31 BEST Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam
There are many things to do in Hanoi, but after living here for a few months, I think I’ll need a few more to actually do it all!
If you’re heading to Hanoi and wondering what to do when you get there, this list will cover you for about a week. These are the most worth it things to do in Hanoi!
Table of Contents
- 1. Check Out Tran Quoc Pagoda
- 2. Paddle Out on The Lake in a Swan
- 3. Roam Quan Thanh Temple
- 4. Take a Street Food Tour
- 5. Visit a Train Street Cafe
- 6. Step Into The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
- 7. Check Out Old Town and Find The “Themed” Streets
- 8. Try an Egg Coffee
- 9. Stroll The French Quarter
- 10. See Mural Street
- 11. Walk Around Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Stilt House
- 12. Hop On Hop Off Hanoi Bus
- 13. Get Into Hanoi Cafe Culture
- 14. Go Museum Hopping
- 15. Go to a Water Puppet Show
- 16. Fill Your Tummy at Tong Duy Tan Food Street
- 17. Check Out St. Joseph Cathedral
- 18. Eat a Banh Mi
- 19. Go to a Craft Brewery
- 20. Grab a Bite or Trinket From a Wandering Vendor
- 21. Take a Cooking Class
- 22. Check Out The Ceramic Mural
- 23. Wander The Many Markets
- 24. Go To Art Galleries
- 25. Head to Hoan Kiem Lake
- 26. Ngoc Son Temple
- 27. Take a Cyclo Tour
- 28. Head Up to Tay Ho
- 29. Get Up High on a Rooftop Bar
- 30. Have a Bia (Beer) on Beer Street
- 31. Get Something “Done”
1. Check Out Tran Quoc Pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, is a little oasis in the bustling city.
Located on a small island in West Lake, this pagoda offers views and a rich history dating back over 1,500 years!
2. Paddle Out on The Lake in a Swan
For a fun and quirky experience, rent a swan paddle boat and float around the lake. It’s a bit cheesy, but it’s entertaining and something different to do for an hour or two.
You can head here for rentals.
3. Roam Quan Thanh Temple
Step into the world of Vietnamese and history at Quan Thanh Temple. This 11th-century Taoist temple is dedicated to Tran Vu, the God of the North.
The impressive bronze statue of Tran Vu and the peaceful garden make this temple a fascinating thing to do in Hanoi.
4. Take a Street Food Tour
Taste your way through Hanoi with a street food tour—what better way to get the lowdown on the food scene so you can navigate the rest of your trip with more knowledge?
A local guide will take you to the best spots to try iconic dishes like pho, bun cha, and banh cuon. It’s very worth doing this on your first night or two.
5. Visit a Train Street Cafe
Get a taste of Hanoi’s Train Street, one of the most famous things to do in Hanoi, where trains pass just inches from adorable cafes. Grab a seat at one of the cozy spots along the tracks, sip your coffee, and watch the train whizz by!
Don’t forget to read my guide to Hanoi’s Train Street before heading out, though!
6. Step Into The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Old Town has ancient palaces, relics, and archaeological finds that tell the story of Vietnam’s royal past.
7. Check Out Old Town and Find The “Themed” Streets
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets, each dedicated to a specific trade or product.
From Silk Street to Color Street to Shoe Street, wander these themed streets and haggle for unique souvenirs. Don’t worry about finding the streets so much; if you wander Old Town, you’ll stumble upon them!
8. Try an Egg Coffee
Try an egg coffee—an iconic thing to do in Hanoi! It might sound weird or wrong, but this creamy, sweet concoction made with egg yolk, sugar, condensed milk, and robust Vietnamese coffee is DELISH!
One sip, and you’ll be hooked. For the OG egg coffee spot, head to Café Giảng. This place gets super busy, but it’s worth squeezing in for a cup!
9. Stroll The French Quarter
Take a leisurely stroll through Hanoi’s French Quarter, where you’ll find elegant colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards.
Don’t miss the Hanoi Opera House, a stunning building that hosts various performances. Even if you don’t catch a show, the exterior alone is worth a visit for its grandeur and beauty.
10. See Mural Street
Brighten up your day with a visit to Mural Street, a cool display of street art depicting Vietnamese culture and history.
This public art project has transformed a once plain street into an outdoor gallery. You can head here and walk along the road to see it all.
11. Walk Around Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Stilt House
Pay your respects to Vietnam’s revered leader at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. Afterward, visit the nearby stilt house where he lived and worked.
The simple wooden house offers a glimpse into Ho Chi Minh’s humble lifestyle and his profound impact on the nation.
12. Hop On Hop Off Hanoi Bus
For an easy and convenint way to see the city, hop on the Hanoi Hop On Hop Off bus.
This double-decker bus takes you to all the major attractions, allowing you to explore at your own pace. It’s a convenient option for first-time visitors who want to cover a lot of ground for cheap!
13. Get Into Hanoi Cafe Culture
Hanoi’s cafe culture is booming, with countless cafes to explore. I tried so many, and I didn’t scratch the surface!
Whether you’re into Instagrammable spots, quiet corners to read a book, or places with a lively vibe, there’s a cafe for everyone. Don’t forget to try local favorites like coconut coffee and Vietnamese iced coffee.
Check out my list of favorite cafes in Hanoi.
14. Go Museum Hopping
Dive into Hanoi’s history and culture by visiting its museums. The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, Hoa Lo Prison, and the Vietnamese Women’s Museum are just a few highlights!
