Founded over 1000 years ago, Hanoi is a city jammed pack with history, culture, and endless things to do.
Hanoi is ranked 6th as one of the top travel destinations in 2021 on TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards.
As the capital city of Vietnam, there’s no lack of historical attractions, cultural museums, appetizing food, and people. Bustling is an understatement for the chaoticness of Hanoi. The cultural shock is truly an experience you can only understand after standing in the middle of Hanoi.
Here are 22 things to do in Hanoi that you should not miss when visiting Vietnam!
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Things to Know Before Going
- Before booking anything, check the Vietnam Immigration Department website to see if you’ll need a visa. Vietnam’s E-visa costs $25 and is valid for a maximum of 30 days.
- The best time to visit Hanoi is during Spring and Autumn. The weather will be at its best. From April to June, everything is in bloom while temperatures are cooler from October to November. Expect high humidity year-round.
Now, shall we start?
Join a Free Walking Tour
Walking tours are the best way to acquaint yourself with a new destination. You won’t have to question which tourist attractions to go first. You get to learn the history and cultural insights from a knowledgeable guide. They might even let you in on some local hidden gems.
Hanoi Free Walking Tours is one of the free walking tours operating in Hanoi. You can choose between a few different tours, such as a half-day tour of the Hanoi Old Quarter (which is what I did on my first trip to Hanoi!). These tours are all led by local student guides.
I signed up for a tour last minute and pleasantly surprised to find myself in a tour of 2. It’s like getting a private tour. We even got a glimpse of the cramped living environment for locals in the Old Quarter.

Get Lost in the Old Quarter
You can’t go to Hanoi for the first time and not visit the Old Quarter. As touristy it may be (being the top tourist hub), it’s the historical AND commercial center of Hanoi.
The 36 iconic streets of the Old Quarter have been there since the 15th century. Each street is unique in what they sell. For example, if you want to purchase silver, then you will head to the silver street. If you want bamboo rafts, then you will go to Hang Be Street, which is dedicated to bamboo rafts.
What’s interesting is that for every street, there will also a temple honoring the god of that business/craft. So you will have a temple honoring God of silver for the Silver Street.
Here are my recommendations for where to stay in Hanoi Old Quarter!

Sip on Hanoi’s Café Culture
There’s no lack of cafés in Hanoi. Everywhere you go, you will see people sitting on the street drinking their coffee. Follow suit and try some of these coffees: Vietnamese coffee, egg coffee, and the coconut coffee!
Visit Cafe Giang for the original egg coffee if you are within the Old Quarters.
Have fun and learn to make your own egg coffee in Hanoi!
When you’re done with coffee, fill up your stomach with these 7 best restaurants in the Old Quarter!
Visit the Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison is undeniably an attraction you should not miss in Hanoi. However, if you wish to keep your trip to Hanoi bright and cheerful, maybe consider skipping Hoa Lo Prison. This is a place filled with gruesome history and creepy atmosphere.
Built by the French colonist in 1886, Hoa Lo Prison was used to lock up political prisoners and anti-colonialists. Torture and executions were commonplace.

Later on during Vietnam War, Hoa Lo Prison became a place to hold US prisoners of war (POW) by northern Vietnam. American prisoners nicknamed it the “Hanoi Hilton”. A portion of the museum is dedicated to these US POW, including John McCain.
Currently, only a portion remains of the former prison. Moving through the Hoa Lo Prison, you get an insight into the oppressive lives of these inmates. There’s even an actual guillotine on display with a bucket to hold the severed head.
Visit Vietnamese Women’s Museum
Of all the museums I have visited in Hanoi, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum is undoubtably my favorite. Follow the life of Vietnamese women and their roles in society through history.
There are four floors to this museum, each filled with information on a topic regarding Vietnamese women’s lives. The exhibits covered a wide range of topics such as marriage customs, ethnic groups, women’s roles during war, and their roles in modern society.

This place is easily a few hours, so expect to spend a morning or an afternoon here. You will leave this museum with a mind full of knowledge and respect for Vietnamese women.
Watch a Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
The water puppet show is one of the most famous attractions in Hanoi. You can watch the show at Thang Long Theatre, the original theater.

The puppets are controlled by a group of puppet masters hidden behind the screen. The show is performed in Vietnamese, so you might not fully understand the story if you don’t understand Vietnamese. However, the live music, the gestures, and the water puppets splashing around make this an unique experience.
While there are several shows performed daily, tickets sell out fast. Grab your tickets in advance.
Tours to check out: Street Food Tour & Water Puppet Show
Take a Stroll Around Hoan Kiem Lake – Lake of the Restored Sword
At the heart of Hanoi, there’s the Hoan Kiem Lake (the Lake of Restored Sword). Legend says that the king of Vietnam was given a magical sword which he used to drive the Chinese forces out of Vietnam. After the war, the king handed the sword to the giant golden turtle that lived at the lake so it can be returned to the gods.

