Located in the Hoan Kiem District near Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter features French-colonial architecture, temples and pagodas. With a history that spans over 1000 years, Hanoi's Old Quarter is the oldest continuously developed area in Vietnam, and has a rich cultural heritage. While the region’s specialties have changed and adapted over the years, featuring modern commodities and services, the ancient commercial streets are named after their original businesses. Visitors to the Old Quarter can explore the cafes, bars, restaurants, boutique shops and art galleries in the historical area.