What to Do in Hanoi: 25 Actually Worth It Attractions in Hanoi

Looking for the real Hanoi experience? Forget the sanitized tourist traps—here’s your insider’s guide to 25 actually worthwhile things to do in Vietnam’s electric capital. Before diving in, check our guide on how many days to spend in Hanoi to plan your trip right.
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What to Do in Hanoi: 25 Actually Worth It Attractions in Hanoi
Why Visit Hanoi?
Forget everything you’ve read in those cookie-cutter guides about Vietnam’s capital. Hanoi isn’t just another stop on the Southeast Asia circuit—it’s a masterclass in contradictions. Think French colonial architecture next to ancient temples, $0.50 beer beside $15 craft cocktails, and some of the world’s best street food served on plastic stools that would make your chiropractor weep.
Best Time to Visit Hanoi
Here’s the truth about Hanoi’s weather that most guides won’t tell you: it’s complicated. While you can technically visit year-round, some months will have you questioning all your life choices. For the full scoop, check our detailed best time to visit Hanoi guide, but here’s the quick version:
- October to December: The sweet spot—comfortable temperatures and minimal rain. This is when Hanoi shows off.
- January to March: Cool and dry, perfect for exploring, but pack layers. Yes, Vietnam gets cold. Surprise!
- April to September: Hot, humid, and occasionally biblical rain. May to September is peak monsoon season—think impromptu street swimming pools.

Where to Stay in Hanoi (Without Regrets)
Your choice of location in Hanoi can make or break your experience. Here’s the real deal on neighborhoods: For the full guide see my where to stay in Hanoi. Here’s a quick highlight:
Old Quarter: Perfect for first-timers who want to be in the thick of it
- Mid-range: Classyc Hotel ($80) – Worth every dong with a rooftop pool
- Luxury: Sofitel Legend Metropole ($100+) – If you’re feeling fancy
Getting Your Bearings in Hanoi
Quick Travel Tip: Visit during October to December for the best weather. For detailed seasonal advice, see our best time to visit Hanoi guide.
Getting Around in Hanoi Without Losing Your Mind
Let’s talk about crossing the street in Hanoi—an activity that’s somewhere between an extreme sport and a meditation practice. Here’s your survival guide:
The Golden Rules:
- Walk slowly and steadily
- Never run
- Keep your eyes forward
- Trust that the sea of motorbikes will flow around you
Transportation Hacks:
- Download Grab app immediately
- Choose Grab bikes over cars (faster and cheaper but consider the heat)
- Get a local SIM card or Esim—trust me, you’ll need maps
- Learn to say “xin chào” (hello) and “cảm ơn” (thank you)—it goes a long way
What to do in Hanoi Old Quarter
1. Dive Into the Old Quarter
Hanoi Old Quarter isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s Hanoi’s beating heart, and probably the reason your phone’s step counter is about to have a nervous breakdown. Each street historically specialized in specific trades, and many still do. Here’s how to crack it:
What Makes It Special:
- 36 ancient streets, each with its own specialty
- Architecture that’s somehow both crumbling and magnificent
- The highest concentration of amazing food per square meter in Southeast Asia
The beating heart of Hanoi deserves its own itinerary. Think narrow streets packed with street food vendors, ancient temples, and the kind of organized chaos that makes New York look tame.
Insider Tips:
- Start at Dong Xuan Market early morning
- Follow your nose to the street food rather than your guidebook
- Look up—the best architecture details are above ground level
Things to do in hanoi vietnam
2. Experience Train Street (Safely)
While the famous Train Street has changed, there are still authentic ways to experience this unique phenomenon. Book a guided tour for the inside scoop on current regulations and best viewing spots.
The Real Deal:
- Most “official” entrance points are now monitored
- Local cafes still operate, but with stricter rules
- Trains pass 2-3 times daily (schedule changes frequently)
How to Visit Responsibly:
- Book through authorized local guides/tours
- Respect barriers and local residents
- Consider alternative viewpoints
- Visit during off-peak hours
things to see in hanoi
3. Circle Hoan Kiem Lake at Dawn
Watch locals practicing tai chi as the sun rises over the emerald waters. The Turtle Tower rising from the lake’s center looks particularly magical in the morning light.
4. Visit the Temple of Literature
Vietnam’s first university offers a peaceful escape from Hanoi’s chaos. The architecture alone is worth the trip, but the history here runs deep.
unique things to do in hanoi
5. Master the Art of Vietnamese Coffee
Learn the proper way to drink ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) at Cafe Giang, birthplace of egg coffee. Yes, egg coffee is a thing, and yes, it’s incredible.

