietnamese cuisine, particularly in Hanoi, is renowned for its diversity and its ability to cater to every palate.

Hoan Kiem Lake, with its emerald waters at the heart of the city, draws in crowds, as do the bustling streets around it. The streets around the legendary lake are famous for their traditional dishes, which reflect Hanoi’s rich culinary heritage. Local food experts said Hanoian cuisine embodies the refined elegance of the ancient capital Trang An, while also incorporating regional flavors from across Vietnam with subtle local twists.

Some dishes, such as pho and banh cuon, reveal their depth only after repeated tastings. Others, such as banh mi and xoi, provide instant gratification. Egg coffee, now a fixture on many daytime food tours, has surged in popularity, adding a creamy, caffeinated charm to the city’s culinary scene.

For an immersive cultural experience, Time Out recommends visiting Hanoi on the weekends. The streets of the Old Quarter and the area around Hoan Kiem Lake transform into pedestrian zones filled with vibrant street performances, traditional dances, and live music during this time.

The list of cultural gems includes the grand, neoclassical Hanoi Opera House and the solemn, iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, both of which reflect the city’s historical depth and artistic grandeur.

For the people of Hanoi, being honored by Time Out is a point of pride and a strong affirmation of Vietnam’s growing presence on the world cultural map.

Hanoi's blend of ancient tradition and modern vibrancy, coupled with its welcoming and accessible cultural scene, has firmly established it as a must-visit destination for culture lovers around the globe.