25 Best Things To Do In Hanoi Vietnam

Hanoi is a city that grabs you fast. There’s the energy of the Old Quarter, the quiet of Hoan Kiem Lake at sunrise, the smell of pho drifting out of doorways before you’ve even had coffee. It’s hard to leave without already planning a return trip.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Hanoi over the years. This guide covers everything I keep coming back to, plus a few updates since the city has changed its rules around a couple of these spots.

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter is where history and modern life come together. The 36 streets here are full of narrow alleys, old houses, and busy markets that take you back in time.

Walking through these streets, especially in autumn when the weather cools and the leaves turn yellow, is like stepping into another world. There’s something new around every corner.

One of my favorite things about the Old Quarter is the food. You’ll find some of the best dishes in Hanoi here, from Phở to street snacks sold straight off a bicycle cart.

I love wandering around, tasting different foods, and picking up souvenirs from the local shops. You can spend a whole day here without a plan and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface.

Join a Hanoi food tour

If you love food as much as I do, a Hanoi food tour is a must. These tours take you into the heart of the city’s food scene. You’ll try dishes like Phở and Bún Chả with a guide who knows the good stalls from the tourist traps.

What I enjoyed most wasn’t just the food. It was learning the stories behind each dish while wandering the lively Old Quarter streets.

Some tours even include trying the famous Egg Coffee or visiting a local market to pick fresh ingredients before you eat.

Book the Hanoi food tour →

Take a Hanoi cooking class

Are you looking for fun things to do in Hanoi that go beyond sightseeing? Try a Hanoi cooking class.

These classes usually start with a trip to a local market. You’ll pick out fresh ingredients and learn about the herbs and spices that show up in Vietnamese cooking.

The classes are hands-on, and you’ll learn to prepare dishes like Phở, Bún Chả, and fresh spring rolls from scratch. I still make a version of the spring rolls I learned in Hanoi whenever I want to feel back there for an evening.

• Rose Kitchen cooking class
• Hanoi Cooking Class

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem lake is famous for its views, especially at sunrise and sunset. The light reflects off the water and it’s worth setting an alarm for.

I often find myself drawn back here whenever I’m in Hanoi. It’s a perfect spot to slow down and watch the world go by.

Around the lake, you’ll find some of Hanoi’s most important landmarks. There’s the Turtle Tower sitting in the middle of the water, and the ancient Ngoc Son Temple, which you reach by crossing the bright red Huc Bridge.

It’s an easy loop to walk in under an hour. It works well as a first orientation to the city if you’ve just landed.

Try egg coffee

Egg coffee is a must-try when you’re in Hanoi. It’s made with egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and strong coffee, and it’s unlike anything else you’ve probably had.

I remember my first cup at Giang Cafe, where egg coffee was invented. It was so smooth and comforting that it became a daily habit for the rest of my trip.

• Price: $1 per cup.
• Hours: 7am to 10pm.
• How to get there: Giang Cafe has two locations, at 109 Yên Phụ and 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân. It’s worth double-checking these are still open, since small local cafes do sometimes move.
• Tips: Visit outside peak hours for a quieter experience.

Watch a water puppet show at Thang Long Puppet Theater

Water puppetry is an ancient Vietnamese art form, and Thang Long Puppet Theater is one of the best places to see it performed live. The performances tell traditional Vietnamese stories using beautifully crafted wooden puppets that glide across the water, backed by live music and singing.

I remember being completely captivated by the skill of the puppeteers. They never step into view, yet the puppets feel completely alive.

Book the puppet show →

• Price: $7 for a standard seat.
• Hours: Shows run daily at 3pm, 4:10pm, 5:20pm, 6:30pm, and 8pm, with extra performances on Sundays.
• How to get there: The theater sits at 57B Dinh Tien Hoang, right next to Hoan Kiem Lake.
• Tips: Book ahead during peak season. Seats close to the stage sell out fast.

Visit the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is one of my favorite spots in Hanoi. It’s a peaceful place, full of history, and it feels a world away from the traffic outside its gates.

