Hanoi, the historic capital of Vietnam, was one of the most unexpected destinations on my list. I had heard a lot about the busy streets of the Old Quarter crowded with scooters and elegant streets of French Quarter. Moreover, I had also seen many photos of the shops glowing at night because of the colorful lanterns. Having experienced all of this myself, I can say that the city, and the country itself, exceeded my expectations. That’s why it was a truly unique experience that I would recommend to everyone. It’s welcoming people, rich culture, and, endless energy make Vietnam’s capital an amazing destination for first-time visitors to Asia.
Planning a trip here can feel overwhelming at first, especially with so many attractions and local foods. That’s why I’ve put together this complete guide with the best things to do in Hanoi.
If you would like to visit more in Vietnam, check these articles:
– 3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide For First-Time Visitors;
– Best Things To Do In Ninh Binh;
Best Things To Do in Hanoi
Here are some of the best attractions in Hanoi that I would not miss when visiting the city. This list is perfect for first-time travelers who want to make the most of their time in Vietnam’s capital.
1. Discover The Old Quarter And It’s Highlights
The heart of the historic capital is the Old Quarter, composed of 36 Streets, a place where merchants once gathered to sell their goods. In the past, each street in the quarter specialized in a particular type of product. Even today, you can still find many traditional and specialized shops there.
The Old Quarter is famous for it’s narrow streets and colorful lanterns decorating the shops, creating a charming and vibrant atmosphere. One of the best things is that most of the tourist attractions are around the quarter. That’s why best way to explore it is on foot, as this allows you to fully experience it’s unique character and lively streets. Another unique activity is to walk around at night to enjoy the beauty of the streets and the shops glowed with the colorful lanterns.
A few highlights that should be on your list:
- Beer Street(Ta Hien) – one of the noisy streets where the people are very friendly. Be sure to check out the street at night when it becomes more active. Check here the location;
- Ba Cha Ma Temple – a known temple in the middle of Old Quarter. You’ll likely pass by it and can stop at least to look at it from outside. Check here the location;
- Dong Xuan Market – the city’s largest covered market, once a historic trading hub and now a vibrant place for shopping, street food, and local goods. If Hanoi is only your first stop, I recommend buying the souvenirs in Hoi An instead. Opening Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., daily. Check here the location;
Useful Information:
On weekends the streets around the lake, from Old Quarter to the French Quarter, are closed to cars, making the area pedestrian-friendly. Try to experience this, as it’s a great way to enjoy the city.
2. Walking Around Hanoi’s French Quarter
Hanoi has been shaped by different cultural influences throughout it’s history, one of the most notable being French influence. French colonies developed in the late 19th century an area for residential and administrative purposes. Today, this influence can still be seen in its wide boulevards and elegant villas.
In contrast, this part of the city is much quieter than the Old Quarter. That’s why many visitors come here to enjoy elegant restaurants and European-style architecture in the heart of Hanoi.
Additionally, walking around you’ll see the opera situated near the Hoà n Kiếm Lake which you can’t miss it.
3. Hoà n Kiếm Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
One of the most scenic spots in Hanoi is Hoà n Kiếm Lake(“Lake of the Returned Sword”). It’s located in the center of the city and connects many of Hanoi’s most popular attractions.
On the lake are several small islands. One of them houses the famous Turtle Tower, visible from the shore. Meanwhile, another island contains Ngoc Son Temple, connected to the shore by the Huc Bridge, which lights up bright red at night.
Every morning, locals gather around the lake and take part in activities such as dancing, tai chi, and others. If you’re a morning person, you can go to observe a part of the Vietnamese’s lifestyle.
Useful Information:
– Location: here;
– Opening hours: 7 am – 6 pm on weekdays and 7 am – 10 pm on weekends
– Entrance fee: Children under 15 years old: Free, Students: 15000 VND/ticket, Adults: 30000 VDN/ticket. But check before you’re going, maybe they’re changed
– Dress Code: Choose formal, non-revealing clothing (No shorts, mini skirts, or tank-top)
– Try to do this early when it’s not crowded or later in the night if you want to catch the bridge glowing.
