According to the list published by Time Out: the capital Paris (France) ranks first globally. Hanoi ranks 9th worldwide and rises to the top position in the Asia region, surpassing major cities such as Beijing (China, 11th), Jakarta (Indonesia, 13th), and Delhi (India, 14th). This result comes from a survey of more than 18,500 global travelers, combined with evaluations from international cultural and tourism experts on local cultural experiences, along with the level of investment and quality of cultural activities in the area. After the survey, the Time Out editorial team selected 20 representative cities that reflect the most dynamic cultural centers worldwide.
The blend of ancient and modern is the distinctive feature that makes Hanoi stand out on the world cultural map.
Time Out describes Hanoi as a charming city where “the past has never been far from the present.” Here, visitors can easily encounter artists performing traditional instruments such as the dan day and dan nguyet in the Old Quarter; just a few steps away are vibrant rock music stages like Hanoi Rock City. From the city center, it takes only a few hours to reach unique cultural events in the outskirts, where local designers showcase fashion made from traditional fabrics. The fusion of ancient and modern is the distinctive feature that makes Hanoi stand out on the world cultural map.
Hanoi is not only a political and economic center but also the cultural cradle of Vietnam. Landmarks such as Khue Van Cac, Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, the One Pillar Pagoda, and historical sites around Ho Guom are vivid evidence of the city’s long history.
In addition, forms of folk art such as Ca tru, Hat Xam, and water puppetry are still preserved and developed.
Hanoi cuisine is also an indispensable part of the cultural experience, with signature dishes such as pho, bun cha, Com Lang Vong, lotus seed sweet soup, and La Vong grilled fish.
Moreover, traditional festivals such as the Giong Festival, Huong Pagoda Festival, and long-established craft villages like Bat Trang and Van Phuc contribute to enriching the capital’s cultural identity.
In particular, Hanoi is highly appreciated for its friendly atmosphere and reasonable costs for cultural activities. According to Time Out, 82% of local residents believe that cultural experiences here are affordable, with many free or low-cost activities. This makes it easy for both locals and visitors to access and immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant cultural life.
Hanoi’s recognition by Time Out is not only a source of pride for the capital’s residents but also affirms Vietnam’s position on the world cultural map. It will also serve as a motivation for Hanoi tourism to accelerate, aiming to welcome 31 million visitors in 2025.
The 20 cities selected by Time Out as the world’s top cultural destinations in 2025 are:
Paris (France); Florence (Italy); Edinburgh (United Kingdom); Mexico City (Mexico); Sydney (Australia); Barcelona (Spain); Chicago (USA); Lisbon (Portugal); Hanoi (Vietnam); Cape Town (South Africa); Beijing (China); Tbilisi (Georgia); Jakarta (Indonesia); Delhi (India); Medellin (Colombia); Amsterdam (Netherlands); Marrakech (Morocco); Vienna (Austria); Prague (Czech Republic); Abu Dhabi (UAE).
Minh Anh (compiling)