St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi

This Neo-Gothic cathedral in the old quarter is one of the oldest churches in the city, built by the French in the late nineteenth century and said to echo the silhouette of Notre-Dame in Paris. Its weathered grey stone twin towers, pointed arches and stained-glass windows loom over a small square that has become a popular gathering spot lined with cafes. Still an active place of worship, the cathedral is especially atmospheric during evening services and around Christmas, when the square fills with people.