4. Văn Miếu – Literature Temple
One of the most important landmarks in Hanoi city is the Temple of Literatur. Founded in 1070, the temple still holds great significance in Vietnamese culture because it was home to the Imperial Academy, Vietnam’s first national university. Only sons of the royal family, nobles, and talented students from across the country were allowed to study at this university. Nowadays, the place remains a historic monument and has become a powerful symbol of education, culture, and respect for learning in Vietnam. Many Vietnamese students come here before exams for academic good luck.
Useful Information:
– Location: here;
– Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily
– Entrance fee: Adults: 70000 VND, Students: 35000 VND (student cards required)
– Bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted at the ticket counter;
– Dress Code: Dress politely, avoid revealing clothes;
– To avoid the crowds, visit early or at the end of program.
5. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Äình Square on September 2, 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Today, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum stands on this historic site.
Useful Information
– Location: here;
– Opening hours: April 1st to October 31st: 7.30 a.m – 10.30 a.m, (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 7.30 a.m – 11.00 a.m), November 1st to March 31st of next year: 8.00 a.m – 11.00 a.m
– Entrance fee: free;
– Opening days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday;
– Dress code: Choose formal, non-revealing clothing (No shorts, mini skirts, or tank-top).
6. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Even though Hoa Lu’ was the first capital, Emperor Ly Thai To moved it to Hanoi in 1010. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long became a UNESCO World Heritage site because of the importance of the historical and archaeological place. The citadel still preserves most of it’s original form, which why makes it even more special. Location: here;
7. One Pillar Pagoda
One Pillar Pillar Pagoda is a historic Buddhist temple built in 1049. The pagoda is located in the central Ba Äình district, near the Thăng Long Citadel. It’s famous for it’s unique and complex architectural structure, Liên Hoa Äà i, which means “Lotus Pedestal”, a small temple built on a single pillar.
Useful Information:
– Location: here;
– Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:00 (every day);
– Entrance fee: free;
– Dress code: Choose formal, non-revealing clothing (No shorts, mini skirts, or tank-top).
8. Water Puppet Show
Another way to have a glimpse of the traditional culture of Vietnam is Water Puppet Show, dated from 11th century. The show is a spectacle in water and combines live folk music, storytelling. The classic and famous show is near Hoà n Kiếm lake, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. The show is in vietnamese but you can understand most of it by watching the scene.
Useful Information: You can see the schedule from GetYourGuide and also buy the tickets from there. Or you can go right when you arrive to buy the tickets. Location: here;
9. Tran Quoc Pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagoda stands as the oldest Buddhist pagoda from Hanoi and remains one of the city’s most important spiritual landmarks. Visitors recognize the site instantly because the tall pagoda rises above West Lake and dominates the surrounding landscape.
Useful Information
– Location: here;
– Opening hours: Regular days: 8 AM – 4 PM, Lunar New Year’s Eve: all night, The 1st and 15th days of every lunar month: 6 AM – 6 PM
– Entrance fee: free
– Opening days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
– Dress code: Choose formal, non-revealing clothing (No shorts, mini skirts, or tank-top)
10. St. Joseph Cathedral
St Joseph Cathedral reflects the French colonial period in Hanoi. The French built the cathedral on the site of a former Buddhist pagoda, while it’s architecture takes inspiration from Notre-Dame de Paris. Nowadays, the cathedral has become one of the most popular tourist attractions.
Useful Information
– Location: here;
– Exterior Visits: anytime for exterior viewing and photography, and best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon
Interior Access:
– Weekdays: 5:30 AM and 6:15 PM
– Saturday: 6:00 PM
– Sunday: 5:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM.
11. Night Market
The authorities close several streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter every weekend to host the night market. Locals and visitors gather among stalls, souvenirs, music and street food. Be sure to arrive on a Friday evening to get a glimpse of authentic Vietnamese street life.
Useful Information:
Opening Hours: from Friday to Sunday, around 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. along the streets between Hang Dao and Dong Xuan Market.
12. Try local food
Vietnam won the title of Asia’s Leading Culinary Destination, so it has a really delicious variety of dishes. Some of them are:
– Phở;
– Bánh Mì;
– Gá»i Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls);
– Bún Chả;
– Vietnamese soy sauce eggplant.
Restaurant Options:
– Banh Mi 25;
– MET Vietnamese;
– Bun Cha Ta Hanoi.
