Hue Imperial City (The Citadel): Hours, Address, Hue Imperial City (The Citadel) Reviews: 4.5/5
Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
4.5
08:00 - 17:30
Monday
08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:30
Thursday
08:00 - 17:30
Friday
08:00 - 17:30
Saturday
08:00 - 17:30
Sunday
08:00 - 17:30
About
This former site of the old capitol has a moat and ten ornate gates guarding a palace, temples, gardens and tombs. Its most prominent feature is a tall flag tower.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
468 within 5 kms
Les Jardins de La Carambole
2,403
0.5 km€€ - €€€ • French • European • Asian
Bistro 34'
254
0.7 km€ • European • Asian • Vietnamese
Lạc Thiện Restaurant
612
0.7 km€ • Asian • Vietnamese • Vegetarian Friendly
Cafe 51
20
0.4 kmCafe • Deli
Banh Khoai Hong Mai
98
0.7 km€ • Asian • Grill • Vietnamese
Tu Phuong Vo Su Lau Coffee
19
0.4 km€€ - €€€
Lac Thanh
183
0.7 km€ • Asian • Vietnamese • Vegetarian Friendly
Gac - Mang - Re
25
0.4 kmAsian • Vietnamese
Nhi's Crepe & Pizza
2
0.4 km€ • Pizza • Cafe • Fast food
M O D O
1
0.4 km€ • Vietnamese
Attractions
72 within 10 kms
Thai Hoa Palace
149
13 mHistoric Sites • Castles
Hue Royal Palace
982
72 mHistoric Sites
Gakka Art Gallery
36
0.2 kmArt Galleries
The Flag Tower
312
0.2 kmHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Nine Dynastic Urns
176
0.3 kmHistoric Sites • Ancient Ruins
The Mieu Temple
126
0.3 kmReligious Sites
Museum of Royal Antiquities
135
0.5 kmArt Museums
Luc Bo Culture Space
37
0.5 kmHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Hue War Museum
21
0.5 kmMilitary Museums • History Museums
Historical and Revolutionary Museum
15
0.5 kmSpeciality Museums
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
10,919 reviews
Excellent
5,171
Very good
3,997
Average
1,374
Poor
267
Terrible
110
Brilliant_Way
Da Nang, Vietnam285 contributions
The tour by car rental in Hue is the best. My group and Mr. Hai's car team visited the old citadel, visited nature and especially, eating here was quite cheap. Hue Citadel is a place that leaves many impressions with us. See you again in Hue, meet driver Hai again.
Written 3 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gene P
San Fernando, Philippines603 contributions
Family
The main gate and outside wall reminds you of the forbidden city in Beijing only smaller. However the place is huge and composed of several buildings. The main palace is under renovation but the surrounding structures are properly restored. The temple for the former Emperors was great and the history is completely exhibited. A must place to see in this former capital.
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nancie
Market Harborough, UK18 contributions
Couples
Some really well restored buildings and some not so much. Nice for an afternoon but wouldn’t bother with the combo ticket as it was overpriced and all very similar architecture and culture.
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Troy Hill
Scarborough, UK17 contributions
Couples
Decent but overpriced and difficult without a map. They couldn’t be bothered to staff the audio tour kiosk so we couldn’t get the audio tour which comes with a map. It was super hot and we got lost many times, it is a huge site. There’s lots to see, it looks pretty good but no idea what it was all about without any context and not much to read.
Written 24 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ratheeshtravi
Singapore, Singapore206 contributions
Family
A lot to see here, recommended for a day trip just to this palace. It was raining while we were there. Ticket cost 200K just for the place , there are options to buy combo tickets for including other attractions as well. Maps provide at the ticket counter was really helpful.
Written 13 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sim Yen
Singapore, Singapore263 contributions
Family
Big place to walk around, take the shuttle to get around if you have senior travelers. Best appreciated with a decent guide. Take note there’s a dress code for entering the prayer hall, basically keep your shoulders and knees covered.
This is the largest attraction in Hue, so pretty much do it otherwise there’s not much point visiting Hue.
This is the largest attraction in Hue, so pretty much do it otherwise there’s not much point visiting Hue.
Written 17 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joline A
Lafayette, IN268 contributions
Couples
This is a great stop to learn more about the history of Hue. There are many things to see. Everything from beautiful buildings, to prayer areas. I’d suggest taking an umbrella or hat, as there are some shaded areas but walking around can get hot.
Written 3 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Debra C
7 contributions
Solo
Hue is the ugliest city I’ve been to, it is dirty and the people here are so rude and pushy and annoying they will force you to sell their goods. Probably the worst city in Vietnam people here are disrespectful. The Citadel is not much to see, spend your money somewhere else in Vietnam.
