Rich history. Diverse culture. A delicious food scene. These are the best things to do in Hanoi.
This French colonial city is famous for its incredible architecture, mouthwatering culinary delights, ancient pagodas, atmospheric markets and vibrant nightlife. It’s a melting pot where history meets modernity. Get lost in the magic of what this wonderful city has to offer.
How to spend a day in Hanoi
With so many things to do in Hanoi, where do you begin? Kickstart your day walking the ancient streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, admire the architecture and shop at the many craft stalls. Once you’ve built up an appetite, grab some phở and bún chả from the local street food vendors. With a full belly, head over to Hoan Kiem lake and explore the Ngoc Son Temple. Finish the day with a traditional Vietnamese Puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Then enjoy a roadside fresh beer and head into Hanoi’s nightlife.
Top 5 things to do in Hanoi
The buzz and bustle of Hanoi is impossible to ignore, and if you’re flying into Hanoi for the first time, knowing where to go and what to see means kick-starting your holiday as soon as possible, Explore these must-visit Hanoi attractions and take in the best of the city.
1. Visit the Old Quarter
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is made up of 36 streets showcasing Vietnamese architecture, street food, green spaces and shops. Wander through the ancient streets to find coffee shops hidden away in secret alleyways, roadside bars with fresh beer on offer, food stalls with delicious Vietnamese specialities and vendors selling silk fabrics, jewellery and handmade crafts.
2. Find peace at Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
Escape the crowds and head to Hoàn Kiếm lake, just minutes away from the Old Quarter. Take a seat and breathe in the beautiful and tranquil surroundings. You’ll see the sacred Ngoc Son Temple on a small island on the lake – walk the bridge to its doors to enjoy its Vietnamese architecture and cultural history.
3. Learn more at the Temple of Literature
The site of Vietnam’s first national university, the Temple of Literature honours the country’s finest scholars. This important cultural and historic landmark is also a rare example of well-preserved traditional Van Mieu architecture. Wander through the five courtyards and absorb the tranquil surroundings steeped in Vietnamese history.
4. Watch a performance at the Hanoi Opera House
A symbol of Hanoi’s French colonial past, this magnificent building was built during the early years of the 20th century. The Opera house is now one of Hanoi’s cultural centres holding concerts, art shows and dance performances. There’s no better experience than enjoying a performance in this architectural wonder.
5. Sample foods on a street food tour
Soak up Hanoi’s culinary delights with a guided street food tour. Follow your local Hanoi food guide to eat like the locals and discover hidden food gems. You’ll sample dishes like Lau (Vietnamese hotpot) and Hanoi-style barbeque. Plus, you’ll learn some local history too.
Other can't miss sights to see in Hanoi
You need around three days to really see the best of Hanoi. Once you’ve ticked off the main attractions, we recommend a trip to see these spots to really get to know the real Hanoi. You’ll get out of the city to the coast too.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Historic and poignant
Visit the final resting place of Vietnam’s visionary leader. Ho Chi Minh played a vital role in shaping the course of Vietnam’s history, leading the country towards independence. The building is home to Ho Chi Minh’s preserved body and was built to honour his memory and legacy. It attracts visitors from all over the world and is a site of pilgrimage for Vietnam’s citizens.
One Pillar Pagoda
One of the city’s most iconic temples
Built on a single pillar rising out of a square shaped lotus pond, the One Pillar Pagoda looks like a lotus flower emerging from the water’s surface. Not only is it a beautiful sight to take in, it’s also one of Hanoi’s most iconic temples. It was built in 1049 by Ly Thai Tong (a king of the Ly dynasty), to honour Queen Quan Am Bo Tat when she gave birth to their prince. It’s free to visit too.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Unique and intriguing
Make your way to this famous cultural attraction to take in a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre was recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. You’ll find the theatre in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Just make sure you book tickets in advance as shows are known to sell out quickly.
Dong Xuan Market
Pick up a bargain
Pick up a bargain at Dong Xuan, Hanoi's largest covered market, which sells everything from fresh local produce to souvenirs and textiles. You'll find it on Dong Xuan Street at the northern edge of the Old Quarter. It's open seven days a week from around 6am to 6pm. Negotiating is part of the culture in Vietnam, so traders will expect you to haggle. Visiting on a weekend? Stick around for the night market, which takes over the surrounding streets from Friday to Sunday evening.
Train Street
Watch trains whizz by
Hanoi's Train Street is a narrow residential lane on the edge of the Old Quarter where an active railway line runs right between the houses. Many of the homes have been turned into cafes, so you can sip a Vietnamese coffee while trains squeeze past only a metre or so from your table. Authorities have restricted access on and off since 2019 for safety reasons, and you'll usually need to enter through one of the trackside cafes. Check the latest situation before you go, follow the cafe staff's instructions and stay well back when a train approaches.
Ha Long Bay
Get out on the water
Roughly 170km from Hanoi, Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site you simply have to explore. Famed for its crystal-clear waters and towering limestone cliffs topped with lush rainforest, it’s a popular day trip from Hanoi. The only way to see it is from the water on a guided tour with the chance to hop in for some kayaking. Watch the sunset before you head back to the city.
Hanoi Hotels
There are many hotels in Hanoi city. These are three of the best hotels in Hanoi:
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Classic and historic
FAQs about the best things to do in Hanoi
Hanoi pairs perfectly with a trip down to Ho Chi Minh City in the south, and our Ho Chi Minh City travel guide has everything you need to get started. Brush up on the city's neighbourhoods to choose the right base, then check out the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Want to keep exploring? Here's how to plan a multi-city trip to Southeast Asia. If you're travelling with kids, take a look at these affordable family-friendly destinations.
