25 Best Things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam (2026)

These best things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam, cover the best historic sights, unique attractions and special food spots, perfect for your next visit.

Often the stopover city for those wanting to see Halong Bay, Hanoi can easily get overlooked as a place of interest in itself. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, is home to some unique historic sites, a vibrant developing culture and so much amazing food.

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is a fascinating blend of old-world charm and modern energy; there are plenty of things to do in Hanoi. With its bustling Old Quarter, historic landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature, and a rich cultural heritage shaped over a thousand years, the city offers endless opportunities for exploration.

Reasons to visit Hanoi

Hanoi is known as Vietnam’s cultural capital. It has plenty of historic landmarks and museums, beautiful pagodas and temples as well as a thriving restaurant scene. There are plenty of amazing restaurants in Hanoi to choose from, whether you are looking for local or Western food. Plus, the maze of streets in the Old Quarter is home to artisan and boutique stores that offer homemade souvenirs and artwork for you to remember your trip. 

Hanoi is a great place to fly into and start your Vietnam Itinerary; many use this as a place to visit before heading to the breathtaking Halong Bay but it also makes a great starting point for a trip along the coast from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. You could also travel from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh for a lesser-visited destination.

How to save money in Vietnam

Eat local – There is no better place that this tip applies to. Eating local food will always save you money and in Vietnam it can make a huge difference. The local street food is delicious so stick to the stalls, vendors and hole-in-the-walls.

Bia Hoi – Beer is cheap in Vietnam but Bia Hoi is said to be the cheapest beer in the world. You can get this for as little as 30 cents (or 10p).

Haggle – When buying items in markets, make sure you haggle the price. We found it easier to buy items from those that advertise their prices but if you want to buy something without a price, make sure you haggle for it.

Get walking – Hanoi offers many attractions to see and do (most of which are free). Save money on taxis by walking everywhere or renting a bike for as little as $1.

Pay in VND – VND and dollar are accepted everywhere but pay in VND. When we first visited Vietnam in 2013, everyone preferred dollars, but now in 2020, we found everyone preferred VND. Some places would accept dollars but would massively overcharge you.

Best things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam

1) Hoan Kiem Lake

Our first things to do in Hanoi, is a more relaxing experience. Take a break from the city and head to Hoan Kiem Lake for some lovely views and some giant turtles. 

2) Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum 

Found in Ba Dinh Square, the Mausoleum is a popular attraction and one of the best things to do in Hanoi. Ho Chi Minh was an iconic and loved leader of Vietnam, making his resting place popular for both tourists and Vietnamese residents. Entrance is free for the Mausoleum but is only open from 8am to 11am.

NOTE: A strict dress code is in place at the Mausoleum with no short skirts or tank tops allowed and bags are required to be put in a safe deposit before entering. Photos, talking and finger-pointing is also strictly prohibited whilst you are inside the Mausoleum.

3) St. Joseph’s Cathedral

An impressive Roman Catholic Church found on Nha Chung Street is worth a visit for those interesting in Neo-gothic architecture. The entrance is free and the church is open from 8am to 5pm at this free things to do in Hanoi; a must on your 2 days in Hanoi itinerary.

4) Tran Quoc Pagoda

Found on Thanh Nien Road, next to West Lake, the Tran Quoc Pagoda is a tower of beauty standing alongside a tranquil backdrop of greenery.

Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest of its kind in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century. The Buddhist shrine can be found on the edge of West Lake, surrounded by lush greenery. The pagoda stands at 15 meters tall with 11 elevens inside. It is surrounded by a burning house, carved statues, and a museum of historic relics. Each carved state has unique facial features, dating back to 1639. 

The Pagoda is free to enter all year long and opens at 7.30 am every day. Remember to dress appropriately in this place of worship, avoiding short skirts and vest tops.

5) Halong Bay

Take a day or overnight trip to Halong Bay, a natural wonder of the world with some fascinating caves and cliffs. Cruises offer various activities and itineraries – we loved our trip to Marguerite Junk. Various trips are available from one-day trips to 1, 2, or even 3-night cruises to explore the Bay. The cruise we booked is available from Agoda for this best things to do in Hanoi.

6) Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu)

Wander through Vietnam’s first national university, founded in 1070, set within a tranquil, well-kept garden complex. The architecture — elegant courtyards, stone steles listing the names of laureates, and red lacquered gates — offers a quiet contrast to the bustle of the Old Quarter; both of which are some of the best things to do in Hanoi.

