Name: Hue Imperial City Walking Tour: Citadel & Forbidden City
SKU: 208967P1
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (372 reviews)

WizardTrip

Hue Imperial City Walking Tour: Citadel & Forbidden City

5.0(372)· Hue· By Vietnam Legacy Tours Watch the video

Free cancellation

From

€24per person

1 to 8 travelers per booking.

Options5 of 5 available on this day

Time

1 × Adult × €53.59€53.59

Total€53.59

About the activity

Embark on a captivating walking tour through the heart of Hue, exploring the historic Imperial City and the enigmatic Forbidden City. This journey spans approximately 2.5 hours, delving into the opulent past of Vietnam's last royal dynasty. Discover the grandeur of Thai Hoa Palace, the ceremonial center where emperors were crowned and major events unfolded. Visit the Mieu Temple and Hien Lam Cac Pavilion, a serene space dedicated to honoring the Nguyen Emperors and their spiritual legacy. Venture into the Forbidden City (Tu Cam Thanh), the exclusive residential area for the royal family. Admire the Kien Trung Palace, a stunning example of Sino-European architecture, now open for visitors to explore. Conclude your tour with a visit to Thai Binh Lau and the tranquil Royal Garden, offering a peaceful glimpse into the emperor's private life.

What's included

✓Imperial City entrance ticket (Applied for Private tour option only)

What is not included

✕Imperial City entrance fee: 200,000 VND/person (Applied for Group tour Option)
✕Meals not mention in the option
✕Tips for guide (optional)

Itinerary

1
The Noon Gate (Cua Ngo Mon)
Your tour begins at the designated meeting point in front of Ngo Mon Gate. A brief 10-minute walk will lead you to the Ngo Mon gate, where you'll learn about its historical importance as a royal ceremonial entrance during the Nguyen Dynasty.
· 10 min
2
Thai Hoa Palace
Spend 25 minutes inside the Imperial City's most significant hall. Discover where emperors held court and were coronated, and admire the palace's elegant design while learning about royal rituals.
· 25 min
3
Hien Lam Cac Pavilion
Marvel at this pavilion, over two centuries old, built to honor the Nguyen emperors. Your guide will share stories of its cultural importance and its original design.
· 10 min
4
Bronze Urns of the Nguyen Dynasty
Observe the impressive bronze urns, symbols of the power and legacy of the nine Nguyen emperors. Understand the symbolism and meaning behind these significant artifacts.
· 10 min
5
The Mieu Temple
Explore the ancestral temple dedicated to the former Nguyen kings. Gain insight into how royal traditions are maintained in this sacred location.
· 10 min
6
Chuong Duc Gate
Discover Chuong Duc Gate, one of the four entrances to the Imperial City, historically reserved for women.
· 10 min
7
Hue Royal Palace
Enter the Forbidden Purple City, the innermost enclosure of the Hue Imperial City. This area was exclusively for the king's family, including his wives and children, and contains various structures with distinct functions.
· 20 min
8
Kien Trung Palace
Tour the recently restored Kien Trung Palace, which has reopened after extensive reconstruction. Experience the magnificence of this imperial residence.
· 20 min
9
Thai Binh Lau (Peaceful Palace)
Visit Thai Binh Lau, a structure where the king would read and enjoy the surroundings. Appreciate the beauty of this architectural gem.
· 10 min
10
Thieu Phuong Garden (Royal Garden)
Explore the beautifully restored Thieu Phuong Garden, also known as the Royal Garden. This was a favored spot for the king and his family to relax and admire the scenery.
· 10 min
11
End at Hien Nhon Gate
Your walking tour concludes at Hien Nhon Gate, the entrance used by mandarins. This provides a final perspective on the world of Vietnam's last royal dynasty.
· 10 min

How to use your ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking.

Meeting point and return

Tour guide will wait for you at the 4 cannons.

This tour does not include the entrance ticket.