15. Go to a Water Puppet Show
Catch a water puppet show, a form of theater performed on water, featuring wooden puppets telling folk tales and legends. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is one of the most famous things to do in Hanoi!
16. Fill Your Tummy at Tong Duy Tan Food Street
If you’re a foodie, Tong Duy Tan Food Street is your paradise! This street is lively and cute lined with food stalls and small restaurants offering a variety of Vietnamese dishes.
From pho to bun cha, you can dig into authentic local flavors. Go with an empty stomach and a big appetite!
17. Check Out St. Joseph Cathedral
Admire the neo-Gothic architecture of St. Joseph Cathedral, a landmark in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Built-in the late 19th century, this cathedral resembles Paris’s Notre Dame.
The interior is just as impressive, with beautiful stained glass windows and ornate decorations. If you want to get out of the heat and still enjoy the view of the church, go to HipHub Cafe across the street!
18. Eat a Banh Mi
You can’t leave Hanoi without trying a banh mi, the famous Vietnamese sandwich! A crisp baguette, savory meats (or an egg), pickled veggies, and fresh herbs make for a perfect bite.
Street vendors and small shops all over the city offer their versions, so you’re never far away, but Banh My Mama is a famous spot in a good location to grab one.
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19. Go to a Craft Brewery
Hanoi’s craft beer scene is growing, with several breweries offering unique and flavorful brews. For a taste of local craft beers, head to places like The 100 Garden, Turtle Lake Brewing, and Pasteur Street.
There are some really good options, but our absolute favorite is 7 Bridges Brewing, which has the best beer and pizza in the city! “Testing out” breweries was probably our favorite thing to do in Hanoi.
20. Grab a Bite or Trinket From a Wandering Vendor
Street vendor culture in Southeast Asia, especially on the streets of Hanoi, is a right of passage. Grab a snack or a souvenir from a wandering vendor, and let the shopping come to you!
21. Take a Cooking Class
Learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine by taking a cooking class one afternoon. Many classes start with a market tour to source fresh ingredients, followed by hands-on cooking lessons.
You’ll learn to make traditional dishes like pho and spring rolls; best of all, you get to enjoy your creations.
22. Check Out The Ceramic Mural
The Ceramic Road is an impressive mosaic mural stretching along the Red River.
It holds the Guinness World Record for the longest ceramic mural, depicting scenes from Vietnamese history and culture. You can check it out here.
23. Wander The Many Markets
Hanoi’s markets are a sensory overload in the best way possible. From the bustling Dong Xuan Market to the fragrant Quang Ba Flower Market.
Wander through the stalls, haggle for bargains, and get lost in an intoxicating atmosphere!
24. Go To Art Galleries
Visit Hanoi’s galleries to explore its burgeoning art scene. The Thang Long Art Gallery has cool wooden masterpieces, and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum showcases works from local artists, ranging from traditional to contemporary styles.
It’s a great way to appreciate Vietnamese creativity and perhaps find a unique piece to take home.
25. Head to Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi, and it’s the spot to be in the early mornings and evenings to see locals gather for tai chi, jogging, or socializing.
On weekends, the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake turn into a pedestrian-only zone, with street performers, food stalls, and activities.
26. Ngoc Son Temple
We’ve spoken about Hoan Kiem Lake, but there’s a temple on the lake that you have to check out. Ngoc Son Temple is a picturesque spot dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao. It offers views over the lake and is a beautiful temple to explore.
27. Take a Cyclo Tour
Experience Hanoi’s chaotic charm from the comfort of a cyclo, a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi.
It’s a leisurely way to navigate the city’s narrow streets and bustling traffic. Your cyclo driver will take you past key landmarks, giving you a new perspective of the city’s hustle and bustle.
28. Head Up to Tay Ho
Westlake, or Tay Ho, is a sprawling freshwater lake offering an escape from the city center. Rent a bike and ride around the lake, explore the temples and pagodas, or simply enjoy the views.
There’s also a great variety of cafes and restaurants up here. This is “my” spot! This is where a lot of ex-pats and immigrants are based in Hanoi. I loved living in this area!
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29. Get Up High on a Rooftop Bar
For stunning views of Hanoi’s skyline, head to a rooftop bar. Places like Skyline Hanoi and Summit Lounge offer panoramic views along with delicious drinks.
It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing and take in the city lights from above.
30. Have a Bia (Beer) on Beer Street
Beer Street, or Ta Hien Street, is the place to be for cheap beer and a chaotic atmosphere.
Grab a plastic stool, order a bia hoi (fresh beer), and soak up the buzzing energy of this popular nightlife spot. It’s a great place to meet fellow travelers and enjoy Hanoi’s vibrant nightlife.
31. Get Something “Done”
Why not treat yourself to a haircut or a new ‘do while in Hanoi? Or maybe to a fresh set of clean choppers?
I know you may only be a tourist coming in, but do you need to go to the dentist or get your hair done? Why not get it done in Hanoi? You’ll pay less, and it’s a fun way to pamper yourself.
I got my teeth cleaned at Jet Dentist ($20) and got my hair done (balayage and Opalex) at Haircare by Nhi ($100). If you’re a guy, get a haircut at one of the street stylists you’ll inevitably see for a quick $3 haircut!
I hope this helped you find the best things to do on your trip to Hanoi, Vietnam!