Top Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam

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Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and its second-largest city, is a vibrant metropolis with a population exceeding 7 million. As the commercial and cultural hub of northern Vietnam, Hanoi offers a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. One of the first things you’ll notice upon arrival is the city’s chaotic traffic—a whirlwind of scooters and honking vehicles that can feel overwhelming to first-time visitors. Despite this initial impression, Hanoi is surprisingly easy to navigate, with its layout divided into two primary districts: the Old Quarter and the French Quarter.

Hanoi’s charm lies in its rich history and unique cultural fusion, shaped by centuries of Chinese, French, and American influences. This blend is evident in the city’s architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Visitors will find an array of historical landmarks, traditional entertainment, delicious street food, and stunning colonial-era buildings. Continue reading to discover the top things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam

Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam:

Get Lost in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

The Old Quarter, Hanoi’s historic heart, lies near the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and is also known as the Hoan Kiem District. Dating back to the 11th century, this area is a captivating mix of age-old charm and urban grit. While time has weathered many of its buildings, the Old Quarter’s worn façade is part of what makes it so alluring. Once the city’s manufacturing and commercial hub, it is now a top destination for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in Hanoi’s vibrant culture.

In its heyday, the Old Quarter was home to craftsmen who set up narrow storefronts along streets dedicated to specific trades. These streets were named after the goods or services they specialized in, with 36 such streets originally forming the district. Today, only a few retain their traditional essence, such as Ta Hien, known for its lively sidewalk cafés; Hang Gai, famous for silk and tailored clothing; and Hang Duong, celebrated for sugar and sweets.

The Old Quarter remains one of the best places to experience Hanoi. From historic landmarks and bustling markets to cozy cafés and vibrant entertainment, the area offers something for everyone. Consider starting with a free walking tour to explore its rich history and then wander through its maze of streets to discover hidden gems at your own pace.

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Hoan Kiem Lake, nestled in the heart of historic Hanoi, gives the otherwise busy city a sense of calm. The scenic lake is a popular gathering spot for locals, offering a peaceful place to relax, socialize, or enjoy a leisurely stroll. Adding to its charm is Ngoc Son Temple, a historic pagoda perched on a small island within the lake. Built in 1841, it is one of Hanoi’s most visited temples and a significant cultural landmark.

The temple is accessible via a bridge leading to the Three-Passage Gate, a series of three intricately designed gates that mark the entrance. The first gate features beautiful Chinese inscriptions symbolizing happiness and prosperity, while the second displays Taoist imagery, including a tiger and dragon. The third gate is adorned with a large stone, representing a legendary inkstone.

While crossing the bridge is free, a ticket is required to enter Ngoc Son Temple. Tickets, priced at 30,000 VND, can be purchased at a booth near the temple. Visitors should ensure they dress appropriately—covering shoulders is mandatory—or risk being denied entry. Whether you’re drawn by its serene surroundings or its cultural significance, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple offer a glimpse into Hanoi’s rich heritage and spiritual traditions.

Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the middle of historic Hanoi. It serves as a focal point and gives the otherwise busy city a sense of calm. It’s a social place where locals gather and is a great spot to relax or hang out with friends. Ngoc Son Temple is a pagoda that sits on a tiny island in the lake. It was built in 1841 and is Hanoi’s most visited temple. Ngoc Son Temple can only be accessed by a bridge and after walking through the Three-Passage Gate, a series of three gates.

The first gate is beautifully detailed with Chinese lettering on each side, meaning happiness and prosperity. The second gate has symbols of Taoism, which include a tiger and dragon and the third has a large stone symbolizing a legendary inkstone. There’s no charge to walk the bridge but a ticket is required to go inside the temple. If you wish to go inside, make sure to wear appropriate clothing (cover your shoulders) or you will be denied entry. A ticket can be purchased at a booth directly next to the temple and is 30,000 VND.

Drink Egg Coffee

Hanoi’s coffee culture is vibrant and unique, with egg coffee standing out as a local favorite. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, trying this iconic beverage should be a must on your list of things to do in Hanoi. While egg coffee can be found on nearly every street corner, Café Giang in the Old Quarter is the original and remains the most authentic spot to experience this specialty.

Café Giang was founded in 1946 by Nguyen Giang, who invented egg coffee during a time when fresh milk was scarce and coffee was being served with condensed milk (it still is today). Nguyen substituted it with whisked egg yolk and eventually achieved the perfect consistency. His creation quickly gained popularity, and by the 1980s, egg coffee had become a staple in Hanoi’s coffee scene.