Hoan Kiem Lake is probably on every Hanoi guide there is. And it’s there for a good reason. No matter the time of day, Hoan Kiem Lake is a popular hangout spot for both tourists and locals alike. You will find locals doing their morning exercises to couples having date nights.
Fun fact: Throughout the years, people have reported rare sights of these giant turtles in Hoan Kiem Lake, much like the legend. The giants turtles that lived at the lake are actually Yangtze giant softshell turtles, the world’s rarest freshwater turtle. However, because of pollution and lack of shoreline for egg-laying, the last known turtle has passed away in 2016.
See the Turtle at Ngoc Son Temple
Ngoc Son Temple is the temple linked to the Huc bridge on Hoan Kiem Lake. It honors two people, Saint Van Xuong and national hero General Tran Hung Dao.
In the temple, you will see a preserved 550 pound, 7 foot long rare giant turtle! Experts calculated its age to be over 900 years!

Note: Dress appropriately when you go.
Visit the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature was built almost a millennium ago in 1070 by King Ly Thanh Tong to honor Confucius.
Originally dedicated to schooling only children from the royal family, it later allowed intelligent students with a peasant background.
The Temple of Literature became the first national university in Vietnam.
Visiting the Temple of Literature has now become a rite of passage for graduating doctors.
Admire Artworks at the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum
Art lovers should definitely stop by the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum.
The French originally constructed the building in the 1930s as a boarding school for the daughters of French officials. In 1966, this old French villa was converted and opened to the public as the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum.
You will find art from early prehistoric times, ancient Cham artifacts, impressionist pieces to modern art.
When you’re done checking out all the amazing art in the museum, head outside to enjoy some refreshments and relax at the outdoor café!
Tip: There’s a lot of looping and dead ends in this museum, so I highly suggest you have the floor plans in hand to avoid getting lost.

Be Fascinated by the Hanoi Train Street
Few times a day, a train will pass through this narrow stretch of road, running dangerously close to the shops on both sides.
Hanoi Train Street was an accidental discovery for me as I was wandering around. The crowd circling around this fenced off train track lured me in.
It turns out that too many tourists had been crowding this Instagram famous train track to take selfies. When the train had to make an emergency stop and reroute over safety concerns, the government ordered a shutdown of the cafes along the tracks. Barricades are placed at the entrances to prevent tourists.
Tip: Reviews online say the tracks are still much accessible as long as you wait for an invitation from the shops.
Escape to the Tranquil West Lake
Escape from the busy city and take a relaxing stroll around the West Lake. It is the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi.
You will find many locals coming here to exercise or bike around the shoreline. Plan for a lunch or a dinner at the West Lake since there are plenty of lakeside cafes and fresh seafood restaurants to choose from.
Come on Saturday mornings for the Tay Ho weekend market and bring home some locally produced artisan products.
You can also find the Tran Quoc Pagoda here. Built in the 6th century, Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest standing temple in Vietnam!

Visit the Resting Place of Uncle Ho at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Vietnamese people revere Ho Chi Minh, or Uncle Ho, as the country’s greatest leader. So much so that Ho Chi Minh’s body was embalmed (instead of cremated) against his wishes and displayed to the public in the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum.
To the guards, protecting Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body is the ultimate patriotic service. If you’re lucky, you could see the changing of the guards ceremony.
While you’re here, don’t miss the Ho Chi Minh Museum or the One Pillar Pagoda.

The One Pillar Pagoda is a Buddhist temple built in 1049 to honor the Goddess of Mercy for granting Emperor Ly Thai’s prayer for a male heir.
Note: The dress code is strictly enforced. So cover up the shoulders and knees or else you won’t be let in!
Plan to go early in the morning because the mausoleum closes by 11am.
To get into the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum’s plaza, head to the right side of the mausoleum for the entrance and security check. Electronics, other than the phone, will need to be checked.
Enjoy Performances at the Hanoi Opera House
In the French Quarter, you will find the Hanoi Opera House, the largest theater in Vietnam.
Since 1911, the Hanoi Opera House has been a place of importance for historical events, meetings, conferences, as well as performances.
You will find shows from Vietnamese opera to performances by world-renowned performers.
If you have the time, be sure to check out the performances because the shows are very affordable, starting at 100,000 VND (approx ~$4).

