15 best things to do in Hanoi

Boasting over a thousand years of history, Hanoi’s blend of French colonial architecture, Buddhist pagodas and buzzy markets offers a rich cultural experience. Also serving as a gateway to northern Vietnam — where top attractions include Halong Bay, Sapa and Ninh Binh — it’s an essential Vietnam itinerary stop for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike. So, read on for the 15 best things to do in Hanoi to help you figure out how to configure your own trip plan.

1. Explore the charming Old Quarter

Number one in our list of the best things to do in Hanoi is taking time to do a deep dive into the city’s Old Quarter — where centuries-old architecture and traditions meet modern chaos to form the city’s historic and cultural heart.

Here, labyrinthine streets are named after the trades that once practiced there — like Silver Street (Hang Bac) and Paper Street (Hang Giay) — with colonial facades sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with Buddhist temples and narrow tube houses. 

The energy is electric — motorbikes weave around street vendors selling everything from pho to phone cases and local crafts. Come night-time, the quarter transforms into a lively hub of food stalls and bia hơi (fresh beer) joints. 

In the early stages of planning your trip? Use our guide to how to plan a trip to Vietnam, or talk to our local Vietnam travel experts to have them to curate your perfect Vietnam itinerary. 

2. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Located right in the center of Hanoi, is Hoan Kiem Lake is at once an important cultural symbol, and a tranquil retreat.

While locals gather here in the early morning for tai chi, or to enjoy quiet moments by the water, tourists come to take in the views and snap the iconic red Huc Bridge that leads to Ngoc Son Temple. 

The temple itself honors General Tran Hung Dao, a revered military leader, and contains historic relics and peaceful altars. 

Meanwhile, the legend of the lake’s magical turtle sword, tied to Vietnam’s history of resistance, is central to local folklore. 

At the same time, the lake is surrounded by leafy walking paths, benches and beautiful flower beds, with street performers a common sight. As such, it’s the perfect place to uncover culture in relative peace from the city's hustle and bustle.

Undecided about whether to stay in Hanoi? Wise up on how many days you need in Hanoi, and read our feature on Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City — which should you visit first?

3. Tour the Temple of Literature

Culture vultures wondering what to do in Hanoi should look no further than the Temple of Literature — one of Hanoi’s most serene and historically significant attractions. 

Dedicated to Confucius, scholars and sages, and founded in 1070, this was Vietnam’s very first university.

Within the walls of this sprawling complex, you’ll find peaceful courtyards, ancient stone steles engraved with the names of graduates, traditional Vietnamese architecture and lots of lotus ponds. 

As a place that merges Vietnam’s academic and spiritual traditions, it’s a must-visit for history lovers, culture seekers, and anyone looking to experience a different side of Hanoi.

Not sure where to base yourself in the city? Read up on Hanoi accommodation.

4. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Located in Ba Dinh Square, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum houses the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, who led the country’s struggle for independence. 

A solemn, powerful tribute to the founding father of modern Vietnam, its architecture is nothing but imposing, and was inspired by Lenin’s tomb in Moscow, but made from Vietnamese materials like granite and wood. 

Visitors line up early in the morning (entry is only allowed during limited morning hours) to quietly walk past the glass sarcophagus under strict silence and dress-code rules. 

Adjacent to the mausoleum are important sites like the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Meanwhile, the surrounding gardens and open space offer a rare expanse of green in the heart of the city. 

Planning an independent trip to Vietnam? Wise up on getting around Vietnam, and find out about exploring Vietnam by motorbike.

5. Enjoy a water puppet performance

Visiting Vietnam with kids?  Be sure to see a traditional water puppet performance.

This centuries-old art form originated in the rice paddies of northern Vietnam, where puppeteers would entertain villagers using puppets on water. 

Today, the tradition lives on in theaters like the famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre near Hoan Kiem Lake. 

The performance features wooden puppets animated over a waist-deep pool, retelling Vietnamese legends, folktales, and village life. 

Accompanied by live traditional music, complete with drums, wooden bells and flutes, though the narration is in Vietnamese, the storytelling is universally engaging thanks to its their use of expressive movements and music.

6. Uncover culture at the Museum of Ethnology

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology offers a fascinating deep dive into the country’s diverse cultural tapestry. 

Located about 8 km from the Old Quarter, this modern, well-curated museum showcases the traditions, clothing, rituals, and daily life of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. 

While the indoor galleries feature detailed exhibits on marriage customs, musical instruments, religious practices, the highlight for many visitors is the expansive outdoor area.

Here, full-scale traditional houses have been reconstructed, including a tall stilt house of the Tay people and a longhouse of the Ede. 

7. Experience hectic Hanoi Train Street

Hanoi Train Street is one of the city’s most surreal and Instagram-famous spots. 

Located in the Old Quarter (especially around Trần Phú and Lê Duẩn Streets), it’s where a working railway line slices directly through a narrow residential alleyway. By which we mean, it skirts inches from front doors, coffee tables and motorbikes. 

A few times a day, the train thunders through at close range, and visitors must move aside as locals calmly guide everyone to safety. 

Outside of train times, the tracks become a relaxed hangout with cafes, souvenirs, and photo ops. 

Originally popularized through social media, the area was temporarily closed to tourists due to safety concerns, but now operates with regulated access through select cafes. 

Into urban experiences? Read our feature on the best cities in Vietnam.