Egg in coffee may sound odd; however, it’s surprisingly good. It is sweet, creamy, and frothy, without any noticeable egg flavor. While many cafes now offer their own versions of egg coffee, none rival the original at Café Giang. Finding this gem can be a bit tricky. Tucked away in what appears to be an alleyway, the café is located up a flight of stairs.

Enjoy the Old Quarter’s Many Cafes

If you’re looking for a place to escape the chaos of Hanoi’s busy streets, then I suggest visiting one of the city’s charming cafes. A great option is Cafe Pho Co (translated as “Old Town Garden Cafe”), located just north of Hoan Kiem Lake on Hang Gai Street. This hidden rooftop gem is accessed through the back of a clothing shop, but with the help of Google Maps, it’s fairly easy to find. The cafe offers pastries, coffee, smoothies, and a picturesque view.

Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by the cheerful sounds of chirping birds. The friendly staff will guide you to the stairs leading to the rooftop. It’s the perfect spot to pause and recharge mid-day.

Another cafe to visit is The Note Cafe, a favorite among tourists. This three-story café sits right next to Hoan Kiem Lake, offering stunning views. What sets it apart is its unique decor—walls covered in colorful Post-it notes written by visitors from around the world. Both cafes provide a unique and relaxing experience, making them worthwhile stops during your time in Hanoi.

Walking Street & Night Market

Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street is a pedestrian-only zone near the lake that comes alive every weekend. Beginning Friday at 6 p.m. and ending Sunday at noon, the area is closed to traffic, transforming into a lively space enjoyed by both locals and tourists. Walking Street offers something for everyone, from play areas for children to vendors selling clothing, crafts, souvenirs, and more. It’s an excellent spot to unwind and immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture. Treat yourself to ice cream at one of the nearby shops, find a seat by the lake, and enjoy some people-watching as the city bustles around you.

For a livelier experience, visit the Hanoi Night Market, held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening. Starting around 7 PM, the market buzzes with energy and stays busy late into the night. The streets are packed with roadside stalls and food vendors, offering a fantastic opportunity to sample Vietnamese street food or test your bargaining skills while shopping. The market begins at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and stretches along Hang Duong, Hang Ngang, and Hang Dao streets.

Attend a Water Puppet Show

A water puppet show is a unique cultural experience and should be on your list of things to do in Hanoi. Puppeteers, hidden behind a screen, manipulate the puppets with bamboo rods, making them appear to glide across a shallow pool of water. This ancient art form dates back to the 11th century and requires exceptional skill. The performances are choreographed to live music provided by a traditional Vietnamese orchestra, with each song telling a different story brought to life by the puppets.

In the Old Quarter, there are two water puppet theaters, but the Thang Long Theatre is the more renowned. Given its popularity, shows at the Thang Long Theatre often sell out, so it’s advisable to book tickets in advance. The performance lasts about an hour, and tickets purchased at the theater start at 100,000 VND. While it may feel somewhat touristy, the show offers a truly memorable evening that I highly recommend.

Explore Hanoi’s French Quarter:

Hanoi’s French Quarter offers a quieter experience than the bustling Old Quarter. Developed during the late 19th century under French colonial rule, this area saw many traditional Vietnamese buildings replaced by elegant French-style villas. Located near the southeastern end of Hoan Kiem Lake, the French Quarter exudes a sophisticated charm and is home to Hanoi’s affluent residents.

Trang Tien Street, the area’s shopping hub, is lined with high-end malls and boutiques. The French Quarter is also home to historical landmarks like the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, a beautiful luxury hotel. Opened in 1901, the Metropole has hosted numerous celebrities and dignitaries over the years. In 2011, an underground bunker was uncovered during a renovation of the hotel. It served as a bomb shelter, offering protection to the hotel’s guests amidst the war.

Other notable attractions in the French Quarter include the St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the National Museum of Vietnamese History, and Hoa Lo Prison. To get the most out of your visit to the French Quarter, I suggest booking a tour.

Hanoi Opera House

The Hanoi Opera House is undoubtedly one of the most striking landmarks in the French Quarter and was a highlight of my visit. Designed by two French architects, this neo-classical masterpiece was completed in 1911 after a decade of construction. Though it eventually fell into a state of decline, a significant restoration project in 1995 revitalized the building, restoring its former grandeur.