13. Train Street & Phung Hung Mural Street
The train street is famous because it’s driving through cafes glowing with colorful lanterns and houses which makes this more special. It’s one street now available where you can see the train coming. Enjoy it by staying at one table and order a coconut or a beer.
I’ve put these ones together because they are really close. When you finished the activity, go down on the Phung Hung Mural Street, where you can see some beautiful paintings.
Useful Information
Phung Hung(Location: here):
– Monday – Friday: 08:30 AM, 09:30 AM, 11:50 AM 03:15 PM, 07:50 PM, 09:15 PM, 09:30 PM, 10:00 PM
– Saturday – Sunday: 6:00 AM, 7:15 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:50 AM 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 7:50 PM, 9:15 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:00 PM
– Train schedules may change without prior notice. It’s recommended to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled train time or ask the café owner for specific details.
14. The Best Things To Do In Hanoi: Experience Hanoi Through Its Coffee Culture
Vietnam is the second-largest exporter of coffee beans in the world. The main type of coffee produced there is Robusta, which is stronger and bitter. That’s why it’s good to avoid drinking too many coffees in one day, as I did and because of that, I stayed up the whole night. I just love coffee, so I felt like I was in paradise 🙂
Anyway, one of the best activities you can do is to have a coffee in the morning and enjoy your surroundings. You can simply observe everyday life in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The traditional and well-known coffee in Vietnam is Egg Coffee. I tried it, and personally, I didn’t like it very much, but you should definitely try it because it’s a cultural experience. One of my favorite coffees is Coconut Coffee. It was very tasty, and I even said that I would learn how to make it at home.
Coffee Options:
– Cafe Giang;
– Lifted Coffee & Brunch;
– The Note Coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
While walking around Hanoi, and Vietnam in general, I never felt unsafe. The scariest part for me was the traffic. I didn’t like it and often felt anxious because of chaotic it can be. Of course, I always paid attention to my belongings, and for me it was much more convenient to wear a crossbody bag for extra safety and comfort.
The best seasons are from November to December, when weather is cooler, drier, and more pleasant, and from March to April, when it is warmer, but still comfortable. I visited Hanoi at the end of March and the weather was perfect.
We mostly walked because most tourist attractions are close to one another. However, if you want to move around faster or visit places farther away, I recommend using the GrabApp. Many people may try to scam tourists with taxis, so be careful and use only GrabApp. A good advice is to install and set up the app before your trip.
The best two options are the Old Quarter and the French Quarter.
– Old Quarter can be more nosier, but if you want to be easier to move around and you don’t have a problem with it, then this is a good option;
– French Quarter is much more quieter and peaceful. If you prefer this type of accommodation, then this is the better option.
I chose the Old Quarter even though it was a louder area because I really enjoyed experiencing the local atmosphere and daily life.
You can buy an eSIM online before your trip, purchase one at the airport, although it may be more expensive or buy it from the town.
You should check the official website of your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see whether you need a visa for Vietnam and to read the latest travel advice and entry requirements. You can also check Vietnam’s official immigration portal for updated visa information.
Personally, I spoke with my doctor before traveling. If you are unsure whom to ask, you should talk to your doctor for advice about vaccines, medications and general health recommendations. Just be sure to inform yourself about all the necessary details 2-3 months before your trip.
The tap water in Vietnam is generally not safe to drink, so it is better to stick to bottled water from shops.
When it comes to food, I would recommend choosing places that look clean and have good reviews, rather than avoiding specific types of cuisine. Personally, I didn’t eat much street food because I have a sensitive stomach, but I did try several restaurants and they were very good. However, I’ve heard that it is a good idea to eat at places where you can see how the food is prepared, where they specialize in only one or two local dishes, and where there are more customers.
Fresh drinks like lemonade and ice are usually safe, especially in reputable places.
Final Thoughts on Best Things To Do in Hanoi
Thank you for reading this so far! This article is made based on my personal experience in Vietnam, as well as my research along the way.
Overall, if your are planning a trip to Hanoi, this guide is perfect for you. Also, if it’s your first time traveling in Asia, Vietnam is a great starting point.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me. I really hope this article helped you! 🙂