8. Stroll Long Bien Bridge

Designed by Gustave Eiffel’s company and completed in 1903, Long Bien Bridge is a lasting symbol of Hanoi’s resilience and colonial history. 

Spanning the Red River, the bridge was once the longest in Asia and remains an architectural marvel after playing a strategic role during the French colonial era and Vietnam War — it was bombed multiple times, yet sections still stand today. 

Walking or cycling across it offers a gritty, authentic experience with panoramic views of the river and banana plantations, and sunset is a particularly atmospheric beautiful time to visit. 

9. Explore upscale West Lake (Tay Ho)

West Lake (Hồ Tây), Hanoi’s largest lake, is another place to enjoy a refreshing escape from Hanoi’s busy side, and to embrace another facet of life in the city. 

Surrounded by leafy boulevards and upscale residences, its scenic peace makes it a favorite with locals and travelers alike, with stacks of elegant cafes, rooftop bars and international restaurants on hand when you want to rest up, or dine in style.

Other key attractions here include Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, and the Quan Thanh Temple, which is known for being rich in Taoist symbolism. 

As a bonus, West Lake is also home to floating villages, weekend markets, and lotus gardens in bloom during summer. 

On the subject of summer, wise up on the best time to go to Vietnam, depending on what you most want to see and do.

10. Admire art at the Fine Arts Museum

For those interested in Vietnam’s rich art heritage, the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is another must-visit.

Housed in a grand colonial building near the Temple of Literature, it offers a captivating journey through centuries of Vietnamese creativity.

Spanning prehistoric carvings, traditional lacquer paintings, colonial art and contemporary installations, highlights of the museum’s collections include elegant Buddhist sculptures, intricate silk paintings and folk art created by ethnic minority groups. 

The museum also hosts temporary exhibits and art events, and is home to a small gift shop and café.

11. Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Built in 1886, and located in the heart of the Old Quarter, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is a striking symbol of French colonial influence, and Vietnam’s oldest church.

Also one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks, it features stunning neo-Gothic architecture reminiscent of Notre-Dame de Paris, with grey stone façade, twin bell towers and ornate stained-glass windows. 

Outside, the surrounding square is lined with trendy cafes and bakeries, making it a popular hangout spot. 

12. Tour Hoa Lo Prison 

Chillingly nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs during the Vietnam War, Hoa Lo Prison is one of the most sobering historical sites in Hanoi. 

Originally built by the French in the late 1800s to house Vietnamese political prisoners, it later detained American pilots, including Senator John McCain. 

The museum’s exhibits walk you through the prison’s grim past, with recreated cells, shackles, and graphic displays of torture and resistance. 

While emotionally heavy, the museum is thoughtfully presented and serves as a powerful reminder of the country’s complex history. As a result, visitors leave with a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s fight for independence and the multifaceted legacy of war. 

Keen to gain deeper insights into Vietnam? Consider following a longer itinerary that covers more ground in more depth, For example, this 14 days in Vietnam itinerary covers scenic Sapa, Fansipan Mountain, Ninh Binh, Tam Coc, Hoa Lu and Hoi An as well as Hanoi.

13. Explore the Vietnamese Women’s Museum

Dedicated to celebrating the role of women in Vietnam’s history, society and culture, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum is one of Hanoi’s most enlightening and emotionally resonant institutions. 

Offering a multi-floor exploration of everything from motherhood and fashion to war and economic development, it showcases traditional costumes of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, personal stories of female revolutionaries, and rituals surrounding birth, marriage and death. 

While all the exhibits are visually engaging, with textiles, photographs, audio recordings, and personal artefacts bringing each section to life, the stories of women who played key roles as soldiers, medics and messengers during Vietnam’s conflicts are especially moving.

14. Shop ‘til you drop at Hanoi Night Market

Hanoi Night Market is a lively, colorful event that takes place every Friday to Sunday in the Old Quarter. 

Stretching from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market, the area becomes pedestrian-only in the evenings, when it’s transformed into a buzzing bazaar of souvenirs, street food, clothing and live entertainment. 

An excellent place to pick up inexpensive gifts like handmade crafts, silk scarves, T-shirts, and accessories, street food stalls line the way with local favorites like grilled skewers, sweet rice cakes, and Vietnamese iced coffee. 

Beyond shopping, the market is also ideal for soaking up Hanoi’s social vibe. As such, it’s a must-visit for evening explorers, culture lovers and foodies alike.

15. Take a guided street food tour

Staying on the food theme, taking a street food tour is one of the best ways to experience Hanoi’s culinary richness, and to enjoy the best Vietnamese food.

Led by knowledgeable local guides, these take you through hidden alleys and busy markets to sample the best of Hanoi’s legendary food scene. 

You'll get to try iconic dishes like pho bo (beef noodle soup), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich), egg coffee, and unique local snacks like green rice cakes or fried spring rolls. 

The experience often includes food history, cooking tips, and insights into the cultural significance of each dish. 

While most food tours are walking-based through the Old Quarter, others offer motorbike options for a more adventurous twist. 

Into food in a big way? Discover why Da Nang is Vietnam’s new foodie hotspot (after you’ve eaten your way round Hanoi!).

Keen to discover Vietnam for yourself? Ahead of your trip, wise up with our Vietnam travel advice to help you plan.

Not keen on planning? Contact our local Vietnam travel experts to have them to curate your perfect Vietnam itinerary, whether you're in the market for a swift 7 day Vietnam itinerary, or are looking to follow 10 days in Vietnam itinerary, or longer — it's entirely up to you!