Written 22 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Carmen T
Vancouver, Canada270 contributions
Couples
Its a good adventure to spend a more hours. We opted for one entrance which took us around 2 hours. It was 200K and you buy your ticket at the gate. When you enter there are maps where you can see which each building is. Good activity to do, you can see some areas are under construction as well.
Written 18 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dirk W
Alexandra Headland, Australia5,110 contributions
Why would you come to Hue and NOT visit the Citadel ?! It is the main attraction. It is a big site and one should allow at least half a day to explore it. Not much remains of the royal palace (the French burned most of it), but there are plenty of other beautiful buildings left. I particularly liked the magnificently decorated gates all over the site. Very picturesque and photo genetic.
Written 17 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Do you know the electric car fare that goes around the palace?
John P
Houston, TX14,031 contributions
They have various routes, but I cannot put a link here (not allowed by TA).
I suggest #5
90K VND per person to visit the perimeter or outer area (Hoang Thanh)
After that, you can walk around the inner area (the Purple City or Dai Noi.)
If you still want to take another trip, pay another 100K VND for the 30 minutes of the inner area.
...
If you don't want to visit the perimeter, pay 150K for the 60-min ride of the inner area.
...
The other routes (1-4) are point-to-point. When you get there, you'll see what I mean.
Bee1987
209 contributions
Hi, is there an audioguide?
Nenagh
England, UK216 contributions
Yes you can hire the audio guide for a small fee and the tour begins at the ticket office and you have to decide if you want tour for four or six hours as there is different routes we opted for the four hour stretch which we thought adequate
Feenixwest
Fort Collins, CO1,477 contributions
Is there a wheelchair available at the entry for hire? If not, does anyone know where to rent one?
SEAsiaVeteran
Grantham, NH238 contributions
I seriously doubt it. And the Citidal is not at all an accessible location.
Catherine C
London, UK47 contributions
Hi,
can you please tell me if you booked tickets online before you went to Vietnam or got them on the day you visited? Was there a long line to get in? Thanks
Pinkfish01
Sheffield, UK536 contributions
Buy tickets when you are there.
No queue and ticket office is outside the Citadel entrance.
Udeshini S
Colombo, Sri Lanka2 contributions
What time does it open on a Tuesday? (Tomorrow)
Andre Houraghan
33 contributions
Sorry I should have said 17.30 for Tuesday closing time but Thursday it is open till 22.00.
Jolyon O
Norfolk84 contributions
How much walking is involved?
George A
Phoenix, AZ192 contributions
It is a lot of walking, Jolyon. The Citadel walls form a square, about 700 meters (1/2 mile) across, plus a good 5 minutes' walk on each end to the car parks. The various complexes of building are on different sides inside the walls, so you end up walking back/forth, and enter on one side (the Meridian Gate) and exit on the opposite. If there is a plus, it's all flat--just a few steps to get into buildings. When I visited I didn't see any buggies like another person answered, so I can't vouch for that.
Can I visit Imperial City at night? Google map says it will open till 10 PM on Thursday, and some say on Saturday, and others say impossible. I want new information.
Jon N
Singa2,586 contributions
According to the hotel staff, no longer available to visit at night now. Close at 530pm.
nhodrali
Plymouth, UK36 contributions
What is the best way to experience the citadel? Do you purchase a package or try see all the tombs individually? Will be staying in Hue for a month.
Erik Nordlöf
Stockholm, Sweden47 contributions
Well if you are interested in both tombs and the citadel I would suggest getting a package. That way you could spend a day walking around the citadel, and one day visiting the tombs. I recommend renting a motorbike to see the tombs, as they are quite a bit apart.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
- Hue Imperial City (The Citadel) is open:
- Sun - Sat 08:00 - 17:30
- We recommend booking Hue Imperial City (The Citadel) tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 226 Hue Imperial City (The Citadel) tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Hue Imperial City (The Citadel):
- Hue city tour with private english speaking driver: see royal tombs and more (From €31.52)
- Hue City Full-Day Tour (From €70.45)
- Hue full day guided tour with 5 must see places in Hue (From €61.22)
- Hue Imperial City Private Tour (From €132.09)
- Hue Flavor Street Food Tour (From €48.92)
- Hotels near Hue Imperial City (The Citadel):
- (0.19 km) GreenHome, Eco-friendly homestay in Hue, Free dinner with ours family
- (0.19 km) Beautiful Angsana Lang co Hue Resort
- (1.12 km) Azerai La Residence Hue
- (0.40 km) Spatel D'Annam Hotel
- (0.51 km) Le Robinet Homestay
- Restaurants near Hue Imperial City (The Citadel):
- (0.49 km) Les Jardins de La Carambole
- (0.68 km) Bistro 34'
- (0.38 km) Cafe 51
- (0.72 km) Lạc Thiện Restaurant
- (0.38 km) Gac - Mang - Re