Spend time reading the inscriptions, admiring the ancient trees, and reflecting on the way education and Confucian traditions were central to Vietnamese society.

7) Hoa Lo Prison Museum (“Hanoi Hilton”)

This site, once a colonial prison built by the French and later used during the Vietnam War, offers a poignant look into the more difficult chapters of Hanoi’s history. Exhibits include prison cells, photographs, and artifacts documenting lives lived under confinement.

Visiting here gives you a deeper sense of resilience in Vietnamese history — just a short walk from the Old Quarter, it’s both accessible and thought-provoking.

8) Long Biên Bridge

Spanning the Red River since 1902, this iron-girder bridge designed by the French is a symbol of Hanoi’s industrial heritage and wartime resilience (it was bombed during the Vietnam-US conflict). Take a stroll or even ride a bicycle across for panoramic views of the river and city in this best things to do in Hanoi.

At sunrise or sunset the light on the steel structure is especially beautiful, and you’ll see locals fishing or taking quiet breaks by the riverbank — a local vibe far from the tourist crowds.

9) Ngoc Son Temple & The Huc Bridge on Hoan Kiem Lake

Though Hoan Kiem Lake is already in your original list, the temple on its little island and the bright red arched bridge (“The Huc”) deserve their own mention. The pagoda and temple honor the legendary turtle and national hero Le Loi.

Stopping here early morning when the mist lingers over the lake offers one of the most peaceful moments in Hanoi — locals doing tai chi, fishermen in small boats — a beautiful photo-op and reflective moment.

10) West Lake (Tây Hồ)

West Lake is the largest lake in Hanoi and the surrounding area offers cafés with a slower pace, leafy streets, and fewer tourists. Rent a bike and circle part of the lake, stop for coffee overlooking the water at sunset, and maybe visit one of the temples dotted on the shoreline. This is one of my favourite, more local things to do in Hanoi.

It’s a good escape from the Old Quarter’s hustle — whether you sip iced Vietnamese coffee by the water’s edge or stop at a family-run eatery serving local dishes, this is the “relaxed Hanoi” side many skip.

11) Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

Our next things to do in Hanoi is perfect for art lovers. Housed in a beautiful French-colonial building, this museum presents the evolution of Vietnamese art from ancient to modern times: wood carvings, ceramics, lacquer paintings, and contemporary works. It’s less crowded than major tourist spots, giving you more breathing room to appreciate the works.

If you teach or blog travel-culture, this is a rich place to see how local creative traditions continue in Hanoi today.

12) Train Street (Phố Đường Tàu)

A hidden gem that’s become more known recently: a narrow residential street where a railway line runs just inches from cafés and homes. When the train comes through (usually twice daily), locals and visitors alike pause to watch it rumble by at extremely close quarters.

Go during daylight, be respectful (it’s still a neighborhood), and pair it with a coffee break at one of the tiny street-side shops — it’s quirky, unusual and gives insight into everyday life in Hanoi.

13) Hỏa Lò Market (Old Market / Chợ Hỏa Lò)

Just off the Old Quarter, this market is less glamorous than the rooftop shopping malls but offers real local flavour: stacks of vegetables, fish tanks, tiny eateries with sizzling skillets of street-food. It’s ideal for a morning wander before tourist crowds muster.

Sample local snacks like bánh cuốn (steamed rice-rolls) or fresh fruit juices, chat with vendors (with a smile) and soak up the day-to-day rhythm of Hanoi.

14) Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

A bit further out (in the Cầu Giấy district), this museum is worth the short ride for a deep dive into Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups; this is one of the best places to visit in Hanoi.

Indoor displays cover textiles, ritual objects and everyday tools, while outside there are full-scale stilt houses you can walk into and explore. Especially interesting for a travel blogger or educator, this site offers context to the diversity of Vietnamese culture and makes for rich photo/teaching material.

15) Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long

This UNESCO-listed site occupies the historic core of Hanoi, with fossilized remains (including an ancient dragon pillar) and layers of palace, fortress and royal residence spanning over a millennium. Explore ruins, exhibits and shaded park space. Visiting helps you appreciate how Hanoi has continuously evolved while retaining glimpses of its past — a great complement to the better-known landmarks.

16) Dong Xuan Market

Hectic, colourful, and full of sensory overload — Dong Xuan Market is the largest covered market in Hanoi and another one of the best things to do in Hanoi. From fabric stalls to hardware, from street-food kiosks to souvenirs, it’s a great place to see local commerce in action.

Go early or mid-morning; you might pick up local handicrafts (for your travel blog or gift-shopping) and snack on bánh mì or fresh spring rolls as you walk and watch the market hustle.

