Hoàn Kiếm

Hoàn Kiếm is Hanoi's hectic downtown, home to an old quarter with Vietnamese craft shops and casual bars, plus small eateries selling phở noodles and bánh mì sandwiches. French-era landmarks include neo-Gothic St. Joseph's Cathedral and ruined Hỏa Lò Prison, now a museum. Hoàn Kiếm Lake is a popular walking spot, while weekend Hanoi Night Market hosts souvenir stalls, street performers and artists painting passersby.