The exterior features a charming yellow facade with shuttered windows and iron balconies. Inside, the elegance continues with red carpets, crystal chandeliers, and sweeping marble staircases. Every detail of the design reflects sophistication and timeless beauty.

To explore the interior, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to one of the performances. The opera house regularly hosts a variety of shows, including operas, symphonies, and ballets, making it an excellent opportunity to enjoy both the venue’s beauty and its cultural offerings.

Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison is a sobering yet significant historical site in Hanoi. Originally built by the French in the late 1800s and called Maison Centrale, it was first used to detain Vietnamese prisoners, particularly political dissidents. Many of these prisoners faced torture, execution, and deplorable living conditions in an overcrowded and unsanitary environment.

During the Vietnam War, Hoa Lo Prison was repurposed to house U.S. prisoners of war. The first American POW, a Navy pilot shot down in 1964, endured eight years of imprisonment. The prison became infamously known as the “Hanoi Hilton” among POWs, with one of its most notable detainees being John McCain.

Although much of the prison was demolished in the 1990s, a portion remains and has been converted into a museum. Visiting the site is deeply saddening when reflecting on the hardships endured there, but it serves as an important reminder of the impact of the Vietnam War. It’s a deeply moving experience and offers valuable insight into this chapter of history.

Eat Bun Cha

Hanoi is full of fantastic places to enjoy Bun Cha, but as an Anthony Bourdain fan, I couldn’t resist visiting Bun Cha Huong Lien. This humble, family-run restaurant rose to international fame after Bourdain dined there with President Obama. Bun Cha, a specialty of Hanoi, is a traditional dish featuring grilled pork served with broth, rice noodles, and fresh herbs. The components are combined in the broth, creating a flavorful and satisfying soup-like dish.

The restaurant’s menu is simple, with a few additional options beyond Bun Cha. As a pescatarian, I opted for their fried crab rolls, which were absolutely delicious. While Bun Cha Huong Lien isn’t located in the French Quarter, it’s just a short cab ride or a 15-minute walk from the southern end of Hoan Kiem Lake.

For those eager to explore more of Hanoi’s vibrant food scene, I highly recommend joining a food tour. It’s an excellent way to sample the city’s diverse culinary offerings while learning about the traditions behind each dish.

Ha Long Bay Tour

Halong Bay, located just a few hours from Hanoi, is Vietnam’s most popular tourist destination, attracting approximately 5.5 million visitors annually. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay boasts over 1,600 limestone karsts and islets scattered across a stunning turquoise bay. The breathtaking scenery makes it a must-see for anyone visiting Hanoi. It is a must-do on this list of things to do in Hanoi.

There are numerous ways to explore Halong Bay, with many cruises taking place on traditional wooden “junk” boats. While day tours from Hanoi are available, they can be quite tiring due to the long travel time. For a more immersive experience, I recommend opting for an overnight cruise. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy the serene beauty of the bay in the early morning, free from the bustling activity of other boats.

For more guidance on planning your visit, check out my post, “Visiting Halong Bay: Everything You Need to Know.”

Where to Stay in Hanoi

Babylon Premium Hotel & Spa
Babylon Premium Hotel & Spa is an excellent budget-friendly option in Hanoi. This straightforward, no-frills hotel is known for its friendly staff and prime location, just a short walk from the lake and many of the city’s top attractions. While some rooms are compact, they are perfectly suitable for solo travelers. If you’re traveling with a companion, consider booking one of the hotel’s larger rooms for a more comfortable stay.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
The Sofitel Legend Metropole is one of Hanoi’s most iconic and luxurious hotels. This French colonial-style gem, dating back to 1910, is located just a block from the renowned Hanoi Opera House in the heart of the French Quarter. As a five-star establishment, it boasts an exceptional restaurant and bar, both of which are open to non-guests, offering a taste of its timeless elegance to all visitors.

The Lapis Hotel
The Lapis Hotel is an excellent budget-friendly choice in Hanoi, offering amenities that set it apart from other options in its price range. Notably, it features a rooftop pool with stunning city views, a sauna, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. Conveniently located just a few blocks south of the lake, it remains within easy walking distance of key attractions. The French Quarter is only five minutes away, and the bustling Old Quarter can be reached in under fifteen minutes.

Have you been to Vietnam? What are your favorite things to do in Hanoi? If you’ve enjoyed this post, please leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Planning a trip to Vietnam? Continue to my post, “Seven Fun Things to Do in Hoi An,” and discover my favorite cities in Vietnam.