St. Joseph Cathedral (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is St. Joseph Cathedral?
What makes it 68% Kids-Friendly: Children may count windows or join Sunday kids’ mass, yet they must stay silent; no on-site toilet or hands-on displays mean boredom after 30-45 min, so combine with Hoan Kiem Lake.
Positives:
- Free entry and mass: Daily admission and all masses are free, ideal for budget-conscious families.
- Central Old Quarter location: Easy walk to cafés, shops on Nha Tho Street and nearby lake.
Challenges:
- Main gate access: The front door only opens during mass; use the bell at the side entrance outside service times.
- No on-site restrooms: You must buy something at a nearby café or restaurant to use facilities.
What is St. Joseph Cathedral?
- A French colonial-era cathedral erected between 1886 and 1889 in Hanoi's Old Quarter as one of the city's earliest Catholic churches
- A neo-Gothic landmark with twin square bell towers rising 31 meters, a carved limestone façade, and pointed-arch windows
- An interior dominated by a detailed wooden altar, rib-vaulted ceilings, and stained-glass panels imported from France
What is so special about St. Joseph Cathedral for with kids?
- Free admission makes it easy for families on a budget
- Interactive stained-glass window counting keeps kids engaged
- Children’s mass at 4 PM offers a kid-friendly service
- Sidewalk cafés and street-food stops provide quick breaks
- Short walk to Hoan Kiem Lake adds extra playtime
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives time to explore inside, attend a children’s mass, grab snacks and stroll nearby street.
Kids-Friendly Activities in St. Joseph Cathedral
Count the stained-glass windows:
Have kids find and count the tall stained-glass panels inside the nave.
Tip: Bring a small notebook to tick off each window and turn it into a game.
Attend Sunday Children’s Mass:
Join the 4:00 PM mass designed for kids with simpler hymns.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early to get seats together and explain the hymns in advance.
Sip lemon tea at a sidewalk café:
Relax at The Church Café or Lum Café facing the cathedral.
Tip: Order 'tra chanh' and watch street life; snacks here qualify for restroom use.
Grab local street-food snacks:
Try banh gio or xoi com on Ly Quoc Su Street after your visit.
Tip: Bring cash (around 50,000 VND per portion) and share small plates among kids.
Walk to Hoan Kiem Lake:
Take a 10-minute stroll to the lake for open space play and family photos by Turtle Tower.
Tip: Let kids run on the lake side and use a basic map app to guide the short route.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to St. Joseph Cathedral
- Time your visit with mass: Plan around a service start to catch the main doors opening with the crowd.
- Pack light snacks: Bring small treats for kids since indoor eating isn’t allowed.
- Use a stroller-friendly route: Enter via the side door for a flatter entrance and smoother access.
Reviews of St. Joseph Cathedral
HoodlumHavoc Gaming
Very beautiful church/cathedral They have mass furing Friday and Saturday. We were not allowed to enter druing the Sat 6pm mass for some reason. Not sure why, i cannot understand what the lady was saying. So we just prayed outside. Will definitely love to visit and enter next time. Many people around since these is located near the old quarters where there are lots of cafes. Traffic is crazy so...
Tiberiu Ivan (tiberiu_foodie Instagram)
A peaceful and beautifully preserved cathedral in the heart of Hanoi. St. Joseph’s Cathedral impresses with its neo-Gothic architecture, quiet interior, and timeless atmosphere. A perfect stop to escape the city noise, take photos, and enjoy a moment of calm. Definitely worth visiting.
Neha Kanagat
Constructed between 1884 and 1886, its design resembles Notre Dame de Paris, and it serves as a significant historical and spiritual landmark. Its an old Roman Catholic church located in the city's Old Quarter in Hanoi. The church is known for its striking architecture, intricate stained glass, featuring tall spires and a weathered exterior that adds to its timeless charm. It was very close to our...
Ruel Tria
One of the few Catholic Churches in the city of Hanoi.. as a catholic Christian.. it’s always a must to visit the churches on the country your visiting.. we had a prayer of thanks and safe travels for our family
Hiep Nguyen
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 w...
When is the best time to visit St. Joseph Cathedral (Hanoi, Vietnam)?
Visit between October and April for mild weather and dry streets; bring umbrellas for the May–September rains.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Cathedral entry | VND 0 |
| Lemon tea at sidewalk café (4 cups) | VND 60,000 |
| Street-food snacks (4 portions) | VND 200,000 |
| Cyclo ride (family) | VND 150,000 |
| Total Estimated | VND 410,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of St. Joseph Cathedral
Address: 1 P. Nhà Thờ, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
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About St. Joseph Cathedral
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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