Meeting point

End point

Practical information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We do not include entry fee as you may want to buy COMBO TICKET with better value for Citadel and Tombs.

Activity options

Private Imperial City Tour
1: 1a
2. Private Tour: Meet you at the meeting point, Entrance fee includes, No hidden fees
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
3. Main sites at Imperial City: See your guide at the meeting point
4. Walking (No Vehicle)
5: 5a
Private Imperial City & Pagoda
Imperial city & Boat trip: Take a taxi to Thien Mu Pagoda after the Imperial City, enjoy a boat trip on the Perfume River back to the center.
Private Tour
Imperial City, Pagoda: Visit the Imperial City, then move to Thien Mu Pagoda and return to the city center by dragon boat.
Boat and Taxi
Group Walking Tour
Group Tour: Small group guided walking tour (Max 8 people)
Entrance fee NOT included
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Imperial and Forbidden City: Main sites in Hue Imperial City & Forbidden Purple City
See your guide at the meeting point
Walking (No vehicle)
Imperial City Sunrise/Sunset
Tea or coffee Experience: Enjoy tea or traditional Hue coffee inside the Imperial City
Private guided sunrise/sunset: Enjoy coffee or Tea inside Imperial City, Avoid the heat and crowd, Included entrance fee, No hidden fees
Duration: 3 hours
Main site: Imperial City: See your guide at the meeting point
Walking (No Vehicle)
Imperial City + Royal Cuisine
Royal cuisine lunch or dinner: Enjoy the royal cuisine (Menu will be confirmed after Booking)
Private Tour: The ticket and meal are included
No hidden fees
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Royal cuisine: Lunch or Dinner
Imperial city and Meal
Walking and Taxi: See your guide at the meeting point, Take a Taxi to the restaurant after the Imperial walking tour

Duration

2 h 30

How to prepare for your experience

Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves considerable walking.
Bring sun protection, including a hat and sunscreen, as parts of the tour are outdoors.
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Consider purchasing the combo ticket if you plan to visit other historical sites in Hue.
Arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early to meet your guide.

Step back in time with a guided walking tour of Hue's magnificent Imperial City and the exclusive Forbidden City.

Cancellation conditions

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Any questions?

Product code: 208967P1

Activity offered by Vietnam Legacy Tours via Viator.

Who is this activity suitable for?

History enthusiasts
Culture explorers
Travelers interested in Vietnamese royal history
Visitors seeking an in-depth understanding of Hue's heritage

Activity essentials

Explore the historic Imperial City and Forbidden City.
Discover the Thai Hoa Palace and Kien Trung Palace.
Learn about the Nguyen Dynasty's history and traditions.
Small group sizes for a personalized experience (Group Tour).
Option for private tours with included entrance fees.

Hue: good to know

Population: 1,178,600 (2024)
Elevation: 85 m
Currency: Vietnamese đồng
Official language: Vietnamese
Driving: on the right
Power plugs: A, C, F, G · 220 V
Emergency number: 113
Capital city: Hanoi

Average temperatures

20°Jan
21°Feb
24°Mar
26°Apr
28°May
29°Jun
28°Jul
28°Aug
27°Sept
25°Oct
24°Nov
21°Dec

Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.

Frequently asked questions

Does the tour include the entrance fee to the Imperial City?

The entrance fee is included for Private tour options only. For the Group Tour Option, the entrance fee (200,000 VND/person) is not included.

What is the duration of the walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

What should I bring on the tour?

Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and water are recommended. You will need your ticket (mobile or paper).

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. However, it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

Can infants join the tour?

Yes, infants can join. They can ride in a pram or stroller, and if they are required to sit on an adult's lap, this is accommodated.

Reviews

5.05.0(372)

5 stars

358

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.