Originally built as a university dedicated to Confucius, it’s now a beautiful space to explore, with traditional architecture and well-kept gardens.

Walking through the courtyards and seeing the stone steles carved with the names of graduates from centuries ago gives you a real sense of Vietnam’s educational history.

• Price: $1.
• Hours: 8am to 6pm.
• Best time to visit: Early morning, if you want the courtyards to yourself.
• Tips: If you visit during exam season, keep an eye out for students leaving offerings for good luck.

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a must-visit if you want to actually understand Vietnam’s cultural diversity, not just glimpse it from a bus window. The museum showcases the traditions, costumes, and artifacts of the country’s 54 ethnic groups.

The outdoor exhibition area lets you walk through full-scale traditional houses from different regions. It’s my favorite part of the whole museum.

• Price: $2.
• Hours: 8:30am to 5:30pm, closed on Mondays.
• How to get there: The museum sits about 8 km from central Hanoi in Cau Giay District. Plan on a taxi or Grab ride.

Take a look at Long Bien Bridge

Long Bien Bridge is more than just a crossing over the Red River. It’s a piece of living history in Hanoi.

Built over 100 years ago by the French, this iconic bridge has witnessed countless events in Vietnam’s history. Walking or biking across it, you can still see the old train tracks alongside the river below.

It’s free to visit and open all day. I biked across it early one morning and ended up stopping halfway just to watch the trains and the river traffic below.

Explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a must-see if you’re into history that goes back further than the French colonial period. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates to the 7th century and served as the political center of Vietnam for over a thousand years.

As you walk through, you’ll spot remnants of ancient palaces, temples, and gateways. I went in expecting a quick walk-through and ended up staying two hours longer than planned.

Nearby is an archaeological site where you can see the foundations of buildings uncovered during excavations.

• Price: $1.
• Hours: 8am to 5pm.
• Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, there’s a fair bit of walking involved.

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the most important landmarks in Hanoi. It’s the final resting place of the leader who led Vietnam to independence.

I remember feeling a real sense of reverence as I joined the line of visitors to pay respects. The structure itself, all marble and granite, has a simple but powerful design that matches the mood.

After visiting, you can explore the surrounding grounds, including Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house and the gardens where he once lived.

• Price: Free to visit.
• Hours: 7:30am to 10:30am, Tuesday to Thursday and weekends. Closed Mondays and Fridays.
• Best time to visit: Early morning, to avoid long lines.
• Tips: Follow the dress code, no shorts or sleeveless tops, and be ready for security checks. The mausoleum also closes for a couple of months each fall for annual maintenance, so check the current dates before you plan around it.

See the One Pillar Pagoda

The One Pillar Pagoda is one of Hanoi’s most recognizable symbols. Built to resemble a lotus blossom, it stands on a single stone pillar in the middle of a small pond.

It sits right near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, so it’s easy to combine both visits into one morning. It’s free to enter and open 8am to 5pm.

I’d go early or late in the day for fewer crowds and more time in the peaceful gardens around it.

Ride a bike around West Lake (Ho Tay)

Riding a bike around West Lake is one of the most relaxing things you can do in Hanoi. It’s the largest lake in the city, and the path around it is wide and flat.

I love riding here because it shows you a completely different side of Hanoi, away from the busy streets. The lake is ringed with temples, pagodas, and gardens, so it’s worth stopping along the way instead of riding straight through.

• Price: Free to ride. Bike rentals run around 100,000 VND a day, often through your hotel.
• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for the best light and cooler temperatures.

Visit the Women’s Museum

The Vietnam Women’s Museum offers an interesting look at the role of women in Vietnamese society, history, and culture. It covers everything from wartime contributions to family life to the traditions of Vietnam’s ethnic groups.

I came away with a completely different picture of Vietnamese history than what I’d gotten from the war museums alone.

• Price: Around 30,000 VND.
• Hours: 8am to 5pm, closed on Mondays.
• Tips: Budget at least an hour to do the exhibits justice.