17) Quan Thánh Temple

This 11th-century Taoist temple (dedicated to the Tran dynasty’s guardian deity) is tucked away near West Lake and offers a calm, less-visited spiritual space. Its green-painted gate, turtle-shaped communal “house”, and shrine halls are atmospheric and photogenic.

Arrive midday when chanting and incense are in full effect, then head to a nearby café on smaller roads for a quiet lunch — you’ll feel off the tourist grid.

18) Bún Chả Hương Liên (Street-Food Spot for Bún Chả)

Historic food stop: this humble eatery became famous globally after a visit by US President Obama and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain in 2016. Here you must try bún chả: grilled pork with noodles and herbs, served with dipping sauce.

It’s busy, noisy, and totally local — perfect for your travel blog as a “must-eat” in Hanoi, with authenticity to match, and one of the best restaurants in Hanoi too.

19) Cha Ca Thang Long (Restaurant for Cha Ca)

A longstanding place to try cha ca — a Hanoi specialty where turmeric-marinated fish is cooked at your table over charcoal with dill and served with rice vermicelli. The cooking at table adds theatre, and the smell of sizzling fish and herbs fills the room to this exciting things to do in Hanoi.

Go for lunch (it tends to be more relaxed) and pair with a cold local beer for the full experience of Hanoi’s casual but flavorful food culture.

20) Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm Góc Phố (Eatery for Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm)

For the adventurous eater: this dish is rice noodles, fried tofu, herbs and fermented shrimp-paste sauce (mắm tôm) — strong in flavour and beloved by locals.

This eatery keeps things simple but vibrant. Visiting gives you a chance to dive deeper into Hanoi’s street-food ecosystem — fewer tourists, more local energy, and lots of taste. Great for blog-food photos and honest experiences.

21) West Lake Water Park (Ho Tay Water Park)

If your traveling includes children or you just want a relaxed afternoon, this water park on West Lake offers slides, wave pools and lakeside cafés. It’s more local-family oriented than a resort. After strong historical mornings, this is a good switch — let the kids play, you relax with a drink by the lake, and soak in a different side of Hanoi life.

22) Night Market (Hanoi Old Quarter)

On Friday to Sunday evenings, several streets in the Old Quarter close to motor traffic and turn into a pedestrian night market: stalls, street-food, live music, and vendors selling souvenirs, clothes, and snacks.
For your blog: highlight how the market gives a lively, colourful contrast to the city by day — bargain-friendly, kinetic, and full of energy. Great for evening wanderings and street-photography.

23) Water Puppet Theatre (Thăng Long Theatre)

A uniquely Vietnamese art form: water puppetry has been performed since the 11th century and the performances at the Thăng Long Theatre in Hanoi are professional, charming and family-friendly. Wooden puppets dance on water, backed by live musicians.

Come early to get decent seating, perhaps with a drink of local iced tea, and you’ll get a deeper cultural moment beyond temples and markets.

24) Bat Trang Pottery Village

Located about 13 km from central Hanoi, this traditional pottery-making village has been working for centuries. You can watch artisans throw clay, glaze pottery, and even try your hand at shaping a bowl.

25) Café Pho Co in the Old Quarter

A hidden gem upstairs in a narrow lane overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, Café Pho Co offers both coffee and traditional Vietnamese egg-coffee (cà phê trứng) with a view. Sit on the balcony, watch the turtles in the lake, and enjoy a quieter moment amid the city’s energy in one of our favourite things to do in Hanoi.

It’s perfect for a mid-afternoon break in your day of sightseeing — you get photo-worthy views, excellent local flavour (both drink and atmosphere), and a chance to recharge before evening exploring.

Things to Know Before you go to Hanoi

One day in Hanoi?

If you only have one day in Hanoi, you can see a lot in the city!

Start your day off by heading to the Tran Quoc Pagoda at 8am whilst enjoying the nearby West Lake; both top things to do in Hanoi. This ancient temple is stunning, free to enter, and gives you a taste of the history and religion in the country of Vietnam. 

A short walk from the Pagoda is a cafe called Paris Baguette, which is a great place to get brunch and a coffee before catching a Grab to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. 

NOTE: It is worth noting that the Mausoleum is only open in the morning (until 10.30 am) – so, if you aim to be in the Pagoda for only an hour or so, you can still get to the Mausoleum in the morning but, if you think you may be a little longer, visit the Mausoleum first.