Attend a Mass at St. Joseph’s Cathedral
St. Joseph’s Cathedral is the oldest church in Hanoi. It’s a Neo-gothic cathedral built in the 19th century. You will find its architecture closely resembling Paris’s Notre Dame.
During Christmas, the large Christmas tree outside the church is extremely picturesque. Expect enormous crowds at the Christmas Eve performances outside the cathedral.
The church is located to the west of the Hoan Kiem Lake. The main gate will be open during masses. But visits outside this time require entry from a side door in the southwest corner.
On Sundays, you can join an English mass at 11:30am. If you speak French, there’s also a French mass at 10am.
Explore the Vietnam Military History Museum
Military enthusiast, you are going to love this museum. The Vietnam Military History Museum houses an extensive collection of weapons and war remnants.
The exhibits cover Vietnamese struggles against both the French colonization and US troops in the South.
Out in the courtyard, find yourself surrounded by downed aircrafts from the Vietnam War, tanks, and even a Soviet MiG Fighter plane.

Hanoi Flag Tower
When you’re here, check out the Hanoi Flag Tower, a 108 feet tall stone fortress, for a bird’s eye view of all the aircrafts.
The Vietnam Military History Museum is close to the Imperial Citadel and the Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, so you can plan these attractions together.
Wander the Grounds of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010. The citadel served as the political center of Hanoi for eight centuries! It was the center of ancient Hanoi.
During French colonial rule, most of the Citadel was unfortunately demolished to make room for new buildings.
Stop at the display room to see excavated historical artifacts from the 6th to 20th centuries.
There’s even underground military bunkers used during the war.
Enjoy a Panoramic View from the Lotte Tower Observation Deck
If you want a bird’s-eye view of Hanoi, head to Lotte Tower’s observation deck. At 65 floors up high in the sky, you get a full panoramic view of the city.
For the bravest of the heart, test your courage by stepping onto the Skywalk, an all glass area.
Learn from the Museum of Ethnology
Learn everything you can about Vietnam’s ethnic minorities at the Museum of Ethnology. This museum has three indoor exhibition areas showcasing everyday lives of the 54 ethnic minorities.
Ever curious about their living environment? Well, step outside and you will be in an architectural garden. Here you will find life-size replicas of dwellings used by these ethnic groups as well as a Giarai tomb house!

Relax in the Ancient House
Take a step back in time and peek into the life of a merchant at this restored merchant’s house. This traditional Hanoi house showcases how families live generations ago.
There are multiple areas to the house: guest area, courtyard, bedroom, worship room, kitchen, and bathroom.

My favorite part of the house has to be the open courtyard. It will be nice to watch the rain while enjoying some tea.
I highly recommend having a guide to get the most out of the experience.
Feast at the Night Market in Hanoi Old Quarter
As a foodie, night markets are a big reason why I love Asia. What’s better than experiencing local culture while filling up your belly at the same time?
If you are in Hanoi on a weekend, be sure to check out the Hanoi Weekend Night Market in the Old Quarter. You will have endless stalls of Vietnamese street food and souvenir stalls. Try your skills at the bargaining game!
Make Your Own Crafts at Traditional Villages: Bat Trang Village & Van Phuc Silk Village
Have fun while supporting locals in the traditional villages near Hanoi.
Get your hands dirty and make your own pottery by heading to the Bat Trang Village for some pottery lessons. There is also an option to hand paint pre-made potteries.
Unable to go to Bat Trang Village? Take some pottery lessons right in the Hanoi Old Quarter!
Interested in silk making? Head over to Van Phuc Silk Village.
Where to Stay in Hanoi
Now that you know what this city can offer, where do you stay in Hanoi?
Hanoi is a super budget friendly destination. You can get a hostel bed for as cheap as $2 a night or live like a royalty at luxury hotels for less than $100!
I recommend staying in the Old Quarter to be close to all the action.
Shoestring:
Hay Hostel: This is the hostel I stayed at during my first visit to Hanoi. I love the ever changing & delicious breakfast buffet.
Little Charm Hanoi Hostel: With access to swimming pool
Budget:
Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel Valley: 4 star hotel for less than $20!!
Babylon Premium Hotel & Spa: Newly built in 2019 with exceptional 9.5 rating
Luxury (that won’t break your wallet)
Hanoi La Siesta Premium Hang Be: Relax and get a massage at this beautiful 4.5 star hotel
Peridot Grand Hotel and Spa by AIRA: Live like a royalty at this 5 star luxury hotel. Bonus, it got its own infinity pool!
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