Old city and 36 streets

North of the Hoan Kiem lake is the Old City, an area of narrow alleys (36 streets and guilds), each named after the products made or sold there in the past with many historical and heritage buildings. Here is where most tourists converge and the area is full of hotels and guesthouses, shops and travel agencies. The house in 87 Ma May street is an example of a well preserved original shop house built in the 19th century. The house is open to the public and contains ancient furniture.