Take pictures at St. Joseph’s Cathedral

St. Joseph’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hanoi, and it’s my favorite spot in the city for photography. The Gothic architecture, with its tall towers and stained-glass windows, has a strong resemblance to Notre Dame in Paris.

I love the contrast between the cathedral’s history and the buzz of the streets around it. It’s free to visit and open from 5am to 7pm.

If you want to go inside, check the schedule for mass times first. Be respectful and quiet if a service happens to be underway.

Shop at Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market is the largest and oldest market in Hanoi. It’s packed with stalls selling everything from clothing and electronics to fresh produce and street food.

I always find something interesting when I visit, whether it’s a unique souvenir or a snack I’ve never tried before. The atmosphere is lively and a little chaotic in the best way.

Haggling is expected here, so it’s a good place to practice your bargaining skills. Even if you don’t buy anything, wandering the narrow aisles gives you a real glimpse into daily life in Hanoi.

If you’re a foodie, don’t skip the small alley next to the market. It’s home to some of the best street food in the city.

The market is free to enter and open from 7am to 6pm. Go early for the freshest produce, or later in the afternoon if you’d rather skip the crowds.

Relax at a local spa

After days of exploring, treat yourself to a relaxing spa experience in Hanoi. I always find that a spa day is the perfect way to unwind and recharge before continuing on.

The city has plenty of options, from traditional Vietnamese massages to more modern wellness treatments. Whether you go for a luxurious hotel spa or a smaller local place, you’re likely to leave feeling refreshed either way.

• Price: Varies by treatment, typically 300,000 to 1,000,000 VND, roughly $12 to $40.
• Hours: Most spas are open from 9am to 10pm.

Enjoy performances at the Hanoi Opera House

If you’re in Hanoi and looking for a proper cultural experience, I highly recommend checking out what’s on at the Opera House.

Even if you can’t catch a performance, the building itself is worth a visit for its history and architecture alone.

Modeled after the Paris Opera House, this building is an elegant reminder of Hanoi’s colonial past. The interior lives up to the exterior, with ornate details and a grand auditorium.

I’ve attended a few performances here over the years. The experience is always memorable, whether it’s a classical concert, a traditional Vietnamese opera, or a modern dance show.

• Price: Ticket prices start from $10.
• Hours: Performances typically start in the evening.
• Tips: Book ahead for popular shows.

Read books at Dinh Le Book Street

Dinh Le Book Street is a hidden gem in the heart of Hanoi, perfect for book lovers who want a break from sightseeing. This short, tree-lined street is packed with bookstores selling everything from local literature to international bestsellers.

I love wandering through the stalls, flipping through pages, and finding something new every time. One of the highlights is Bookstore Number 5, set on the second floor of an old building.

It’s a treasure trove for bookworms, with shelves packed with hard-to-find titles and old editions you won’t come across anywhere else in the city.

Explore Bat Trang Pottery Village

Just a short drive from central Hanoi, Bat Trang Pottery Village offers a nice escape from the busy city. This village has been famous for its ceramics for centuries.

You can watch the traditional craft happen in real time as you walk streets lined with pottery workshops and stores. Many workshops offer pottery-making classes, so you can shape and take home your own piece.

I still have the lopsided little bowl I made sitting on my kitchen shelf.

The village itself has a rustic feel, with brick walls and red-tiled roofs. If you’d rather not sort transport and a workshop separately, a Bat Trang pottery village day tour usually bundles both together.

• Price: Free to explore. Pottery classes usually cost $10.
• Hours: 8am to 5pm.
• How to get there: About 10 km from central Hanoi, easily reachable by taxi or Grab.

Spend your weekend at Hoan Kiem Walking Street

If you’re in Hanoi over the weekend, this is definitely something you shouldn’t miss. Every weekend, the area around Hoan Kiem Lake transforms into a bustling pedestrian zone filled with street performers, food stalls, and families out for the evening.

It’s also a fantastic spot for people-watching, since both locals and tourists gather here to soak up the atmosphere.