Take a class on how to make a proper Cafe Phin.
Or go explore on your own and see my full guide on the best cafes in Hanoi.
6. Explore the Imperial Citadel
This UNESCO World Heritage site offers fascinating insights into Vietnam’s military history. Pro tip: hire a guide to really understand what you’re seeing.
what to do in hanoi vietnam
7. Take a Street Food Tour in hanoi
Don’t just eat the food—learn its history. Local guides will introduce you to dishes you’d never find on your own.

Listen, if you’re eating exclusively in restaurants in Hanoi, you’re doing it wrong. The street food here isn’t just good—it’s life-changing. Here’s your cheat sheet: For the full intel and guide see my Hanoi must eat street foods.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Pho at Pho Gia Truyen (23 Bat Dan St): Get there before 8am or accept defeat
- Bun Cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien: Yes, the Obama spot. Yes, still worth it
- Banh Mi at Banh Mi 25: The queue tells you everything
- Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang: Trust me on this one
Street Food Strategy:
- Follow the locals (seriously, if it’s packed with Vietnamese people at lunch, it’s good)
- Look for single-dish specialists
- Brave the plastic stool experience
- Carry small bills
best things to do in hanoi vietnam
8. Shop at Dong Xuan Market
Hanoi’s largest indoor market is sensory overload in the best way possible. Come hungry and bring your bargaining A-game. This is where all the vendors get their products to sell. Go straight to the source. Just in case you want a guide on [what to buy in Vietnam]
9. Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Pay respects to Uncle Ho in this somber memorial. Dress appropriately and arrive early—lines get long fast.
10. Catch a Water Puppet Show
Sure, it’s touristy, but the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater offers a uniquely Vietnamese art form you won’t see anywhere else. Get tickets ahead here and book a nighttime show.
11. Explore the Women’s Museum
One of Hanoi’s most fascinating museums offers insights into Vietnam’s matriarchal history and modern women’s lives.
12. Master Crossing the Street
Consider it your Hanoi baptism. Once you can cross without flinching, you’re officially initiated. Remember.. crossing with confidence is key.
best things to do in hanoi
13. Hunt for the Best Pho in hanoi
Start at Pho Gia Truyen on Bat Dan Street, but don’t stop there. Every local has their favorite spot—find yours. Here’s my list of [the best Pho in Hanoi] as a Northern pho enthusiast.
14. Take a Cooking Class in hanoi
Learn to make spring rolls, bun cha, and other Vietnamese classics. Most classes include market tours.
15. Visit Long Bien Bridge
This architectural relic from French colonial times offers fantastic photo ops, especially at sunset.
16. Explore West Lake
Escape to Hanoi’s largest lake for high-end restaurants, expat cafes, and peaceful temples.
17. Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda
The oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi sits on a small island in West Lake. Time your visit for sunset.
18. Shop on Hang Gai Street
Known as “Silk Street,” it’s your go-to for textiles, tailored clothing, and traditional crafts.
19. Experience Bia Hoi Corner
Fresh beer for 50 cents? Yes, please. Join locals on tiny plastic stools for Vietnam’s famous draft beer.
20. Visit the Military History Museum
For history buffs, the collection of war relics and military equipment is fascinating.
21. Explore Bach Ma Temple
The oldest temple in the Old Quarter offers a glimpse into ancient Hanoi.
22. Take a Cycle Tour in Hanoi
See Hanoi from a cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) for a different perspective on the city.
23. Visit the Fine Arts Museum
Housed in a stunning colonial building, it’s your introduction to Vietnamese art through the ages.
24. Experience Hanoi’s Coffee Culture
Beyond egg coffee, explore the city’s modern cafe scene. Try coconut coffee at Cong Caphe. Check out my list of Best cafes in Hanoi
25. Take a Day Trip
Use Hanoi as your base to explore Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, or the Perfume Pagoda. Check our[ things to do in Hanoi guide] for detailed day trip recommendations.
Where to Stay in Hanoi
Choose your location wisely:
Old Quarter
- Mid-range: Classyc Hotel
- Luxury:Sofitel Legend Metropole
West Lake
- Mid-range: Fraser Suites
- Luxury: InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
Remember: Hanoi isn’t a city you simply visit—it’s one you experience. Give yourself time to get lost, make mistakes, and fall in love with its beautiful chaos.
Ready to dive deeper? Check out our complete Hanoi travel guide for more insider tips and hidden gems.
Before diving in:
Unlock my secret weapon for exploring Vietnam—
My meticulously curated Google Maps Location Pins was born from countless hours wandering these ancient streets. I’ve mapped every must-visit spot from this guide (plus dozens of hidden gems I couldn’t squeeze into the article), pinpointing precise locations of those easy-to-miss temple entrances and local-favorite restaurants. After testing this across multiple trips, I swear by this digital companion—simply tap any pin and let Google Maps guide you seamlessly between Vietnam layers. Skip the typical first-timer frustrations and navigate like an insider, with all my hard-won research right in your pocket.
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