Next, head down to the Old Quarter. There are lots of restaurants in this area but, if you are getting a Grab, get dropped off at St Joseph’s Cathedral. This Cathedral is stunning and is surrounded by very nice restaurants and cute boutique stores. We loved visiting the art stores, picking up some posters and magnets, and some hand-crafted pieces too.

Spend the afternoon wandering the streets of the Old Quarter; visiting the Ngoc Son temple on Hoan Kiem Lake and trying some of the local food in the area.

Best things to do in Hanoi FAQ

How many days do you need in Hanoi?
Spend around three to four days in Hanoi to experience the best things to do in Hanoi at a comfortable pace. This allows you to explore the Old Quarter, visit historical landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, enjoy the city’s famous street food, and even take a day trip to Ninh Binh or Bat Trang Pottery Village.

What is Hanoi most famous for?
Hanoi is best known for its rich culture, centuries-old history, and delicious cuisine. Visitors are drawn to Hoan Kiem Lake, the bustling Old Quarter, and unique local dishes like pho, bun cha, and egg coffee. The city’s French colonial architecture and traditional Vietnamese heritage create a fascinating mix of old and new.

Is Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City better to visit?
Both cities offer something different. Hanoi is traditional and historic, filled with temples, lakes, and ancient streets, while Ho Chi Minh City is fast-paced, modern, and known for nightlife and shopping. If possible, visit both to experience Vietnam’s full diversity.

What food should I try in Hanoi?
Hanoi is a food lover’s paradise. Must-try dishes include pho (beef or chicken noodle soup), bun cha (grilled pork and noodles), cha ca (grilled fish with dill), and banh cuon (steamed rice rolls). Don’t leave without sipping a creamy Vietnamese egg coffee, a Hanoi specialty served in cozy cafés.

What are the best free things to do in Hanoi?
You can enjoy many free experiences, like strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake, exploring Trấn Quốc Pagoda, or wandering through the Old Quarter to watch local life unfold. Visit Dong Xuan Market, relax at West Lake, or see live street performances on weekends near the lake.

What are the top cultural experiences in Hanoi?
Immerse yourself in local culture with a Water Puppet Show, a visit to the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long, or the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Join a cooking class to learn Vietnamese recipes or explore traditional craft villages such as Bat Trang, where you can make your own pottery.

Is Hanoi walkable?
Yes, central Hanoi is easy to explore on foot, especially around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. Streets can be busy, so walk confidently and steadily when crossing roads — local drivers are used to pedestrians weaving through traffic.

What are the best day trips from Hanoi?
Popular day trips include Ha Long Bay, with its limestone cliffs and emerald waters, and Ninh Binh, known as “Ha Long Bay on land.” You can also visit Perfume Pagoda, Bat Trang Pottery Village, or Duong Lam Ancient Village for local experiences beyond the city.

When is the best time to visit Hanoi?
The best time to visit is during spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November), when the weather is pleasant and dry. Summer months can be hot and humid, while winter is cooler and sometimes misty, but still great for sightseeing.

Where can I find the best views in Hanoi?
Head to the Lotte Observation Deck for sweeping city views, walk across Long Bien Bridge at sunrise, or enjoy sunset over West Lake. For a peaceful café experience, try Café Pho Co, which offers beautiful views of Hoan Kiem Lake from above.

Can you visit Hanoi on a budget?
Yes — Hanoi is one of Asia’s most affordable cities. Street food meals cost just a few dollars, public attractions are inexpensive, and accommodation ranges from budget hostels to boutique hotels at great value. You can easily enjoy the city without overspending.

What should I avoid doing in Hanoi?
Avoid getting into unmarked taxis or buying tours from unlicensed vendors. Always agree on prices before making purchases and dress modestly when visiting temples. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded places, but overall, Hanoi is very safe and welcoming.

Is Hanoi safe for solo travelers?
Hanoi is safe and friendly for solo travelers, including women. Petty theft is rare, and locals are often happy to help. Just use common sense as you would anywhere — keep valuables secure and be cautious at night in quiet areas.

What are the most Instagrammable spots in Hanoi?
Some of the most photogenic places include Train Street, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and Hoan Kiem Lake at sunrise. For stunning landscapes and reflections, visit West Lake, or capture panoramic views from Lotte Tower.

What souvenirs should I buy in Hanoi?
Hanoi offers excellent souvenirs like lacquerware, handmade ceramics from Bat Trang, silk scarves, Vietnamese coffee, and traditional lanterns. Explore the Old Quarter and Dong Xuan Market for unique, locally made items to take home.