★★★★★Viator review
A great way to see the...
Am_K, October 2026
A great way to see the imperial city. Our guide, Nhien, was very friendly and very knowledgeable. I'd recommend this tour!
Response from the operator · VietnamLegacyTours
Thank you for recommending our Imperial City tour. Nhiên has been with us for many years, and her mix of warmth and knowledge is exactly what we hope every guest meets in the citadel. — Ngoc Luu, Founder, Vietnam Legacy Tours
★★★★★Viator review
The guide was really kind...
Anonymous, October 2026
The guide was really kind and knowledgable about the place! Also at very reasonable price. Highly recommended
Response from the operator · VietnamLegacyTours
Thank you for your kind review. We will pass your words on to your guide; knowing the place well and sharing it kindly is what we ask of everyone who guides for us. — Ngoc Luu, Founder, Vietnam Legacy Tours
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Highly recommend
111murrayb, September 2026
Wonderfully informative tour. Not rushed at all. Our guide was so nice and we felt we could ask her any questions. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator · VietnamLegacyTours
Thank you for your review. We built the Imperial City walk so that there is time to stop, look and ask, and we are glad your guide made you feel free to do so. — Ngoc Luu, Founder, Vietnam Legacy Tours
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Don’t hesitate to book!
frequent-traveller92, September 2026
Nhien was an excellent guide. She was very friendly and knowledgeable. She worked to our pace and also gave us many local good recommendations for our stay. Highly recommend this tour and Nhien.
Response from the operator · VietnamLegacyTours
Thank you for recommending both the tour and Nhiên. Adjusting the pace to the guests in front of her is one of the things she does best, and we are glad her tips helped with the rest of your stay in Huế. — Ngoc Luu, Founder, Vietnam Legacy Tours
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Excellent insights to the Imperial City
L3964FUannf, September 2026
What an excellent way to start a short stay in Hue. All communication prior to the tour was clear and friendly. It turned I was the only booking and was grateful it went ahead. Nhien was an experienced guide who was full of interesting insights into the history and culture of the Imperial City. In excellent English Nhien delivered a well paced and constructed tour. There was enough time to look at exhibits, take photos and ask questions. I learnt so much and completed the tour feeling like I had gained a wealth of insights and felt like having a guide allowed me to more fully appreciate this impressive site. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator · VietnamLegacyTours
Thank you for choosing our tour to begin your stay in Huế. A guide is what turns the Imperial City from a set of beautiful buildings into a story, and Nhiên is very good at telling it. We are glad you left with so much. — Ngoc Luu, Founder, Vietnam Legacy Tours

8 activities · Vietnam

Hue, Vietnam, has 8 activities, tours and experiences to book.

01Activities to book

The best experiences in Hue

8 in the catalogue

Top pick

Hue Imperial City Walking Tour: Citadel & Forbidden City

from €24★ 4.9

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All activities · Hue · 8

02Categories

Guided tours in Hue

6 activities

Top pick

Hue Imperial City Walking Tour: Citadel & Forbidden City

from €24★ 4.9

Top pick

DMZ TOUR HUE - Deluxe group tour full day

from €45★ 4.9

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Hue City Deluxe Group Tour (Daily Tour - Max 12 Pax)

from €29★ 5.0

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from €6★ 5.0

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Frequently asked questions about Hue

What is there to do in Hue?

Hue has 8 activities, tours and day trips you can book online. Among the most booked: « Hue Imperial City Walking Tour: Citadel & Forbidden City », « DMZ TOUR HUE - Deluxe group tour full day », « Hue's Top Attractions by Car with Informative ES Driver ».

What are the top-rated activities in Hue?

According to traveller reviews: « Hai Van Pass Back Roads Motorbike Tour with Mister T Easy Rider » (5.0/5, 913 reviews) ; « Hue to Hoi An Top Gear Motorbike Tour with Lefamily Riders (One Way) » (5.0/5, 3,646 reviews) ; « Hue: Imperial City Walk, Motorbike Tour & Private Car Options » (5.0/5, 792 reviews).

Can you cancel an activity in Hue for free?

Usually, yes: 8 of the 8 most popular activities in Hue offer free cancellation. The exact terms are shown on each activity page before you book.