Don’t miss Trang Tien Ice Cream while you’re there, especially on a hot day. I’ve queued up for it more times than I’d like to admit, and it’s always worth the wait.

Drink beer on Ta Hien street

Ta Hien Street, often called “Beer Street,” is the place to be if you want a taste of Hanoi’s nightlife. You grab a plastic stool, order a cold beer, and soak in the energy of the city around you.

I love the casual, laid-back vibe here. The street is lined with small bars and eateries, with plenty of local beers and snacks to work through.

It’s a great spot to meet other travelers, and it’s affordable enough for a full night out without spending much at all.

See Hanoi Flag Tower

Hanoi Flag Tower is one of the oldest and most iconic landmarks in the city, dating back to the early 19th century. Standing 33 meters tall, it was once part of the Hanoi Citadel and served as an observation post.

Today it stands as a symbol of Hanoi’s resilience, with the Vietnamese flag flying at its peak. The tower sits within the grounds of the Vietnam Military History Museum, so it’s easy to combine both visits.

I ended up spending far longer at the tanks and planes outside than I expected to, so budget more time than the tower alone would suggest.

• Price: $2 for the museum.
• Hours: 9am to 5pm, closed Mondays and Fridays.

Visit Hanoi Train Street

Hanoi Train Street is where a real, active train squeezes through a narrow residential lane. The houses and cafes sit close enough that you could almost touch the train from your seat.

This one has had a bumpy few years, so I want to be upfront about it.

It was closed to tourists back in 2019 after safety incidents. It reopened in 2023 under stricter café-managed access, and as of 2025 organized group tours have been banned entirely.

You can still visit as an independent traveler, but only through one of the licensed cafes along the lane. Some sections near the Old Quarter are guarded and may be closed on any given day.

The Le Duan Street section near the main railway station tends to be more relaxed and less policed than the Old Quarter stretch. Check locally on the day, since rules here change fast.

And if it’s closed when you visit, don’t stress. Hanoi has plenty of other spots that don’t come with the same uncertainty.

Take day trips from Hanoi

Hanoi is not only a fascinating city on its own, but it’s also a great base for exploring the surrounding region. One of my favorites is a trip to Halong Bay, where you can cruise among the limestone karsts and emerald waters.

Another great option is the ancient city of Hoa Lu, paired with the landscapes of Tam Coc, often called “Halong Bay on land.” If you want to head further north, a two-day Sapa trekking trip lets you see the rice terraces and hill tribe villages the region is known for.

• Explore Lan Ha Bay in one day
• Day trip to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc Ninh Binh
• Explore Trang An and Bai Dinh Ninh Binh
• 2-day Sapa trekking

Where to stay in Hanoi

Hanoi’s hotels range from simple guesthouses set into Old Quarter alleys to grand colonial-era properties with rooftop bars.

If I wanted to treat myself, I’d pick the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.The French colonial architecture paired with excellent service makes it one of the most memorable hotels I’ve stayed at anywhere in Vietnam.

La Siesta Premium Hang Be is another lovely splurge, right in the Old Quarter with a rooftop bar worth the stay on its own.

For something in the middle, I like Hanoi Pearl Hotel, close to all the Old Quarter action but still peaceful enough for a proper night’s sleep.

And if you want something more social, Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel has a lively atmosphere and a bar that’s great for meeting other travelers.

Ready to plan your Hanoi trip?

Hanoi is a city that stays with you long after you’ve left. Its vibrant streets, rich history, and warm people create an experience that’s both memorable and personal.

If you’re planning to explore more of the country beyond the capital, my guide on how to plan a trip to Vietnam is a good next stop. My breakdown of the best places to visit in Vietnam can help you figure out where to go after Hanoi.

And if you’ve got more time to play with, my two week Vietnam itinerary strings together a route that actually makes sense.

Before you land, it’s worth getting your Vietnam eSIM sorted. And take a moment to compare travel insurance options too, so the practical stuff is out of the way before you’ve even touched down.